"Salt and fresh waters mingle at the mouth of the Gulf of Mexico, where the tiny town of Crystal River is a true find for nature lovers. You can swim with manatees year-round here in spring-fed waters that glow neon blue, but the cooler winter months brings the greatest chance to paddle among the gentle giants on snorkeling tours to Three Sisters Springs. Come summer, it's all about snorkeling for scallops atop beds of undulating seagrass in the Gulf, then sitting at a table by the river to enjoy a blackened plate full of them (cleaned and cooked by someone else, if that's how you prefer it). The real Florida is within reach here. Dive in." - Terry Ward, Laura Ratliff