Outdoor & Nature News

Nature and Outdoors

There's more to Florida than beaches, though waves colored emerald to azure, crashing into sugar sand, hold a natural attraction. Oceans trickle inland forming estuaries and coastal hammocks that beckon birders, kayakers and hikers; swamps to the south and forests both central and north greet outdoor enthusiasts with cycling trails, natural springs for diving, campgrounds and further opportunities to eye wildlife.

The Art of Doing Nothing Though you can find plenty to do on Captiva Island that will keep you busy day night, you can alternately, simply, relax. A New Frontier: The Florida Everglades Explore the Western Everglades, where Ten Thousand Islands coax you beyond the coast. Anglers Welcome For sport fishing enthusiasts, the Tallahassee area's lakes, rivers and wilderness preserves (and longer, cooler fishing season) are a major Florida attraction. Four If By Sea No matter where you are in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area, you're never more than a few miles from the sparkling blue waters of the Gulf, the Intracoastal or Tampa Bay. I charted a course on four vessels; a ferry, deck boat, kayak and paddle wheeler; for a dolphin's-eye view. Paddling Through Paradise Taking to the water is one of the best ways to explore the natural beauty of Martin County, located on Florida's east coast, just north of Palm Beach and halfway between Miami and Orlando. Navigate the serene waters of the Loxahatchee and South Fork rivers, or cruise along one of the county's 16 beaches. Castaway for a Day As an alternative to a Tahiti vacation my husband, James, and I sought to find our fantasy island closer to home – the keys and islands of the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area. We began with one of the most celebrated islands in the area, Caladesi Island, which regularly ranks among the nation's best beaches. Pensacola's Natural Lure From the "Canoe Capital of Florida" to the world's largest artificial reef, the Pensacola Bay Area's outdoor offerings attract and amaze everyone from fun-loving kids to serious nature enthusiasts. Pack your paddles, tackle and binoculars and head to this part of the northern Gulf coast. Wild Wanderings in Sarasota The idea of Sarasota as a wild vacation destination isn't as far-fetched as it sounds. If your idea of "wild" involves seeing giant alligators up close, walking among the treetops, kayaking scenic rivers and bays, and coming nose-to-snout with a 1,200-pound manatee, then the Sarasota area is as wild as it gets. Key West Calls Sipping a tropical drink in Mallory Square, watching a schooner slip past the setting sun, is something everybody should experience at least once in their lives. But this island city, once home to pirates, fishermen and high-sea traders, has more to offer when it comes to the great outdoors. Nature's Finest Known for waterfront sunsets, seashells and sandy beaches, Sanibel Island on Southwest Florida's Gulf Coast is a tranquil retreat that's a natural choice for outdoor lovers. And my stay at the luxurious, world-class Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa placed me within easy access to all it has to offer.