Discover Florida

Discover Florida Beyond the beaches. Beyond the theme parks. Discover the natural beauty, hidden places, and authentic experiences that make Florida extraordinary.

09/09/2026

Ending the day listening to the waves at Bonita Beach.

GO BEYOND THE FLORIDA YOU KNOW—FOLLOW US TO YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE!Some evenings, the sky puts on a show that makes you sto...
09/09/2026

GO BEYOND THE FLORIDA YOU KNOW—FOLLOW US TO YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE!

Some evenings, the sky puts on a show that makes you stop whatever you are doing and simply watch.

At Bonita Beach, dramatic blue clouds stretched across the sky while soft shades of gold, peach and coral appeared along the horizon. The Gulf was unusually calm, with gentle waves rolling onto the sand as the last light of the day reflected across the water.

It was peaceful, a little dramatic and completely beautiful—the kind of Florida sunset that never looks quite the same twice.

Where stormy skies meet the calm Gulf

Bonita Beach — Bonita Springs, Florida

Have you ever watched the sunset from Bonita Beach?

Discover more Florida places at https://www.discoverfloridabeyond.com/

09/08/2026

Come take a peaceful walk through Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Fort Myers.

The winding boardwalk leads through one of Southwest Florida’s most beautiful natural spaces, with quiet overlooks where you can slow down, listen, and watch the wetlands come to life.

Have you explored this hidden side of Fort Myers? 🍃

09/08/2026

Sometimes Florida shows off quietly.

A pastel sky, still water, and lily pads stretching across the surface one of those peaceful moments that makes you stop and take it all in.

Would you rather begin your day with this view or end it here?

La Chua Trail
09/06/2026

La Chua Trail

GO BEYOND THE FLORIDA YOU KNOW - FOLLOW US TO YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE! 🌅🐊La Chua Trail is where a peaceful sunset walk can q...
09/06/2026

GO BEYOND THE FLORIDA YOU KNOW - FOLLOW US TO YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE! 🌅🐊

La Chua Trail is where a peaceful sunset walk can quickly become a true wild Florida adventure.

The elevated boardwalk winds across the landscape beneath moss-draped trees before opening to sweeping views of the prairie. As the sun began to set, I spotted several alligators gathered below—so well camouflaged that you could easily miss them at first glance.

Between the golden light, expansive scenery and incredible wildlife, this is one Gainesville trail that feels wonderfully untamed.

📍 La Chua Trail - Gainesville, Florida

Would seeing this many alligators make your walk more exciting—or have you turning around?

09/06/2026

This one was happy to see me.

GO BEYOND THE FLORIDA YOU KNOW—FOLLOW US TO YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE! 🌿🐊Sweetwater Wetlands Park feels like stepping directly...
09/06/2026

GO BEYOND THE FLORIDA YOU KNOW—FOLLOW US TO YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE! 🌿🐊

Sweetwater Wetlands Park feels like stepping directly into wild Florida. Its winding trails lead past peaceful ponds, native plants and countless opportunities to spot birds and other wildlife.

Then there are the alligators—and this impressive one was enjoying the sunshine right beside the water! Encounters like this are an incredible reminder that we are visitors in their natural habitat, so always admire them from a safe distance.

📍 Sweetwater Wetlands Park — Gainesville, Florida

Would you be excited or nervous to see an alligator this close?

GO BEYOND THE FLORIDA YOU KNOW - FOLLOW US TO YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE!Arrive early at the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. Cars c...
09/04/2026

GO BEYOND THE FLORIDA YOU KNOW - FOLLOW US TO YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE!

Arrive early at the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. Cars can line up throughout the day, moving at a snail’s pace along the narrow, one-lane gravel road but with so much wildlife to spot, slowing down is part of the experience!

Keep your eyes open for alligators, countless species of birds and, if you are especially lucky, even a bobcat.

My personal suggestion? Bring your bikes, park near the entrance and explore on two wheels. Give yourself plenty of time, bring water and don’t forget your camera. With sweeping wetlands, beautiful reflections and wildlife around nearly every turn, Lake Apopka is a photographer’s dream.

Where the journey is slow, but the wild discoveries are endless.

Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive - Apopka, Florida

Would you rather explore it by car or by bike?

Discover more Florida adventures at https://www.discoverfloridabeyond.com/

09/04/2026

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Fort Myers, FL
33919

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