Posts Tagged ‘Florida’

Ideas for Your Vacation to Florida

From the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic seaboard, travel to Florida is the ultimate adventure and getaway for spring breakers, singles, couples, and the entire family alike. The Sunshine State is packed with amusement park extravaganzas, wildlife sanctuaries, pristine beaches, and cruise ship island escapades. Don’t miss your chance to escape to one of the most dynamic vacation destinations in the USA.

Florida is also rife with pertinent heritage before becoming the 27th state of the Union. Florida’s history dates back thousands of years, prior to any European settlements in the region. By the time the first European explorer landed in Florida, the Native American population was thriving, including the Seminole and Apalachee tribes. The region changed hands from Spain to Britain, back to Spain then finally to the United States in 1845. Several war-torn forts and battlefields from the Civil War era and earlier can be found throughout the peninsula and panhandle, including Dade Battlefield Historic State Park in the Southwest District and Castillo de San Marcos (Fort Marion), a National Monument.

Disney, Deco, and Diving in Florida

Once you find your airfare to Florida, you’ll be ready to explore the extensive amusements the state has to offer. Disney World, near Orlando, is one of the most popular destinations and is a short drive away from Canaveral National Seashore, home of the Kennedy Space Center and periodic shuttle launches. On the Atlantic shore, Miami boasts hundreds of historic Art-Deco buildings and hotels along the famous avenues of South Beach. Just north of Miami, Fort Lauderdale is the place to catch a cruise or flight into the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and the Florida Keys.

Popular leisure activities in Florida include SCUBA diving, snorkeling, yachting, horseback riding and exploring the National Parks. Everglades National Park is a stunning 1.5 million acre expanse of green wetlands, hundreds of endangered or rare species like the American crocodile and the Florida Panther, bird and flamingo sanctuaries, and numerous boat and land tours.

Dry Tortugas National Park is also a must see, made up of a cluster of islands west of the Florida Keys in the Gulf of Mexico. The park is teeming with exotic wildlife, both above and below water, and fantastic legends of pirates, gold and a history of military development. Grab your oxygen tank and your airfare to Florida for some of the most spectacular underwater photography opportunities the world has to offer.

The Finer Side of Florida

Many travelers make their pilgrimage to Florida to experience fine seaside dining in the major cities like Miami and luxury communities like Jupiter Island. Hotels and full-service resorts are generously scattered throughout the coastal regions, Orlando and the Keys, and bayside mansions attracts their own class of renters and sightseers alike.

Why The Natural Environment Attracts Tourists to Florida

Florida is best known for its bright lights, theme parks, beautiful beaches and world class theme parks. Many people going to Florida on holiday go no further than Orlando, where they spend there time in the theme parks reliving their childhood in a wonderful fantasy world.

Other tourists come to Florida to experience the fantastic sports facilities. For those people who enjoy water sports, it provides the idea setting and climate. Whether it be a small sailing boat, wind surfer, yacht or motor cruiser, Florida’s coast line provides the perfect setting for most water sports.

The all round sun brings in hundreds of thousands of golfers each year. There are numerous cheap golf courses available to the masses all the way through to the world championship golf courses. No matter what your golfing ability or budget, there are courses available to suite all needs.

Florida is made up of a wide plateau that is one of the most stable in the world. As a result little has changed since it was formed many million of years ago.

Florida is one of the flattest states in America and its highest hill, near Lakewood is only 345feet high. The Everglades are only ten feet above sea level.

Florida separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Gulf of Mexico, and to the south is a series of islands that have formed over millions of years. These series of Islands are known as the Florida Keys and have been made up from a sediment of limestone forming over the older rock. Many tourists flock to the Florida Keys to experience the crystal clear water and laid back island culture.

Most tourists take an air boat ride on the Everglades in search of alligators. The Everglades are a stark reminder of how Florida used to be and it is easy to imagine yourself drifting back in time as you glide over them on your air boat.

The plentiful rain fall keeps much needed water draining south. First into Lake Okeechobee, then down into the Everglades helping form vast mango swamps near the sea and slow moving saw grass further inland.

The magnificent rivers and thousands of beautiful lakes make the ideal setting for the lovers of fishing and water sports. There are also never ending white sandy beaches ideal for swimming and scuba diving.

Bird lovers will not be disappointed either as salt marshes have formed providing the ideal habitat for many species of bird and wildlife.

Florida is known as the sunshine state because of its good weather all year round. Some tourists find the summer months too hot and humid and find the sudden downpours of rain a blessing as they reduce the humidity.

The last few years have seen the occurrence of hurricanes during the months of July and August, sometimes sneaking into September. Recent hurricanes have caused great destruction and suffering but the state of Florida has learned to cope and adapt to them.

It is the mix of the new with the old that has led to Florida becoming one of the top tourist destinations in the world. During recent years there has been a vast growth in the number of holiday homes and villas available for rental direct from their owners. This has led to tourists have far greater choice of where to stay and at far cheaper prices than that of staying in hotels. Holiday makers like the freedom and independence that these holiday homes provide and come back year after year to enjoy the benefits of taking a vacation in Florida.

Discovering Nature in Florida

Florida is best known for its clever light, theme parks, handsome beaches and world brand theme parks. Many people untaken to Florida on festival go no extend than Orlando, where they fritter there time in the theme parks reliving their childhood in an amazing fantasy world.

Other tourists come to Florida to experience the fantastic sports facilities. For those people who have water sports, it provides the idea venue and climate. Whether it be a small sailing cruiser, encircle surfer, yacht or motor cruiser, Florida’s coast line provides the hone situation for most water sports.

The all chain sun brings in hundreds of thousands of golfers each year. There are frequent inferior golf courses presented to the ample all the way through to the world championship golf courses. No problem what your golfing ability or budget, there courses free to suite all wants.

Florida is made up of a wide alongside that is one of the most secure in the world. As the findings little has tainted since it was fashioned many million of time ago.

Florida is one of the flattest states in America and its maximum hill, near Lakewood is only 345feet high. The Everglades are only ten feet above sea level.

Florida separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Gulf of Mexico, and to the south is a sequence of islands that have bent over millions of existence. These series of Islands are known as the Florida Keys and have been made up from a sediment of marble forming over the older stun. Many tourists flight to the Florida Keys to experience the crystal tidy water and laid back island culture.

Most tourists take an air liner badger on the Everglades in hunt of alligators. The Everglades are a glaring reminder of how Florida worn to be and it is calm to assume yourself wandering back in time as you coast over them on your air dinghy.

The plenteous fall fell keeps much required water draining south. First into Lake Okeechobee, then down into the Everglades serving form limitless mango swamps near the sea and brake tender saw meadow promote domestic.

The magnificent rivers and thousands of gorgeous lakes make the belief setting for the lovers of fishing and water sports. There are also never finish sallow dirty beaches standard for swimming and scuba diving.

Bird lovers will not be disappointed whichever as salted marshes have shaped providing the supreme locale for many species of bird and wildlife.

Florida is known as the sunshine confusion because of its good erode all year round. Some tourists find the summer months too hot and damp and find the rapid downpours of flood a blessing as they lower the dampness.

The last few living have seen the occurrence of hurricanes during the months of July and August, sometimes sneaking into September. Recent hurricanes have caused great destruction and misery but the majesty of Florida has scholarly to handle and adapt to them.

It is the mix of the new with the old that has led to Florida suitable one of the top tourist destinations in the world. During fresh existence there has been an infinite expansion in the number of festival homes and villas open for charter open from their owners. This has led to tourists have far larger span of where to stay and at far cheaper prices than that of staying in hotels. Holiday makers like the frankness and independence that these holiday homes provide and come back year after year to enjoy the payback of pleasing an escape in Florida.

where can i go on vacation with 4 children? i went to disney and the theme parks, camping. i live in florida?

2010 Players Championship TPC Sawgrass, PGA Tour Florida

6th â?? 9th May marks one of the most-exciting non-major events of the golfing season – the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass, Florida.

With a strong field and a great setting, you won’t want to miss any of the action. To give you a flavour of what’s in store: Tiger Woods tees off at 1:28pm and is paired with Hunter Mahan and Britains Ian Poulter who did so well in the 2010 Augusta Masters.

Rory McIlroy, fresh from winning his first USA tournament last week is playing with Bill Haas and KJ Choi.

TPC Sawgrass PGA Head Professional Matt Borocz, provided some inside information on the home of the PGA Tour. “Thanks for joining us. This week presents one of the most exciting on the schedule with the Players Championship. What is it that makes the Players such a special event?”

Borocz: It’s the Players Championship… The Players is crown jewel of the PGA Tour. The world’s best golfers are on a course that demands the highest level of shot-making and offers an unbelievable fan experience. It’s also the highest purse in golf with the champion taking home $1.71 million at the end of the week.

The Players Stadium Course surrounded by luxury villas in Florida  was specifically built to host the Players Championship and offer our fans the best possible viewing. Everyone wants to see the action on the final three holes, especially the 17th. It’s the lure of the hole and watching the best players in the world challenge the island green. The famous island green at the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass is arguably the most exciting in all of golf.

Many golfers book Florida villas and from there – tour the exciting golf courses that is on offer in this sunshine state. We can’t talk about the Players without mentioning the world-famous, par-3 17th island green, which you just touched on. I recently heard a promo with a player saying, “51 weeks a year, No. 17 at TPC Sawgrass is the easiest hole in the world for Tour players.” I don’t know if I would agree with that, but of course, that 52nd week is the Players. We know why it’s daunting, but it’s less than 150 yards. Is there any truth to what that Tour player said?

Borocz: A few stats on the 17thhole — it plays 121 yards from the middle of the championship tee to the front of the green. To the back of the green it’s 146 yards. The 17th green is 3,912 square feet compared to the average of 4,500 square feet. The challenge of the 17th hole is its ability to taunt the mental toughness of a player. It’s a very calculating shot because you have to factor the wind, firmness of the green and avoid looking at the body of water surrounding the island green.

During the Players, you add in the thousands of fans! We give tours every day to visitors and the No. 1 comment of amazement is, “The green looks so small compared to television.” Making a par 3 on the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass will bring a smile to all players, whether they are a novice or the best players in the world.

Henrik Stenson of Sweden is the defending champion and is paired with Jim Furyk and Jason Bohn.

Through the years with the likes of Stenson, Sergio Garcia, Adam Scott, Stephen Ames, Steve Elkington, Greg Norman, Nick Price — the list goes on — the Players has had quite a list of international champions.

What is it about the course that yields such diverse champions? In the 36-year history of the Players, 10 of the victories have been by international players. The Players Stadium Course does not favour any style of player. The goal of former Commissioner Deane Beman was to create a golf course that had balance in regards to distance, wind direction and shot-making. He wanted to create a goal course that was fair and would challenge every skill of the game.

The goal at the end of week is to crown the greatest player in world. The diversity of the field allows the Players and PGA Tour to expand the scope of the tournament to a world-wide audience. In 1994, Greg Norman won the Players with a remarkable 24-under 264. That’s by far the best winning score in tournament history. Is there any chance someone could come within a sniff of that this year?

Borocz: In 1994, when Greg Norman set the overall tournament record, the conditions started off perfect the first round with 76 players shooting under par. Norman started off on Thursday with a course-record round of 63, followed by three rounds of 67′s to beat Fuzzy Zoeller by four shots. In 1994, the Players was played in March. With the tournament now being played in May the course is much firmer and faster conditions. In March, we had a lot of inconsistency in weather. It could be in the high 70s and beautiful or in the 50s with rain.

The temperatures have become much more consistent, but the golf course plays much differently. When played in March, the golf course was overseeded. It’s now Bermuda grass all year. The golf ball has more opportunity to run through the fairways and the greens.

The forecast is shaping up to be a beautiful week. Final question. What’s the best part about working at TPC Sawgrass?

Borocz: Excellent question… TPC Sawgrass is a very special place being that it’s the home of the Players and PGA Tour. It is a privilege to work around such a passionate and dedicated group of people. Everyone on our team is focused on creating a magical experience for the Tour players, members and guests. Every team member comes to the club with a positive “can do” attitude. We have a team that is extremely dedicated and passionate about their role at the club. One of the most special things about TPC Sawgrass is the interaction with all the people that travel from all over the world to visit. Many of them have personal stories and connections why TPC Sawgrass is their favourite course.

There are definitely days that you have to pinch yourself. We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to work at such a beautiful place that is showcased to the world every year.

As a club and being apart of the PGA Tour, we have a lot of involvement with local charitable organizations. Almost every month we have a charitable initiative that we are giving back to you. It’s an honor and a blessing to be a part of such a great team.

Find The Finest Lodging In Pensacola Hotels, Florida, Usa

With mild winters and hot, humid summers, Pensacola is located in Florida, USA. This is a county seat of Escambia County. Though, there are many tourist attractions in this beautiful city, the three unique areas including Pensacola, Pensacola Beach and Perdid remain the most famous. These places of interest are popular for attracting thousands of visitors all year round to enjoy cultural activities and outdoor adventures along pristine shores.

This is indeed an ideal destination for family getaway offering many logging options of different categories right from pet friendly hotels to spa and casino hotels. While on tour here, whether you are with tight budget or want to spend lavishly, you need not worry much as there is a wide range of hotels from cheap to luxury.

Luxury Hotels

By staying into one of the luxury hotels, you can enrich your vacation to this beautiful Florida City. There are many star hotels in Pensacola, but some of finest ones include Portofino Island Resort & Spa and Crowne Plaza Grand.

Portofino Island Resort & Spa

Located at 10 Portofino Drive Pensacola Beach, Portofino Island Resort & Spa is a super luxury hotel of the city. This excellent beach resort offers international standard services and accommodation with easy access to some major tourist attractions such as Gulf Islands National Seashore and Historic Village etc. Some of the finest features that this spa resort includes are full-service spa with dry saunas and steam rooms, and a fitness center.

Cheap Hotels

If you want to balance your budget while on tour, then make it sure that you stay into one of the cheap hotels, this would help you to reduce your expenditure. There is a huge list of cheap hotels. But the best ones include Days Inn Beachfront, Comfort Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites Navarre, Travelodge Inn and Suites, Cottages on the Green and Holiday Inn Express and Suites etc.

Days Inn Beachfront

This is one of the cheap hotels of the city conveniently located on the beach at 16 Via De Luna Dr. You will find excellent service and great comfort of luxury hotels at the most affordable price in Days Inn. Some of the best attractions near Days Inn Beachfront include Beach Gulf Pier and Pensacola Village etc.

Besides, there are numerous hotels of different categories too like pet friendly, spa and casino hotels located in each corner of the city, whether near airport or in downtown.

Downtown Hotels

Mostly people prefer to stay in the center of the city as it houses major attractions. If you are also one of those people and searching for hotels in Downtown of Pensacola, then just dont bother. There are plenty of full service hotels, some which include – Courtyard by Marriott, Crowne Plaza, Howard Johnson Inn Express and Red Carpet Inn etc.

Courtyard by Marriott

Located on the outskirts of Historic downtown of the city, Courtyard by Marriott is the best place for lodging where you will feel at home away from home. This offers international standard services and accommodation with wonderful features like – business center etc.

Naples, Florida Beaches – East Coast to West, Florida Beaches are the Best!

So, youâ??re interested in finding the perfect beach in Naples, Florida?  Weâ??ve profiled six of the dozen or more west Florida beach locations in Collier County, the County in which Naples resides.  The Paradise Coast, as this area is called, is famous for its sugar white Florida beach sand that stretches from Barefoot Beach Preserve at the northern tip of the County, throughout the city of Naples, along the four miles of Marco Islandâ??s crescent shoreline, and into the deserted Ten Thousand Island region of the Everglades. The beach parks range from those with full facilities to simple access points perfect for long beach walks on deserted sands. There are numerous beach access points in downtown Naples, as well as Tigertail Beach Park and the South Beach public access on Marco Island. You will find beautiful surroundings, warm sands and spectacular sunsets no matter where you choose to lose your shoes and dip your toes in the sand.

You have lots of choices in terms of Naples lodging;  Naples inns, gulf resorts, Naples golf resorts and even a few Naples motels. Naples, Florida restaurants are some of the best in Florida.  Café de Marco on Marco Island, has been in the business of catering to Marco Island residents for over 25 years.  Vergina on 5th Avenue in Naples, is another  fabulous Italian restaurant worthy of your patronage.  They also have a lively bar with entertainment. 

So, on to the beaches!   Weâ??ve profiled six of the dozen or more in Collier County.

 

Tigertail Beach County Park

Location: Hernando Drive, Marco Island

Phone: 239-252-4000 Collier County Parks & Recreation

Hours: 8 AM to sunset

Parking: $4/day

Amenities: ½ mile of beach, concessions for food & drinks and

rentals, playground, restrooms, boardwalk, barbeque areas with

picnic tables, butterfly garden, handicapped accessible and

handicapped wheelchair

Activities: swimming, fishing, shelling, walking, sunbathing,

birding

Pets: no

Of Special Interest: One of the most popular in the County

and listed as a birding site by the Florida Fish & Wildlife

Conservation Commission. There are no condominiums or homes

on Tigertail Beach.

 

Naples Beach Accesses

Location: west end of most numbered and named streets along

S.Gulfshore Blvd., Naples

Phone: 239-213-7120 Naples Community Services

Hours: dawn to dusk

Parking: metered & limited

Amenities: 5.5 miles of mostly quiet residential beachfront.

No restrooms. Handicapped accessible at 17th Ave S, 4th Ave S,

6th Ave S, 8th Ave S, Horizon Way, Vedado Way & Via Miramar.

Showers at Vedado Way, Via Miramar & Horizon Way, 2nd, 3rd,

5th, 7th, 8th, 10th, 15th, 18th, 21st & 33rd Avenues South and

2nd, 6th and 7th Avenues North.

Activities: swimming, fishing, shelling, sunbathing, walking

Pets: no

 

 

Naples Pier & Beach

Location: west end of 12th Avenue South, Naples

Phone: 239-213-3062 Naples Fishing Pier

Hours: Pier and Beach open 24 hours. Concessions: 9 AM to

sunset on weekends, 10 AM to sunset on weekdays.

Parking: Metered on street parking and parking lot one block

East with additional

parking at beach ends of Avenues to the North & South.

Amenities: food concession, bait shop, restrooms, picnic tables,

handicapped access, showers

Activities: pier fishing (no license required), volleyball, sunset

watching, swimming, walking, sunbathing, surfing

Pets: no

Of Special Interest: The Naples Pier is one of the most

popular attractions in Naples. Originally built in 1888 as a freight

and passenger dock, the Naples Pier stands as a community

landmark.

 

 

Vanderbilt Beach County Park

Location: end of Vanderbilt Beach Road, North Naples

Phone: 239-252-4000 Collier County Parks & Recreation

Hours: 8 AM to sunset

Parking: $8/day, 120 space lot and 340 space garage, located just

west of the Ritz Carlton hotel

Amenities: 2 mile beach, concessions for food & drinks and

equiPMent rental, restrooms, picnic tables, showers, handicapped

accessible and handicapped wheelchair

Activities: swimming, fishing, shelling, sunbathing, walking,

shelling, birding

Pets: no

Of Special Interest: Popular beach near upscale hotels in North

Naples. Get there

early to get a parking space in season.

 

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park

Location: five miles west of I-75 Exit 111 (Bluebill Avenue/

Immokalee Road), Naples

Phone: 239-597-6196

Hours: 8 AM to sunset

Parking: $6 per vehicle

Amenities: 1 mile of beach, boat ramp, restrooms, tours,

interpretive Exhibits, pavilion, picnic areas with grills and tables,

hard bottom reef, showers

Activities: scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, wildlife viewing,

boating, fishing,

kayaking

Pets: Yes, on 6â?? leashes. State parks do not permit pets on beaches

or playgrounds, or in bathing areas, cabins, park buildings or

concession facilities.

Of Special Interest: One of the most popular seashore destinations

in Naples, this parkâ??s mile long stretch of white sugar sand has been

rated one of the best beaches in the nation. In season, the park

closes its gates when it reaches capacity, so get there early.

 

Barefoot Beach County Park (Preserve)

Location: Barefoot Beach Road off Bonita Beach Road, Naples

Phone: 239-591-8596

Hours: 8 AM to sunset

Parking: $8/day

Amenities: 342 acres of natural land, one mile nature trail,

showers, picnic area, concessions for food & drinks and rental

equipment, handicapped accessible and handicapped wheelchair

Activities: fishing, swimming, shelling, sunbathing, walking

Pets: no

Of Special Interest: One of the last undeveloped barrier islands

on Floridaâ??s southwest coast. Numerous animal species reside here.

Popular for its gorgeous, plush surroundings. Park rangers offer

lectures, guided walks and interpretive programs.