Florida Guide from Cheap Hotels Worldwide

The state of Florida is a peninsula which extends into the Atlantic Ocean. It is also bordered by the Gulf of Mexico along the west coast. Florida is a popular vacation destination, with hundreds of beach cities along its shores and beautiful tropical weather.

The Florida Panhandle Region includes sixteen counties in the northwestern part of the state. This area lies between the states of Alabama and Georgia, and the Gulf of Mexico. It is culturally linked to the Deep South and is influenced by Southern American Culture. The largest cities in the Florida Panhandle are Tallahassee, Pensacola, and Panama City. Its coastline is known as the Emerald Coast, and has the white quartz sand and clear green water that the Gulf Region is famous for.

Pensacola is a city on the westernmost part of the Florida Panhandle, only ten miles from the Alabama border. Here is the Pensacola Naval Air Station, home of the legendary Blue Angels flight demonstration team. The Historic Pensacola Village consists of over twenty buildings and museums. Festivals occur throughout the year in Pensacola, including the Fiesta of Five Flags, Creole Festival, and the Great Gulf Coast Arts Festival. Fifty miles of beaches are the main attraction in Pensacola.

Panama City is located on St Andrews Bay on the Florida Panhandle. The Saint Andrews State Park has costal sand dunes, forests, and nature trails. Camping, boating, fishing, and wildlife tours are available. You can also visit the Panama City Mall, the Panhandle Pioneer Settlement, and the Museum of Man in the Sea. Panama City Beach is the smaller, coastal city of Panama City. It is known for its scenic beaches, usually crowded and lined with high-rise hotels and condominiums.

Panama City Beach is a popular vacation destination, and is called the Spring Break Capital of the World because of the thousands of students that visit each year in March and April.

Destin is a small tourist city on the Emerald Coast, on the Florida Panhandle. It is famous for its white-sand beaches made of finely ground quartz crystal, and its deep-sea fishing. Some visitor attractions include the Big Kahuna Water Park, Destin Commons outdoor shopping mall, and Silver Sands Outlet Mall.

Fort Walton Beach is a fishing and beach resort town on the Emerald Coast. Two Air Force Bases, Hurlburt Field and Eglin AFB, are located in Fort Walton Beach. Some points of interest are the Heritage Park and Cultural Center, Gulf Beach Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and Pleasure Island Water Park.

Crestview is known as the Hub City because it is the meeting place of three major highways. This well-connected city is north of Pensacola in the Panhandle region. Crestview is a picturesque city with lakes, rivers, and forest areas.

Marianna, known as the City of Southern Charm, is located in Jackson County in the Florida Panhandle. Visit the Florida Caverns State Park, Florida State and Indian Springs Golf Course, and underwater caves in Blue Springs.

Quincy is a small city in the Tallahassee Metropolitan Area. It has only seven thousand residents. Quincy includes residential areas, a central business district, the Quincy Historic District, and the Quincy Municipal Airport.

Tallahassee is the capital of the state of Florida. It is the home of Florida State University and Florida A&M University. Tallahassee is a major center for agriculture and trade, along with its economy based on manufacturing and high technology. Its festivals and events are popular; they include the Winter Festival, Southern Shakespeare Festival, Tallahassee Film Festival, and many more throughout the year. Also visit scenic parks like Lake Jackson Archaeological State Park, Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, and Tom Brown Recreational Park, which has baseball fields, tennis courts, and a BMX track.

Perry is a small city of about seven thousand. It is located slightly south of Tallahassee. Perry is located in costal Taylor County.

East of the Panhandle Region, along the northern border of Florida, is a sparsely-populated area full of small towns. This area is more forested and undeveloped than the rest of Florida. Northern Florida is slightly mountainous and colder.

Lake City is located in Columbia County in northern Florida. Lake city has historic areas based on its past as a Seminole Village, such as the Native American Living History Village. Its two yearly festivals, the Olustee Battle Festival and Re-Enactment and the Alligator Fest cultural festival are quite popular in the area. Lake City also has plenty of recreational facilities including golf courses and country clubs, a skating rink, bowling alley, soccer fields, and tennis courts. There are also four local and three state parks.

Jasper is a small city in Hamilton County, on the border with Georgia. Jasper has some Rocky Mountain area, where you can visit the Jasper National Park. Also see the Jasper Adventure Center for activities like rock climbing, skiing, hiking and more.

Madison is a small northern Florida city. Outdoor recreation can be found at the Madison Springs, Twin Rivers State Forest, and Yogi Bear Jellystone Park. Also visit the Wild Adventures Amusement Park, Treasurer's Museum, and Fort Mack Old West Town.

Gainesville is a city located inland in northern Florida. Gainesville is heavily influenced by Southern American culture, particularly evident in its architectural style. Gainesville has many historically preserved sites such as the Bailey Plantation House, Epworth Hall, and the Matheson Center Home from the 1800s. There are also several museums and cultural facilities including the Florida Museum of Natural History, Harn Museum of Art, the Hippodrome State Theatre, Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, and The Civic Media Center.The University of Florida is a major influence on the city of Gainesville. Also visit the Payne's Prairie State Park, San Felasco Hammock Preserve, and Newnan's Lake for outdoor recreation.

Lake Placid is a small town in Highlands County. Lake Placid has a unique location along the Florida Ridge and is a home to many original animal and plant species. This area has twenty-seven freshwater lakes which offer fishing, boating, and water sports.

The Florida First Coast Region is the area along the Atlantic Coast in northeastern Florida.

Orange Park is a small town in the Jacksonville Metropolitan Area. Visitors can play tennis in Gano Avenue Park, skateboard in Orange Park, or visit the Town Hall Park and Children's Playground.

Jacksonville is the largest, most populous city in Florida. The Greater Jacksonville Metropolitan Area has over one million people. Jacksonville is a beautiful city with over eighty thousand acres of land dedicated to parks and recreational areas. Performing arts and theatre are an important part of the culture in Jacksonville, with places like the Ritz Theatre, the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, and the Stage Aurora Theatrical Company. Some art museums to visit are the Jacksonville Museum of Modern Art, the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, and the Alexander Brest Museum and Gallery. Jacksonville Landing and Jacksonville Riverwalks include a popular riverfront entertainment district. Other popular visitor attractions are the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, the Shipwreck Island Water Park, and Adventure Landing Amusement Park. Jacksonville is also famous for its annual festivals, historic sites, and sports teams.

Jacksonville Beach is a smaller, less populated area outside of Jacksonville, on the Atlantic Coast. Some of its prominent attractions are the Pablo Historical Park, Sea Walk Pavilion, and World Golf Village. Along the beach boating, fishing, and sports are popular.

Elkton is located in Saint John's County, in the Jacksonville metropolitan area. Some of the most important attractions in Elkton area include the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, which is the oldest remaining European fortification in the continental United States. There is also Fort Matanzas National Monument, a Spanish outpost fort built in the 1700s, and Gonzalez Alvarez House, which was built in the early 1600s. The most recommended attraction is St. Johns Golf course, which welcomes players of all ages and skills.

St Augustine is a small city in St. Johns County. It is the oldest port and one of the oldest cities in the United States, originally founded by the Spanish in the 1500s. Some historic places are the Fort Mose Historic State Park, Fountain of Youth, St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum, and the Zorayda Castle.

Atlantic Beach is part of the Jacksonville Beaches area along the northeastern coast. It is a small community with of sixty five acres of land dedicated to parks and outdoor facilities. Activities like fishing, golfing, and boating are very popular in Atlantic Beach. The Dutton Island Park and Preserve also offers nearly four hundred acres of land with canoeing and kayaking, wildlife observation posts, and picnic areas.

The city of Lake Buena Vista is located in Orange County. Lake Buena Vista is a small lake surrounded by three golf courses. Lake Buena Vista is the home of the Walt Disney World Resort, one of the top attractions in the state of Florida. At nearly thirty thousand acres, the Walt Disney World Resort is the largest and most popular recreational resort in the world. It consists of the Magic Kingdom Theme Park, Epcot Center, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and the Animal Kingdom, along with two water parks, numerous hotels, and entertainment venues.

The city of Winter Park is located in Orange County. It lies on the border of Lake Osceola. Main Street in Winter Park includes art galleries and museums, a park, and a golf course and country club. Olde Winter Park is a picturesque historic area. Its annual festivals attract thousands of visitors.

Palm Coast is a large city located between Jacksonville and Melbourne. Visit the Anastasia State Park, Gamble Rogers Memorial Recreation Area, and Washington Gardens for outdoor activities and sights. Visit Marineland or Saint Augustine Alligator farm to see animal species native to the area. There are also historic places such as the Fort Matanzas National Monument, Florida Agricultural Museum, and Bulow Plantation Historic Site.

The Central Florida Region refers to the eastern central part of the state, inland and along the Atlantic Coast. The area is distinguished by its hot, stormy climate, lakes and ponds, and lush tropical vegetation. The agriculture in this area is important to the Florida economy and includes citrus farming and cattle ranching. Central Florida is popular for its world-famous tourist attractions and large beach cities. Orlando-Kissimmee is the major metropolitan area in Central Florida, comprising most of the region and having over two million residents.

Orlando is one of the largest cities in Florida and is a major tourist destination. Its most famous attractions are SeaWorld, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens, and Walt Disney World, located in nearby Lake Buena Vista. Other fun places are the Orlando Science Center, a large interactive museum, and the Central Florida Zoological Park. There are also several malls, museums, and a gardens and arboretum. Orlando is the home of the University of Central Florida and the Orlando Magic basketball team.

Altamonte Springs is a city within the northern suburbs of Orlando. The Cranes Roost Lake and Park is an uptown area located in the center of the town. This area has nightly events, restaurants, and the Altamonte Mall. You can also visit the Lake Lotus Nature Park for fishing and nature trails.

Bowling Green is a small historical city in central Florida.

The city of Sanford has a population of fifty thousand in Seminole County. It is an older resort area easily accessed by the Orlando Sanford International Airport. The St. Johns River offers sightseeing cruises and wildlife areas. Also visit the Sanford River Walk along Lake Monroe, the Sanford Museum, and Colonial Town Park.

Davenport is a small city of two thousand people, located in Polk County in Central Florida. Davenport is a residential, business-friendly city with schools and colleges. This quiet area is conveniently near to the Orlando Metropolitan Area, and Walt Disney World.

Lake Mary is a rapidly-expanding residential city in Seminole County. The area is quiet but there are attractions like the Lake Mary Sports Complex, Museum of Seminole County History, and golf and country clubs. From Lake Mary you are also near to Daytona Beach, Disney World, and the Orlando area. Kissimmee is a city of about sixty thousand in the Orlando-Kissimmee Metropolitan Area. It lies within in Osceola County about seventeen miles south of Orlando.

Kissimmee is located along the shore of Lake Tohopekaliga, and along with the nearby chain of lakes it is a popular place for fishing. Kissimmee features a large water park and several golf courses. Families enjoy visiting the Green Meadows Petting Farm, Jungleland Zoo, and Pirate's Island of Kissimmee. This city also is located conveniently near to the attractions of Orlando, as well as the Melbourne Beach.

Ocala is located in central Florida in Marion County. It is famous for its hundreds of thoroughbred horse farms. Ocala feature rivers, lakes, and forests with horse riding trails, fishing, and hiking. You can also visit the numerous parks in Ocala: the Ocala National Forest, Silver Springs, Silver River State Park, and Crystal River Archaeological Park.

Leesburg is located in Lake County in central Florida. Leesburg is a small town full of parks and recreational areas: Berry Park, Corrine Williams Park, Fountain Lake Park, and Town Square Park are just a few. Leesburg offers camping, boating, fishing, golf, tennis and more. Visit the Leesburg Historic Museum, walk Magnolia and Canal Street Trail, and see the Sleepy Hollow Recreation Complex.

The city of Cocoa is located along the east coast in Brevard County. It was originally founded as a fishing village along the Indian River. The historic downtown area is called Cocoa Village.

The nearby city of Cocoa Beach is a popular vacation destination located between Cape Canaveral, The Patrick Air Force Base, and the Kennedy Space Center.

Ormond Beach is located north of Daytona Beach. Tomoka State Park and River is located in Ormond Beach. This park features wildlife species and camping, boating, hiking, and canoeing areas. Other parks are the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, Bulow Creek State Park, and Highbridge County Park.

Daytona Beach is a year-round resort city located along the East coast of Florida. It is most famous as the headquarters for NASCAR and the Daytona International Speedway, and hosts racing events like the Daytona 500. Golfing is also popular with several country clubs and courses, such as the LPGA International and Daytona Beach Golf Course. Daytona Beach has many cultural attractions, including the Museum of Arts and Sciences, Southeast Museum of Photography, and Halifax Historical Museum. There is plenty of shopping in Daytona along Riverfront Marketplace, the Ocean Walk Shoppes, and Voluisa Mall. The performing arts and theatre are also popular in Daytona.

Port St Lucie is located about midway between Miami and Orlando. It is only a short drive from the beach. The A.E. Backus Gallery and Museum features paintings by the famous Florida artist. Learn about the area in the St. Lucie County Historical Museum. The Hallstrom Planetarium is located at the nearby Indian River Community College.

Fort Pierce is a city in St. Lucie County. The city has a rural ambience, with cattle ranching and citrus farming being important to the economy of the area. Some points of interest in Fort Pierce are the Heathcote Botanical Gardens, Historic Main Street, and Old Fort Pierce Park. Nearby North and South Hutchinson Islands feature Treasure Coast beaches, horseback riding, and golfing at the Indian Hills Golf Course.

The city of Melbourne is located along the stretch of coastline known as the Space Coast. Its surrounding area includes the beaches of Indiatlantic and Melbourne Beach. Melbourne has numerous city parks, the Brevard Zoo, and Forever Florida, a cattle ranch and nature preserve. There are several historic places from the late 1800s, as well as museums like the Brevard Art Museum, Liberty Bell Memorial, and Historic Rossetter House. Symphony Orchestra concerts and Broadway Performances take place at the Hengar Center for the Performing Arts, the Melbourne Civic Theatre, and the Maxwell C. King Center.

Titusville, sometimes called Space City USA, is located near the Kennedy Space Center. Space-related attractions are the Astronaut Hall of Fame, Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex, and the US Space Walk Hall of Fame. The Titusville Commercial is a historic area in downtown Titusville. The Canaveral National Seashore and Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge offer unspoiled beach and wilderness areas. Also enjoy outdoor activities on the Indian River Lagoon and the St. Johns River.

Stuart is a small city along the Treasure Coast in Marin County. It has one beach known as Bathtub Reef Beach. The Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center and the Elliot Museum are two visitor attractions.

Further south, along the west coast of Florida, is the Gulf Coast region. This area is characterized by the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, small vacation cities, and family-friendly beaches. Along the Gulf Coast there are many barrier islands, peninsulas, bays, and inlets. The Gulf Coast region has a temperate climate throughout the year. Four large Florida metropolitan areas are located along the Gulf Coast.

The Tampa Bay area is the second-largest metropolitan region in the state of Florida. The Greater Tampa Bay region contains over four million residents. It is located along the Gulf Coast in the western part of Florida. The principal cities of this region are Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg. The Tampa Bay Area is accessible by three interstate highways and three airports.

The city of Tampa is located in Hillsboro County along the west coast of Florida. Its population is over three hundred thousand. There are hundreds of state parks and beaches along the Tampa Bay; along with its theme parks and renowned nightlife it is a popular tourist destination. Some of the main attractions are the Lowry Park Zoo, Busch Gardens Africa, and the annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival, which draws over four hundred thousand visitors. Sports are a popular pastime and Tampa is home to four professional sports teams: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tampa Bay Storm football teams, Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team, and the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team, along with local rugby and soccer teams.

Pinellas Park is located in central Pinellas County, part of the Gulf Coast region. It hosts a famous annual Tampa Bay festival called Country in the Park, which features arts and crafts, amusement park rides, and a concert. Freedom Lake Park has an important Korean War Memorial.

Tarpon Springs is a city in Pinellas County. Its most prominent area is Dodecanese Avenue, which features shopping, restaurants, the Tarpon Springs Aquarium, and the Historic Sponge Exchange. Tarpon Springs is known for having the largest community of Greek Americans in the United States, and holds elaborate religious ceremonies associated with the Greek Orthodox Church.

The community named Brandon is located in Hillsborough County. It is about ten miles east of Tampa. Brandon has the Westfield Shopping town, which is the main shopping destination for the Tampa area.

Lakeland is located halfway between the cities of Tampa and Orlando, in Polk County. The Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture and Visitors Center in Lakeland has a wealth of information about the famous architect, including photos and drawings. There are several historic areas such as the Lake Mirror Promenade. To see the performing arts visit places like the Lakeland Community Theatre, Imperial Symphony Orchestra, and the historic Polk Theatre. Also visit the Polk Museum of Art and Explorations V Children's Museum.

Plant City is situated in Hillsboro County between Brandon and Lakeland. Plant city is primarily an agricultural city, known for its production of strawberries and as host to the annual Florida Strawberry Festival. The Downtown Plant City Historic District contains nearly two hundred historic buildings.

Clearwater and Clearwater Beach are one of the most popular beach destinations along the Gulf Coast. Clearwater hosts many festivals throughout the year including the Fun and Sun Summer Festival, Clearwater Jazz Holiday, and Hispanic Heritage Festival. There is also a good arts community with plenty of museums: the Gulf Coast Museum of Art, the Dunedin Fine Art Center, and the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art. You can also visit the Florida Botanical Gardens, Moccasin Lake Nature Park, and Pinewood Cultural Park. The main attraction in Clearwater is the beautiful beaches along the Gulf Coast.

Palm Harbor is a community near the cities of Clearwater and Ozona. Its most famous place is the North Pinellas Historical Museum, along with beaches and outdoor recreation. Palm Harbor is a short drive from the attractions of Tampa and Saint Petersburg.

New Port Richey is a small city on the Gulf Coast. Sport fishing, jet skiing, and scuba diving are popular recreational activities. In New Port Richey you can also visit the West Pasco Historical Society, Sims Park, and Starkey Wilderness area.

Treasure Island is a city of eight thousand in Pinellas County. There are three beach areas along the Gulf of Mexico, as well as many parks and playgrounds. Treasure Bay also operates a full service public golf and tennis center.

St Petersburg is the fourth-largest city in Florida. St. Petersburg is located on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. It is a popular tourist and retirement destination famous for its sunny weather year-round. St. Petersburg hosts hundreds of annual events and festivals along the waterfront recreational areas. The St. Petersburg pier is a popular attraction, with shopping and dining, an aquarium, and sightseeing boat rides.

Bradenton is located along the Gulf Coast eleven miles north of Sarasota. It has one of the best arts communities in the country in the Village of the Arts area. Along the Manatee River in downtown Bradenton are local attractions like the Parker Manatee Aquarium, Bishop Planetarium, and Bradenton Riverfront Theatre. Scenic views of the river are available from Rossi Waterfront Park. The Cortez Village Historical Society is a fishing village with walking tours, daytime cruises, and local festivities. Sola Bay is popular for fishing, jet skiing, and swimming, and offers the nearby Palma Sola Botanical Park. Myakka River State Park has boat tours, hiking trails, and wildlife areas. Also visit Bradenton Beach and its barrier islands of Anna Maria and Longboat Key.

Longboat Key is a barrier island between Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. It is near the attractions of St. Armands Key and Lido Key, and the cities of Sarasota and Bradenton. The town population is eight thousand, but that number grows in the winter months due to the influx of snowbirds from the north.

The city of Sarasota is located on the Sarasota Bay in coastal southwestern Florida. Sarasota also includes several islands including Siesta Key and Lido Key. There are thirteen public beaches in the area and windsurfing, parasailing, and fishing are popular pastimes. Sarasota also has over fifty golf courses. Sarasota has a vibrant arts and culture scene with its own Symphony, Ballet, Opera, and Theatre Company. Two fun attractions are the Ringling Museum of Art and the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

Sarasota Springs is a small town just outside of the city of Sarasota. It is a residential area located slightly off the coast. Sarasota Springs has movie theatres, malls, art galleries and museums, golf courses, and hotels.

Venice is a winter tourist destination in Sarasota County. Venice is particularly known for the large amount of fossilized shark teeth found on its shores, and has the yearly Shark's Tooth Festival in celebration of this fact.

The city of Crystal River is named after the river running through the area. The city is situated on the Kings Bay at the center of the Nature Coast of Florida. Crystal River has a population of less than four thousand and enjoys a temperate climate throughout the year. Crystal River Preserve and Archeological State Park are located nearby.

Englewood is located in Sarasota County. It is a small, residential community. The most popular attractions in Englewood are its beaches, along with restaurants and shopping areas.

Fort Myers is located at the intersection of the Caloosahatchee River and the Gulf of Mexico in Lee County. Two of the most popular attractions in Fort Myers are Seminole Lodge, the former winter home of Thomas Edison, and The Mangoes, former winter home of Henry Ford. Fort Myers is the home of spring training for the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins baseball teams. Golfing is a top pastime in Fort Myers.

The town of Fort Myers Beach is located on Estero Island. The island has four parks: Bay Oaks Recreation Center, Bowditch Point Regional Park, Lynn Hall Memorial Park and Pier, and Matanzas Pass Wilderness Preserve.

Sanibel Island lies just off the shore of Fort Myers. Sanibel can also be referred to as Captiva Island, because the two are combined. It is a small island with walking and bicycle beach trails.

Bonita Springs is a small beachside community near Cape Coral. There are ten beach areas as well as numerous parks including the Everglades Wonder Gardens, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, and Barefoot Beach Park. Lovers Key State Park is made up of four islands and features kayak and canoeing, nature trails, and wildlife areas occupied by endangered species like bottlenose dolphins, bald eagles, and manatees.

Marco Island is a city in the Naples Metropolitan Area. Tours of the island are available on the Marco Island Trolley and there are cruises from the Marco Island Princess. Also visit the Briggs Nature Center and the Wooten's Alligator Farm and Wildlife Sanctuary.

The South Florida Metropolitan Area is a densely-populated urban area comprised of Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, as well as the Florida Keys. Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach are its major cities. The South Florida Metropolitan Area is one of the largest metropolitan regions in the country with close to five and a half million residents. South Florida has a diverse demographic with residents from all over Latin America, Central America, and the Caribbean, along with snowbirds from New York, Canada, and Europe. The area is accessible by five interstate highways and three airports.

Palm Beach is a coastal resort city situated between West Palm Beach and Lake Worth. Worth Avenue is an upscale shopping area, sometimes called the Rodeo Drive of Florida with over two hundred shops like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Mar-A-Lago is a famous estate now owned by the Donald Trump Family. The Breakers Hotel, Four Arts Gardens, and Whitehall, the Flagler Museum are other well known attractions.

Palm Beach Gardens is a wealthy, rapidly-developing city in northern Palm Beach County. Golfing is a famous pastime, with the headquarters of the Professional Golfers Association of America, twelve golf courses, and several annual PGA tournaments and events. Entertainment and shopping is available at the Gardens Mall and Downtown at the Gardens. Its private beaches are also popular.

Palm Springs is a village of about fifteen thousand in Palm Beach County. This area is mostly residential, with schools, churches, and businesses. Greenwood and Palm Springs are the two main shopping centers here.

Singer Island is a small island in eastern Palm Beach County. It was originally purchased as a gift by the owner of Singer Sewing Machines. Singer Island features beaches, parks, and hiking and biking trails, and boat rides.

Delray Beach is located along the coast in Palm Beach County. One of its top attractions is the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, a Japanese cultural museum with a library, auditorium, and special events and exhibits. The American Orchid Society and Botanical Garden is located nearby. Another popular attraction is the Wakodahatchee Wetlands, a wildlife area. Downtown Delray Beach is an upscale area with retail, restaurants and bars, and art galleries.

The city of Boca Raton is located along the east coast in West Palm Beach. Boca Raton is a wealthy community known for its cultural attractions like the Boca Raton Museum of Art and the Boca Raton Historical Society Museum. Mizner Park is a large outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment area. Also visit the many beautiful affluent neighborhoods, beach areas, and parks.

Deerfield Beach is located in Broward County, south of Boca Raton. Its most famous attraction is the Deerfield Beach Arboretum, also known as the Tree Zoo, which contains an assortment of over two hundred kinds of trees from around the world. Also visit the Quiet Waters Park, which features swimming, fishing, and camping areas, and a water playground.

The city of Pompano Beach and its beaches are located along the Atlantic Coast, north of Fort Lauderdale. The Pompano Beach Amphitheatre hosts concerts throughout the year. Horse racing can be found at the world-famous Pompano Harness Track. Lighthouse Point, the brightest light in the Southeast, is located two miles north of Pompano.

Fort Lauderdale is halfway between the cities of West Palm Beach and Miami along the east coast. Fort Lauderdale is a major tourist destination which draws over ten million visitors each year, especially for spring break. Las Olas Boulevard runs from the beach to downtown Fort Lauderdale, and features, shopping, restaurants, and bars. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts lies at the end of Las Olas Boulevard. Also visit the Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum, International Swimming Hall of Fame, and Old Fort Lauderdale Village and Museum.

The city of Plantation is located west of Fort Lauderdale. Plantation has over forty parks including the Plantation Botanical Gardens, Central Park, and Sunset Park. There is also a local Aquatics Complex with two Olympic-sized pools and a water playground, a Plantation Preserve Golf Course, and an Equestrian Center complete with scenic trails.

Weston is a city in Broward County near the Florida Everglades. Weston is a wealthy community regarded for its manicured appearance and sizeable Hispanic population. There are beautiful city parks and Weston is a short drive from the beach.

Hollywood is located in Broward County between Fort Lauderdale and Miami. It also provides access to the Port Everglades. Along with beaches, be sure to visit the Hollywood Beach Theatre, which features weekly events, along with museums and art galleries in the area.

The city of Miami is the center of a large metropolitan area which is home to over five million people, making it the fourth-largest urban area in the country. Miami is known for its multicultural ambiance and is an important city for various global affairs. The Port of Miami is a large shipping and trade center and harbors the largest number of cruise ships in the world. The city of Miami has many distinct international neighborhoods, including the Brickell business district, Little Havana Cuban area, and the Midtown arts district. There are several major sports teams based in Miami including the Miami Dolphins football team, Miami Heat basketball team, Florida Panthers hockey team, and Florida Marlins baseball team. Miami is also famous for its nightlife, music, and international arts and culture.

Miami Beach is an island city located between the waters of the Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, commonly referred to as South Beach. Miami Beach is a popular international tourist destination known for its beaches, nightlife, and Art Deco architecture. Lincoln Road and Ocean Drive are popular pedestrian areas which feature shopping, restaurants, bars, and entertainment.

Coconut Grove is a neighborhood in south Miami. The Vizcaya Museum and Botanical Gardens is a fifty-acre estate along the Biscayne Bay. The Miami Science Museum features a planetarium and wildlife area, with different exhibits throughout the year. CocoWalk is a popular outdoor entertainment district with shopping, bars and restaurants, and a movie theatre.

The city of Coral Gables is also located in south Miami. Coral Gables is home of the University of Miami, a private institution. The Lowe Art Museum is located on the University campus. The Biltmore Hotel, built in 1920, is a historic landmark and also features the Gables Stage Theatre and the scenic Biltmore Golf Course. You can also experience high-end shopping and dining in the Village of Merrick Park and along the Miracle Mile pedestrian area.

Florida City lies within southern Miami-Dade County. It is a small city with a historic district, hotels, and tourist facilities. Homestead, an agricultural area, is located just north of Florida City.

Islamorada is a village of islands in the Florida Keys. It is located approximately midway between Miami and Key West. Fishing is the most popular recreational activity, along with visiting the beaches. Key Largo is the largest of the Florida Keys islands.

Key Largo is located near the Everglades National Park and the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, an offshore underwater park. These coral reefs are a great location for scuba diving and fishing.

Marathon is a city in the central Florida Keys. Marathon is made up of seven different islands. It has its own regional airport, the Florida Keys Marathon Airport. The Seven Mile Bridge in Marathon connects the middle Keys to the lower Keys. There are plenty of beautiful beaches and parks in the Marathon like the Jesse Hobbs Park, Coco Plum Beach, and Jesse Hobbs Park.

Key West is a city at the southern tip of the Florida Keys. It is known as the Southernmost City in the United States and is located less than one hundred miles north of Cuba. The port of Key West is frequented by cruise ships coming and going. The Key West Historic District, better known as Old Town, was the first neighborhood in Key West. Old Town includes the tourist attractions Mallory Square, Fort Zachary Taylor, and Duval Street, an entertainment thoroughfare. Walking and boat tours of the area are available throughout the year. New Town Key West is a more residential area with shopping malls, schools, and the Key West International Airport. Fishing, swimming, diving, and snorkeling are common activities along the many beaches in Key West. Key West is also popular for its annual festivities, some of which include Key West Race Week sailing event, Fantasy Fest Halloween Party, and the Boat and Holiday Parade.

Vero Beach is a wealthy city just north of Port St. Lucie in the Indian River County. Vero is known for its beautiful beaches; surf and tidal waves make Vero Beach one of the only places in Florida where surfing is possible. Barrier Islands line the coast and are a popular year-round vacation spot. The Indian River Lagoon, which divides the town, features boating, fishing, and water sports. The Riverside Theatre and the Vero Beach Museum of Art are popular cultural attractions, both located in Riverside Park.

After travelling the Florida coastline you will have visited some of the most beautiful beaches the world has to offer. You will have seen historic places and world-famous attractions, and experienced an international mosaic of cultures that is like no other. Florida is a tropical paradise that will always remain one of the top destinations for the perfect vacation.

Florida Towns & Cities