Great Florida Vacation Ideas

Posts Tagged ‘Orlando Hot Spots’

So what about some Florida vacation hot spots ’round the Sunshine State?  Places to go where there’s lots to see and do?  Let’s take a look and see what’s going on throughout Florida.

Beaches – See and Be Seen

The beaches here attract people from all over the world.  And with good reason — we have many that are world-class?  But what are some of the best around, in the “see and be seen” category?

As you can imagine, South Beach in Miami tops the list of Florida vacation hot spots.  You will find all manner of folks here; yes, it really is a lot like what you see in the movies!  This is the consummate beach hot spot.

However, Daytona Beach is a rival!  Known as generally more family-friendly than South Beach, it still is one of the number one beaches here.  While it is definitely a “beautiful people” watching location, it’s also great for families.  Plus, there are loads of things to do, both on and off the beach!

Heading to the Florida Keys?  Then you won’t want to miss the Key West beaches.  These slices of tropical paradise are warm all year, and offer plenty to see and do — including just relaxing in the sunshine.  And people-watching!

Florida Attractions

As you might guess, Orlando is a perennial hot spot for vacationing.  After all, the big “mouse house” (also known as Disney World) has its headquarters here!  While you’re visiting Mickey and company, you may also want to check out Downtown Disney for a different perspective.

Universal Studios Florida, especially Islands of Adventure, is another extremely popular vacation destination, especially since the Harry Potter portion (say that 3 times fast) opened up.  And since at the moment it’s October, the Halloween Horror Nights are underway — always a huge turnout!

One attraction that is an undiscovered treasure (and really deserves to be a hot spot) is Discovery Cove at SeaWorld.  I guess part of why it’s not more of a hot spot is that it allows only a limited number of people a day, and that number is pretty small.  But oh what an amazing place it is!

Florida Outdoors

It’s interesting that a lot of people from outside Florida come here for Summer camping.  In reality, Fall and Spring are the prime times to enjoy Florida camping — the weather isn’t so humid and the insects don’t drive you to distraction.  Where are the best places around during this time?

Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys is probably number one.  You can do beach camping, RV camping or rent a beach cabin in a tropical paradise — what more could you want?  Which is probably why it tends to be booked up, so get a reservation well ahead of time.

Not far behind is Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo.  This is one of the premier dive spots in the world, so camping is at a premium.  But even if you don’t want to get wet, there are glass-bottom boat tours that let you see the underwater kingdom of a coral reef.

Sanibel Island in SW Florida is heating up as a Florida hot spot.  The weather in Fall, Winter and Spring is gorgeous, and the outdoor activities plentiful.  And of course, shelling is a huge draw — you can spend hours on the beaches finding nautical treasures that have washed up on shore.

Almost forgot — birding is great right now!  Try Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, the Everglades National Park and some of the birding trails up the Florida Atlantic coast, from about Vero Beach to Merritt Island.

Florida Vacation Hot Spots

There is lots to see and do here in Florida, no matter where your particular tastes lay.  From beaches to attractions to the great outdoors and more, you’ll find it all here.