VISIT FLORIDA
Hundreds of manatees call this large St. Johns River spring home, and although swimming with them isn’t permitted, it’s nearly impossible not to encounter one of these gentle sea cows: the cheeky fellas take great delight in swimming alongside humans and partaking in aquatic adventure. Snorkel through crystal-clear waters, float with an inner tube (rentals available) down Blue Spring boil’s natural lazy river, or launch a kayak for a zen-like wander through lush woodland areas surrounding the spring. Possibly as famous as the manatees are the cavern and cave diving opportunities—restricted to certified cave divers—and scuba diving, which is allowed only with a buddy. Visitors say the hidden and mysterious underwater holes lead to otherworldly places and swear it is one of the best places in Florida to scuba dive. Don’t miss a visit to the Thursby house, the well preserved nineteenth-century home of European settler Louis Thursby, who hoped to strike it rich with an orange grove and a steamship pier. (floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/blue-spring-state-park)
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The largest uninhabited piece of land between Key Largo and Big Pine Key engulfs visitors in the pristine beauty of wild, undeveloped mangrove swamps, rockland hammocks, and seagrass beds. Get wild on a Saturday night and join the local astronomy group for some memorable stargazing or strike out on your own and search for wildlife within the 1,000-acre sanctuary, which is a centuriesold migration route. Visitors can also kiteboard or paddleboard on the Atlantic, kayak through Curry Hammock’s picturesque waterways, hike through miles of nature trails, and fish for tarpon, snook, redfish, and mangrove snapper on the shoreline. A state fishing license is required but can be readily obtained online. (floridastateparks.org/parks-andtrails/curry-hammock-state-park)
FORT LAUDERDALE ILLUSTRATED
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