Florida

Tired of the winter blues? Then come to Florida, where you can get plenty of sun, sand and sea! Aptly named the Sunshine State, Florida is home to some of the most spectacular and popular beaches in the United States and even the world. Of course, it also boasts of major tourist attractions that draw people from all over the country and the world.

Florida is at the southern tip of the U.S. eastern coast. Blessed with a semi-tropical climate that is perfect for beach life, Florida’s shorelines are bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and by the Atlantic Ocean. The eastern coast of Florida (the Atlantic Ocean side) boasts of around 400 miles of shoreline with fairly good surf and nice beaches, while the western coast (the Gulf of Mexico side) is composed of over 600 miles of shoreline and warmer waters and gentler surf. That gives you miles and miles of sandy beaches to explore.

The beaches of Central Florida are tourist meccas, replete with world-class resorts, high rise hotels and condominiums, bars, restaurants and just about anything that will complete your perfect beach holiday. These are to be found in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Daytona and Jacksonville.

If you want it a little less frenetic, go to the less commercialized area which is the Florida Panhandle or the beaches near Melbourne and Saint Augustine, which have fewer high rise hotels and more rental cottages.

You will also find a host of entertainment and tourist spots, particularly in Orlando. There is Disney World, which is the biggest amusement park in the world, which includes the Magic Kingdom, the Animal Kingdom, Epcot Center and MGM Studios. You can also visit Sea World, Universal Studios and many others. Your next stop should be the Kennedy Space Center and the Cape Canaveral Space Launch Pad.

For more local flavor, Miami is your spot, which sports a Latin American flair. History buffs will also enjoy a visit to Saint Augustine, as this ranks among North America’s oldest colonies.

Go people watching, catch the sun and perfect your tan or indulge in the many water sports available. Explore the world beneath the aquamarine waters at the tropical reef off of Key West. Join throngs of revelers come March, when Panama City celebrates the famous Spring Break. Hire a boat to take you to one of the most unforgettable fishing experiences you will have. Go nature tripping at the Everglades National Park, with its swamplands and tropical forest. You take your pick. You can also grab a game of golf in one of the many world-class golf courses. You can do all these and more in Florida.