CURRY HAMMOCK STATE PARK IN THE FLORIDA KEYS

Nestled along the beautiful blue waters of the Florida Keys, Curry Hammock State Park is a hidden gem, located midway between Key Largo and Key West.  

GUIDE TO PHOTOGRAPHING BLUEBONNETS IN THE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY

Springtime in the Texas Hill Country is nothing short of magical. As the weather warms and the landscape awakens, vibrant fields of bluebonnets blanket the rolling hills, creating a photographer’s paradise. If you’re planning a trip to this region to capture its natural beauty, here are some tips to ensure your bluebonnet photographs stand out.

Bahia Honda State Park: One of the Florida Keys’ Most Beautiful Stops

 

If you're exploring the Florida Keys and looking for a place where you can slow down and enjoy the natural beauty of the islands, Bahia Honda State Park is definitely worth a stop.

Located on Big Pine Key, Bahia Honda is known for its beautiful turquoise water, sandy beaches, tropical scenery and the historic Bahia Honda Rail Bridge. It was one of those places where I could easily see spending much more time than we had.

What I liked most was that it felt like a quieter side of the Florida Keys. Instead of the busy atmosphere you find in some of the more touristy areas, Bahia Honda gives you the opportunity to enjoy the scenery and spend some time outdoors.

Rainbow Springs State Park: Crystal-Clear Water and Old Florida Charm

 

Nestled in the rolling countryside near Dunnellon, Florida, Rainbow Springs State Park is one of those places that feels a little different from the Florida you usually picture. Instead of crowded beaches and busy attractions, here you find crystal-clear spring water, shady trails, lush gardens, and the peaceful Rainbow River flowing through the landscape.

I visited Rainbow Springs to see this beautiful part of Florida for myself, and it turned out to be a wonderful place to slow down and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

St. Andrews State Park, Florida: Beaches, Wildlife & Things to See

If you're looking for a place where beautiful beaches and Florida's natural landscape come together, St. Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach is worth a visit. Located along the Gulf Coast, the park offers a wonderful mix of white sandy beaches, coastal dunes, wetlands, and wildlife.

During our visit, we enjoyed exploring the park and taking in the scenery. While the beach is certainly one of the highlights, I found the natural areas and wildlife just as interesting.

DISCOVERING WAKULLA SPRINGS STATE PARK

Tucked away in Florida's Panhandle, not far from Tallahassee, Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park feels like a completely different side of Florida.

There are no theme-park crowds or high-rise resorts here. Instead, you'll find enormous cypress trees, clear spring water, abundant wildlife, and a historic lodge that seems to belong to another era.

Wakulla Springs is home to one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world, and the park has been attracting visitors for generations. It is the kind of place where you can spend a few hours exploring, swimming, watching wildlife, or simply sitting beneath the trees and enjoying a slower pace.

For me, though, one of the most memorable parts of visiting Wakulla Springs was the feeling that I had stepped back in time.

Grayton Beach State Park: One of Florida’s Most Beautiful Beaches

 

Located along Florida’s scenic Gulf Coast between Destin and Panama City Beach, Grayton Beach is a small, historic beach community known for its beautiful white-sand beaches and laid-back atmosphere.

One of the highlights of the area is Grayton Beach State Park, a nearly 2,000-acre park offering much more than just a day at the beach. Visitors can enjoy the Gulf beach, hiking and biking trails, and boating and paddling on Western Lake.

With its beautiful scenery and variety of outdoor activities, Grayton Beach State Park is a wonderful place to experience Florida’s Gulf Coast.

St. Andrews State Park: A Beautiful Escape on Florida’s Gulf Coast

 

Nestled along the beautiful Gulf Coast of Florida, St. Andrews State Park is the kind of place where you can spend the day surrounded by nature without having to choose between the beach and the outdoors. Located near Panama City Beach, the park combines beautiful white-sand beaches, dunes, pine forests, wetlands, and coastal habitats all in one place.

With more than 1,200 acres to explore, St. Andrews State Park offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy Florida's natural beauty, whether you're looking for a relaxing beach day, a place to explore, or a chance to see some of the area's wildlife.

GOOSEBERRY FALLS STATE PARK ~ MINNESOTA

Gooseberry Falls was our first stop as we began our drive along Minnesota’s North Shore, and what a spectacular way to start the journey. Located about 13 miles northeast of Two Harbors along Highway 61, Gooseberry Falls State Park is often called the gateway to the North Shore.

Cascade River State Park: A Beautiful Stop Along Minnesota's North Shore

One of my favorite things about a road trip along Minnesota's North Shore of Lake Superior is that you never really know what you're going to find.

Highway 61 is filled with scenic overlooks, waterfalls, state parks, and little places that are worth pulling over to explore. Many times, we would see a parking lot full of cars or people stopped along the road and wonder, What are they looking at? Of course, we'd have to stop and find out.

Grand Portage State Park: Minnesota’s High Falls at the Canadian Border

There are some state parks that are easy to find, and then there is Grand Portage State Park. Located on Minnesota’s northernmost stretch of Highway 61, the park is just a short distance from the Canadian border. In fact, you can see the border area from the road as you approach the park.

The reason for coming here, though, is High Falls.

At 120 feet, High Falls is the highest waterfall in Minnesota. The falls are part of the Pigeon River, which forms part of the border between the United States and Canada.

Pedernales Falls State Park: A Beautiful Texas Hill Country Getaway

There is something special about discovering a Texas state park that turns out to be much larger and more beautiful than you expected. That was my experience at Pedernales Falls State Park in the Texas Hill Country

Inks Lake State Park: A Quick Drive Through the Texas Hill Country

Inks Lake State Park is one of those places that makes you want to come back and spend more time exploring.

Located in the Texas Hill Country near Burnet, the park sits along the shores of Inks Lake and is known for its clear blue water, rocky scenery, hiking trails, swimming areas, and beautiful sunsets.