Are you planning a vacation to the sunshine state? There are some great places to see and and enjoy. It does not matter if you are searching for relaxation, fun, thrills or romance you can find it in Florida. It also does not matter what time of year you plan on visiting Florida. There is always something for you to do. Here are few places for you to enjoy.
Disney World
If you have never been to Disney World then you definitely need to set aside some time or an entire vacation for this memorable theme park. It sits on 25,000 acres in Orlando, Florida and offers four theme parks, two water parks, twenty four themed hotels, two health spas and five golf courses. Once you reach Disney property you never have to live for anything. There are countless restaurants on property and an abundance of shopping to do at Downtown Disney. Yearning for some thrills? You can get your adrenaline pumping on several roller coasters within the theme parks. Need to relax? Just sit poolside in one of the resort hotels and enjoy your favorite beverage.
Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens is an African themed park located in Tampa, Florida. Over 2,700 animals are featured here, making it one of America’s largest zoological institutions. There are plenty of heart-pumping roller coasters too, with names like Montu, Kumba, Scorpion, Gwazi and Sheikra. These coasters twist, turn, flip and drop riders through the thrills of the “dark continent.” Visitors who don’t mind getting a little wet can dare to experience the Congo River Rapids, Tanganyika and Stanley Falls water rides. A visit to Busch Gardens will most certainly leave you invigorated.
Universal Studios Orlando
If you make it to Orlando you should definitely hit the Universal Studios theme parks. Roller coaster lovers will get their heart pumping in the Islands of Adventure. Some of the thrill rides include the Hulk, Spider Man, Dr. Doom and Dueling Dragons. The other theme park is Universal Studios Florida which is home to rides like Shrek, Men in Black, Jaws, Twister and the Mummy. Citywalk is located in the center of the park and offers shopping, restaurants, live music and nightclubs. There are three luxurious on property hotels – Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Loews Portofino Bay Resort.
Play on Siesta Key Beach
If you need a break from the theme parks or if the beach is more your cup of tea then visit Siesta Key. This is a gorgeous 8 mile long barrier island off the coast of Sarasota and on the west coast of Florida. Siesta Key beach and Crescent beach are considered by many to be two of the prettiest beaches in the country. They continually rank by various people and magazine as one of the best. The sand is made up of white quartz which provides a refreshing cool feeling. There is much or as little to do on Siesta Key as you want. You can lounge on the beach, swim in the Gulf of Mexico, take a romantic walk along the water. You can also visit Siesta Key Village an enjoy a meal and/or drinks in one of the many restaurants. Siesta Key has a very laid back attitude that will help you unwind your knots.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park
You many need to cool off from all of the theme park activities. If so, take a drive north to the Ichetucknee Springs State Park. This is a 6 mile long river where the water is clear and a refreshing 72 degrees. It is fun and relaxing to jump in the river in a tube and float under the hammock trees. On a hot summer day it is very refreshing to float down the river and enjoy the scenery and wildlife.
Everglades National Park
Do you want to be one with nature? Take a trip to south Florida and check out the Everglades National Park. This is a 1.5 million acre park that makes up the largest subtropical wilderness in the country. It is home to 50 species of reptiles, 350 species of bird and 40 species of mammals. If you enjoy watching wildlife then you may love visiting the Everglades. You can enjoy it on foot, by car, bike, kayak, canoe or airboat. If it is a hot day I suggest a motorized mode of transportation. The up-close experience here is any nature enthusiast’s dream.
Marc Rasmussen sells Casarina condos on Siesta Key