http://www.visitflorida.com/nature/ There's more to Florida than beaches, though waves colored emerald to azure, crashing into sugar sand, hold a natural attraction. Oceans trickle inland forming estuaries and coastal hammocks that beckon birders, kayakers and hikers; swamps to the south and forests both central and north greet outdoor enthusiasts with cycling trails, natural springs for diving, campgrounds and further opportunities to eye wildlife. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/the-art-of-doing-nothing http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/the-art-of-doing-nothing Though you can find plenty to do on Captiva Island that will keep you busy day night, you can alternately, simply, relax. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/a-new-frontier-the-florida-everglades http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/a-new-frontier-the-florida-everglades Explore the Western Everglades, where Ten Thousand Islands coax you beyond the coast. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/anglers-welcome http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/anglers-welcome For sport fishing enthusiasts, the Tallahassee area's lakes, rivers and wilderness preserves (and longer, cooler fishing season) are a major Florida attraction. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/four-if-by-sea http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/four-if-by-sea No matter where you are in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area, you're never more than a few miles from the sparkling blue waters of the Gulf, the Intracoastal or Tampa Bay. I charted a course on four vessels; a ferry, deck boat, kayak and paddle wheeler; for a dolphin's-eye view. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/paddling-through-paradise http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/paddling-through-paradise Taking to the water is one of the best ways to explore the natural beauty of Martin County, located on Florida's east coast, just north of Palm Beach and halfway between Miami and Orlando. Navigate the serene waters of the Loxahatchee and South Fork rivers, or cruise along one of the county's 16 beaches. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/castaway-for-a-day http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/castaway-for-a-day As an alternative to a Tahiti vacation my husband, James, and I sought to find our fantasy island closer to home – the keys and islands of the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area. We began with one of the most celebrated islands in the area, Caladesi Island, which regularly ranks among the nation's best beaches. http://visitflorida.com/articles/pensacolas-natural-lure http://visitflorida.com/articles/pensacolas-natural-lure From the "Canoe Capital of Florida" to the world's largest artificial reef, the Pensacola Bay Area's outdoor offerings attract and amaze everyone from fun-loving kids to serious nature enthusiasts. Pack your paddles, tackle and binoculars and head to this part of the northern Gulf coast. http://visitflorida.com/articles/wild-wanderings-in-sarasota http://visitflorida.com/articles/wild-wanderings-in-sarasota The idea of Sarasota as a wild vacation destination isn't as far-fetched as it sounds. If your idea of "wild" involves seeing giant alligators up close, walking among the treetops, kayaking scenic rivers and bays, and coming nose-to-snout with a 1,200-pound manatee, then the Sarasota area is as wild as it gets. http://visitflorida.com/articles/key-west-calls http://visitflorida.com/articles/key-west-calls Sipping a tropical drink in Mallory Square, watching a schooner slip past the setting sun, is something everybody should experience at least once in their lives. But this island city, once home to pirates, fishermen and high-sea traders, has more to offer when it comes to the great outdoors. http://visitflorida.com/articles/natures-finest http://visitflorida.com/articles/natures-finest Known for waterfront sunsets, seashells and sandy beaches, Sanibel Island on Southwest Florida's Gulf Coast is a tranquil retreat that's a natural choice for outdoor lovers. And my stay at the luxurious, world-class Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa placed me within easy access to all it has to offer. http://visitflorida.com/articles/cool-ways-to-chill-out http://visitflorida.com/articles/cool-ways-to-chill-out It's no secret that Florida gets hot. And as Floridians will tell you, we're always looking for new ways and places to cool off. So while instinct may tell you to pack your beach bag and head to the coast – why not head inland instead to cool off like locals do: in Florida's crystal-clear freshwater springs. http://visitflorida.com/articles/a-treasured-trip http://visitflorida.com/articles/a-treasured-trip An outdoors girl at heart, I grew more and more energized as I planned a trip to the Treasure Coast, an area on Florida's east coast that's brimming with natural beauty. The possibilities endless, I formulated a plan: work my way from north to south discovering all that the area's three counties have to offer. http://visitflorida.com/articles/summer-splash-on-the-space-coast http://visitflorida.com/articles/summer-splash-on-the-space-coast Bounded by the St. Johns River and the Atlantic Ocean with the Indian River Lagoon in between, the Space Coast is the perfect place to make a summer splash. Whether paddling, casting or cruising, cool off as you experience these wild places from the water. http://visitflorida.com/articles/adventure-bound http://visitflorida.com/articles/adventure-bound On the Paradise Coast of Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades, the locals will tell you that summer is when nature really comes alive. Spend your long summer days exploring this wild region, from Naples to Everglades City, by motor, sail, paddle and foot. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/okeechobee-outback http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/okeechobee-outback Natural Florida is full of surprises for backpackers and outdoors enthusiasts. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/pasco-county-hike-paddle-and-ride http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/pasco-county-hike-paddle-and-ride Explore this Central Florida county by land or by sea. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/splash-down-in-key-west http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/splash-down-in-key-west These adventurous offshore activities won't leave you high and dry. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/from-beaches-to-rivers http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/from-beaches-to-rivers From beaches to rivers, enjoy the Florida sun, surf and sand in Santa Rosa County. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/natural-kissimmee http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/natural-kissimmee Get out of Orlando and into the "real Florida," a place where Cracker cowboys and Seminole warriors once ruled. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/its-a-wild-wild-life-in-naples http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/its-a-wild-wild-life-in-naples From bird watching to beachcombing, the Paradise Coast of Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades tantalizes outdoor enthusiasts with miles of natural thrills. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/pensacolas-great-outdoors http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/pensacolas-great-outdoors Urban travelers don't have to go far to unplug city stress and enjoy Mother Nature's gifts. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/an-all-american-beauty http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/an-all-american-beauty Discover the natural features of the Florida Keys via the Overseas Highway, one of the best scenic road trips in the U.S. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/outdoor-adventures-in-palm-beach-county http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/outdoor-adventures-in-palm-beach-county Take an airboat ride through the Everglades, fish in Boca Raton or look at lions in West Palm Beach. http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/ten-must-do-hikes-in-florida http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/ten-must-do-hikes-in-florida A Florida outdoors enthusiast - and avid hiker - shares his favorite places to explore nature on foot.