If you and your family are contemplating a Summer Beach Vacation, Florida’s got it all. Whether you want to check out the world’s most chic city, bask in the Florida sunshine on world renown beaches, adventure on turf or sea, or just kick back and do nothing, the Sunshine State is the place for your vacation. Get the most out of your Florida vacation with these tips.
A key item to keep in mind that the State of Florida is a big state with a wide range of attractions in many areas so it pays to determine your itinerary in advance. Florida’s proximity to two bodies of water,
sitting between the Atlantic on the East and the Gulf on the West. One thing for sure, with 1200 miles of coastline, not matter your destination in Florida, you are never far from the beach.
Here’s a peak at the various major regions of Florida, all sure to please.
The Northern region of Florida allows for a glimpse into the state’s historical past from colonial forts in St. Augustine on the stretch on the Atlantic Ocean, better known as the First Coast. Further down the coast lies Cape Canaveral and the Beaches surrounding it that provide some of the best surfing in the state.
To the west, on the Gulf side, directly across I-10 from Jacksonville, is the region known as the Panhandle of Florida.This long stretch of beaches is home to several areas that offer great vacation options as well including some of Florida’s top rated beaches on the Gulf. The Emerald Coast to the west on the Panhandle includes top beaches like Pensacola, Sandestin, Fort Walton Beach and Panama City Beach. The Forgotten Coast includes less developed in a series of quieter fishing regions with gorgeous beaches as well and includes Port St Joe, Alligator Point, and Shell Point easily accessible after a flight into Tallahassee.
The Orlando Region is where you will find many of Florida’s major tourist destinations including Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Sea World and Universal Studios Orlando.Visitors to the region can also take a walk on the wild side by visiting Gatorland, which is home to hundreds of Florida’s favorite reptile. Water parks are also a refreshing place among the hot attractions and there are plenty to choose from, including Blizzard Beach and more.
South Florida includes the jet set locations like Miami, Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale in the area known as the Florida Gold Coast. Taste modern city life, with a Spanish Flair – the ultimate in Cuban cuisine, high end shopping and Art Deco. Of course, there are several great beaches as well.
The far south is also home to the America’s Caribbean hideaway of The Florida Keys. Visitors here get a taste of island time without stepping outside the USA. This chain of delightful islands include: Key Largo, Marathon and the ever popular Key West. Where else can you go fishing, scuba diving and windsurfing and enjoy a sunset cruise while sampling some fresh caught lobster.
The South West regions includes Manasota Key and Little Gasparilla Island and many more warm water beach areas. This region boasts a lot of high quality cultural events as well as some exceptional fishing.
The Central Gulf Coast is centered around the Tampa Bay beaches and includes Indian Rocks Beach, Clearwater Beach and Crystal River and offers a variety of arts as well as great fishing.
The regions you choose to enjoy may depend on your fellow travelers. With kids, they’ll want to be taken to Disney World; if you’re a couple or on Honeymoon; the Panhandle beaches will offer you the perfect romantic setting; if you’re a group is more active and hip, you’ll want to check out Miami for its fast city life and great beaches and shopping.
Florida Gulf Vacation offers Vacation Rentals by Owner on the Gulf of Mexico and Florida Keys as well as the Disney/Orlando Region:
Orlando Beach Rentals
and
Panama City Beach Rentals
Delightful Downtown 
7:30 p.m. on December 4. Catch Fox 13 reporter Charley Belcher as he joins city officials to light up the holiday tree in Station Square Park at 7:30 p.m. Judging of this year’s annual Holiday Wreath Decorating Contest will immediately follow. Enter your own original wreath creation, or drop your ballot in the box to pick the People’s Choice Award.
