Everglades National Park.

Everglades, my beloved Everglades it is truly amazing and beautiful, I can proudly say it is my favorite place in Florida. 
I would highly recommend to visit Everglades National Park to experience its beauty.

Florida smile

Many years ago when I was residing in Europe I was collecting posters, brochures, maps from National Parks, but Everglades got my interest in unique way...maybe due to fact I wanted to live in South Florida.

My dream came true :) and I was able to explore parts of Everglades on my own. Every time I go there I am even more amazed and appreciate not only its greatness, but importance to our climate.

Most of the people think that Everglades is a giant swamp filled with alligators, but it is not true. There is so much more than that.

This Park is actually slowly moving river called River of Grass.

About 10 years ago I was a tour guide and spent great deal of time on airboat, but something was missing from this typical tourist attraction. It was just a glimpse. To see the best you must go much deeper into the heart of this wonder and hear its heartbeat. Everglades National park has few entrances.One of them is Shark Valley.

Observation Tower in Shark Valley

You can start from Florida City and before you get in it is a good idea to stop at visitors center for more information and get a brochure with map. Admission fee is $10.00 per car and is good for a week. You will spend a day there so get some snacks, mosquito repellent and water !

Anhinga

First and most awesome stop is Anhinga Trail. It is also great idea to go back there after dark and hear Everglades, also stars in a sky are so bright !. Do not forget your flashlight to look for alligators, when you see pair of red spots in a water or glades those are eyes of gator...spooky right :)...but so awesome!!!

Alligators at night

When you get to the end of road you reach Flamingo Visitor Center there are some additional things you can do there, for example : fishing, camping and kayaking in a fresh water or Gulf side.

The best time to visit is from November till May due to mosquitoes activity

I could write about Everglades without end, but I do not want you seat here in front of computer too long. Go and explore and please share with me your adventures.

Hopefully I inspired you for another great trip to get close to nature.

Thank you for reading my post. 

Blowing Rocks Preserve

Today I want to share with you about very unusual place,  Blowing Rocks Preserve. I have been living in Florida for over 20 years and I just discovered this few months ago.

This rock formation is about 5-6 feet high. The best time to be there is during high tide, because the view is spectacular. Breaking  waves can reach heights of 50 feet, so it is kind of imitation of Hawaii :)

After enjoying Blowing Rocks you can check out guest services on opposite side. There you will find restrooms in air conditioned building....believe me you want to cool off :) and find out more about native plants, park etc.

Then you can take a walk. There are 3 trails, just remember to take your camera, hat and plenty of water.

Crabs

When you are done with exploring this amazing spot would not be nice to eat something and relax ?...well I know a perfect place Dubois Park.

The park is free of charge with amazing water view, beach, plenty of shade, grills, tables. I always bring my own portable grill and chairs so I can choose any spot I want.

I am sure it will be fun for whole family or short romantic getaway for just two, either way you will have a blast.

Dubois Park

View of Jupiter Lighthouse  

I want share with all varieties of travel. There is always plenty to explore close by. 
I believe it is important for all of us to take a break from every day life and take a 5 minute vacation without traveling far.It is huge advantage to live in Florida. We can enjoy so much and basically able to were flip flops all year around :)
We have so many beautiful parks and white sand beaches. It is really fun to go for a walk in the evening and maybe wait for a moonrise or do some grilling. Either way is great. Recently I visited really nice beach park in Boca Raton - South Inlet Park. It is perfect to spend a day. Planing a big party on the beach?...no problem you can reserve picnic pavilion and have a blast !
Parking is little bit on expensive side, but it is Boca so I guess that is what you pay for :)
South Inlet Park
Below is short video with some pics of a park. Enjoy!


Video