Florida Naturally.com

Tree FrogVisitors will be astounded by Southeast Florida’s diverse ecosystem, from huge freshwater Lake Okeechobee and the mystery and majesty of the Everglades, to the underwater splendor of Biscayne National Park and the brilliant coral kingdom of the Florida Keys. A well-kept chain of public beaches and state parks makes Southeast Florida’s natural beauty easily accessible to all. Hundreds of parks dot the region, offering endless options for swimming, picnicking, beach combing, nature walking, fishing, snorkeling, and camping.

Marathon Key, heart of the Florida Keys, is home to 63-acre Crane Point Hammock — one of the most important ecological, historical, and archaeological sites in the Keys.

On Big Pine Key, a herd of tiny Key deer — each no larger than a medium-sized dog — can be spotted in the National Key Deer Refuge. The refuge provides ample hiking and bird watching among tropical forests and alongside Blue Hole, the largest body of fresh water in the Florida Keys. Here Key deer are joined by various birds, turtles, and alligators all looking for nourishment.