The state of Florida juts out into the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, with approximately 1,350 miles of sandy beaches and 8,426 miles of tidal shoreline. The "must see" destinations within the state include natural wonders, iconic sites, historical architecture and world-famous family entertainment venues. To see it all would take an extended vacation, but hitting the highlights is possible with a well-planned itinerary.
Natural Wonders
- Made famous by swamp buggy adventures and endangered species such as the American crocodile, Everglades National Park is about much more than Hollywood depictions. As the largest subtropical wilderness in America, spanning 1.5 million acres, it shares prestigious designations such as a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve and Wetland of International Importance. Explore this wilderness wonderland by canoe, hiking trails, bike, tram tours or guided air boats. While you're in the mood for nature, cut over to the Florida Keys for a chance to see the only living coral barrier reef in North America. Book a snorkeling excursion, scuba tour or glass bottom boat at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park near Key Largo, about 70 miles west of Key West via the Overseas Highway through the Keys.
Architecture
- Though many modern structures have been erected in Florida over the decades, no architectural style is more closely identified with the region than the Art Deco buildings in Miami Beach. With the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world and a listing on the National Register of Historic Places, the Art Deco District in South Beach boasts hundreds of hotels, homes and businesses built in this distinct style between 1923 and 1943. Stroll along Ocean Boulevard to view these magnificent structures while taking in the famous ocean beaches and trendy bars and cafes compacted into roughly 30 city blocks.
Theme Parks
- Family fun time goes into high gear when you hit the city limits of Orlando and its surrounding suburbs. Get ready to be overwhelmed with high-tech theme park adventures at Epcot Center, Universal Studios, Sea World, Discover Cove and the collection of Disney properties, including the Magic Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom. If a full immersion in family togetherness is on your agenda, this is a don't-miss destination. Visit each theme park's website for package deals and discounts on advance purchase tickets.
Historical Cities
- Head to Florida's east coast to discover the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement and port in the United States. Founded in 1565 by Spanish settlers, St. Augustine proudly preserves its roots with an entire historic district devoted to displaying the past. Right in the heart of the downtown area, the Colonial Spanish Quarter offers walking tours on cobblestone streets with original structures, including the oldest wooden schoolhouse and the Lightner Museum. The Castillo de San Marcos, a Spanish fort built in 1672, stands guard over the bay just a few blocks away, with the Bridge of Lions spanning the Intracoastal Waterway on its way to the protected dunes and salt marshes near St. Augustine Beach and Anastasia State Park.
