If your idea of vacation includes white sand beaches, emerald green waters and beautiful sunsets, then Destin might be the place for you. For recreation Destin offers family friendly go-kart rides, golf, snorkeling, water parks or a day of relaxation on the beach. If you enjoy fishing, Destin gives easy access to deep Gulf waters and fish such as blue marlin, mahi-mahi, wahoo and sailfish. Close to shore, you can catch kingfish, grouper and snapper. (Reference1)
Pensacola is home to the Navy’s Blue Angels. This flight demonstration team performs twice each year for the Pensacola area. You may catch a glimpse of them training at other times. Experienced divers might enjoy the USS Oriskany, the world’s largest known artificial reef, which calls Pensacola home. Historic Pensacola Village features museums, including the National Museum of Aviation and 19th century homes. (Reference 2,8)
Panama City gets 320 days per year of sunshine and has an average temperature of 74 degrees F, just right for enjoying what Trip Advisor calls the second best beach in America. (See reference 7) Families enjoy Wonderworks, an upside down attraction with over 100 interactive exhibits. For more excitement, visit the Ripley’s Believe it or Not 4D exhibit. In May of 2010, the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport opened, making the area more accessible from other parts of the country. (Reference 3)
The St. Petersburg/Clearwater area on the gulf offers many attractions, dining options, shopping venues and outdoor activities for every age. The Salvador Dali Museum is located on the waterfront of St. Pete and has over 2,500 oil paintings, watercolors, sketches and sculptures. (See reference 6) Pier 60 in Clearwater features crafters, artisans, street performers and live music every day from 6:30 p. m until 10:30 p. m. (reference4)
Another spot of interest along the Florida Gulf shore, Sarasota, is located 40 miles south of Tampa Bay. Visit the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, which has a display of more than 6,000 orchids and 20,000 plants. The Ringling Museum of Arts, the previous summer home to John Ringling of Ringling Brothers Circus fame, houses the art collection of its former owner. The Circus Museum, on the same property, documents the history of the circus in America. (See reference 5)
