Backroads of Florida: Along the Byways to Breathtaking Landscapes & Quirky Small Towns (Back Roads)

Backroads of Florida guides readers to explore lush forests, pristine lakes, and swamps beyond Florida's well-known attractions. Veteran travel writers Paul M. Franklin and Nancy Mikula introduce routes through quiet rural byways and quirky roadside destinations, moving past coastal cities and beach resorts. This second edition features new routes, vibrant photography, and stories from drives through bucolic backroads. The book traces paths followed by Spanish explorers, pirates, and cowboys who shaped Florida's early history. Activities described include airboat rides across the Everglades, snorkeling with manatees in crystalline rivers, and kayaking through cypress swamps inhabited by alligators, orchids, and tropical birds. The guide covers destinations ranging from Key West to Amelia Island, highlighting untouched stretches of sand and warm waters throughout the state.