It's no secret that Florida is a popular vacation destination. Its beaches, cities, theme parks and natural beauty make it one of the most visited states in the country. An endangered population of panthers prowls the Everglades, and the state is also home to St. Augustine, the longest continuously inhabited European settlement in the New World. Children will love Disney World, and many newlyweds choose to spend their honeymoon in Key West. Just a two-hour flight from New York, Florida offers quick weekend trips to suit any budget and taste.
Miami is easily the biggest city in the state, filled with famous residents, flashy cars and world-class dining and shopping opportunities. South Beach is one of the best destinations for its beaches, shopping and nightlife. The mansions that line the waterfront are studies in opulence, but the area is also steeped in historical Art Deco architecture.
Just one hour outside the city is Everglades National Park, which offers camping, hiking and birdwatching. Visitors can watch alligators sunning themselves or keep an eye out for glimpses of the highly endangered Florida panther.
Key West is the most famous of the Florida Keys, but those who drive down from Miami or another locale know that all of the islands are dotted with beautiful beaches and wildlife preserves, perfect for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing. However, Key West easily has the most to do, with shops selling everything from tacky T-shirts to upscale art and plenty of key lime pies. Take a picture with the Mile 0 sign--Key West marks the end of Route 1, the road that runs the length of the Eastern seaboard--and visit the southernmost point in the continental United States, just 90 miles from Cuba. Literature buffs will want to visit the Ernest Hemingway house, where descendants of his cats still roam. Visitors can also watch the sun rise and set over the water.
Disney World is every child's dream vacation, but it can be an enjoyable destination for adults, too. Of course it has a huge array of theme park rides, but the park is much more than roller coasters. Watching daily parades and fireworks, taking pictures with Disney characters, eating in the destination-themed restaurants and watching exotic species in Animal Kingdom are just a few of the ways visitors can spend their days at Disney.
