Florida Beaches - Discover the Hidden Beauty

Whenever it comes to beaches in Florida, a lot of tourists assume of a congested spots in which they are unable to see the sand, too many families going free, and drunken college students roaming throughout the sand. This can at times be difficult to find in the finest hidden beaches, the places exactly where it is a lot easier to discover a wonderful sight rather than a number of other tourists. Although it may appear hard to think, Florida actually got quite a few just like this.

Think about State beaches rather than of local beaches. There are usually unencumbered by the high rise hotels, congested shopping areas, as well as bulk amounts of other tourists. The majority of tourists are likely to believe of northern Florida for the perfect beaches, yet this is actually a tiny piece of heaven in the southern portion of the state. The recreation area has 524 acres of land, along with fantastic areas for snorkeling and crystal clear, fresh water. The recreation are charges $4 for every automobile and 50 cents for each individual for a daily admittance.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Recreation Area in Miami is actually another great hidden beach in Florida. Whenever tourists imagine of Miami, they assume of expensive priced dining places, costly hotels, and a glamorous nightlife. Believe it or not, even Miami offers a hidden beach with Bill Baggs. The beach includes a lighthouse built in 1825, a long way of clean sand, and an awesome break free out of the hustle and bustle of the city. The park costs $5 each day entrance for every vehicle.

And also consider a glimpse at Naples Beach in Naples, Florida. This beach has a 10 mile area that extends directly in front of Millionaire's Row. While walking around down the beach, you could get a glance of the historical past simply by watching the mansions. This beach frequently has a deserted and remote feeling to it, even for the duration of the most frantic periods of the day. With miles of beaches, it can be effortless to discover a space to take pleasure in the sites and sounds of the marine, without battling through a group of individuals. Best of all, the beach costs absolutely no admission.

In Sarasota, Florida start looking for Siesta Beach. This beach is the tiniest on the listing, at only a fraction of a mile and 500 feet broad, but it is also one of the most beautiful and secluded. The sand is much softer as compared to any you've actually experienced in your existence; it's so soft that it nearly feels just like wandering on flour. The beach also has excellent swimming with minimal possibility of an underflow, and a lifeguard on accountability. It may occasionally get a little bit of crowded during the summer time; however you will find no far better option throughout the off season.

A better option for tourists searching for the ideal remote beach spot is Caladesi Island State Park within Dunedin, Florida. The beach can not permit automobiles on site, which deters a few tourists and has a very secluded feel. It's the excellent place for bird viewing, floating around, and the possibility to get out from the hectic life of other beaches in Florida. The only method to arrive at the beach is via ferry, and admission is $4 for every vehicle and $7 for every adult.

There are a bunch of secluded Florida beaches for tourists seeking to get away from the hustle and bustle of hectic family oriented spots in the state.

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Best Florida Beach Vacations !

Why choose a beach vacation in Florida? One good reason is because wherever you go in Florida, you're never more than 60 miles from the beach!

Florida is also easy to get to, the temperature is pleasurable year round, it offers good value for your money and that's just for starters. So whether you are looking for a family vacation, a romantic vacation, a relaxing vacation or getting in some golf time, there is a Florida beach vacation area for you.

Best Florida Beach Areas for Families

Siesta Public Beach

Siesta Public Beach in Sarasota makes a great family beach because of its gradual slopes, shallow waters, lifeguards on duty, fine white sand and tranquil waters. It has won awards for best beach based on sand, water quality and facilities. The beach facilities include picnic areas, rest rooms, concession stands, playground, trails, and tennis and volleyball courts. If you enjoy collecting shells, try Turtle Beach, at the south end of the island.

Tampa Bay Area - St. Petes/Clearwater

Located on the West Coast of Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico, the Tampa Bay area is a waterfront heaven! Miles and miles of white sandy beaches along the Gulf Coast offer unlimited options for a fun and relaxing vacation. When you need a break from the surf and sand, there are plenty of nearby activities to keep the kids amused including the Florida Aquarium, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Lowry Park Zoo.

Daytona

With twenty-three miles of sparkling white sandy beaches and beautiful blue-green waters there is no shortage of beach fun for whole family. The beach is up to 500 feet wide at low tide and is perfect for castle building, cycling, jogging, fishing or just relaxing in the sun. The Atlantic Ocean is great for swimming, especially during the spring and summer when water temperatures range from 74 to 80 degrees. And you are only an hour's drive from Orlando if you are so inclined.

Best Florida Beach Areas for Romance

Miami Beach

A Miami romantic vacation has everything from relaxing on the beach by day and dancing by night. There are lots of art deco and interesting hotels on South Beach. A short drive west will bring you to the Everglades, where you can take a Scenic Boat Tour and see plenty of wildlife, including alligators. You can shop at the ritzy Bal Harbor shops, and at night choose from plenty of dance clubs or mellow jazz bars and restaurants.

Marco Island

Marco Island is located at the southern tip of Southwest Florida's Gulf Coast at the western entrance to Everglades National Park. The island is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico on one side and natural wilderness on the other. There are miles of white-sand beaches, lavish real estate, shopping, dining, nightlife, attractions and lots of outdoor activities. Your recreation choices include swimming, sunbathing fishing, golf, tennis, and more. Enjoy the subtropical ambience that exists in Southwest Florida's Gulf Coast.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach has beautiful sandy beaches and a great pier that is available for fishing, dining & dancing. There is a large promenade leading to the beach with an observation deck overlooking the ocean, perfect for romantic walks. While you're on the Space Coast you can visit the Kennedy Space Center, go deep-sea fishing, surf, windsurf, rent a jet ski, golf our take a take a river tour. At night there is lots of nightlife and great dining for you to enjoy.

Best Florida Beach Areas for Relaxing

New Smyrna Beach

New Smyrna Beach is a laid-back beach town without the crowds, noise or pollution, which gives visitors a relaxing beach experience. Although the northern beach is accessible to cars, the majority is traffic free, allowing for peaceful sunbathing and strolls along the beach. New Smyrna has a small town feel in its architecture and atmosphere. There are no high-rises along the beach, only low-rise buildings and these accommodations range from bed and breakfast inns, family-size condominiums or oceanfront motels.

Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island is one of the unique barrier islands of the world, having an east-west orientation when most islands are north south. This gives the island great sandy beaches with plenty of shells. Check out Bowman's Beach for peach and quiet, you won't find any hotels here. You can park and walk over a bridge to secluded white beach. There are barbecue grills in the area so it is a great spot to have a picnic and enjoy the beach.

Punta Gorda

Punta Gorda is located about 30 miles north of Fort Myers. There is plenty of waterfront in this town, and a very nice riverfront beach area. Here you can enjoy swimming, fishing, canoeing, hiking and walking in the woods, it is a great place to get away from the crowds. The town of Punta Gorda has street art, water views and interesting murals that enrich the historic downtown district that also has cobblestone streets and gaslights, and many fine shops and restaurants.

Best Florida Beach Areas for Golf

Sarasota

Sarasota is a sophisticated resort town near the Gulf of Mexico. For beach lovers there is Sarasota's 35 miles of fine, pure, sparkling white sand beach to enjoy. As far as golf is concerned there are 32 golf courses in the Sarasota area and almost 20 more if you include the surrounding cities of Bradenton and Venice. You will find one for every level of ability available for your golfing pleasure.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville has twenty miles of Atlantic Ocean beaches and lots of nearby state parks to explore. You will find lots of things to do and lots of beaches to explore in Jacksonville. For golfers there are over 25 golf courses in the area. Several championship golf courses are located nearby; many of which are ranked among the top in the country offering challenges for players of every skill level, ranging from top ocean side resorts to popular public courses.

Naples

Naples, located on a stretch of southwest Florida that is not bordered by barrier islands, has seven miles of silky, white sand beach that overlooks the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Mexico. There is plenty of shopping and dining in the area once the sun goes down beachfront. There are also dozens of excellent golf courses in the area. From May through October, the golf courses are not as crowded and you can pick your tee time and be assured of a leisurely round. Also, many private courses are open to the public during these months.

This is only a sampling of some of the great beaches located along the shores of Florida. There are many more that can fill your Florida beach vacation needs year round.

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Cheap Hotels in Florida At Beach !

Florida is the fourth major populated state located in the southeastern region, a large neck of land near the Gulf of Mexico. It is known as the flowery estate of the United States with its warm and tropical climate that makes flowers bloom in Easter season. There are many beautiful beaches in the vicinity, as well as leisure parks and commercial areas.

If you plan to visit Florida, check out Quality Inn. It's one of the best and most affordable motels here. It is also the largest in Alachua across the University of Florida.

Quality Inn offers great value of saving money with their lowest room rates for every night of stay. The inn also provides a variety of outdoor experiences like fishing, canoeing, scuba diving, swimming in the nearby sandy beaches. There is also an area of antique shops and the historic downtown of Florida.

The reasonable accommodation prices and the beautiful setting of the hotel makes it a perfect target for leisure and business trips. Rooms have queen-sized bed, junior-sized sleeper sofa, private step-in shower room, hair dyers, wet bars, irons and ironing boards, personalized refrigerators, coffee makers and microwaves. Accessible rooms are available for the handicapped. A non-smoking room can be requested.

The staff is polite and very courteous to the needs of their guests.

Hotel services and amenities include:

1.  Free coffee
2.  Free continental breakfast serves daily
3.  AT&T long distance
4.  Exterior corridors
5.  Free newspaper daily and weekly
6.  Wireless internet
7.  Guest laundry (coin- operated)
8.  Outdoor swimming pool
9.  Government travelers approved by FEMA
10.  Guest use of photocopy machine
11.  Guest use of fax machine
12.  No pets allowed
13.  Outdoor parking
14.  Barbeque grills and picnic area
15.  Truck parking

Other services and special amenities in some rooms:

1.  Handicap accessible rooms
2.  In-room desk
3.  Non-smoking rooms

Business Friendly Services and Amenities:

1.  Computer hook-up
2.  Fitness and health center (nearby)
3.  Free Hi- Speed Internet connection
4.  Free Local Calls
5.  Free Newspaper daily and weekly
6.  Guest Use Copy Machine
7.  Guest Use Fax Machine
8.  In-Room Coffee Maker
9.  In-Room Desk
10.  Wireless Internet

Quality Inn Special Offers and Programs

For over 5,000 hotels around the world, Quality Inn offers special rates and big discounts for their valued customers and guests. Check out for the following offers that are best suited for your needs.

1. 50+ (Mature Travelers)
2. Best Internet Rate Guarantee
3. Business Travel
4. Gift Card
5. Government Programs
6. Great Partner Offers for our Guests
7. Hot Deals
8. Kids Stay Free
9. Little League Baseball
10. LPGA
11. Pet Friendly
12. Reward Programs
13. Special Organizations
14. Special Rate ID
15. Sports Travel

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Siesta Key - One of Florida's Best Kept Beach Secrets

If you're looking for the best of all the beaches in all of Florida, then Siesta Key is the place for you. There are many reasons that this area is considered by many to be the best. For sure, the wide stretch of soft, indulgent sand is one of the most widely noted. Here are a few more:

Reason 1: Easy Access to Fun in the Sun

There are plenty of places to park, lay on the beach, run and swim. If you didn't bother to pack a picnic, then you can dine at one of the many restaurants in the area. The surf is also great with a water temperature of about 80 degrees F.

Reason 2: Superior Snorkeling

Siesta Key is a great place to get a tan as well as go snorkeling. At a place called point of rocks, you can get down in the water and watch as fish come in to feed. It's a great place to come and view the oceanic life up close and personal, but without the huge crowds.

Reason 3: Lots of Hotels, Restaurants, and Access to Other Beach Areas
To the north is Siesta Key Public Beach and a sand bar. To the south is Crescent Beach and point of rocks. Further South is Turtle Beach. You can find hotels for a night or rent a condo or apartment if you wish to stay longer. The beaches has easy access with public parking close by. You are welcome to dine in area restaurants wearing nothing but a swimming suit, sandals and a shirt.

After only a short drive west from Sarasota, you can find yourself at this utopia. If you only have limited time for a vacation, then make your short trip to Siesta Key. You'll be glad you did.

I hope you enjoyed this article about Florida and hope that you come and visit us soon. With so many things to do and see, you're sure to find something for just about any lifestyle or recreational taste.

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Pristine Beaches of Florida !

Florida is known as the Sunshine State for good reasons, whether its beaches that are bustling with activity or quite and secluded, this state has it all. What makes the beaches of Florida a centre of attraction is the fact that it enjoys year round sunshine, which attracts millions of locals, tourists, active singles and families from across the globe.

Graced with approximately 1200 miles of coastline and soaked in the cobalt blue waters of the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, Florida doesn't fall short of sugary white beaches and exotic escapes that are bound to leave you with an unforgettable experience. These pristine beaches and tourist hotspots are highlighted all through the state, and while there's absolutely no doubt that you will be spoilt for choice, the list below is definitely worth exploring.

Clearwater Beach

Spanning across a 3 mile stretch, the Clearwater Beach is set parallel to the Pinellas Peninsula on the Gulf Coast, and attracts an abundance of couples, families and singles to its flawless sandy shores and beachfront hotels. The beach is graced with an unrivalled geographical location, which is the radiant Tampa Bay to the East and cobalt blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the west. This close proximity and location offers visitors a chance to indulge in a number of recreational activities such as dolphin watching cruises, beach volleyball, diving, parasailing and if this isn't enough, there's always the mainland museum and aquarium to explore.

Delray Beach

Set on the crossroads of Atlantic Avenues and Ocean, the Delray Beach is located within close proximity of Boca Raton in Tony Palm Beach County, and attracts over 1 million visitors every year. This charming family friendly village by the sea is an ideal destination for sunbathing, sand-castle building and swimming. This 2 mile long beach is appointed with a number of seafood restaurants, boutiques and architectural places of interest such as the Pineapple Grove Arts District. If you're looking for something more private and cozy, then check in to the Seagate Beach club and Seagate Hotel & Spa.

Naples

The Naples Beach offers visitors the best of both worlds - on one side are the flawless white sands complimented with rolling waves, and on the other is the Millionaires Row appointed with lavish mansions. The Naples Pier is probably one of the most spectacular beaches in the city, and is located on 12th Avenue South. Another fascinating beach to visit while in this city is set at the Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park just a short drive away from Old Naples. This family friendly beach is an ideal day spot as there are a number of on-site diners, bathhouses and shops highlighted throughout the area.

Palm Beach

Palm Beach Florida County may be home to more than 45 miles of some of the most pristine beaches of Florida, but the exclusive 14 mile stretch Palm Beach definitely tops them all. This area of extravagance and wealth is not only home to the Rockefellers, the Kennedys and the Vanderbilt's, but features a number of world class diners, shops and hotels. Set alongside the Gulf Stream, Palm Beach is graced with flawless waters and serene breezes. For families, the John MacArthur State Park is the perfect venue as there is plenty of marine life, exotic plants, and a stretch of magnificent beach area to explore.

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All About Fort Myers and Its Cheap Hotels at Beach

Fort Myers is a county seat and a commercial center of Lee County, Florida U.S. The City of Palms is of two main cities, making up the Cape Coral-Fort Myers MSA and Cape Coral. It is the government and historical hub of Lee County. It is the getaway to the Southwest Florida Region which is the main tourist destination of Florida.

The Henry Ford or the Mangoes and the Thomas Edison of the Seminole Lodge which is a primary tourist destination in the state are situated in McGregor Boulevard in The City of Palms. The Southwest Florida International Airport is situated southwest of the state, in South Fort Myers close to the Getaway and Lehigh Acers.

The state is the recent spring home to the Minnesota Twins and the Boston Red Sox. The Hammond Stadium is the Spring Training Home of the Minnesota Twins. It is situated in Lee county Sports Complex in South Fort Myers. The Atmospheric Administration and the National Oceanic classifies Fort Myers with its subtropical climate.

There are many points of interest in The City of Palms such as the Edison and Ford Winter Estate, the Lee County Sports Complex and Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium. The Lee County Sports Complex is home to the Fort Myers Miracle Baseball Club of the Florida State League and the Spring Training location for the Minnesota Twins.

The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium has a planetarium, museum, bird and butterfly aviaries as well as picnic areas, meeting areas and a gift shop. It is also home to more than 50 of Southwest Florida's 130 private and public golf courses.

There are also many hotels situated like the Hilton Garden Inn Fort. This hotel is 9 miles away from downtown Fort Myers and the Southwest Florida International Airport. It is 15 miles away from Captiva and Sanibel Island as well as within short walking distances away from the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall.

The hotel features deluxe accommodations, relaxed atmospheres and friendly services for guest. All guestrooms have large work desks, 2 double beds or one king double bed, two telephones with data ports and voice mails, coffee makers as well as hairdryers, microwaves, refrigerators, cable televisions and irons with ironing boards.

Courtyard Fort Myers Cape Coral Hotel is great for business and leisure travelers. The hotel is a minute away from the Southwest Florida International Airport, Gulf Coast Beaches and Sanibel Island. It is 5 miles away from Key West Express and Edison as well as Ford Estates. The hotel features about 149 guestrooms, fax services, laundry facilities, copy services and meeting spaces. All guestrooms have coffee makers, refrigerators, cable televisions, telephones, data ports, hairdryers, microwave ovens and irons with ironing boards.

Best Western Waterfront Fort Myers Hotel is situated within easy access to the beach. The hotel is five miles away from Cape Coral, nine miles away from the Fort Myers Captiva Island and Sanibel Island as well as six miles away from the Thomas Edison Winter Estate, Lee County Sports Complex and Henry Ford Winter Estate.

The hotel features outdoor heated pools, private piers and boat docks and onsite lounges, safe-deposit boxes along with laundry services, meeting rooms and complimentary Internet access. All guestrooms have air conditioning, cable television with premium channels, a microwave oven and a mini refrigerator, including electronic keycards, alarm clocks and large work desks.

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Beautiful Beaches in Fort Lauderdale - Venice of America

Fort Lauderdale is named after a series of forts built by the United States during the Second War with the Seminole. The forts were named after Major William Lauderdale who was the commander of the soldiers who built the first fort. But the development of the city started nearly five decades later after the end of the war.

Over the years, Fort Lauderdale was developed as a tourist destination. From the 1940s to the 1980s it was a major destination for the students during their spring break. It had developed as a Mecca for the spring break students who used to come here for enjoyment as well as have gainful employment during the break. But this tradition has slowly been reduced given the crowd and the resulting problems from it.

The city is now heavily dependent on the tourism industry. It is also a major yachting center with nearly 42000 resident yachts and 100 marinas and boatyards. The city now attracts a more elite section of the people who look forward to the innumerable options that the city has to offers. There are plenty of luxury as well as budget hotels which are suitable for each one.

The city is located 23 miles north of Miami and is home to nearly 4100 restaurants and 120 nightclubs. But the main highlighting factor which attracts people towards it is the numerous beautiful beaches that are spread out on a stretch of 23 miles.

Deerfield Beach: The city dates back its origin in 1877 when the first non-natives discovered this place. It continued to be an important agricultural producing place for a long time. In 1951, the name of the town was changed to the City of Deerfield Beach and since then there has been a paradigm shift in the economy of the town. More stress is being given to develop the tourism industry. Deerfield Beach is known for the cove-like beaches and is a perfect destination for family vacations.

It has America's first cable water ski parks and also scope for sandcastle building, outdoor beach games like volleyball, open-air eating joints and also a fun-filled fishing trip on the Deer field Pier.

Hillsboro Beach: The town is named after the Earl Hillsboro who was granted large tracts of lands by the English Crown during its reign of Florida. Alternately the town was under the Spanish as well as the English rule. Florida came to be part of the United States after it was purchased from the Spanish in 1819.

The town of Hillsboro Beach is located on a small peninsula which extends up to 3.2 miles from the Hillsboro Inlet. The main attraction of the Hillsboro Beach is the Lighthouse which was built in 1907 and is the most powerful light on the East coast of the United States. It stands 136 feet above the water.

Apart from it is the long stretch of beach and also the Stone Statue dedicated to the Barefoot Mailman.

Pompano Beach: This beach has been named after the saltwater fish which is found in abundance in this area. An Annual Pompano Seafood is also organized on this beach. The waters in this region are comparatively warmer due to the bend in the Gulf Stream. The beach provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy all sorts of aqua and outdoor sports.

Thus, there are plenty of activities which can be enjoyed on all the Beaches of Fort Lauderdale which leaves the visitors mind, body and soul totally relaxed and rejuvenated.

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Islamorada, Florida Hotels - Where Did They Go?

Islamorada, the Florida Keys. Where the great outdoor beckons you. The ocean. The reef. The cool sea breezes.

Just another day in paradise! But there's just one small problem.

When the day is done, where can you stay? Where are all the Islamorada, Florida hotels?

Islamorada Florida Hotels
Islamorada lodging is a little trickier than in the rest of the Florida Keys. Perhaps because Islamorada is between Key Largo and Marathon, people often go to one or the other. And for some reason, a place to stay in Islamorada tends to be more costly than the other Florida Keys.

When comparing different Islamorada lodging types, there are a few things to keep in mind. The main reason people stay in Islamorada is because they have a fishing charter. Since the best time to go fishing is either early in the early morning or past sundown, you'll probably want to find a place to stay fairly close to the marina.

However, Islamorada is also a prime dive spot in the Florida Keys. If getting to the reef is important to you, there are some resorts that offer diving and snorkeling tours. In addition, this are doesn't have many public beaches, so if you want to "beach it" on your vacation, try to find a resort that has its own.

They Tax the Beds?

Well, not really, but the Keys does require an 11.5% resort (bed) tax per night. If you're trying to keep to a budget, keep that in mind. So that $100 a night room suddenly becomes $117.50 (including the Florida state tax).

The prices tend to be relatively high, and good deals are not that common (although for the sleuthful traveler, they are out there). In any case, you need to find a resort that best suits your needs.

Islamorada Lodging

When it comes to Islamorada, Florida hotels, your choices include chain hotels, mom-and-pop motels and a full-fledged resort or two. There just aren't always enough rooms to go around when it's prime fishing and diving season.

Your best bet? You guessed it -- "it depends". What's your budget, and what do you want to do?

If you want the bells and whistles of a resort, you might want to look at Pelican Cove. You can rent a boat or jet ski, dock your own boat, take a tour or just nap by the pool.

On a tight budget? You can check out the Day's Inn. There may not be a lot of frills, but it is a place to stay that won't break the bank.

High-end Islamorada, Florida hotels also exist. The Moorings is quite exclusive, and it's been called one of Islamorada's best-kept secrets.

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Key West Florida Hotels !

Key West is perhaps what one can call a perfect mix of the urbane and the bohemian. So, if you are one of those who like to live in their golden-world utopias while not compromising on the luxuries offered by technology, Key West is the perfect destination for you. As it is a popular tourist destination, coming here without first getting a hotel reservation is a bad idea. There are hotels here to suit every kind of need and pocket.

If you are planning a holiday with your family, your loved one, with friends or for that matter alone, you can choose from a wide variety of hotels, motels, guest houses and resorts. Whether you are looking for the perfect view of the sunset from your room or proximity to one of the famous historical sight or beach, a little research will get you wherever you want to be. If nightlife is your first priority then also the perfect destination is just a click away, as you can make reservations to most of the Key West hotels online.

If you have been postponing your vacation because you are scared about how the pet care center will handle your pet, then Key West offers you the perfect solution. There are a few hotels and resorts here which will not only allow you to check in with your pet but will also guarantee that your pet has almost as luxurious an experience as you.

Gay and lesbian couples also have a wide range of opportunities to find themselves snugly accommodated in Key West. There are a number of hotels which are meant especially for same sex couples. You can also rent vacation houses which allow you to live away from the prying eyes of the hotel's staff.

A perfect accommodation for your vacation in Key West will ensure that you don't have to spend your entire holiday waiting to get away from your supposed haven of retreat.

Florida Hotels provides detailed information on Florida Hotels, Orlando Florida Hotels, Jacksonville Florida Hotels, Destin Florida Hotels and more. Florida Hotels is affiliated with South Beach Condo Hotels.

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Sarasota Florida Hotels at Beach !

It is not without any reason that Sarasota along with its islands is known as the gem of the Gulf coast of Florida. The beautiful beaches and the mangrove lined waterways make this place one of the most exquisite holiday destinations. Whether it is a canoe ride through the clear waters, shopping in the numerous malls or feasting on exquisite and scrumptious delicacies, Sarasota sounds like a perfect place for all this and more.

Like all other holiday destinations in Florida, even Sarasota offers a variety of options for accommodations for families, couples, and people on business trips and lonely explorers. So if you are considering Sarasota for that long planned for romantic getaway or the holiday with your family that never materialized, then you will not be disappointed.

Resorts and vacation homes will fit your need for privacy perfectly. While resorts will make your stay more comfortable with luxuries such as club facilities and room service, a vacation home on rent is the best idea if you wish to be left undisturbed alone or with your loved one.

A number of people feel obliged to stay at home and take care of their pets while the rest of the world is vacationing but, if your destination is Sarasota then you will no longer have to make the impossible choice between a few days of fun and your most beloved pet. A number of hotels in Sarasota offer your pets a grand accommodation, allowing them to get away and relax at the same time as you do!

Like most holiday destinations and tourist getaways, even Sarasota hotels offer online reservations. Some of the websites also let you take a virtual tour of the room that you have reserved for yourself. A cautious choice of hotels is all that you need to get set for the ultimate vacation experience.

Florida Hotels provides detailed information on Florida Hotels, Orlando Florida Hotels, Jacksonville Florida Hotels, Destin Florida Hotels and more. Florida Hotels is affiliated with South Beach Condo Hotels.

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Destin Florida Hotels !

Destin is a small city in the large state of Florida, yet it is a city of significance for tourists. Destin is not only known for its pristine white sand beaches, but also for its green parks, and adventure parks. It is also a fisherman's dream destination. It's also a destination for water tourists. Considering this, almost all of the Destin hotels provide amenities and facilities that could be regarded as aqua-themed.

Destin is mainly visited by people who want to laze on the white sands and enjoy freedom from stress. But that does not mean that it has nothing in store for the adventurous. The adventure water sports and other activities, such as scuba diving, are amongst the best in the world. The Destin hotels bordering the coastline have various tourist activities that are part of the boarding and lodging package.

The Destin hotels provide tour packages that include water adventure sports, dolphin shows and dolphin cruises, golf, the art and literature corners of the city, as well as night packages to entertain one after sunset.

Apart from the night events, such as live band concerts and theme nights, the Destin hotels also organize visits to other night places such as clubs and bars, Broadway shows, beach parties, casinos, and all other entertaining activities that take over the night life of this city.

Destin hotels are known for their facilities and amenities that make for a pleasurable trip to this city. Staying at any of the hotels provides one with sweet memories of mornings, afternoons, evenings and nights spent in the city of white beaches and plush greenery.

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Daytona Beach Hotels - Florida USA

Florida is rich with miles and miles of beautiful sandy shores, and cool surfing waves. One perfect example is the Daytona Beach. It's a public beach where anyone can just simply enjoy the sands, seas, and wind. The only time perhaps where extra precaution should be taken is during the nesting season of sea turtles. At this time, it is best to drive during an hour after the sun rises, and then an hour before it sets. Sea turtles are known to travel back to shore at nighttime to lay on their eggs and the go back into the unchartered waters of the Atlantic.

Every year a lot of tourists drop by Daytona Beach to experience a summer full of fun and activities, two of which have never failed to attract people to come in droves.

First, all NASCAR fans can get a glimpse of what it is to be always in high speed with the regular NASCAR high-speed racing contest held in the superhighways of Daytona Beach called Daytona Motor Speedway. Along the sidelines of the international speedway are scattered souvenirs tourists can simply choose and bring home to their loved ones.

The largest congregation of motorcycle bikers on the East Coast Beaches converges in Daytona Beach, for a week of extreme biking, which they fondly termed as Bike Week. Now, if you like to take part in this activity as a biker or a spectator, you better be in town as early as possible since most hotels and other accommodations are fully booked around this time of the year. Lining along the streets of the Daytona Beach are different models of motorcycles owned or perhaps even collected by these bikers. Usually, the atmosphere in a Biker's Week is always full of fun and sheer joy.

If you are a golf enthusiast, you can always hold your golf championships in the green courses of Daytona Beach. Moreover, you can even get affordable rates at any time of the year. Aside from golf, you can also enjoy their tennis courts and the tennis tournaments of USTA Florida.

The beach is a superb venue for its regular fishing tournaments in Florida, one of which is the striking tournament right at Daytona Beach in May. Or you can go simple and intimate with someone through a kayak or boat ride the whole day.

There is underwater adventure available in the numerous shipwrecks in the area. People enjoy freshwater and saltwater diving, and snorkeling closer to shore. The Daytona Beach area features a popular rock ledge reef that has claimed many vessels over the years.

Do you want to explore the world under the sea? Well, get your snorkels and diving suits ready, as you go deeper into the waters and check out the many shipwrecks lying for so many years at the sea bottom. It's like touching Titanic and its history at the same time. Or you may go for a saltwater diving, snorkeling, and other water activities at the shore. There's a rock ledge reef that is well known of claiming thousands of vessels for so many years now.

Families can find many sports activities to enjoy during their stay in Daytona Beach. There are minor league baseball games, and indoor football to fill the need for action during any vacation period. There is an abundant night life for tourists to enjoy too.

Daytona Beach also offers families and friends sports activities they can enjoy all together. There's the indoor football and baseball games for the minor league. You can even go club hopping once the night sets in.

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Pet Friendly Florida Hotels at Beach !

Have you been postponing that long planned for vacation because you worry about leaving your pets behind? Well, if you're thinking about spending your next vacation in the sunny state of Florida, then you need not spend any more hours stressing over dilemma.

Though most of the hotels and motels around the country do not allow guests to bring their pets along with them, the list of such accommodations in Florida is much longer than average. Most of these pet friendly hotels do not even charge any extra fee for the stay of the pets. However, there are a few places which may charge separately on per pet per night stay basis.

Most of these hotels ask for a deposit at the time of check-in which is later refunded provided your pet does not cause any damage to the hotel's property. There are a few places which may allow dogs but do not allow their feline counterparts to stray within the hotel premises. A number of these hotels do not tolerate dogs whose barking cause disturbance to other guests staying in the hotel.

Many of the hotels restrict pets to "smoking rooms" or a few rooms which are categorized "pet friendly" but often, they keep changing their pets related policies and fees. It is prudent to make all enquiries regarding the same before one checks into one of these hotels. Also some hotels even advertise the weight limit allowed for the pets. The reservation forms of most such hotels also have a special column which asks you about any special requirement that your pet may have.

With the large number of pet friendly beaches in Florida, a properly planned vacation can be a memorable experience for you and your adorable pet.

Florida Hotels provides detailed information on Florida Hotels, Orlando Florida Hotels, Jacksonville Florida Hotels, Destin Florida Hotels and more. Florida Hotels is affiliated with South Beach Condo Hotels.

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South Florida Hotels at Beach

Dotted with a number of islands of the Gulf of Mexico, South Florida is a place with abundant natural beauty. The emerald green waters, the beautiful powdery white beaches, the Cypress woods and the huge variety of wildlife define the culture of South Florida. All this is not to say that South Florida is a place only for those who seek the womb of nature for their ideal holiday retreat. There are a large number of trendy and posh clubs, shopping arcades and boutiques also. The place, one can claim with surety, has something for everyone.

South Florida comprises of several places which in themselves are extremely popular tourist destinations. Naples, Key West, Palm Beach, Miami, Sarasota, South Beach, have for long been everyone's favorite holiday spots. Finding a perfect hotel which will cater to all your needs is therefore, a difficult job as the large variety of choices available makes the selection very cumbersome.

One can choose from a range of different accommodation types depending upon what suits ones pocket the most. You should also be careful about the people who are accompanying you on the trip. If you have a family with young children in it then you cannot possibly attempt to rent cheap rooms in a downtown motel. A number of supposedly good deals that are available online will try to sell you unhygienic rooms that falsely boast of basic amenities. So, beware of such deals.

There are a number of discount options available online. Even some of the high end hotels will offer you such packages. If chosen carefully they can be highly beneficial. You can also find hotels which are pet friendly, that is, they will not only allow you to bring your pet along with you to the hotel but they will also make sure that your pet has a grand vacation experience as well.

Florida Hotels provides detailed information on Florida Hotels, Orlando Florida Hotels, Jacksonville Florida Hotels, Destin Florida Hotels and more. Florida Hotels is affiliated with South Beach Condo Hotels.

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Fla Beach Vacation Stars - Sanibel & Captiva Islands

For many years and generations the beaches of Sanibel and Captiva Islands as well as Gasparrilla and Cayo Costa Islands have been Fla Beach vacation stars. They are located in Lee County which is also home to Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach & Bonita Springs. Lee is the most populous county in Southwest Florida, although you would never know it once you cross the bridge to Sanibel and Captiva and Gasparilla or ferry over to Cayo Costa. The feel on the Fla beach islands is so much different than the mainland; it's as if you are in the middle of the Caribbean.

If you are spending more than the day, Captiva Island hotels include the 'Tween Waters Inn Island Resort with its fabulous fine dining restaurant, the Old Captiva House. And, no visit is complete without going to the Captiva restaurant, The Mucky Duck for sunset watching, island music and great food. The Mad Hatter is a Sanibel restaurant fine dining tradition and a must visit!

On to the beaches! We're featuring 6 of 12 in this article.

Natural Florida beach sand and warm waters invite you to relax, read or partake in a favorite beach activity - shelling. Each beach has a personality all its own. Families will find soft, white sand great for kids. Couples can experience solitude and exceptional sunsets. And active types can enjoy volleyball, picnicking, shelling, cycling and skim boarding.

Causeway Islands

Location: SR/CR 867, from mainland traveling to Sanibel, pass through the Toll Booth, cross over "sky" bridge to first island. Continue over "flat" bridge to second island.

Hours: sunrise to ½ hour past sunset

Parking: free

Amenities: accessible from water, restrooms, drinking fountains, picnic tables

Activities: fishing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, wind surfing, kite boarding, shelling

Pets: yes, on 6' leashes

Lighthouse Beach Park

Location: 112 Periwinkle Way, east end of Sanibel Island

Hours: sunrise to sunset

Parking: $2/hour, 195 spaces

Amenities: restrooms, handicapped accessible, shell display, drinking fountains, bike racks, fishing pier on bayside

Activities: sunbathing, shelling, fishing, walking

Pets: yes, on 8' leashes

Of Special Interest: 32 acres on eastern tip of island. Strong currents make swimming inadvisable, especially for children.

Tarpon Bay Road Park
 

Location: East End of Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel Island

Hours: sunrise to sunset

Parking: $2/hour, 75 spaces (use Trost Parking Lot)

Amenities: restrooms, outside showers, handicapped accessible

Activities: swimming, sunbathing, shelling, walking, fishing

Pets: yes, on 8' leashes

Of Special Interest: .9 acres on midsection of island

Bowman's Beach
 

Location: 1700 Bowman's Beach Road, off San-Cap Road, Sanibel Island

Hours: sunrise to sunset

Parking: $2/hour, 214 spaces

Amenities: changing room, showers, drinking fountains, soda machine, grills, restrooms, picnic tables, handicapped accessible

Activities: swimming, fishing, known for great shelling, walking, sunbathing

Pets: yes, on 8' leashes

Of Special Interest: One of the best beaches in Florida, it's a quarter mile walk from the parking lot to the beach (over a bridge) through beach grasses and wetlands. Bowman's is located on the west end of the island and is the most remote of the beaches on Sanibel.

Cayo Costa State Park

Location: directly south of Boca Grande and West of Pine Island, Cayo Costa Island

Hours: 8 AM to sunset

Parking: Accessible only by passenger ferry or private boat. Ferry departs from Pine Island; 239-283-0015 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 239-283-0015 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Park fees: $2/person

Amenities: bike rentals, day boat slips, cabins, campfire circles, kayak and canoe rentals, restrooms, interpretive programs, nature trails, pavilions, tent camping sites, picnic tables and grills, showers

Activities: biking, swimming, boating, camping, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, walking, hiking, scuba, snorkeling, wildlife viewing, campfire programs

Pets: Yes, on 6' leashes. State parks do not permit pets on beaches or playgrounds, or in bathing areas, cabins, park buildings or concession facilities.

Of Special Interest: The island is 7 miles long and has 9.5 miles of pristine beach on the Gulf. Its 256 acres look much like they did 500 years ago, when the first Europeans arrived here.

Gasparilla Island State Park

Location: a barrier island on Florida's southwest coast, access is via Boca Grande Causeway at C.R. 775 and Placida

Hours: 8 AM to sunset

Parking: $3/vehicle

Amenities: 2 miles of beach, hiking/nature trails, restrooms, interpretive exhibits, picnic areas, showers, visitors center

Activities: swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, kayaking, shelling, biking, fishing, wildlife viewing

Pets: Yes, on 6' leashes. State parks do not permit pets on beaches or playgrounds, or in bathing areas, cabins, park buildings or concession facilities.

Of Special Interest: The beaches are the Park's greatest asset. They end at Boca Grande Pass, famous for its deep waters and tarpon fishing. The circa-1890 lighthouse once marked the pass for mariners. It is now a museum that explores the island's fishing and railroad heritage.

You can't go wrong choosing shining Fla beach stars like Captiva or Sanibel for your next Fla beach vacation. Gift certificates for the Captiva restaurants, the Mucky Duck and Old Captiva House, as well as the Sanibel restaurant, the Mad Hatter, can be found in The Florida Beach Book.

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Visit West Palm Beach Florida !

Just across the Lake Worth Lagoon from Palm Beach sits the city of West Palm Beach, Florida, a 55 square mile city with a population in excess of 82,000 situated on the Intercoastal Waterway.

Staying in West Palm Beach puts you right in the middle of things but costs less than staying in Palm Beach. You are right next door to Palm Beach with it's luxurious resorts and beaches, minutes from Boca Raton and just over a one and one half hour drive north of Miami Beach.

Stay at the West Palm Beach Marriott, 1001 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401, (561) 833-1234 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (561) 833-1234 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting, or the Crowne Plaza West Palm Beach Hotel, 1601 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406, (561) 689-6400 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (561) 689-6400 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting (Note: At this time the Crown Plaza is closed due to damage from Hurricane Frances, but will be reopening soon.), or the Courtyard By Marriott West Palm Beach, 600 Northpoint Parkway, West Palm Beach, Florida 33407, (561) 640-9000 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (561) 640-9000 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting, or the Hilton Palm Beach Airport (A 100% non smoking hotel.), 150 Australian Avenue, West Palm Beach, Florida, 33406, (561) 684-9400 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (561) 684-9400 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting, or the Radisson Hotel Palm Beach Airport, 1808 S. Australian Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33409, (561) 689-6888 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (561) 689-6888 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting. There are also a large number of even less expensive hotels in and around the city.

Play tennis on one of the thirty six tennis courts throughout the city, play golf at some of the best golf courses in the country (There are dozens of clubs and courses in the area.), visit the Palm Beach Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach, Florida 33405, (561) 547-9453 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (561) 547-9453 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting with it's Over 23 acres of lush, tropical landscaped habitats that are home to over 900 animals from Florida, Central and South America, Asia and Australia, visit the Norton Museum of Art, 1451 S Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, (561) 832-5196 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (561) 832-5196 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting with it's distinguished permanent collection featuring 19th and 20th century European and American art, Chinese, contemporary art and photography, or visit the South Florida Science Museum, 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach, FL 33405, (561) 832-1988 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (561) 832-1988 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting with its dozens of fun, hands-on interactive exhibits, natural history exhibits and it's Planetarium. Dine in one of West Palm Beach's or Palm Beach's fine dining establishments.

Shop at West Palm Beach's trendy boutiques or shop in Palm Beach at some of the finest shops in the world. Cruise the Intercoastal Waterway or go saltwater or freshwater fishing. If you just want to laze around on the beach and soak up the sun or play in the warm clear waters, you will find miles of beautiful public beaches in the area. Take in the Clematis by Night, free fountainside concert series, where visitors and locals mingle among arts and crafts vendors while enjoying live entertainment. Check out SunFest, Florida's largest waterfront music and art festival, which takes place in West Palm Beach each May. If you like night life you will find numerous night clubs and dance clubs right in West Palm Beach.

West Palm Beach, Florida has everything you could want and more, except high prices.

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Highlights of the Emerald Coast - Fort Walton Beach

Unfolding along Florida's panhandle is a beautiful region called the Emerald Coast. Its name comes from the sparkling green waters of the Gulf of Mexico that abut its sandy shores. The Emerald Coast begins in Pensacola to the west, and stretches 100 miles east to Panama City. Midway between them lies the real heart of the Emerald Coast: the sister cities of Destin and Fort Walton Beach. Flanking the outlet where the wide, beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay flows into the Gulf, these cities provide a prime vacation destination. Although Destin is fast becoming quite popular and upscale, if you enjoy a more down-to-earth atmosphere, you should check out Fort Walton Beach. If you're looking for a remarkable beach vacation in a town with a laid-back attitude, you'll enjoy your time here, and you'll never run out of things to do. Start your planning with the fine Fort Walton Beach vacation rentals.

The main attraction near Fort Walton Beach hotels is the spectacular shoreline. The beaches here are clean, soft, and white. They've been named the "safest in the country," as well as making "most beautiful beaches" lists. They're so addicting that you may find yourself simply unwinding each day with the sun on your face and your toes in sand, enjoying a light breeze and the sound of waves rolling in to shore. Maybe you'll rouse yourself to do some shelling or build a sand castle. The length of the shoreline near your Fort Walton Beach vacation rental is lined with coastal dunes. Ranging up to 50 feet high, these the dunes are particularly susceptible to human encroachment. Thus, more than 60 percent of them are protected by law, so you can stroll along them in their pristine, natural state right in front of your cozy inn.

The warm emerald waters of the Gulf may invite you in. With so much water all around your hotel, you'll find plenty of water recreation to enjoy. Although this area of the Gulf of Mexico is too far north for coral reefs, there are numerous artificial reefs and shipwrecks, even airplanes, to explore, so scuba diving or snorkeling in the clear water is a delight. You may be joined by manta rays, dolphins, or large loggerhead sea turtles. If you prefer to remain on top of the water, you can still view the sea life in a glass-bottom boat tour. Perhaps you'll spend a day away from your Fort Walton Beach lodging on a deep sea fishing cruise.

Freshwater fishing is abundant here, as well, with some bayous and various area rivers providing many choices. The Blackwater River is popular for canoeing, tubing or kayaking. You'll find beautiful areas on land as well. You might visit nearby Eden State Gardens, a hundred-year-old estate overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay. The moss-draped oak trees and picturesque gardens of azaleas and camellias transport to an earlier time. There's even sightseeing underground. You can head to Marianna from your Fort Walton Beach vacation rental to tour the Florida Caverns, the only limestone caverns in the state.

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Florida Beach Hotels at Panama City !

In the north-east area we have the Panama City Beach, which has conventionally been a vacation destination for millions but was not able to patronize the more classy vacation destinations in other parts of Florida. It is known for old-fashioned family vacations, with colorful amusement parks and arcades, miniature golf links, souvenir shops and a beautiful beach. Although the endless strips of bars, amusement parks and traditional motels still remain; this exciting and active destination now offers luxury resorts and condominium lodging, hotels and a variety of inns and vacation rentals along its sand beach. Great beaches, fishing, boating, wreck diving and golf has made Panama City Beach an all the more popular vacation destination for families from all over the globe.

This town is a seasonal resort with many restaurants and attractions closing between October and March when the annual spring break festivities set in motion and hordes of students begin to arrive. Getting there is not very difficult; you can go by Delta, US Airways that fly into Bay Country International Airport located near the Panama City. A trolley service also runs five times a day servicing the beach area. Some of its tourist attractions include Gulf World Marine Park, popular for its dolphin show and Sea Dragon.

The uninhabited nature preserve of Shell Island, which is a narrow island accessible only by a boat, is a popular spot for visitors to enjoy the beach. There is fishing in abundance, ranging from charter boats to shared party boats. The waters off Panama City have more than 50 artificial reefs and shipwrecks that are a famous spot for diving and snorkeling. As with all the famous destinations in Florida, there is no shortage of golf courses. The warm Gulf waters in its sheltered harbor offer an ideal playground for various water activities including jet skiing, boating, snorkeling, windsurfing, swimming, parasailing, fishing and canoeing.

Scores of natural and artificial reefs provide some of the best diving spots in the country. There are ample activities for land lovers as well: participate in some beach volleyball or tennis on one of the various courts, go shopping, visit a museum or zoo, have fun at one of the amusement parks or enjoy one of the annual events in town. One of the biggest nightclubs in the world is located here. Later relax yourself with a stroll along the beach or on one of the many piers that protrudes out into the gorgeous sea. It would not be wrong to say that there is something for everybody in this year-round vacation destination spot.

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Daytona Beach Resorts !

Daytona Beach is a Florida getaway that does not put on airs and graces. It is a place where you can relax and enjoy yourself at your own speed. It is also a place where you can enjoy the finest beaches, world-class sports attractions, excellent museums, and first-class restaurants.

The beach itself is world famous. As soon as you put on your swimsuit and step on the white sand, you will be in a different world. Everything seems so calm.

The beach is super wide, so wide and flat that cars and trucks ride on it. Many years ago cars actually raced on it. The ocean is unbelievably calm and very shallow when you go in and so you do not have to fight the waves.

There are 23 miles of beautiful beaches in the Daytona Beach area. As you look down the beach in either direction, it appears that all of the waves are breaking in unison.  This symmetry is intriguing. The waves breaking slowly over and over create a calming, relaxing effect. However, for those who to like to surf there are beaches where the waves are high and strong.

There is also a boardwalk on the beach with some exciting rides.  You could spend everyday of your vacation on the beach and many visitors do.  However, there is so much more to do and see in Daytona Beach.

The Daytona International Speedway is a must see on your visit to Daytona Beach. The Daytona 500 race is the most watched motor sports event in the world when attendance at the track and television viewing are combined. Estimated attendance for the Daytona 500 is 200,000 and more than 29 million watch it on television.

There are tours of the Speedway, but that is only a small part of it.  Located at the Speedway is DAYTONA USA. This is an interactive motor sports themed attraction.  This is an interesting and exciting entertainment experience for hard core race fans and also for casual observers.  It offers lots of fun for the whole family.  In addition to the thrilling interactive features, there are historical exhibits such as the Goodyear Heritage of Daytona history walk.

A good place to start your visit to DAYTONA USA is by taking a 30 minute guided tour of the Speedway.  The tour takes guests on an open-air tram through the Speedway's garage area.  The tour is narrated and you see Pit Road, Victory Lane and the world-famous 31 degree high banks where cars race at over 200 miles per hour.

There are two new motion simulator rides at DAYTONA USA. These are "Daytona Dream Laps" and "Acceleration Alley".  "Daytona Dream Laps" is a ride that seats 32 guests for a full range motion experience racing at the high banks of the Speedway.  On the "Acceleration Alley" ride you hop inside a racecar, buckle up and take a simulated ride at high speeds that combines motion, video, and sound. Other activities include going over the wall at Ford's 16 second pit stop challenge to test your skills in a live pit stop.

One of the most popular attractions is the Daytona 500 movie, a large-screen format film presented on a screen 55 feet wide and almost three stories tall in the Pepsi Theatre. You see the movie in the realism of 3D, and with the accompanying sounds you feel as though you are behind the wheel of one of the racing cars.

Tickets for DAYTONA USA including the Speedway tour are around $20 for adults, $17 for seniors and $14 for children 6-12.

If you want the real thing, for an additional charge of about $130 you can first don a racing outfit including helmet.  Then climb through the window of a racing car on the Speedway track, strap yourself in, and ride next to a race driver at high speeds around the track.   Whether or not you are a baseball fan, the Jackie Robinson Ballpark is an interesting place to visit in Daytona Beach.  This is where baseball legend Jackie Robinson played in the first integrated baseball game.  The ballpark was built in 1908, seats 3800 fans, and is the Class A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.

It is also a museum with plaques and photos documenting the life of Jackie Robinson. It explains Robinson's childhood, how he excelled in many sports in college, and the humiliating experiences he faced as the man who broke the colour barrier in major league baseball.  It also lists many of his accomplishments such as playing in six world series and being voted MVP in 1949 in the National League.  But the one that tells it all, was that after Robinson's retirement from baseball, his "number 42" was also retired by every major league baseball team.  It's a real pleasure to visit this historical ballpark and watch the Daytona Beach Cubs play. Tickets are only $5.

Another fun way to see Daytona Beach is by an amphibious adventure on a trolleyboat.  It leaves daily from the Ocean Walk Shoppes and takes you on a drive through historic Daytona Beach.  It then enters the Halifax River where you are given a narrated tour of the history and wildlife of the area with great views of the riverfront mansions.  The trolleyboat then leaves the river and drives you back to the Ocean Walk Shoppes.

At the Ocean Walk Shoppes there is lots to do.  There is a new Bandshell featuring concerts with an ocean view and a beachside theatre showing ten movies.  There is also a delightful Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant for some casual fun, good food, based on the Forrest Gump movie with plenty of Forrest's favorite fixins.   A visit to the Museum of Arts and Sciences is a wonderful way to spend some relaxing and interesting hours in Daytona Beach.  All six permanent collections are excellent.   The Centre for Florida History collection tells the story of Florida's historical and cultural development from prehistory to the present complete with interactive features.  It centres around a 13 foot tall skeleton of a Giant Ground Sloth which was excavated in 1975 in a fossil site called the Daytona Bone Bed.  This huge vegetarian could have weighed three to five tons and eaten a daily ration of 300 pounds of plants abundant in the area.

The Cuban Museum collection is the largest Cuban Museum in the world outside of Cuba.  It contains rare 18th, 19th, and early 20th century maps, documents, lithographs, paintings, furniture, sculpture, and ceramics arranged chronologically.  Rare photographs help establish a sense of time and place.   The Root family's collection is not only interesting, but it also brings back a lot of memories.  This is an astounding display of more than 800 Teddy Bears, ranging from seven feet tall to only a few inches in height.  Each Teddy Bear represents a different time period or theme, and portrays everyday scenes such as a "Teddy Bear Wedding", complete with bridesmaids, grooms, and a minister.

The Root family has also amassed one of the most historically important anthologies of the American soft drink, Coca-Cola, on which their family fortune was founded. The collection includes just about every conceivable item relating to bottling, advertising, and consumption of Coca-Cola. The Root's collection also includes an impressive array of decorative arts, china, silverware, and glasses collected from 85 of the nation's railroads, hotels, and restaurants.  Two actual railroad cars are also displayed in this permanent collection.

There are still lots of other fun things to do in Daytona Beach. You can spend an hour or two at the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, and climb to the top if you wish.  It is the tallest lighthouse in Florida.   Not far from the lighthouse is the Inlet Harbor Marina and Restaurant.  The seafood is fabulous. There is a lot of freshly caught fish on the menu.  It is a nice place for lunch or dinner (they have sunset specials if seated by 6 p.m.) with a lovely waterfront view.  You can dine inside or on the riverfront outdoor deck.  It is casual dining.  A live band playing on the outdoor deck added to the festive Caribbean like setting.

Greyhound racing is also another exciting attraction in the area. They race at the Daytona Beach Kennel Club. Children are welcome with a parent or guardian.

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The Best Beach Hotels in Florida !

Florida has many gorgeous places, and there is no doubt: Redondo Beach is one of the best beaches around. Here you can have a great day at the beach, and then have a nice walk to the Redondo Beach Pier, where you will find many local restaurants with delightful cuisine. After you have had your supper, you can go shopping at local shops, or you can go fishing. The beach pier is open 24 hours a day, so it is not a problem if you want to watch the sunrise, and then go surfing in the morning.

As for lodging, there is something for everyone at Redondo Beach: there are luxury resorts and charming, small motels and inns. But you can be sure you will stay up in the evening: this is because Brixton South Bay comes alive after sunset. You will be able to hear the best live music in town, and with some luck, you will be able to catch some really famous rock band. The restaurants and bars are open all night, so if you get hungry or thirsty, you can refresh yourself.

The Crown Plaza and Marina Hotel is one of the most famous hotels in Redondo Beach. The hotel can be found on the pacific coast, near King Harbor and the beautiful Redondo Municipal Pier. This hotel captures the spirit of Redondo Beach to perfection, and you can have gorgeous views from the hotel room. There is a great sandy beach just outside the hotel, and this is where you will be able to catch a bus or boat to Los Angeles, Catilina Island and the beach communities of El Segundo, Torrance, Hermosa Beach and Gardena.

Another great place to stay is the Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club. This hotel has luxurious waterfront accommodations, viewing King Harbor, with breathtaking scenes from sunsets, sailboats to dolphins and pelicans. The hotel was completely restored and refurbished not long ago, so you will be able to wonder at the new, ocean-inspired theme for the lobby, and upgraded guest rooms and baths.

For those who are looking for a cheaper place to stay, Best Western Redondo Beach Inn can be a great opportunity. The inn is only 9 miles south from Los Angeles International Airport and the beach is also within walking distance. Because of its great location, the Best Western Redondo Beach Inn is hugely popular among business and leisure travelers.

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Gulf of Mexico Beach

Vacationing in the Gulf of Mexico offers many activities, amenities and choices of accommodations as well as destinations. One of the most popular destination choices in the Gulf is Sanibel Island in Florida. With the many condominiums available on the island, you can literally stay within just a few steps of the beautiful beaches and clear, crystal waters of the Gulf. Finding a Gulf of Mexico beach accommodation in Sanibel is as simple as going online and booking your room.

Whether you are planning a family vacation or an intimate getaway, you will find that the choices for accommodations on Sanibel Island are virtually endless. From one bedroom apartments to fully stocked condos, there are many places to stay and many places to see once you arrive.

Restaurants in the area offer a full selection of cuisine from the traditional seafood to steaks. Grocery stores are also located easily where you can shop and cook your own food, allowing more money in your budget to engage in a variety of the offered activities. If you love shelling, then Sanibel Island is the perfect choice. There are a wide variety of seashells located on the island, which have led to its world renowned reputation for shelling.

Biking, boating, fishing and a wide choice of other activities are also available. Of course you could spend your time completely on the Gulf of Mexico beach, lazing in the beautiful sunshine and taking in all the beautiful scenery around you. Whatever your taste with regards to daily activities, you are sure to find something to please your every whim on Sanibel Island.

Sanibel and Captiva are barrier islands that are connected to the Florida mainland by a causeway that reaches from Fort Myers to San Carlos Bay. This lovely three mile long causeway offers a wonderful chance to take in all the beauty that surrounds the area.

Once you have settled in your condominium, hotel room or apartment, be sure to head straight to the beach. The beautiful beaches in this area offer clean sand and crystal clear waters that are simply hard to find anywhere else on earth.

If you are dreaming of a tropical vacation, then a Gulf of Mexico beach vacation is the perfect choice. From the many amenities to the wonderful wildlife found in the area, Sanibel Beach provides you with a wonderful destination filled with good food, exciting activities and some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the world.

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Florida Hotels on Beach !

Florida is one of the largest states in the US. It is situated in the southeast corner of the country, bordering the Atlantic Ocean. This state is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and so hospitality is one of its major revenue generators. Florida hotels range from the economical ones to elegant five-star hotels.

Florida is home to not only many beaches and parks, but also to the globally famous Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando. Thus, this city has a lot to offer to people of all age groups. One visiting Florida should be ready to spend a lot of time there, and therefore opt for the cheaper hotels, as one is expected to spend most of the time outdoors, returning to the hotel only to sleep.

The wide range of Florida hotels have various tourist packages to offer. They have coupon booklets, whereby one can get discounts when visiting places like Disney World, water parks and beaches. Apart from that, some of the hotels also offer complete tour packages, whereby one can avail of discounts at hotels belonging to a particular chain.

It is almost next to impossible to get a complete feel of Florida in a short trip. Ideally, one should spend at least three weeks to see most of Florida, if not all of it. But in order to get the best experience, the Florida hotels offer tour packages, taking one to the popular tourist destinations the includes the best of beaches, parks, Disney World and Universal Studios, as well as certain heritage places and small cities that preserve Florida's cultural history.

The local travel agents usually do bookings at Florida hotels. These agents also ensure that you get the best tour packages within your budget. No matter what the grade of hotel, each one is well maintained, providing a visitor with the best staying experience.

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Best Beaches in Florida - Clearwater Beach Hotels

Long considered one of the Best Beaches, Florida's Clearwater Beach is perhaps the busiest on the gulf coast. It is 3 miles long and broad, and you can walk from one end to the other. Its soft, powdery white quartz sand attracts locals, tourists and its fair share of spring breakers. Watersports like jet skiing, parasailing and water biking are popular. Clearwater Beach has something for everyone. Dinner cruises and Pirate Cruises are a fun diversion and if you must bring your laptop, there's free Wi-Fi access.

Two favorite Clearwater Beach restaurants are Bob Heilman's Beachcomber and Bobby's Bistro & Wine Bar located next door to one another on Mandalay Avenue in North Clearwater Beach. The Beachcomber is a Clearwater Beach tradition since 1948. A free bottle of wine with dinner for two from their world class wine cellar is yours with a certificate from The Florida Beach Book.

A favorite Clearwater Beach hotel is the Sandpearl Resort. There are plenty of affordable Clearwater Beach motels, inns and condos to choose from as well. The southern end of Clearwater Bch is chock full of hotels, restaurants and resorts. There's nightlife, shopping and plenty to do. Pier 60 is an event in and of itself! Every night at Sunset join the party (modeled after Key West's sunset event) with entertainers, artists and craftspeople.

Clearwater Beach is located in Pinellas County which is home to Clearwater, the county seat, St. Petersburg & Tarpon Springs. The county is located on a narrow 280 square mile peninsula with the Gulf on one side and Tampa Bay on the other. It is one of three counties that make up "Greater Tampa Bay."

Pinellas County offers 35 miles of white-sand bchs on 20 barrier islands. 1 or 2 of them frequently wind up on noteworthy Best Beach Lists!

Want to check out the area but tired of walking? Just hop on the trolley and it will take you there! From north to south and all the stops in between, from Clearwater Bch to Pass-A-Grille in St. Pete Bch, the trolley stops at every beach and town in between.

Here are some specifics on Clearwater Beach from The Florida Beach Book, along with a few others in the county:

Clearwater Beach

Location: west on U.S. 60. The municipal bch is located on the southern half of Clearwater Bch between the Clearwater Pass jetty to the south and Avalon Ave. to the north.

Hours: 24 hours

Parking: metered lots/streets, $.75-$2.00/hour

Amenities: 3 miles of white sand, concessions, showers, restrooms, cabana, umbrella and watercraft rentals, volleyball courts, showers, playground, Pier 60 fishing pier, picnic shelters, grills

Activities: swimming, volleyball, fishing, sunbathing, walking, shelling, surfing

Pets: no

Of Special Interest: Pier 60 is open 24 hours and is located ½ mile north of Clearwater Pass."Sunsets at Pier 60" are every evening, starting two hours before sunset. Modeled after Mallory Square in Key West, you can join local artists, craftspeople and performers at this famous landmark. Pier 60 has restaurants, shopping and concessions on and around it as well as bait and tackle shop and rod rentals.

Beach Walk is a winding beachside promenade with lush landscaping, artistic touches and clear views to Clearwater's award-winning bch and the water beyond, a place where bicyclists, rollerbladers and pedestrians all have safe and convenient access and where visitors and locals can socialize, dine, play games, or simply enjoy the spectacular sun and surf.

Fort De Soto Park

Location: 3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde

Hours: sunrise to sunset

Parking: free

Amenities: this park consists of 1,136 acres made up of five interconnected islands. It has over 7 miles of waterfront, including almost three miles of the finest white sand bch in the United States, an 800-foot-long boat launching facility with eleven floating docks and a 238-site family camping area with facilities including picnic tables, grills, water, electricity, washers, dryers, sanitary disposal stations, modern restrooms, showers, play areas, and a camp store. Two large swim centers including a food concession area located at the North Bch Swim Center. It has two fishing piers with food and bait concessions. Restrooms, picnic shelters, snack bar, recreation trail, nature trails, canoe trail and a dog park complete the picture!

Activities: swimming, fishing, boating, camping, hiking, walking, biking, in-line skating

Pets: yes, in designated areas

Of Special Interest: Fort De Soto Park was named America's Top Bch for the second consecutive year (2009) by TripAdvisor. Citing a "spectacular combination of soft white sand, calm, clear water and a laid-back atmosphere," the popular online travel network put the park's North Beach at the top of its annual best-of list. In 2005 Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, a.k.a. "Dr. Beach," named Fort De Soto the nation's #1 Bch.

Pass-a-Grille Beach

Location: 1000 Pass-a-Grille Way, Pass-a-Grille

Parking: metered $1-$1.25/hour

Amenities: 1 mile long, concessions, playground, picnic areas, restrooms and showers. Handicapped accessible & handicapped wheechairs 

Activities: swimming, fishing, walking, sunbathing

Pets: no

Of Special Interest: Relax and take in beautiful sunsets, and discover the historic charm of this Old Florida fishing community. You won't find any high rise hotels, just a wide open bch. Located on the southern tip of Long Key, Pass-A-Grille features restaurants, small inns and eclectic shops. Historic 8th Avenue contains the oldest dwellings on the Pinellas bchs, and one of the largest Historic Districts on the Gulf Coast.

Treasure Island Park

Location: 10400 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island

Hours: sunrise to sunset

Parking: metered $1-$1.25/hour

Amenities: 2 miles long, concessions, handicapped accessibility & handicapped wheelchairs, picnic areas, restrooms, showers, volleyball courts

Activities: swimming, fishing, sunbathing, jet skiing, volleyball, surfing, sunset watching

Pets: no

Of Special Interest: On a two mile stretch of this large bch, visitors can fly kites, rent jet skis, or play on one of the dozens of volleyball courts. Accommodations of all sizes and price ranges dot the bch, and nearby bistros provide a great place to recharge. Treasure Island's wide bch and family friendly accommodations have made it a prime vacation destination for multiple generations.

Treasure Island Beach (Access)

Location: 100th Avenue & Gulf Blvd.

Hours:sunrise to sunset

Parking: metered $1-$1.25/hour

Amenities: restrooms and showers, biking/jogging path

Activities: swimming, sunbathing, biking, jogging, walking, surfing

Pets: no

John's Pass Beach and Park

Location: Gulf Blvd. @129th St., Madeira Beach

Hours: 6 AM to midnight

Parking: metered, $1/hour

Amenities: 500 feet of beachfront, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, jetty, handicapped access

Activities: swimming, fishing, sunbathing

Pets: No

Of Special Interest: on Sand Key, which is 14 miles long and extends from John's Pass to Clearwater Pass.

Kitty Stuart Park

Location: Gulf Blvd. @ 140th-141st Avenues, Madeira Beach

Parking: limited metered, $1/hour

Amenities: shower, picnic table

Activities: swimming, fishing, sunbathing

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