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5 Best Vacation Spots in Florida by Geoff Klein
Lush, sunlit, green and dipping into
the deep blue Caribbean, Florida offers vacationers a taste of the
tropical in a safe, welcoming setting. Ranging from otherworldly jungle
marsh landscapes, Glades and idyllic Florida Keys to nonstop nightlife,
amusement parks, delicious seafood, world-class hospitality and pristine
beaches, Florida has it all. But you have to start somewhere. So for
now, we’ve listed five top destinations for a Florida vacation:
Orlando
The magic of Walt
Disney World has enchanted families for over three decades, gradually
expanding into one of the world’s most entertaining resort
destinations. Each of its four theme parks have captured the
imagination of vacationers – the Fairytale spires of Cinderella Castle
towering over the Magic Kingdom, the cinematically gnarled Tree of Life
planting its roots in the Animal Kingdom, the giant moon-and star
Sorcerer’s Hat coaxing travelers into the Disney-MGM studios and the
enormous Spaceship Earth sphere rising over the Epcot Center’s horizon.
These dazzling landmarks have eclipsed other attractions in the resort
that, in any earthly context, would stand alone as impressive features
for any one resort; six golf courses (adding up to '99 holes') plus two
mini-golf courses, two water parks, an auto race track and a sports
complex round off a spectacular, yet entirely un-finishable list of
things to do.
Orlando’s second
largest resort is Universal Studios, whose Islands Theme park has
recently expanded to a total of six exciting, theme-based islands. The
other theme park has amazed and entertained visitors by letting them
'Ride the Movies' since opening in 1990. Guests are provided the ample
comfort of 3 Loews hotels, plus plenty of fun things to do. Like Walt
Disney World, leaving the resort is unnecessary, except to check out the
other resort. Or get splashed by an Orca at Seaworld. Or check out the
shopping, dining and local festivals in cosmopolitan downtown Orlando.
Simply put, it’s impossible to get bored in Orlando.
Florida Keys
The magnificent
Overseas Highway (U.S. 1) strings together about 30 of the Florida Keys,
making mainland out of the principal islands and inducting arriving
visitors into a surreal, watery roadside landscape shimmering emerald
and deep Caribbean blue. Arching down from the tip of Florida and
tucking inward into the Gulf of Mexico, this pearl-like necklace of
archipelago wraps off at Key West, the southernmost point in the
continental United States.
With white sugary
beaches and shallow turquoise water extending endlessly out from the
shore, the Keys are a tropical paradise located conveniently within the
US. On the Keys, about half of the landscape is on or below the sea,
making these a prime destination for water sports. Sport fishers enjoy
paradise here, whether bonefishing, spearfishing or diving for
lobsters. Snorkeling or diving, explore underwater coral beds teaming
with the colors of countless fish communities at Looe Key or relax in
the shade of a tiki hut outside an enviable timeshare or resort on
Marathon Key, warm breeze caressing your face and ice-cold mango
daiquiri in hand. On the wilder side, check out the St. George Island
State Park, whose rippling sand dunes intermittently sink into verdant
marshland for an otherworldly outdoors experience.
Apart from the
highway-accessible islands, there are hundreds more places to go in the
archipelago. Be sure to allot time to boat out to the smaller,
untouched islands.
Tampa & the Tampa Bay Area
Once a sleepy port
town, Tampa has since grown into an understated, yet entirely
entertaining destination – despite being overshadowed by attention
grabbers Miami and Orlando. In fact, its seclusion from larger urban
centers makes it ideal; Tampa has succeeded in blending lazy, small town
ambience with a cosmopolitan touch, offering visitors an intensely
historical city with a rich nightlife, outdoor activities and
family-friendly attractions.
Fun things to do in
Tampa include Busch Gardens, an all-thrills theme park featuring two
inverted roller coasters – the tallest in the world. Take the kids to
the Aquarium and be dazzled by the diverse display of underwater wonder
or visit the Lowry Park Zoo. Historical Ybor City, where the Cuban
cigar industry took off in the 1800’s, is also a must-visit.
Miami
The pulsing
nightlife of Miami – especially Miami Beach – provides a decidedly
festive atmosphere to this Meeting Point of the Americas. With a large
cosmopolitan confluence of South and Central America, this city is
larger than life, and its music intoxicating. It was here, for
instance, that Latin rumba and conga exploded into North American
culture. With its rich history and cultural diversity, Miami is a
fascinating, oftentimes picturesque city to explore whether touring by
foot, car or even boat.
And the beachfront
is perfect for luxurious relaxation or active water sports including jet
skiing, sailing, kayaking, scuba diving and windsurfing. Miami also
features some of the finest golfing resorts, including the Biltmore
Hotel (one of president Bill Clinton’s favorites.) At night,
neighboring Miami Beach fires up an internationally renowned clubbing
scene to the Clubland scale of Ayia Napa and Ibiza. But with the Miami
Metrozoo, Children’s Museum and Seaquarium, family vacationers have a
full itinerary as well.
Panama City Beach
Panama City’s main
drag offers the vacationer a fascinating mix of the old and new: tacky
video arcades, honkey-tonk bars and mom ‘n pop motels stretch out
forever, but are separated from the beach by a surreal string of
expensive condo high-rises, pink and salmon in color. Developers are
trying to change Panama City, converting this 'Redneck Riviera' into a
glitzy international destination. Building owners, for instance, are
likely to downplay the fact that MTV has made this a yearly hub of
Spring Break beach parties. Apart from March, however, Panama City is
quite family friendly. In fact, vacationers of nearly every temperament
are able to get something out of Panama City.
Which is not the
least true for travelers seeking the natural wonders of Northwest
Florida. With the warm emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico hugging a
sugary white shore bursting magenta with the setting sun, Panama City is
home to one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. On either side are
state parks providing direct access to untouched nature, walking trails
and fishing on a pristine, uncrowded coastline. Boating is big, and for
about $50 one can tour the rivers and marshes, or swim with the dolphins
at sea.
Article by Geoff Klein
of
HolidayGroup.com
a leading
reseller of timeshares
in the US, Mexico, Caribbean and other international destinations. 800-930-9717 | 206-331-3269
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