Log in to Florida’s parks …

NATIONALGEOGRAPHIC.COM has created an online hub dedicated to Florida's pristine parks.

From winding channels and sandy beaches to wildlife refuges and cypress forests, Florida's scenic parks are often lesser-known destinations in the Sunshine State. The new editorial hub has insider tips, recommendations of what to see and do, and areas to explore.

‘We are extremely proud of the launch of the new editorial hub focusing on Florida's parks, especially as we approach the centennial of the National Park Service in 2016,’ says Kimberly Connaghan, vice president and publisher, National Geographic Travel. ‘This visually rich hub celebrates the natural beauty and wildlife that are unique to the Sunshine State and demonstrates Florida's continued dedication to the conservation of its pristine parks.’

… and win a holiday

National Geographic is launching an Explore #Florida Outdoors Instagram photo contest. Photographers are asked to tag their best shots of Florida's natural attractions and reserves, parks, and indigenous wildlife with #FloridaOutdoorsContest – and provide brief captions – for a chance to win a trip for two to the beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel. The contest runs from October 14 to November 13. For full details and rules, go to www.nationalgeographic.com/floridaoutdoors.

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/florida-pristine-parks

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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/91981596@N06/18858824475">Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area in Florida - Postcard</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)

When in Florida . .

DANGER CHARTERS in Key West, Florida, has started what it calls Brunch and Bubbles trips. 

While cruising the waters surrounding Key West on a 65-foot sailboat, holidaymakers can enjoy two hours of bottomless mimosas and feast on buffets that include bagels, pastries, and cheeses. 

The sail begins at 11.30 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and the boat accommodates up to 20 guests. The cost is $65 (£43.60) for adults. www.dangercharters.com 

INDIAN KEY HISTORIC STATE PARK offers walking tours led by local historian Brad Bertelli. The 11-acre island includes the remains of a shipwreck salvage community from the 1830s, with several hundred yards of well-maintained trails that line the interior of the island. 

In its opening months, the tour will be offered on Saturdays at 1 pm. Cost is $13 per person, which does not include transport to the island. www.historicupperkeyswalkingtours.com

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Picture Credit: Sailing Vessel OdysseyLicensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons, www.dangercharters.com, Indian Key by Averette - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons 

Record year for Florida

FOR the fourth consecutive year, Florida broke visitor records, according to Visit Florida’s preliminary estimates for 2014. 

 According to the estimates, Florida welcomed 97.3 million US and international visitors last year, a 3.9 percent increase over the 93.7 million visitor total in 2013.

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Picture Credit: "Map of USA highlighting Florida". Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The other face of Florida

NATIONALGEOGRAPHIC.COM has launched an online hub providing information about what it says are the 50 best wild and natural experiences in Florida.

The hub – at http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/florida-land-and-sea – is the result of a three-year partnership with Visit Florida to tell the world about the state’s great outdoors.

Content focuses on the lesser-known experiences that Florida has to offer, such as state parks and outdoor activities for travellers. 

‘Many travellers are acquainted with Florida's well-known theme park attractions, but we want to showcase a different side of Florida that many have yet to experience,’ said Andrea Leitch, director, National Geographic Digital Travel ...... 

........ ‘The state is home to a host of national parks, wildlife refuges and sanctuaries. There is an abundance of wildlife to enjoy and outdoor adventures for travelers to take part in. We want to highlight the awe and wonder that exist within the natural surroundings of the Sunshine State.’

Photo galleries include gems of the Florida coastline, such as shipwreck sites, coral reefs, and best beaches.

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Picture Credit: From Top -  "Florida Wildlife" by Rusty Clark from merritt usland FLA via Wikimedia Commons; nationalgeographic.com/travel/florida-land-and-sea