What is the best one day road trip you can do with your lady and two dogs? I live in Delray Beach and I have been to Key West and Back, St Augy and back, Crystal River and back on a day just for fun but I want to surprise my lady with something new.

I am looking for inexpensive locations for good food, paddling,  kayaking or adventure for one day. Found some really cool places just by driving around, No Name pub Grassy Key, Pirate Bar in St Augy, Crackers Tiki Bar in Crystal River. We try crab dips and conch fritters where ever we go as a ritual...I am open to any suggestions!   Hit me with your favorite spots!

My apologies for placing this under the wrong topic....

Just wondering what the restof the world knows about local Florida Exploration.

I think Ft. Desoto is a mess after TS Debby.

Thank that is an option on the table.

Question, do they allow you to camp on the beach near Ponce Inlet? I was thinking of driving up early 3AM ish to surf and Kayak off the beach? 

2nd Questiono they allow dogs on the beach?  

Thanks again, yea we are crazy people we consider our dogs to be like real people and they are well travelled animals. Where ever we go the lab and Doxson join. I have not done this in a while used to drive up to Spanny House in High school sleep on the beach and surf dawn patrol. I was thinking of driving up early, crashing in the back of the SUV for a few hours before sunrise breakfast and down patrol, hopefully its long board able. If not breakfast, paddle, kayak and then its always 5 o clock somewhere.. I was surprised my lady agreed to sleep in the truck, because times are tight and damnit I need adventure. 

Definately I would do some springs somewhere. Itchnetuckee, Rainbow, Manatee etc...The cool water is awesome. Cooler of beer, some burgers on the Habachi...Tubing and camping available.  Can't help on the bar situation for the springs though.

I think the springs are going to change drastically in the next 50 years based on water consumption from what I've heard so enjoy them while you can.

Problem with the Springs and some state parks do not allow dogs. For good reasons like other wildlife being a problem and My lab will chase anything, not to mention the Doxson is a natural hunter of anything his size, 10 lbs and under.

On the south side ( i.e. NSB side ) of the inlet there is a dog beach   actaully right around the corner from NSI... I'm pretty sure you actually have to go into the county park and not drive on the beach if you have the dogs...

An alt one - closer to home - is Cape florida state park down by Miami.  It is IMHO the best beach I've visited in Floirda... Just take 95 south past downtown.. take the rickenbacker exit... left at the second light over the causeway ( $1.50 toll only payable in cash no sun pass) then follow the road to the end to the state park which also has a cash enternace fee.

If you visit there check out the boater;s grill resturant for lunch inside the park it is a really good casual open air cuban seafood restruant - pricey but good - even if you don't speak spanish they are still kinda freindly

Also on the way over stop on the side of the causeway ( you'll see tons of free public beaches) as that area is a great area to paddle or SUP...  I rented one down there few months back and was pretty cool to be all natrual doing the no engine paddle thing then having the backdrop of the Miami skyline & viscaya right there.

Not sure about the rules with dogs down there though?

get up early and go surf - it'll make that hangover go away and/or make the workday more tolerable :)

p.s.  did check the cape florida state park - like most state parks as you mentioned above - does not allow pets. But couldn't find anything about the public beach on rickenbacker???

And just FYI here's the info on the NSB park

get up early and go surf - it'll make that hangover go away and/or make the workday more tolerable :)

Thanks for the info on NSI it's much appreciated...

You've probably done it before since it's not too far from you, but the Loxahatchee River is nice--just off Indiantown Road in Jupiter (put Kayak in at Riverbend Park).  I've seen dogs on kayaks there but not sure of the dog policy as the river does go through Jonathan Dickinson State Park.

For local food and drinks, you could try Dune Dogs (food and bar under a tiki hut setup - it's got a Florida/Keys feel to it.)  I've heard good things about a country bar called Uncle Mick's in a shopping plaza near the Interstate, but I haven't been.  For more pricy and on-the-water tiki bar options, you can do Guanabanas or the Square Grouper.

Guanabanas and the Grouper are my home away from home.. The Counch Fritters and Fish dip at Guanabanas are the best I have had on the entire East Coast of Florida. The best Happy hour is at Guanabanas!   This place is the reason why my lady and I look for something some where to beat them out..however in two and a half years of driving around we have not been able to find this place. I spend allot of time in Jupiter too, its only 40 minutes away. I love paddling the Inlet like a gladiator when the  current is rushing out 20 mph in between Giant Hatteras yachts .

I am amazed this post had over 700 views and only a hand ful of responses. This makes me think allot of people either have not driven around much or have nothing to offer or ITS A BIG SECRET... ..

I am looking for that next secret spot...who is coming with me..

If you go over the rickenbacker causeway, the first beach on the right lets you bring dogs... Just the only problem is that you pretty much feel like youre  in Cuba with all the reggaeton and Spanish. I would recommend going to the boat ramp about a half mile down to park and cross the street to the sidewalk. That sidewalk will lead to pretty much a private beach that no one knows about in the mangroves. Cool reef and stuff also. Had fun times there growing up.

here for a good time, not a long time.

Thanks for  the info on Miami..Not going to fight the 305 Traffic this weekend unless the Keys end of being the destination.