Florida: Beaches, History, and Outdoor Adventures!

Sunset at Edison & Ford Winter Estates

Florida:  Beaches, History, and Outdoor Adventures, Oh My!

Florida is a favorite domestic destination for many families, couples, and friend trips.  It’s easy access to many U.S. locations and it’s abundance of things to see and explore, Florida is undeniably a top U.S. destination. 

Beaches:  With 825 miles of beaches to choose from, Florida has a beach for everyone.

Did you know?  Clearwater Beach was ranked No. 1 Beach in the U.S. by Trip Advisor in 2019, 2018, and 2016.  Nearby St Pete Beach was named Trip Advisor’s No. 2 Beach in the U.S. in 2020.I can tell you from personal experience, the expansive, sugary white sand at Clearwater Beach is magnificent!

Pro tip:  Visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to meet Winter and Hope from the Dolphin Tale movies.

Want to add to your shell collection?  Head to Sanibel & Captiva Island where you will find an abundance of shells.  Beware, shelling is addictive.  I have no idea what I am going to do with all my family’s shelling treasures!

Pro tip: Visit the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum to learn about the many shells found on Sanibel Island and around the world.

History and Culture:

Our family has taken learning on the road a few times.  Florida offers some great experiences for adults and kids to learn about ecosystems, U.S. history, wildlife, art, and so much more.

Did you know?  St Augustine is America’s Oldest City and is home to Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.  This is the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S.

When visiting St. Pete Beach, you can visit The Chihuly Collection which showcases the work of Dale Chihuly.

In Fort Myers, you can visit the Edison & Ford Winter Estates to learn about the amazing work of these two great minds.

Pro Tip:  I highly recommend going on a personal guided tour through the historical museum and 21 acre botanical garden.  The guides are so informative!

Little Havana in Miami invites us to explore the arts and culture of the many Cuban immigrants of the 20th Century.

Travelers can visit the Hemingway House & Museum in Key West to learn about the life of Ernest Hemingway.

The many historical sights and sounds Florida has to offer will have you coming back again and again. 

Outdoor Adventures:

Florida is known for it’s many thrilling theme parks.  From Legoland to Sea World to Walt Disney World to Busch Gardens to Universal Orlando Resort, there is no question that Florida is theme park central.But Florida is way more than just theme parks. 

For example, did you know that Florida is home to over 1,100 golf courses waiting to challenge every level of golfer?

Guests of Southwest Florida can take to the water and kayak the Calusa Blueway, a 190 mile paddling trail that meanders through the coastal water of Lee County.

Pro tip:  Start your paddling journey at Bunche Beach Preserve.  You will paddle a tributary, out on the Gulf of Mexico and through a mangrove tunnel in just about 2 hours.

Fishing in Florida is a top activity for many guests and residents.  Islamorada is the Sport Fishing Capital of the World holding upwards of hundreds of fishing world records.   

Pro tip:  Visit Fort Myers in March through October for Tarpon Season!

 I am here to you plan an outstanding Florida vacation.