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Back in 2020 while the world was on lockdown due to the pandemic, I was going through the fight of my life. I found myself alone in the hospital getting scans, blood work, and a biopsy. By June of that year, I was undergoing treatment for lymphoma and watching my hair fall out in clumps. 

While it was a hard time, I found comfort in knowing we were all going through some of the most difficult moments of our lives. Everyone had hit pause except for our health care providers and emergency personnel. I used the time to connect with myself, with God, and with nature. And it led me down a road that ended with me head over heels in love with Florida.

I don’t know about you, but I love a museum trip. I also love budget-friendly options. That’s why this free mineral museum in Central Florida has become one of our favorite places to visit. It’s right in Historic Downtown DeLand, with shops, restaurants, the 1920s Athens Theatre, and Stetson Mansion. If you are familiar with the area, you might already have guessed that I’m talking about the Gillespie Museum.

I’ve been paddling for three years now. What started out as a terrifying sport I was trying out because my hubby wanted to give it a shot has now become one of my favorite ways to experience Florida. With countless paddles under my belt, I have started to go back and visit some of my favorites. Today, I’m going to share one of those places.

You probably know De Leon Springs State Park for the spring and the pancake house, but the hiking here deserves attention too. These guided hikes are perfect if you want to learn more about the park without worrying about the details.

De Leon Springs State Park is known for refreshing swims, DIY pancakes at the Sugar Mill, and scuba diving, but did you know that it is also a great place for paddling? Paddlers can explore the spring run, Spring Garden Lake, and Spring Garden Creek. De Leon Springs also has a wonderful river cruise eco tour as well. Visitors to the park can rent kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, and pedal boats, but this year they launched guided paddles. It’s a great option for new paddlers or those who just prefer an expert leading them around the waterways and maybe even picking up a bit of trivia about the area. 

Today, I’m going to share all about these guided paddles including booking, pricing, routes, and our experience going on a private guided kayak tour out at De Leon Springs State Park.

Hike through wild Florida, spot grazing cattle, and visit the biggest bat wings in the Wings of the West art series at D Ranch Preserve in Osteen. It’s an easy, nature-filled adventure worth adding to your list.

Paddling Florida springs, rivers, intracoastal waters typically means encountering manatees. During the summer you are more likely to find them in the rivers and in brackish and salty waters. When the temperature begins to drop, usually between November 15th and March 31st, manatees begin spending their time in spring areas and other places where they can find water that is warmer than 68°F. And since you can paddleboard in Florida all year long, you need to know how to paddle responsibly with them.

Planning a trip to one of Florida’s spring state parks? Don’t forget the essentials! From swimsuits with hidden pockets to coolers for your favorite snacks, here’s my list of must-have gear to make your spring adventure fun, easy, and stress-free.

Sometimes parks feel overwhelming. Sometimes they feel too quiet. Either way, I’ve found a way to make every visit to Florida’s state parks more meaningful—and I can’t wait to share it with you.

Springs you can swim in, hikes you can disappear into, and a quiet road in between that links them all. That’s what the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway offers. In this post you’ll find easy plan options, outdoor joy, and a fresh way to explore Florida.