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Florida Vacations and Easy Living
Beachfront Hotels | Orlando Hotels | Vacation Rentals | RV Parks
![florida beach](Images/beach.jpg) 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
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, 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.
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.
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 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's premier horse show venues include Wellington International in South
Florida and the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, FL. Book the
Riding Academy Hotel in Ocala for your next visit to the WEC.
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.
Hotels near Florida Horse Shows.
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.
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.
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 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, 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.
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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