A port city on Florida’s Treasure Coast, Fort Pierce has the nickname, Sunrise City. This comes from the sublime sunrises that light up the broad expanse of the Indian River Lagoon. Fort Pierce is my idea of the perfect coastal town. You’ve got picture-perfect beaches on the ocean and lagoon, a percolating downtown, live entertainment, …
Embedded in the South Florida metropolitan area, Oakland Park is a suburban city on the edge of Fort Lauderdale. Administratively, Oakland Park is an urban island, almost completely enclosed by Fort Lauderdale’s northern neighborhoods. I’ll include several Fort Lauderdale attractions and activities in my list, many of which are within a ten-minute drive. Head east …
Between the coast and the Everglades, this quiet residential suburb is on the northwestern edge of Fort Lauderdale. Greenery and water are ever-present in North Lauderdale, a city with no fewer than 15 public parks. Locally, there’s a big choice of things to do, with indoor entertainment centers, museums, and parcels of South Florida nature. …
A city with an appropriate name, Greenacres has over ten parks, adding up to more than 1,700 acres of public recreation. There’s even more close by. For instance, Okeeheelee Park on the city’s western flank is a true active destination, with a golf course, equestrian center and an awesome cable wakeboard park. Head east and …
When I need a hit of Old Florida glamor, one port of call is Hallandale Beach. This oceanfront city will always be associated with Gulfstream Park, a regional home for thoroughbred horse racing since the 1930s. Over time the track has added slots and table games, and an elegant outdoor mall arrived in 2010. Along …
Just north of Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach is a city with stunning nature, enthralling history, and all of the comforts of a beach destination. Gilded Age giants John D. Rockefeller and Henry Flagler were drawn to this place. Flagler built the Ormond Hotel, while Rockefeller owned an estate on the Halifax River. Known as The …
Many people zoom through Panama City along State Road 30A on their way to the attractions, resorts and sugar-white beaches of Panama City Beach. To me, Panama City is much more than a stepping stone. For one thing it’s an uplifting story of survival. In 2018 the Category 5 Hurricane Michael made landfall right here, …
A tall city with a small footprint, Aventura is an urban forest of high-rise condos by the Intracoastal Waterway. Aventura was incorporated in 1995, but the city’s history goes back to a purchase by the developer Donald Soffer in the 1950s. Craning my neck to see Aventura’s skyline I’m amazed to think this was empty swampland …
This captivating city is on the northeastern edge of Greater Orlando. One of the things that appeals to me about Oviedo is the unfettered wilderness that lies to the north and east. Within minutes of downtown you can take an airboat trip in gator-infested waters. Or you can hike along the route of a forgotten …
Only 15 minutes west of downtown Orlando, Ocoee is a city that was mostly given over to fruit farming until the 21st century. Even now, I love how you can pick your own blueberries here in spring. You can also buy local produce at a working farm right in the city, with goats, sheep and …