(This article by Colorado-based author Judy Christie originally appeared in the June 2023 issue of Military Officer, a magazine available to all MOAA Premium and Life members. Learn more about the magazine here; learn more about joining MOAA here.)

If you are looking for an array of off-the-beaten-path spots filled with unspoiled nature, exceptional fishing, gorgeous beaches, and extraordinary wildlife and birdwatching, plan a trip to Florida.

Just ask former Lt. Cmdr. Peggy Camerino, USN, who served in the Persian Gulf War and who visits both the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts of Florida regularly.

“I gravitate toward Florida because it has everything I want for warm-weather fun,” she said. “From walkable beaches where you can watch the sun rise and set to great seafood, outdoor markets, and boating, Florida is an easy-to-reach place where I can unwind and recharge from busy days.”

A recommendation: “One area I love to visit on the Atlantic coast is Amelia Island near Jacksonville. The beautiful beaches along this stretch are always a highlight, with great birdwatching and tours, such as fishing expeditions,” Camerino said.

Located off the coast of northeast Florida, this barrier beaches, abundant native wildlife, pristine waters, and plenty of sunshine. For souvenirs and more, Amelia Island offers a host of shops.

“At the north end of the island is the historic downtown of Fernandina Beach, with plenty of cute shops and restaurants for a fun afternoon visit,” Camerino said. “And I always leave time for a visit to the Plantation Shop at Palmetto Walk, where you can browse for everything from gifts to antiques to vintage collectibles.”

A fun outing for children or grandchildren is a family adventure with Coast Guard-licensed Amelia Family Fishing Charters, providing customized charters for all ages and skill levels, with fishing, boating, area  history, and sightseeing for groups of up to six people. Capt. Keith Edwards, who grew up fishing the waters of Amelia Island, is a patient guide who enjoys helping children fish and provides discounts for veterans.

Search for Treasure in Sebastian

From Amelia Island, meander south on the scenic A1A Highway to enjoy ocean scenery and sights such as Kennedy Space Center and Cocoa Beach. Don’t miss a stop in Sebastian, nestled between Melbourne and Vero Beach along the Indian River Lagoon and considered North America’s most biologically diverse estuary. The town, located across from Sebastian Inlet, is a premier fishing and surfing spot, with an array of activities for “eco-lovers, adventure seekers, and relaxation enthusiasts.”

Home to Pelican Island, America’s first national wildlife refuge, Sebastian’s waterways are perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and scenic pontoon and airboat tours.

Leave enough time to stroll the riverfront with dockside restaurants, and browse art galleries and museums. For a golden activity, go beachcombing for antiquities that washed up from a shipwreck in the 1715 Spanish Plate Fleet.

Old Florida Vibe Awaits on Cedar Key

For pure charm, plan a stay on the island of Cedar Key, a laidback fishing village with great seafood, casual places to stay, and galleries full of gifts and art. The island, 60 miles west of Gainesville, sits 4 miles into the Gulf and is accessible by Highway 24, a drive that takes you over salt marshes and channels on four small bridges. The Florida marshland view as you cross onto the island will help you move right into vacation mode.

Cedar Key and the surrounding islands are a National Wildlife Refuge and offer an unspoiled environment with regular sightings of such rare bird varieties as bald eagles, white pelicans, osprey, and roseate spoonbills. The island is a haven for artists, writers, and adventure tourists, and it has excellent fishing, nature trails, kayaking, and coastal guided tours.

One of the largest producers of farm-raised clams in the country, Cedar Key also has Florida oysters available year-round. For a tasty breakfast or lunch — with great fish sandwiches — go to Annie’s Café, or order fresh clams for dinner at local restaurants such as the Island Room Restaurant and Sand Bar.

Fun on the Water With Military Specials

In the Southwest Florida Gulf community of Naples, Pure Florida offers a free sightseeing cruise for veterans and active duty servicemembers on Memorial Day weekend and Veterans Day each year with the purchase of a full-priced child or adult ticket.

“During these special cruises, we look forward to celebrating the many military veterans and active duty servicemembers who have so bravely served and continue to serve our country,” said Lance H. Julian, co-founder of Pure Florida.

These excursions, and others that also offer military discounted tickets, leave from historic Tin City. Boat trips teach about local history, wildlife, and ecology — potential wildlife sightings include dolphins, manatees, and native birds. To take a playful outing with your dog, Pure Florida offers monthly Bark on  the Ark cruises for sightseeing along Naples Bay to Keewaydin Island, where dogs can run, swim, and play catch. Each pup will receive a doggy bag that includes water, a tennis ball, waste bags, and healthy dog treats.

Discounts as You Explore Florida Parks

Florida State Parks offer a 25% discount on annual entrance passes for active duty and honorably discharged servicemembers of the U.S. armed forces, National Guard, or Reserve units and free lifetime military entrance passes for honorably discharged U.S. veterans who have service-connected disabilities and for surviving spouses and parents of deceased members of the U.S. armed forces, National Guard, or Reserve units who have fallen in combat. Click here for more information.

Historical Highlight: Whether a history buff or nature lover, visit Fort Clinch State Park in Fernandina Beach to explore a historic fort and learn about the life of a Union soldier. Each month, a garrison fires cannons and demonstrates battlefield skills. While there, enjoy hiking and biking with massive arching live oaks as your backdrop. Camping, fishing, and shark-tooth hunting are other popular park activities. Veteran discounts are available for annual passes.