"Finding Florida, Today and the Way It Was" Florida by KimberlyAnn

Florida Travel Guide: 25,480 reviews and 44,307 photos

I have been to Florida a number of times, and find I enjoy visiting places that show off the natural environments of Florida. If you have visited Florida, but have only gone to Orlando, Miami, or one of the other busy cities/towns, then you have not really seen the REAL Florida. Last summer when standing in a post office in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan I over heard a woman who had just visited the state say, “Florida is the ugliest state I have ever seen! It is just flat and crowded with people.” Obviously SHE hadn’t seen the REAL Florida. Flat, yes, but ugly no, crowded? Doesn’t have to be! Florida is doing a great job in preserving what Florida is all about----alligators, birds, swamps, prairies, hammocks, and miles of beaches and sand dunes. So go to Orlando and enjoy the theme parks, visit the most popular tourist towns in the state, but try to spend some time in places that will show you what the natural Florida is all about.

State and National Areas to Enjoy

Myakka River State Park, One of My Favorities

To find the Real Florida, one of the best places to begin is with its wonderful state parks. Since no single park can represent all of Florida, choose one with an environment that most interests you, or plan to visit a number of parks. The Florida Park Service works to preserve and protect Florida’s natural environments and culture, as well as providing recreational opportunities to visitors. Some environments that can be found in Florida are rolling upland pine forests in the panhandle, mangroves in south Florida and the Keys, wetlands, rivers, Ocean front parks, hammocks, and swamps. You will discover many wonderful recreational activities such as bird watching, observing wildlife, fishing, hiking, or canoeing, to name just a few. You will also find a number of National Parks and Preserves that will give you a Real Florida experiences.

NASA

Kennedy Space Center

If you are interested in viewing a NASA Space Shuttle lift off or rocket launch visit www.nasa.gov/missions/highlights/schedule.html for the launch schedule.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Florida can be all nature and wild lands, or filled with people and fun tourist activities.
Cons:Very hot in the summer, and can have mosquitos and other bothersome insects.
In a nutshell:More than just Orlando and crowds.

Last visit to Florida: Feb 2002
Intro Updated Mar 12, 2008
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Reviews (50)

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Off The Beaten Path (16)

We visited Topsail Hill Preserve State Park as a day trip from our campground in nearby Grayton Beach State Park.... more travel advice

Our Campsite In Graton Beach State Park - Florida

Another Lovely Panhandle Campground Hotels (8)

Grayton Beach State Park has 40 sites for tents and RVs up to 37 feet in size. There is a 24 hours attendant, and all... more travel advice

Me, Looking Across the Water For Seabirds - Florida

Grayton Beach State Park Off The Beaten Path (16)

Sitting on the Gulf of Mexico, Grayton Beach State Park is another beautiful park located along the panhandle of Florida... more travel advice

Our Campsite Along the Bay in St. Andrew’s - Florida

Camping Near Panama City Beach Hotels (8)

St. Andrew’s State Park offers a 176 campsites with grills, water, and electric hookups. You may reserve ahead of time... more travel advice

Things to Do (13)
See All St. Andrew's State Park
Restaurants (4)
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Warnings Or Dangers (2)
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Local Customs (3)
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What to Pack (2)
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Tourist Traps (1)
Tourist Beware
Favorites (1)
Cities or Nature
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Written Mar 11, 2008

7 photos

Birds Waiting For You To Photograph.

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Comments (17)

doug48 Jun 2, 2009 at 6:32 AM Report Abuse

anne, excellent overview of the natural attractions of florida. you are certainly correct that florida is not just orlando theme parks and miami beach.
SLLiew May 10, 2009 at 11:44 AM Report Abuse

Wow..an incredible psge of Florida. There is so much to see, naturally and culturally.
deecat Jan 6, 2008 at 4:51 PM Report Abuse

An excellent presentation of the real Florida with warnings and information that all visitors can use. Great work.
Tim810 Jun 16, 2007 at 8:28 AM Report Abuse

A Miami woman recently found herself alone in the Fakahatchee Strand for 3 days with no food or water. Read her survival story: http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2007/jun/13/woman_lost_wilderness_wasnt_afraid_except_gator/?breaking_news
roamer61 May 16, 2007 at 10:59 AM Report Abuse

Great Avian photos Kimberly. You must have quite a good camera. :o)
Fullmoonfever Feb 9, 2007 at 9:41 AM Report Abuse

yep. all good tips Kimberly
matcrazy1 Apr 27, 2005 at 9:53 AM Report Abuse

Very good writings and awesome pictures! State Parks and Natural Beauty? Wow, something for me... I visited only northern Florida: Tallahassee and St. Augustine and I liked them a lot.
RhondaRuth Nov 24, 2003 at 12:10 PM Report Abuse

Great info & writeup on Florida. There is beauty anywhere we go if we know how to find it ... and you know how, Kimberly!
Faiza-Ifrah Dec 15, 2002 at 10:46 AM Report Abuse

an xclent nature lover's resoure page on a gr8 state.
Sweetberry1 Dec 10, 2002 at 5:21 PM Report Abuse

Incredible page and photos.. Great info also. This place is definitely on my list.. Thanks ;-)