Florida
Your Florida Side is Calling
Turn the page and discover miles of immaculate beaches, wonders of nature, unexpected adventures, a shopping paradise and much, much more.
Awaken your FLORIDA side
The Sunshine State is both a sun-kissed vacation destination and a state of mind, where time slows, relaxation begins, and fun takes priority. Whether it’s kayaking along a river, learning about the state’s history and culture, or just tasting some of the best food around, the Sunshine State offers an opportunity for all visitors to get in touch with their Florida side.
Experience the natural beauty and diverse eco-system of the Thousand Island Cocoa Beach area with a guided kayak eco-tour. With no prior kayaking experience necessary, exploring the Thousand Islands is fun for all ages. Nature lovers can explore mangrove tunnels, channels and islands and catch a glimpse of some of the exotic wildlife that inhabits the area such as Great Blue Herons, Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins, Manatees and Bald Eagles.
For those who prefer to take a more laid back approach to awaken their Florida side, the Sunshine State has plenty of sugar white sand beaches for relaxing on. Siesta Beach is known for its 99 percent pure quartz sand and easy-going atmosphere. Located near Sarasota, this award-winning beach offers a variety of activities and amenities such as tennis and volleyball courts, and shaded playgrounds and picnic areas. Siesta Village, comprised of shops and restaurants, is just a short walk from the beach. Gentle waves and shallow water near the shoreline, along with year-round lifeguard protection, make Siesta Beach a perfect family beach destination.
Discover your FLORIDA side
Awaken your sense of adventure and your passion while embracing life, adventure, romance, and excitement. Release your cares and give yourself permission to experience Florida’s amazing beaches and breathtaking nature excursions. Visitors can see all of the Sunshine State’s wonders in a variety of ways. When your Florida side calls, answer it. Head over to www.VISITFLORIDA.com and start planning your trip to the Sunshine State. You’ll find stories, trip ideas, pictures and advice from the VISITFLORIDA.com Insiders.
Tallahassee
Visitors to the sunshine State’s Capital City can view and purchase pieces from hundreds of artists at the Annual LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. This festival has become a widely anticipated annual springtime event in Tallahassee, featuring works of photography, sculpture, painting and more. Best of all, admission is free to the public, and festival proceeds from art purchased from vendors benefit LeMoyne’s educational programs.
Take a stroll along Lake Talquin, a man-made lake formed in 1927 when the Jackson Bluff Dam was constructed on the Ochlockonee River to produce hydroelectric power. Although swimming is not allowed in the lake, there are plenty of recreational opportunities. From picnicking and boating to sports fishing, Lake Talquin has something for everyone looking to reconnect with nature in the Capital City.
Jacksonville Area
Visitors can head to Northeast Florida to unleash their Florida side and get in touch with the Sunshine State’s natural beauty.
Designated by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Great Florida Birding Trail, is specially designed for you to view exotic bird life. The self-guided trail features detailed guide books, with species descriptions, directions and maps of birding opportunity sites, and special signs identifying trail sites.
Cast a line at the Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier overlooking the ocean. The 1,300-foot concrete structure extends nearly a quarter mile into the sea, offering ample access to fishing, concessions and a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean. Try to catch your limit or simply stroll the length of the pier, taking in the beauty that surrounds you.
Orlando Area
Every October, Central Florida’s largest Hispanic festival, Florida Calle Orange Festival Latino, brings together people of many nationalities, religions and backgrounds to enjoy food, music and dancing in the streets of downtown Orlando. Beginning as a primarily Puerto Rican gathering, this festival now encompasses a myriad of cultures — from Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean.
After visiting the Orlando area’s SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World, guests can experience the magic of Universal Orlando Resort’s “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” opening in spring 2010. The new land based on J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series is located in Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park. After entering through the Hogsmeade archway, guests can experience shops and dining featured in the books. With rides for the whole family, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter features “Dragon Challenge,” a twin high-speed roller coaster; “Flight of the Hippogriff,” a family coaster and “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey,” an attraction bringing the world of Harry Potter to life using new and advanced technology.
Tampa Bay Area
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay combines world-class thrill rides, live entertainment and one of North America’s largest zoos in one unforgettable adventure for the whole family. In Jungala, discover a colorful village, where you can explore the treetops on a zipline adventure and connect up close with exotic animals.
Experience one of America’s finest gardens at Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales. A nature preserve surrounding a 205-foot sculpted marble carillon tower with daily concerts and Mediterranean style mansion, this National Historic Landmark has many family-friendly garden areas giving children the opportunity to learn about the gardens while playing in a vine-covered arbor or observing butterflies.
Greater Fort Lauderdale Area
Get a taste of South Florida during Dine Out Lauderdale. Every October, the Greater Fort Lauderdale area recognizes the most acclaimed eateries in a six-week culinary celebration of Broward County’s top restaurants, chefs and cuisines. Each of the participating restaurants creates a special three-course dinner menu featuring an appetizer, entree and dessert offered
at a fixed price (tax and gratuity not included). Indulge your Florida side and experience the very best of Fort Lauderdale culinary life.
Visitors can learn about the unconquered Seminole Tribe of Florida at Billie Swamp Safari on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation in the Florida Everglades. Swamp Buggy Eco-Tours and Airboat Rides depart daily through the untamed Everglades with abundant native and exotic wildlife including alligators, many bird species, hogs, élan, bison and more.
Enjoy animal and reptile exhibits, boardwalk nature trail, and sample Seminole foods in the Swamp Water Café. A rustic camping village includes native-style chickees for overnight stays.
Awaken your FLORIDA side
The Sunshine State is both a sun-kissed vacation destination and a state of mind, where time slows, relaxation begins, and fun takes priority. Whether it’s kayaking along a river, learning about the state’s history and culture, or just tasting some of the best food around, the Sunshine State offers an opportunity for all visitors to get in touch with their Florida side.
Experience the natural beauty and diverse eco-system of the Thousand Island Cocoa Beach area with a guided kayak eco-tour. With no prior kayaking experience necessary, exploring the Thousand Islands is fun for all ages. Nature lovers can explore mangrove tunnels, channels and islands and catch a glimpse of some of the exotic wildlife that inhabits the area such as Great Blue Herons, Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins, Manatees and Bald Eagles.
For those who prefer to take a more laid back approach to awaken their Florida side, the Sunshine State has plenty of sugar white sand beaches for relaxing on. Siesta Beach is known for its 99 percent pure quartz sand and easy-going atmosphere. Located near Sarasota, this award-winning beach offers a variety of activities and amenities such as tennis and volleyball courts, and shaded playgrounds and picnic areas. Siesta Village, comprised of shops and restaurants, is just a short walk from the beach. Gentle waves and shallow water near the shoreline, along with year-round lifeguard protection, make Siesta Beach a perfect family beach destination.
Discover your FLORIDA side
Awaken your sense of adventure and your passion while embracing life, adventure, romance, and excitement. Release your cares and give yourself permission to experience Florida’s amazing beaches and breathtaking nature excursions. Visitors can see all of the Sunshine State’s wonders in a variety of ways. When your Florida side calls, answer it. Head over to www.VISITFLORIDA.com and start planning your trip to the Sunshine State. You’ll find stories, trip ideas, pictures and advice from the VISITFLORIDA.com Insiders.
Tallahassee
Visitors to the sunshine State’s Capital City can view and purchase pieces from hundreds of artists at the Annual LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. This festival has become a widely anticipated annual springtime event in Tallahassee, featuring works of photography, sculpture, painting and more. Best of all, admission is free to the public, and festival proceeds from art purchased from vendors benefit LeMoyne’s educational programs.
Take a stroll along Lake Talquin, a man-made lake formed in 1927 when the Jackson Bluff Dam was constructed on the Ochlockonee River to produce hydroelectric power. Although swimming is not allowed in the lake, there are plenty of recreational opportunities. From picnicking and boating to sports fishing, Lake Talquin has something for everyone looking to reconnect with nature in the Capital City.
Jacksonville Area
Visitors can head to Northeast Florida to unleash their Florida side and get in touch with the Sunshine State’s natural beauty.
Designated by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Great Florida Birding Trail, is specially designed for you to view exotic bird life. The self-guided trail features detailed guide books, with species descriptions, directions and maps of birding opportunity sites, and special signs identifying trail sites.
Cast a line at the Jacksonville Beach Fishing Pier overlooking the ocean. The 1,300-foot concrete structure extends nearly a quarter mile into the sea, offering ample access to fishing, concessions and a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean. Try to catch your limit or simply stroll the length of the pier, taking in the beauty that surrounds you.
Orlando Area
Every October, Central Florida’s largest Hispanic festival, Florida Calle Orange Festival Latino, brings together people of many nationalities, religions and backgrounds to enjoy food, music and dancing in the streets of downtown Orlando. Beginning as a primarily Puerto Rican gathering, this festival now encompasses a myriad of cultures — from Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean.
After visiting the Orlando area’s SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World, guests can experience the magic of Universal Orlando Resort’s “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” opening in spring 2010. The new land based on J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series is located in Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park. After entering through the Hogsmeade archway, guests can experience shops and dining featured in the books. With rides for the whole family, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter features “Dragon Challenge,” a twin high-speed roller coaster; “Flight of the Hippogriff,” a family coaster and “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey,” an attraction bringing the world of Harry Potter to life using new and advanced technology.
Tampa Bay Area
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay combines world-class thrill rides, live entertainment and one of North America’s largest zoos in one unforgettable adventure for the whole family. In Jungala, discover a colorful village, where you can explore the treetops on a zipline adventure and connect up close with exotic animals.
Experience one of America’s finest gardens at Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales. A nature preserve surrounding a 205-foot sculpted marble carillon tower with daily concerts and Mediterranean style mansion, this National Historic Landmark has many family-friendly garden areas giving children the opportunity to learn about the gardens while playing in a vine-covered arbor or observing butterflies.
Greater Fort Lauderdale Area
Get a taste of South Florida during Dine Out Lauderdale. Every October, the Greater Fort Lauderdale area recognizes the most acclaimed eateries in a six-week culinary celebration of Broward County’s top restaurants, chefs and cuisines. Each of the participating restaurants creates a special three-course dinner menu featuring an appetizer, entree and dessert offered
at a fixed price (tax and gratuity not included). Indulge your Florida side and experience the very best of Fort Lauderdale culinary life.
Visitors can learn about the unconquered Seminole Tribe of Florida at Billie Swamp Safari on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation in the Florida Everglades. Swamp Buggy Eco-Tours and Airboat Rides depart daily through the untamed Everglades with abundant native and exotic wildlife including alligators, many bird species, hogs, élan, bison and more.
Enjoy animal and reptile exhibits, boardwalk nature trail, and sample Seminole foods in the Swamp Water Café. A rustic camping village includes native-style chickees for overnight stays.
