Everyone is very familiar with Florida's top holiday destination — Disney World. However, there are more than a few other destinations that draw millions of visitors to this Sunshine State each year. If you're looking for a can't-miss place to go on vacation, you should consider one of these tried-and-true Florida holiday destinations.
Disney World
Who can oppose the fairy tale? Not many. Disney World is Florida's most popular vacation destination. Why shouldn't it be? Where else can you holiday at a magical and happy place? Where else can you exchange your simple life for a few magical days of castles, princesses and characters taken out of story books and your much loved Disney movies?
Unfortunately, Disney World can easily be the nearly all expensive vacation you'll ever take too, but it doesn't have to be. Disney provides hotel resort accommodations for every budget — including value, reasonable and deluxe — as well as a wide range of ticket choices.
Orlando
There is more to Orlando than just Disney World. Universal Orlando is a very popular destination resort with its own hotels and theme parks. Nearby, SeaWorld Orlando anchors the popular International Drive area that plays host to over 100 hotels and 150 stunning restaurants.
The fun events in Orlando doesn't stop there. Plenty of options abound for both the budget minded traveler as well as the discerning vacationer. Additional resort opportunities, golf, themed and dinner theater experiences and plenty more attractions are expediently located within a few miles of the major theme parks.
St. Augustine
This is place for romance or a family destination, you'll find in St. Augustine what you are seeking. Its Old-World attraction, historical monuments, unique attractions, world-class shopping, and beaches just minutes away make it an ideal holiday destination for couples and families alike.
The Keys
Although they are becoming more and more touristy, Florida's Keys still draw over a million visitors a year. This string of islands bound together by the Overseas Highway have become a diving and sport fishing mecca. Each island has its own ambience – from Key Largo's suburbia, that serves as a bedroom society to Homestead and Miami, to Key West's Old Town that oozes with peculiar Key West attraction that has made the town famous.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a wealth of things to do and see – world-class, scuba diving, snorkeling, camping and deep-sea fishing. Others will enjoy the history and endless entertainment.
Amelia Island
Florida's northern most barrier island, Amelia Island, boasts 26 square miles of rich history and natural beauty. Whether you're looking for all-inclusive resorts or a quaint oceanfront cottage, a sea-side villa or an ocean-view hotel... you'll find all that and more - dining, golf ,shopping and tennis.
Although the all comprehensive resorts can be a bit pricey, there are alternative accommodations for the budget minded — from camping at area state parks to reasonably priced hotels. While this may mean you might not enjoy oceanfront views, there is plenty of public beach access for a sand-sational vacation.
Miami
While the talk about of Miami may conjure up visions of a tropical paradise — beaches, palm trees and ocean surf — it is also one of the world's centers of commerce, fashion and entertainment. Greater Miami offers visitors the cutting edge of urban chic. Miami has evolved into an international destination and the world's most famous fun-in-the-sun playground. Visitors are lured to the area year round with perfect weather, award-winning beaches and a celebrity-driven, sizzling nightlife scene that grooves to an only-in-Miami beat.
Daytona Beach
It’s twenty-three miles of sparkling white sandy beaches and beautiful blue-green waters make Daytona Beach an irresistible playground for kids of all ages. This popular family vacation spot pretty much makes child's play out of having fun.
If you and your family can manage to tear yourselves away from the beach, you'll discover the Daytona Beach area is full of fun actions and attractions.
Panama City Beach
The hub of what's often called the Redneck Riviera, Panama City Beach is not just a spring break hot spot, but a top beach destination for families. Rated the #1 beach in 1995 by world famous geologist, Dr. Stephen Leatherman (Dr. Beach), Panama City has over 27 miles of beach, emerald green waters and sugary white sands along the Gulf of Mexico.
Ft. Myers/Sanibel Island
While Fort Myers and Sanibel Island were hard hit in 2004 by Hurricane Charley, they seem to be well on their way to a full recovery. The area is known for its nice beaches and great shelling, but also holds a few surprises — the J.N. "Ding" Darling Wildlife Refuge and some unique shopping and dining experiences among them.
Tampa/St. Pete/Clearwater
This tri-city area, better known as Tampa Bay, is a favorite among those that prefer the white sand and gentle surf of the Gulf of Mexico. While Clearwater Beach is seemingly in transition — losing many of its quaint mom-and-pop motels to the queenliness of condo towers — it still boasts one of the best beaches in the area.
St. Petersburg not only offers a great beach, but a downtown waterfront wonderland featuring The Pier.
While Tampa can't brag about its beach, it has a busy journey port and attractions like Busch Gardens and The Florida Aquarium, as well as Raymond James Stadium, home to the Tampa Bay Bucs.
