the Florida Gulf Coast

A lot of people (a lot of the time including myself) question most things that go on in Florida. And, a lot of the time, people say things like:

“That whole state can detach from us, and I’d be fine”

But, no matter which side of the teeter-totter you fall on, Florida really is home to some pretty darn awesomely wild places.

So I figured why not hop on in, and road trip the wilder side of Florida. Afterall, it was January in the United States, most places are the least bit sunny and warm. And, sunny and warm is exactly what I was craving.

This trip started down the Atlantic Coast, ultimately landing in one of the first of the National Parks in Florida..

Biscayne National Park

Just South of Miami, Biscayne National Park is actually made up of 95% water. Tucked behind a wall of palms and other tropical plants, this slice of paradise overlooks the entirety of the Biscayne Bay.

If you ask me, this is what it’s all about. Clear blue waters, palm trees, ocean breeze.. I could chill endlessly here. No questions asked.

The main purpose of this park is to protect one of the world’s most extensive coral reefs, AND the east coast’s longest stretch of mangrove forests!

If you dig the water, this may be the perfect spot for you to visit. I know I absolutely love it. Whether out boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, diving, snorkeling, even walking on the boardwalks, you name it.. you can see glimpses of colorful coral, tropical fish swimming around, dolphins jumping, and even whales and manatee if you’re lucky.

Absolutely one of my favorite places on earth, Biscayne is a great starting point for visiting the National Parks in Florida. Literally dip your toes in, if you will. Even better, Biscayne lies within a super short distance from Homestead, Florida (more on this below). And let me tell you, being that close to such an awesome waterway, no doubt the seafood was out of this world!

But after so long, it was time to head north, finally up the Gulf Coast, stopping and staring along the debatably “more beautiful” side of Florida.

Everglades National Park

Remember Homestead? The most convenient spot in Southern Florida for a middle-ground between all the National Parks in Florida, and even to the Florida Keys.

While in Homestead Florida, I visited the historical downtown area, where a free national parks tram is available. This trolley takes you from downtown Homestead to either of the National Parks in Florida!

Oh, and the best part is.. If you take the tram into the parks, your park entry fee is waived!

I felt like a little kid at Disney when arriving at Everglades National Park, camera in hand, backpack on, and hiking boots ready to get some dirt mud on them.. there was no way I was leaving without getting an up-close-and-personal conversation started with one of those gators prehistoric swamp lizards.

Easy enough! Not even 35 minutes into my hike around the Everglades, I came across a big ol’ gator. Nothing outrageous, but a solid 9 footer.

Best part of it?
He happened to be right at the edge of the trail, close enough to pet.. ya know, if you wanted to.

Seven miles, and 20+ gators later, it was time to return back to Homestead for the night, and prep for my trip across the Everglades in my own vehicle!

The Tamiami Trail

Looking to drive from the southeast coast of Florida to southwest coast of Florida, but don’t want to go too far out of the way?
US Highway 41 (The Tamiami Trail) takes you from Miami to Naples, or vice versa. But be prepared to get a little dirty!

Hopping on this road not too far outside of Miami, Florida and beginning to drive West into the Everglades with no idea what to expect. The only thing I was told about this road (from one of the volunteers at the Everglades gift shop) was that it was:

“The Scenic Route”

Sure, taking Interstate 75 could have saved me time, but when a locals tell you of a scenic route, more often than not, I am already committed to taking it before they finish their sentence (even if the banjos are playing).

Not even halfway into the drive and I came to a fork in the road.

Go to the right: Stay on 41 (lame).

Go to the left: Follow a small street sign that says “forty-mile bend” (hmm..?).

So I busted out the paper maps (thank you AAA) and searched for what this “40 mile bend” is.

There it was, poorly interpreted on the paper map. A road that takes you through the heart of the Everglades and reconnects with 41 further along the way.

So obviously, finding a road less traveled, I didn’t even hesitate for even a second and turned left, following this excessive bend.

Right away I was happy with my decision; less traffic, more wildlife, less human impact. It wasn’t long until the road turned to gravel, and then gravel into dirt, and needless to say – a ton of mud! But it is so worth it!

It is so nice just driving along the dirt road, windows down (fair warning: dirt, sand, and whatever else will for sure find it’s way in (But it’s all part of the experience. Right?). Music loud, and the occasional swerve around crater-sized potholes, and possibly some shadows that are mistaken for a sun-bathing gator.

Regardless, I made it through with no problems, and recommend it to any Everglades (or Florida, for that matter) travelers! Just make sure you are properly geared up and prepared! Head over to this page for a look at what I use.

I had time on my hands, and nothing to lose. So, after visiting all of the National Parks in Florida, I figured why not spend a few days in Fort Myers; Where, after a few dozen miles of dirt road sunshine, I was looking to quench my thirst..

Hello tropical libations!

After a few days and some local help on where to go, I got the opportunity to see parts of the area that I really enjoyed. Nobody wants to be that tourist. Talk to some locals, learn a bit about where you are. Don’t be afraid to try something new. But also.. don’t be afraid to be a tourist!

All along the Caloosahatchee River are some great restaurants and bars that take advantage of their location, giving you some unbeatable water-side seating. Terrific seafood, big outdoor patios that overlook the water, and a great selection of tropical drinks..

Yes, please.

Cool side note: Visit Manatee Park in Lee County Florida. It’s a small little county park where the manatees gather when the waters are a bit cooler, due to a nearby power plant that discharges warm water into this particular branch of the Orange River (These sea-cows love warm water). Free to enter (minus a $2/hr parking cost), and you can walk around the park, going to all of the viewing areas and watching manatees go about their everyday life.

From Fort Myers on, it’s basically nothing but coastal views, and that wonderful salty air.

On my way up to Siesta Key (a place recommended by a reader on here), I stopped in Venice, Florida. It was an unintentional stop, but I am happy with how it worked out. This historic downtown area is filled with palm-lined streets, and awesome art galleries and shops. Oh, and enough local restaurants and bars to fill your bellies, and dilute the tender, sun-kissed skin. But, I didn’t have too much time to meander around, because my sights were set on Siesta Key.

Siesta Key

What a place!

Siesta Key Beach, known as “The #1 Beach in the USA”, really is an awesome place to visit. It may be an overrun tourist center of America, but still worth putting a check next to on the bucket list.

The place is incredible. A giant beach that spans eight miles (!) along the Gulf of Mexico, with beautiful blue-green, clear waters, and white, sugary sand (almost puts the beaches I saw in Biscayne to shame. But not quite!). And with no time commitments to anything along this trip, I decided to take a nice long walk on the beach.. yes.. alone.

So worth it!

During my walk, I was looking out into the Gulf’s water when I noticed a bunch of dark shadows swimming around about thirty yards out in the water. And of course, with the Curious George in me, I decided to strap my backpack on tight, and head into the water to see what these shadows actually were.

GREAT WHITE SHARK!!!

Just kidding.

Into the water, and I stopped as I noticed that these “shadows” I saw were now all around me..

It was a school of sting ray! There had to be at least two dozen of them swimming around me, coming within a couple feet of where I stood! It was so awesome.

So I spent a solid thirty minutes standing there, watching, thinking to myself:

This is why I travel. Experiences like this are the things you’ll always remember

If you’re traveling the Gulf Coast of Florida, or even in Florida for a holiday, I highly recommend visiting Siesta Key to anyone who hasn’t (or again, if you have already). Even if it is just for a day, or when it’s “cold” outside like this visit (75+ degrees in January is far from cold).

It may not be your cup of tea, being in a jam-packed tourist destination (I am not necessarily a fan either), but don’t let others put their pencil on your page in life.

If you hear “Florida Gulf Coast”, many people immediately think of the Gulf of Mexico (obviously), but also, the west coast’s Miami equivalent, Tampa.

So, heading North, made my way up to Tampa Bay/Saint Petersburg area, where I was lucky enough to know some people who live there. My first day there, a good friend was kind enough to grant me a guest pass into the Busch Gardens Theme Park (Tampa).

PS: The whole park is based on an African theme, with each section of the park representing a different area of Africa (in case you didn’t catch on.)

This place was well beyond my expectations. I figured, roller coasters, long lines, and over-priced fried foods.
You know, typical theme park.
But, I was wrong.
Did you know that Busch Gardens in Tampa is one of the nation’s largest open-air zoological parks?
Because I didn’t.

Applause for the sunshine state on that one.

We got to spend the entire day walking around, seeing animals and riding roller coasters. And on top of all of that, the park is not just flooded with fried food stands. We ate at a place that offered tons of different options, where you can then take a seat on a giant wooden bench next to other park goers and watch whatever show is taking place at the time (yes, the show was free)!

It was too easy to spend an entire day there. And even with 10 hours of being in the park, I still feel like I could go back and experience even more.

Silver Springs State Park

On my way out, I was able to make a stop at Silver Springs State Park which was totally worth it. Never in my life have I seen such clear, green, fresh water in the states, like I did here.

Unfortunately, there was no crazy wildlife to mention, but the landscape was just jaw-dropping. Quite literally doesn’t even look real.

The whole area is protected because of its nature. Being the nation’s largest natural spring, it provides ample opportunity see the artwork of mother nature, and marvel at the beauty.

Devil’s Den

And even further north in the Sunshine State, a stop at a well-known diving and caving location known as Devil’s Den. Again, an amazing place with crystal clear waters formed from a natural spring. Only this time, these waters filled an underground (prehistoric) pool, that you can SCUBA or snorkel in.

The overall beauty of these places along the Gulf Coast of Florida (including the National Parks in Florida), wouldn’t be around for our enjoyment without the constant efforts that conservation and preservation projects have put in to place.
So a big shoutout to those groups, and to the future efforts that we (yes, this means all of us) put into practice to keep places like this clean, and available for, not only future generations, but the unique and diverse flora and fauna that that make this place all it is. *Remember to Leave No Trace*

To Florida, and all the people I spent time with in it, you were are great. From wildlife to festivals, and National Parks to beach life, there is so much to experience, I know I will be coming back again.

Until next time…

Cheers!

Woof. that was a long one. Give yourself a high-five if you made it this far.