FLORIDA
Florida offers a smörgåsbord of interesting sights, activities and adventures for residents as well as visitors to the state. Seemingly endless days of sunshine, blue skies and sandy beaches provide abundant resources for the active mind to build a lifetime of memories. It is impossible to see and do it all in a single visit. We have attempted to highlight some of the most popular. Additional destination sights and information will be added from time to time.
ORLANDO AREA
The Orlando area is a hub to many of the Disney Theme Parks and other popular destination spots including Disney World, Epcot, Universal Studio, Disneys Animal Kingdom and others. These parks offer a variety of features that appeal to all types of visitors. Accessibility is readily available from the city of Orlando. Lodging and transportation is also generally available near the entrance to each of these Parks. The Kennedy Space Center is another very popular attraction for visitors of all ages. Tours, displays and shows that enhance the understanding and appreciation of our ongoing space program are well done and something to include in your tips to the space center.
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FLORIDA KEYS
Highway 1, connects the Florida mainland with Key West which lies on the Southernmost tip of the Keys. It is approximately 113 miles long and is essentially a series of bridges connecting points of land. Sometime referred to as the Overseas Highway¯, it is a beautiful engineering masterpiece. Your trip through the Keys will leave you impressed. There are many places along the way to stop and explore. Restaurants overlooking the ocean offer a pleasant place to enjoy a piece of key lime pie.
EVERGLADES
The Everglades National Park consists of 1.5 million acres lying just a few feet above sea level. It is home to over 300 species of birds many of which migrate North for the Summer. It is home to a large population of alligators, the crocodile and the very rare manatee. Everglades National Park is the largest remaining subtropical wilderness in the nation. It is a diverse and intricately linked series of habitats, inhabited by various types of wild life. The everglades was originally a slow moving shallow body of water, about 50 miles wide. Development has lowered the water level and now it is more a series of rivers and streams. Land tours and water tours are available with knowledgeable guides. Don't forget to take insect repellent.
DAYTONA 500 RACEWAY
Daytona is a world renowned raceway. Visit the €oe Goodyear Heritage of Daytona. ¯ Walk through racing history. An IMAX theater features footage of the drivers and teams involved in various activities on the raceway. Acceleration Alley, Daytona dream laps and the Acra Simulator rides are exhilarating motion simulating rides that test your racing skills. Other demonstrations and displays are available. The Daytona Raceway is much more than a race track.
Everglade National Park
If you love nature and the animals and vegetation that inhabit it, the Everglades is a one of a kind experience. Alligators, crocodiles, exotic birds and other species can easily be seen. The Everglade National Park consists of approximately one and one half million acres. There are many water ways with lush vegetation. Escorted tours are a good way to explore the more isolated areas. Take some mosquito repellent and enjoy the tours, both land and water.
Kennedy Space Center
Since Niel Armstrong walked on the moon, visitors world wide have flocked to the Kennedy Space Center to see where it began to to learn how and why. A view of the Shuttle and the mammoth rockets that propelled these brave men and women into space are still an experience only available in the United States. The Space Center is well organized and makes use of technology and outstanding photography to leave you spell bound while viewing and contemplating the "world beyond".
Florida Keys
The ride down the over-seas highway to Key West one of the most beautiful anywhere in the country. It provides an opportunity to admire a appreciate the sea. There are many places to visit along the way. Many of the islands that make up the Keys are well known names such as Key Largo, Key West, and Sugarloaf Key. Fishing, Boating and tours by boat and bus are available and a good way absorb the history and features of the various areas. Water activities are also available but for many watching the sunset from Key West provides a sight never to be forgotten.
St. Augustine
In 1513 Juan Ponce De Leon, in search of The Fountain Of Youth, took possession of this region for Spain. St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States. It later became owned by England and because of its position became a strategic location, but was later returned to Spain. There are many historic and interesting landmarks available in this city and surrounding areas which are well worth seeing.
