At the epicenter of Cocoa Beach, Florida, the Cocoa Beach Surf Company stands as the world’s largest surf complex, a one-stop haven for wave riders and beach lovers since its establishment as a premier retailer. Spanning a massive space integrated with the Four Points by Sheraton hotel, it boasts over 1,500 surfboards, custom shapes, and gear from top brands like Hobie and Body Glove, plus apparel, footwear, and accessories for all ages. Unique features include Read more…
Hidden in Homestead, Florida, Coral Castle is a enigmatic stone sculpture garden built single-handedly by Latvian immigrant Edward Leedskalnin from the 1920s to 1951, shrouded in mystery and engineering marvels. Spanning over 1,100 tons of oolite limestone, it was created as a monument to lost love, with Leedskalnin claiming knowledge of ancient pyramid-building secrets to move massive blocks alone. Unique features include the 9-ton swinging gate operable by a child, a precise Polaris telescope aligned Read more…
Nestled in Naples, Florida, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a 13,000-acre haven managed by the National Audubon Society, offering a pristine glimpse into Southwest Florida’s ecosystems since its establishment in 1954 to protect the largest old-growth bald cypress forest in North America. Its 2.25-mile boardwalk winds through pine flatwoods, wet prairies, marshes, and ancient cypress stands, some trees over 500 years old, providing unmatched wildlife viewing—think alligators, otters, wading birds like roseate spoonbills, and the rare Read more…
Situated in Delray Beach, Florida, the Cornell Art Museum, housed in the 1913 Old School Square, is a cultural gem showcasing contemporary art with a focus on innovative and boundary-pushing works. Restored in 1990, it transforms historic classrooms into vibrant galleries, featuring rotating exhibits of paintings, sculptures, and mixed media from local and national artists, often inspired by South Florida’s coastal vibrancy. Unique aspects include immersive installations, art talks, and community workshops fostering creativity, plus Read more…
Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne, Florida, is a championship 18-hole course set within a 200-acre tropical paradise, blending scenic beauty with challenging play since its redesign in 1994 by Robert von Hagge. Nestled in Crandon Park, it features mangrove-lined fairways, seven saltwater lakes, and stunning views of Biscayne Bay, with holes like the par-5 7th offering dramatic challenges amid sea breezes. Unique aspects include its eco-friendly design, home to wildlife like herons and iguanas, and Read more…
Located in Marathon, Florida, the Crane Point Museum and Nature Center is a 63-acre tropical oasis preserving the Florida Keys’ natural and cultural history since its creation to protect the area’s unique ecosystems. Featuring a museum with exhibits on Calusa Indians, Bahamian settlers, and early industries like sponge diving, it showcases artifacts like shipwreck relics and a 1902 pioneer home. The 1.5-mile nature trail winds through hardwood hammocks, mangroves, and a butterfly meadow, offering sightings Read more…
Overlooking the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa, Florida, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is an 8-acre urban oasis blending green space with cultural vibrancy, established in 2010 as part of Tampa’s revitalization efforts. Featuring sprawling lawns, shaded pavilions, and modern playgrounds, it hosts year-round events like festivals, concerts, and yoga sessions, drawing locals and tourists alike. Unique elements include the Tampa Riverwalk, connecting to attractions like the Tampa Museum of Art, and scenic views of the Read more…
In Dania Beach, Florida, the Dania Beach Erojacks is a unique underwater attraction formed by concrete jack-like structures deployed in the 1970s to create an artificial reef, fostering vibrant marine ecosystems off the coast. Located near John U. Lloyd Beach State Park, this dive site sits in 20-30 feet of water, accessible by boat or kayak, hosting colorful coral, tropical fish like angelfish, and occasional sea turtles or barracudas. Unique for its man-made origin, it Read more…
Stretching along the Atlantic in Dania Beach, Florida, the Dania Beach Fishing Pier is a beloved coastal landmark offering serene ocean views and prime angling opportunities. Built as part of the city’s commitment to public waterfront access, this 900-foot pier extends into the Atlantic, providing a hotspot for catching snapper, pompano, and mackerel, with no fishing license required. Unique features include bait shops, rod rentals, and cleaning stations, plus shaded benches for relaxing. Open 24/7, Read more…
Part of Dania Beach, Florida’s coastal offerings, Dania Beach Ocean Park is a serene public park within John U. Lloyd Beach State Park, blending natural beauty with recreational amenities. Spanning sandy shores and lush greenery, it features picnic areas, grills, and pavilions, plus direct access to a pristine beach renowned for sea turtle nesting and calm waters for swimming. Unique aspects include its role as a gateway to the nearby Erojacks reef for snorkeling and Read more…
