Florida: Fun in the Sun

In a few short weeks, school will be out for summer break and your children will be asking, what are we doing for summer vacation?  This week, I am starting a series on summer vacation ideas.   Florida will be the first destination reviewed.   It’s a great place for a family vacation.  Florida offers a variety of activities so everyone in the family will be able to find a favorite.

If your family loves outdoor activities, amusement parks and history, Florida has options for you!

Florida Outdoors

Fishing, camping, hiking, beaches, boating, sailing, are just a few of the fun outdoor activities in Florida.  You can go fresh-water fishing in one of Florida’s many lakes or saltwater fishing in the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic Ocean.  Florida’s many parks allow for many choices in camping and hiking.

Of course, Florida has beautiful beaches.  On the west coast, you can visit the white sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico or on the east coast the large waves in the Atlantic Ocean.  If you want to relax, grab your favorite book, beach chair and pick your favorite spot on the sand.

Silver Springs State Park and Ocala National Forest are found in central Florida.  The glass-bottom boats at Silver Springs are a unique Florida experience.  The boat ride and beautiful views of Silver Springs should not be missed.

These are just a few of the many outdoor activities Florida offers.

Florida Amusement Parks

If you love amusement parks, then Florida is the place for you.  Orlando has all the Disney themed attractions – the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios plus 2 Disney water parks and the complete Walt Disney World Resort.

Additionally, Orlando offers Universal Studios, Sea World, The Holy Land Experience, Legoland (Winter Haven), and so much more.  You could never run out of activities.  I have lived in Florida most of my life and I have not been to all of the parks I mentioned.

If you are looking for something different on your visit, don’t forget the “live” mermaids at Weeki-Watchee!

Florida History

Florida is a state with a rich history.  St. Augustine, on the east coast near Jacksonville, is the oldest continuous settlement in the United States.  The Fountain of Youth can be found in St. Augustine.  We always visit the Fountain of Youth when we visit St. Augustine and have a sip of the water.

A visit to Florida would not be complete without visiting Key West the southern most point of the United States (interesting historical fact that during the civil war the Union, not the Confederates controlled the port at Key West).  The historical district of Key West also has interesting historical markers including Harry Truman’s Little White House and Ernest Hemingway’s home.

For the science lover, further to the north at Cape Canaveral, the Kennedy Space Center provides the fusion of the history of space travel and science knowledge.

From the panhandle to Key West, Florida offers visitors many activities.  So much to do every day and so much fun, what will you do first on your Florida summer vacation?

What is your favorite Florida vacation activity?