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This Florida National Park Was Named One of the Most Underrated in the U.S. — and It Has 7 Islands, Crystal-clear Waters, and Isn't Accessible by Car

Lake.com released its list of the most underrated national parks, naming Dry Tortugas in the top three. Eddie Brady/Getty Images The National Parks Service (NPS) recorded more than325 million park visitsin 2023. However, those visits were hardly evenly split among its 400 sites. Credit:Eddie Brady/Getty Images “This park is mostly water and comprises 7 islands that are only accessible by boat or seaplane. The area is known for its coral reefs and thriving marine life....

This Florida State Park Has Lush Wetlands, Wildflower-laced Prairies, and Canopy Walkways—and It's Just 20 Miles From Some of the State's Best Beaches

Myakka River State Park teems with unique wildlife and ample outdoor activities. Most visitors dont explore beyond the shoreor their beachfront hotel. Myakka River State Parkis one of Floridas oldest and largest state parks. A boardwalk going through Myakka River State Park in Sarasota, Florida.Credit:Carissa Warfield/Courtesy of Visit Sarasota County Here, visitors will find miles of wetlands as well as expansive prairies covered with wildflowers. Mountain bikers will find plenty to keep busy with on the backcountry dirt roads, too....

This Florida State Park Has the Best Beach in the State — and It's Got Stunning Blue Water

Caladesi Island State Park is just as pretty as you think. MargaretW/Getty Images Florida is home to more than 800 miles of beaches, each worthy of a visit. It even takes into account if there are a large number of jellyfish in the water. Credit:MargaretW/Getty Images There is one more fantastic way to experience the island, and that’s by spending the evening. Visitors can camp on their boats for $24 per night....

This Florida State Park Looks Like North Carolina — With Waterfalls, Beautiful Hiking Trails, and One of the Rarest Trees in the World

Here’s everything you better know before planning a trip to Floridas Torreya State Park. The one road in NW Torreya Park Road dead-ends at theGregory House. From western cities like Tallahassee, take Interstate 10 west for 40 minutes. Hiking trail in Torreya State Park.Credit:TerryKelly/Getty Images From eastern cities like Panama City, take Highway 231 to Highway 20 East. Turn on SR 12 in Bristol to NW Torreya Park Road. Brown let me in on a special event that happens in the spring: the Candlelight Tour....

This Florida Town Has 17 Miles of White-sand Beach and Some of the Best Surfing in the U.S.

It’s home to a thriving arts scene, including a gallery dedicated to Bob Ross. But beyond theconsistent surfand sandy shore found on its eastern edge,New Smyrna Beachhas a lot to offer. (Thecharming beach townis less than an hour from Orlando.) Xianghong Garrison/Getty Images It is home to more than 4,000 species, including manatees and dolphins. Getty Image

This Florida Town Has One of the Best Beaches in the U.S. — Known for Its Incredible White-quartz Sand

Siesta Key is just off the coast of Sarasota. Instead, sitting at Tripadvisor’s no. Add a bit of seawater and you have the perfectly dense building materials for an epic sand castle. TriggerPhoto/Getty Images With some luck, you might even spot a playful dolphin or a gentle manatee. aprott/Getty Images csfotoimages/Getty Images Julie Palermo/Getty Images

This Florida Town Has the Clearest Beaches in the U.S. South

Jupiter, Florida, has beaches that rival those of the Caribbean. Its renowned for having some of the clearest waters in the South,according to Southern Living. The towns pristine beaches are primarily attributed to its well-preserved natural ecosystems and minimal industrial pollution. Credit:dosecreative/Getty Images This exchange, facilitated by favorable currents and tidal patterns, helps to maintain exceptional water clarity. Jupiter offers a myriad of activities for locals and visitors to enjoy....

This Florida Town Is Perfect for Retirees and Families — With 300+ Days of Sunshine a Year and Some of the World's Most Beautiful Beaches

Here’s how to plan the perfect trip. The state parks, biking and hiking trails, and beaches are the perfect outlet for adventure. And that’s to say nothing of the fresh Gulf seafood on offer. Credit:bauhaus1000/Getty Images He told T+Lits the small-town feel PCB has retained that keeps him here. Despite all the growth, it still has a very close-knit community. We have easy access to St. Andrews State Park with a protected water area....

This Florida Town Is the Only Place on the Continent Where You Can Swim With Manatees

And this $65 swim with manatees tour is one of the top-rated activities in the U.S. Private tours are also available from $575. The tour ranked No. Courtesy of Explorida Manatees were placed on the endangered species list in 1966. Courtesy of Explorida Courtesy of Explorida Courtesy of Explorida Courtesy of Explorida

This Florida Town Is the Perfect Lakefront Getaway — and It's Home to the Oldest Continually Operating Hotel in the State

Mount Dora, Florida, is less than an hour from Orlando. Everyone knowsFlorida has great beaches, but did you know it can also be the perfect lakefront getaway? Thats where Mount Dora comes in. Elizabeth W. Kearley/Getty Images Nearby is a shore-hugging path that will take you to Palm Island Park. Though the area’s natural beauty is impressive, what draws most to Mount Dora is its quaint downtown. Throughout the area, youll find eclectic boutiques, art galleries, and craft stores....

This Food-focused Hotel Is a Love Letter to Catalonia—and It Might Have One of Spain's Best Restaurants

The Roca brothers redefined Catalan cuisine. Now, with the opening of a new hotel and restaurant, they’re taking things even further. Together, the trio is synonymous with some of the most inventive expressions of Catalan cuisine. The gastronomy-focused Esperit Roca, near Girona, Spain.Credit:Jordi Mas/Courtesy of Hotel Esperit Roca The restaurant can source Palamos prawns from Costa Brava and lamb from local farms in the Ripolles region. But dinner is the main event....

This Free App Is the Ultimate Airport Immigration Hack—Even If You Have Global Entry

U.S. Customs and Border Protection offers a free app to streamline international arrivals. Joe Raedle/Getty Images A time-saving tool for travelers returning to the United States is just a tap away. After a long international flight, the long lines of passport control and immigration may be disappointing. A sign at the Miami International Airport indicates lines for travelers using the Global Entry or Mobile Passport Control services.Credit:Joe Raedle/Getty Images The smartphone app can bedownloadedfrom Apple’s App Store or the Google Play Store....

This French Island Is the Most Fairy-tale Destination in the World, According to Travelers

Mont-Saint-Michel in France tops the list of travelers' favorite fairy-tale destinations. But where exactly does one find these fairy-tale destinations? Its a great question, and one Reddit userposed to the r/travel communityon the platform. Famous Le Mont Saint-Michel tidal island in Normandy, northern France at sunset.Credit:f11photo/Getty Images At the very top of Reddit users suggestions, with over 160 upvotes, wasMont-Saint-Michel, France. Its a tiny island topped by a Gothic abbey that looks more like a castle....