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Best Florida Vacations

Beachfront Hotels | Orlando Hotels | Vacation Rentals | RV Parks

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World Famous Florida Beaches

Best Florida vacation. The best Florida life begins with world famous beaches from Destin, FL to Miami and Key West. Maybe you want to drive on the beach in Daytona Beach, or horseback ride on the beaches of Amelia Island. And, the surfs up at Cocoa Beach home of world famous Ron Jon's giant surf shop and annual national surf contests.

Florida has hundreds of miles of the finest beaches in the world. Enjoying the crystal clear water and permanent sunshine are only two of thousands of reasons to vacation in the Sunshine State. Florida Beach Hotels

Florida Brightline High Speed Trains

Brightline is a high speed rail line that connects Orlando to downtown Miami with a few stops in between. From Orlando there are stops in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and Aventura before reaching the downtown Miami station. For fares, tickets, and schedules see GoBrightline.com. The trip takes about three and half hours and internet is available onboard.

Florida Hotels and Vacation Rentals

Orlando Florida | Disney World | Universal Studios | Sea World

Orlando, Florida is the home of Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, LEGOLAND, and so much more. Be tempted by first class hotels and world class restaurants plus a thousand things to do in Orlando and Central Florida. Book Orlando Hotels.

Orlando is a very busy during all seasons so be sure to book your reservations well in advance. Also, be sure to check out vacation homes for rent that might suit you better than a traditional hotel room.

Brevard County | Space Coast | Kennedy Space Center | Port Canaveral

Just 45 minutes directly east of Orlando on the Atlantic Ocean sits Florida's Space Coast where space begins at the Kennedy Space Center. Here, you can witness history in the making with several rocket launches every month. The Kennedy Space Center is also home to the history of space flight where you can climb into an historic space capsule.

The world's busiest cruise port, Port Canaveral, brings thousand of visitors to Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral every year. Here, Disney Cruise Lines makes its home with the Disney Wish cruise ship in the starring role.

Brevard County also boasts 72 miles of beautiful Atlantic Ocean beaches that provide excellent viewing spots for the frequent rocket launches from the Kennedy Space Center.

Book Space Coast Hotels

Tampa Bay

The fast growing Tampa Bay area includes Tampa, St. Petersburg, Bradenton, and Clearwater. Tampa Bay features many fine beaches, boating, and outstanding fishing from piers or charter boats. And of course, as with all areas of Florida, quality golf courses abound.

Tampa is home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL team, the Tampa Rays MLB team, and the Tampa Bay NHL Lightning Hockey team.

Miami | South Beach | Key West

Miami, truly an international city, is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. Miami hosts many multinational companies seeking entry to Latin America. Miami loves its Miami Dolphins (NFL), Miami Marlins (MLB), Miami Heat (NBA), and Florida Panthers (NHL).

Enjoy people watching and be part of the night life in South Beach. Who knows, you might even run into some celebrities Experience the exciting late night life of Miami and South Beach, and don't miss New Year's Eve in South Florida.

snorkeling in key west And don't forget the fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and fabulous sunsets at Mallory Square in Key West. You will also want to wander down Duval Street and sip a few brews at one of Ernest Hemingway's favorite haunts including Sloppy Joe's Bar.

The Florida Keys, from Key Largo, to Mariana, to Key West provide a island respite without leaving the country. Great fishing, outstanding seafood restaurants, and a Caribbean vibe leave vacationers calm and relaxed.

Hollywood | Fort Lauderdale | Pompano Beach

Florida Panhandle | Pensacola | Destin

Naples | Fort Myers | Sarasota

Jacksonville | Saint Augustine

Florida Cruises

Florida boasts several vibrant cruise ports that serve as gateways to exciting maritime adventures. Florida’s cruise ports promise unforgettable journeys, whether you’re chasing tropical sunsets or diving into azure waters.

Let’s explore these ports and the cruise lines that call them home: We recommend booking Florida cruises at Cruise Direct for best service, selection, and prices.

PortMiami:

Known as the “Cruise Capital of the World,” is one of the largest and busiest cruise port globally. Port Miami hosts a plethora of cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and more. With stunning views of the Miami skyline, it’s a launchpad for voyages to Mexico, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean.

Port Canaveral:

Located near Orlando and Cocoa Beach, Port Canaveral offers cruises by Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, and Disney Cruise Line. It’s a gateway to the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and even their private island, Coco Cay.

Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale):

A bustling hub, Port Everglades hosts cruise lines like Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Celebrity Cruises. Sail to the Caribbean, Central America, or transatlantic destinations.

Port Tampa Bay:

This port serves as a departure point for cruises by Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line. Explore the Caribbean, Mexico, and beyond.

JAXPORT (Jacksonville):

Smaller but charming, JAXPORT offers cruises to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. It’s a delightful departure point for those seeking a more intimate experience.

Port of Palm Beach:

While not a major homeport, it’s a popular stop for Bahamas-bound ships. Enjoy smaller-scale cruises and explore the vibrant city of West Palm Beach.

Florida Horse Events

Not surprisingly, horses in Florida are a multi-billion dollar industry and provide many levels of activity for both participants and spectators.

Gulfstream Park - Live Horse Racing all Year

Gulfstream Park is Florida's home for live Thoroughbred horse racing throughout the year. Also, its an entertainment destination that combines sports and casino gaming, live shows, and leisure activities. Gulfstream amenities feature a four-story clubhouse including world class restaurants, bars, casino, luxury suites, and designer shops. Gulfstream Park Casino features the latest slot machines, a poker room, and electronic table games.

Gulfstream Park stakes races includes the Florida Derby and the Pegasus Cup.

Tampa Bay Downs - Live Horse Racing Seasonally

Tampa Bay Downs is the only other Florida thoroughbred horse track, and is located in Tampa, FL. Live races are held December - May of each year, while simulcast betting and a card room keep the facility busy year around.

Florida Horse Shows

Florida's premier horse show venues include Wellington International in South Florida and the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, FL. Ocala also hosts Florida Horse Park and HITS Ocala known for its rated show jumping each winter, Additionally, Fox Lea Farm, Venice, FL and TerrNova International Equestrian Center near Sarasota, Fl are well recognized equestrian venues showing USEF rated shows.

Florida Rodeos

Florida rodeos are a Florida tradition and held throughout the year in all areas of Florida. Florida rodeos feature bull riding, horse roping, and barrel racing plus many other events. Some best known rodeos include the Homestead Rodeo, the Arcadia Rodeo, Silver Spurs Rodeo, the Shrine Rodeo, and the Westgate River Ranch Rodeo.

Florida Barrel Racing

Fast paced, challenging, and horse - rider teamwork make barrel racing a very popular event in Florida for rider and spectator alike. There are barrel races every week near you. Check out the schedule.

Florida Polo

Polo is a very popular equestrian sport throughout Florida and the National Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL is home to the United States Polo Association.

Florida Horseback Riding

Florida offers thousands of miles of horseback riding trails including the famous Cross Florida Trail. Also, horseback riding on the beach in Florida is a visitor favorite activity.

Florida Casinos

Florida's casinos bring world classing gambling to Florida. Additionally, twenty seven poker rooms located throughout the state offer live poker games and simulcast betting on horse races, dog races, and Jai Alai.

Seminole Hardrock Hotels and Casinos

The most popular casino destinations in Florida are the Seminole Hardrock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida and the Seminole Hardrock Hotel and Casino in Tampa, Florida. Both of these casinos are similar to Las Vegas type casinos and offer thousands of the latest slots, over 100 table games including live blackjack, live roulette, and live craps tables. High stakes poker, Baccarat, and various Asian card games are card room attractions.

Additionally, greater Miami and Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood host ten other casinos featuring slots, poker rooms, and electronic table games. Seminole casinos in Hollywood, Coconut Creek, Immokalee, and Brighton, offer live blackjack, live roulette, and craps. Florida Casinos

Florida Events

Florida Concerts

Florida hosts hundreds of concerts every year, ranging from pop rock to Country and Western. Famous performers always include Florida venues in their schedule including Miami Concerts, Tampa Concerts, Orlando Concerts, and Jacksonville Concerts. Check out the Florida concerts scheduled in the the listed cities. Tickets for Taylor Swift in Miami.

Florida Sports

Florida is sports rich with top level professional and college teams making their home in all parts of the Sunshine State. Find dates and discount tickets here for everything from golf tournaments to pro football.

All Miami Sports | All Jacksonville Sports | All Orlando Sports | All Tampa Sports

Florida's Parks

Florida hosts some of the nation's most unusual parks such as Biscayne National Park which is 95% underwater and Dry Tortugas National Park. (This 100-square mile park is mostly open water with seven small islands.) Another underwater park is the Coral Reef State Park that protects fantastic coral reef just of the coast of Key Largo.

National Parks in Florida

The Sunshine State hosts several world famous national parks such as Everglades National Park, Canaveral National Seashore, Biscayne National Park, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Dry Tortugas National Park, and Big Cypress National Preserve. National Parks are administered by the National Park Service. By the way, Dry Tortugas National Park is accessible only by boat or seaplane and is located 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West.

National Forests in Florida

The national forests in Florida are administered by the US Department of Agriculture and are not part of the National Park Service. However, they operate in a similar manner and are a national treasure. The three national forests in Florida are Apalachicola National Forest, Ocala National Forest, and Osceola National Forest.

Florida National Scenic Trail

The Florida National Scenic Trail, better known as the Florida Trail, is a federally-designated, non-motorized recreation trail. Enticingly, the trail meanders approximately 1,500 miles across some of the most beautiful, unique landscapes in the entire country. Hikers, bicycle riders, and horseback riders may be found enjoying the trail during all seasons.

State Parks in Florida

The 175 State Parks in Florida are an outstanding example of government's contribution to its citizen's lifestyle. Those include, hiking, camping, boating, birding, bike riding, horse ridging trails, picnicking, and more. Guide to Florida's State Parks - Park Fee Schedule

And who would want to miss snorkeling the beautiful reefs at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo.

Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway

The Florida Greenway occupies more than 70,000 acres of land formerly known as the Cross Florida Barge Canal. The Greenway is a 110-mile linear park that is more than a mile wide in places. Also, it hosts more than 300 miles of trails of all types — paddling, hiking, mountain biking, equestrian and paved multi-use.

Celebrate Special Days at a Florida State Park

Someone is having a birthday or anniversary and you want to do something special. Consider reserving a picnic area at a park. Think about it, you get fresh air, room to run around, easy clean up, and noise dissipates. For example, here are the state parks with picnic facilities.

Want to do something different this Thanksgiving and get out of the kitchen? Plan your Holiday at one of Florida's State Parks.

The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail

The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail is a network of more than 500 premier wildlife viewing sites across the state. When you want to know where to go in Florida to see native birds, butterflies and more, head for the Trail.

Florida Conservation

Florida has a series of delicate ecosystems from the River of Grass that flows south from Lake Okeechobee to the fragile coral reefs along both coasts. Additionally, Florida wildlife such as the Florida Panther face extension and are a protected species. During the migration season, Florida plays host to most bird species in the United States and of course is a famous destination for birders.
Several important groups are associated with Florida conservation including the Florida Conservation Coalition and The Conservation Trust for Florida.


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