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This Florida Destination Has Rare Dune Lakes, Quartz Crystal-sand Beaches, and the First Permanent Underwater Sculpture Garden in the U.S.

A local shares her favorite restaurants, hotels, and things to do in Florida’s 30A. We asked Ragsdale what makes 30A so special. It’s an eco park. Credit:Jason Jones Travel Photography/Getty Images There are no go-karts, bungee jumping, or nightclubs. When guests book a room at this 75-room property, they get the full WaterSound private club experience. The Wellness Center has a yoga studio, cycle studio, and cardio equipment overlooking the three pools....

This Florida Destination Is Called the 'Bold New City of the South' — and It's Perfect for Retirees, Digital Nomads, and Vacationers

There’s even fishing, hiking, and paddling to enjoy. Called the Bold New City of the South, Jacksonville is the largest city in the continental United States. We asked McLaren what makes Jacksonville such a special stop on Floridas Atlantic Coast. Credit:Visit Jacksonville She said, While it’s a big city, each neighborhood has a small-town flavor. Michael Corrigan,Visit Jacksonville’s president and CEO, was born and raised in Jacksonville. Everybody is genuine in spirit....

This Florida Destination Is Called the 'City Within a Park' — and It Has Secluded Snorkeling Spots, Scenic Hiking Trails, and Pleasant Weather Year-round

A Florida local shares the perfect itinerary for Boca Raton. No wonder, then, it’s called the “City Within a Park.” Lia Picard, a food and travel writer, also grew up in Boca Raton. Credit:Discover The Palm Beaches But its the on-site restaurant, Meat Market, that Gutierrez loves. “Its a glamorous steakhouse. The 70-year-old creative campus also features a robust permanent collection, rotating exhibits, and a sculpture garden. Courtesy of The Boca Raton...

This Florida Destination Is the Most Peaceful Place in the U.S.

You deserve a little peace and quiet. Getty Images Every vacation should be about finding a little peace and plenty of relaxation. However, not all destinations are created equal when it comes to unwinding. Credit:Getty Images It excluded certain categories from contention to keep things fair, including spas and horse-drawn carriage rides. For the complete list, visitcasago.com.

This Florida Disney Resort Is Getting 350 New Cabins — Each With a Full Kitchen, Outdoor Patio, and Room for 6 Guests

The Cabins at Disneys Fort Wilderness Resort will officially open on July 1, 2024. This complete reimagination brings a refreshed, modern twist on the wilderness theme to its over 350 existing cabins. Artwork brings a whimsical wilderness approach with playful pieces featuring Chip and Dale and nods to its former self. Credit:Courtesy of Disney World Resorts A number of cabins will also be dog-friendly. Enhancements are also expected for the resorts pool and walking trails....

This Florida Hotel Just Opened an Outdoor Ice-skating Rink — and It’s Made of Real Ice

Wondering how that works? The Winter Wonderland is open through March 1, 2025. The rink accommodates up to 70 skaters per 90-minute session and is open to all ages. People ice skating at night on the The Ben Hotel outdoor rink in West Palm Beach.Credit:Courtesy of Palm Beach Influence Buy tickets and VIP packages atthebenevents.com. The City of West Palm BeachsHoliday in Paradiseis open from Dec. 5 through Dec. 31.

This Florida Island Has One of the Largest Christmas Markets in the State

Amelia Island will deck the halls in the Victorian holiday spirit from Dec. 12 to 15 this year. The on-site tavern also offers wine, beer, and bubbly. For more information and updates on Dickens on Centre, visitameliaisland.com. Participants walk in the Dickens Illuminated Procession.Credit:Deremer Studios/Courtesy of Amelia Island CVB Jugglers at the Dickens on Centre festival.Deremer Studios/Courtesy of Amelia Island CVB Looking down on the snow globes the Enchanted Village.Deremer Studios/Courtesy of Amelia Island CVB

This Florida Island Is Just 6 Miles Long — and a Gateway to Everglades National Park

Plus, it gets approximately 300 days of sunshine per year. she toldTravel + Leisureabout what makes Marco Island so special. There are spas, museums, a theater, great restaurants, and plenty of water sports. Credit:mdulieu/Getty Images When you cross the Jolley Bridge, you feel like you are on holiday. Amenities include a waterfront pool, boat docks, and common areas for gathering. Crane noted, The proprietor is charming and it puts you right on the water....

This Florida Keys Hot Spot Is America's Only Private Island Resort — and It Was Just Named One of the Best Hotels in the World

Florida’s Little Palm Island Resort & Spa just made the T+L 500. Rebuilding began soon after and wasn’t complete until the island’s grand re-debut on March 1, 2020. Island guests can arrive via private boat, seaplane (chartered throughTropic Ocean Airways), or car. Credit: Taylor Volkens; Little Palm Island Resort & Spa Many of the island’s employees, too, are returning staff following the renovation hiatus. Book a guided meditation or an Ocean Wave Four Hands Massage to fully unwind and rejuvenate....

This Florida Keys Hotel in Islamorada Village Is Steps From White-sand Beaches and Just Got New Ocean-view Bungalows

Islander Resort isn’t a bad place to waste away and search for that long lost shaker of salt. The original hotel was built in 1951 and had fun Space Age-inspired, midcentury modern design. Alternatively, the splashy bayside villas have two bedrooms, a gourmet kitchen, and a private deck. Lounge furniture at the Islander Resort in Islamorada, Florida.Credit:Kris Tamburello/Courtesy of Islander Resort Rates at the Islander Resort start at $495 per night....

This Florida Keys Lodge Is 30 Feet Underwater — Here's How You Can Reach It

Prepare to scuba dive to your room. It’s time for underwater accommodations to have their moment. And there’s no better way to honor this than atJules' Undersea Lodgein Key Largo,Florida. Credit: Courtesy of Jules’ Undersea Lodge But those who make the trip will be rewarded with a stay unlike any other. It all begins at check-in, when guests are greeted by their personal Mission Director at the front office. There, expect to complete some paperwork and put in a pizza order for dinner later that night....

This Florida Landmark Keeps Retired Astronauts on the Payroll — and You Can Meet Them in Person

Hear about life in space straight from the source. But theyve found a new home and purpose at theKennedy Space Centeron Merritt Island, Florida. Scott now serves as the resident astronaut. The information center in at the entrance of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.Credit:Chris Gotshall/The Capsule/Courtesy of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex I was approached by the resident astronaut at that time to do appearances at the Space Center. This was just a little over 20 years ago....

This Florida National Park Is One of the Least-visited and Most Beautiful in the U.S. — and I Camped There to See Its Incredibly Clear Night Sky

It was early June. The sandpipers had already migrated, and the laughing gulls were long gone. Spring was over, and it was the edge of hurricane season. From left: A view of the Milky Way over Fort Jefferson, in the Dry Tortugas; camping outside Fort Jefferson.Credit:From left: Tim Cooper/National Parks at Night; Matt A. Claiborne/Shutterstock I had come to this place seeking something like closure. My father was the one who told me about the Dry Tortugas....