TEN BEST PLACES & THINGS TO DO IN FLORIDA
By: Patricia

By Cynthia Scarborough

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Florida has historically been labeled the “Sunshine State” and for a very good reason. From a warm climate in the north to true tropical temperatures in the south, we are blessed with usually sunny skies. Our coastlines encompass more than 1,300 miles and provide a multitude of opportunities for recreation. Whether it's history, science, beaches, fishing, camping or some other recreational pursuit that appeals to you, Florida has it all. It's difficult to narrow down the field, but the following are what I consider some of the top destinations in the state:

Emerald Coast

Photo By Theappdude

Between Pensacola and Panama City in Northwest Florida along the shore of the Gulf of Mexico lies an area referred to as the Emerald Coast. Even after the Gulf Oil Spill of April 2010, this coastline still has remarkable swimming, boating and fishing opportunities. Visitors can take in the National Naval Aviation Museum or head to Perdido Key at the Gulf Islands National Seashore near Pensacola. Alternatively, if you just want to relax you can pick a spot and lie on the 27 miles of sandy white beaches at Panama City.

The beach at Fort DeSoto Park

South of the St. Petersburg-Clearwater area on the west coast of Florida at Tierra Verde is one of America's top beaches. The beach at Fort DeSoto Park in Pinellas County has previously been listed by Dr. Stephen Leatherman, a/k/a “Dr. Beach” as the top beach in America for 2009 and 2005. With over 1,100 acres, the park is renowned for its long wide white sugar sand beaches. The area offers a plethora of activities including shelling, swimming, kayaking, canoing, biking and birdwatching.

St. Augustine

Photo By hyku

St. Augustine, reportedly the oldest city in the United States is > Sightseeing and eating are just two of the main pleasures here. Take a carriage tour of the old town or visit many of the local museums. For those romantically inclined, there are numerous bed and breakfast facilities available.

Daytona Beach

Photo By placesaroundfl

Racing and the roar of engines is synonymous with Daytona Beach. From the early days of beach racing until our present day, racing has placed first on the list of popular activities at Daytona Beach. Once a popular Spring Break site, in recent years, the area has become more family friendly with activities and events for all. Whether you prefer to bask in the sun, play a round of golf, take a charter fishing cruise, bike along the beach, or spend time at the racetrack, all activities are available in Daytona Beach.

Orlando-Kissimmee

Photo By adonis hunter / ahptical

Tampa is the area most frequented by first time visitors to Florida, and for good reason, because this is the location of world-famous theme parks. For those seeking thrills and chills, the Central Florida area has it all. Whether it's the Disney magic and fairy tales with castles and characters, The Wizarding World of Harry PotterTM at Universal Studios Orlando®, the beautiful sea creatures at Sea World® or safaris, thrilling rides and exotic animals at Busch Gardens, it can all be found here in Central Florida.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Photo by Pet_r

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex– Along the Space Coast between Merritt Island, Titusville, and Cocoa Beach, FL all final frontier aficionados will be in their element. This is the place where you can take tours of the Kennedy Space Center, take the Shuttle Launch Experience, view the IMAX® theaters 3 D special effects, visit the Astronaut Memorial and become a part of the Astronaut Encounter. For the hard core viewers, plan a trip in February 2011 which is the target date for the last Discovery Shuttle Flight (target launch date February 24, 2011). You can get a good view of the launch from across the river if you can get to Space View Park in Titusville, FL early.

Palm Beach

Photo by Tammy Clarke

Talk about lifestyles of the rich and famous, this place could tell some tales. Visiting railroad magnate Henry Flagler's winter home now known as the Flagler Museum will give you an idea of what money and power can do. Palm Beach is reminiscent of California's affluent neighborhoods say Beverly Hills. Palm Beach is the place where polo, golf, yachting, upscale shopping and mansions are in evidence. Beautiful parks and beaches add to the attraction of the area as a place to visit.

The Everglades are a World Heritage Site

At 2,500 square miles this is largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. The Everglades system originally stretched from Lake Okeechobee in the north down to Florida Bay at the southernmost tip of the Florida Peninsula. Development and misuse of the land diminished the system. Visitors to Florida can view the Glades under the auspices of the Everglades Nati> Fishing guides provide services for kayak fishing, flats and backcountry. Canoe and kayak rentals are available at Flamingo and Shark Valley.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Photo By Fraggle Red

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne ranked 10th on “Dr. Beach's” list of best beaches for 2010. A reef about six miles out protects the shore from violent wave action and makes this an incredible place for kayaking, fishing and hydro-biking. The park also is a great place for boat camping, hiking and bird watching. For history buffs, the Cape Florida State Park is of some historical significance. It served as a link on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom as escaped slaves made their way from Florida to the Bahamas. An old lighthouse which was originally constructed in 1825 has made it to the National Register of Historic Places as the oldest historical structure in South Florida. Tours of the Lighthouse are available.

Key West

Photo By GlobeTrotter 2000

This little 4 mile x 2 mile island lies at the tip of Florida. Here, visitors can venture to the southernmost city in the continental USA. Nightly Sunset Celebrations encourage you to revel in incomparable sunsets with a carnival-like atmosphere of entertainers and buskers at Mallory Street Dock. Visit the 1860 African Burial Ground near the ruins of an old Civil War Fort (West Martello Tower on Atlantic Avenue and White Street) at Higgs Beach.

These are just a few of the more notable spots in Florida. Take some time to unwind and visit our many beautiful places.