The Florida discovery guide
Find the Florida you didn’t know was there. From reefs you can swim to from shore to mermaids in a natural spring.
Find an outing
Panhandle · Featured driveNavarre to Pensacola BeachExplore statewide
12 outings
Follow Highway 399 west from Navarre Beach across Santa Rosa Island. The drive passes undeveloped dunes and designated beach access lots. Several lots have no entrance fee. The separate Opal Beach Complex requires an entrance pass.
Free routeNavarre Beach Marine Sanctuary has artificial reefs you can reach from shore, on the Gulf and sound sides. Use the sanctuary and county maps for entry points and check current conditions before entering.
Free accessWatch a live mermaid show through the windows of a submerged theater looking into the spring. Check the park’s performance schedule and admission details before leaving.
Paid admissionPure Florida runs a shelling cruise from Naples. On Patti’s trip the boat pulled onto the beach and guests stepped onto the sand. Check with the operator about boarding and beach landings for your sailing.
Paid tourStart your Sanibel shelling outing at Bowman’s Beach. Check the access and parking details before you go, and allow time for the walk to the Gulf.
Check parking feeSearch the shoreline for fossil shark teeth near downtown Venice. Visit Sarasota lists beach spots and guided trips if you want to turn it into a longer outing.
Public beachTake a seven-mile, one-way drive through marsh habitat at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Get current access and route details from the refuge before going.
Check refuge feesFollow a scenic driving route through cypress country. Check access and road conditions with the land manager, particularly after heavy rain.
Check road conditionsExplore guided bioluminescence kayak trips around the Indian River Lagoon. Launch sites and seasonal experiences vary by operator. Light levels and visibility depend on conditions.
Paid tourSee the reef through the viewing windows of a glass-bottom boat at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Check the park’s tour and reservation details before heading out.
Paid tourThe Peace River near Arcadia is a starting point for fossil hunting. Check river conditions, allowed collection areas, and Florida’s permit rules before choosing a DIY trip or guide.
DIY or paid guideBig Cypress is an International Dark Sky Park. Use the National Park Service guidance to choose a viewing site and confirm night access before driving out.
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