What Makes Florida the Perfect Holiday Destination

When you mention the topic of Florida vacations, most people automatically think about the immense variety of theme parks. But there is so much more to Florida than that. After all, those who don’t like rollercoasters and water slides can still have a great time in this fabulous state without ever setting foot in a theme park. So, why do so many people choose to visit Florida for their annual vacation? And what is it that makes them return year after year? 

Fantastic Beaches

What many people do not appreciate is that Florida is one of the best beach spots in the United States. Indeed, here you will find miles and miles of magnificent coastline in towns and cities from Naples to Miami. According to those at OutCoast, the beaches are filled with people of all ages, color, race, religion, and sexual orientation. If you are gay, Florida is a fantastic place for a beach vacation thanks to a number dedicated gay beaches and gay-friendly resorts and hotels. 

Nature Parks

Away from children’s characters and hordes of tourists are some of the most stunning national and state parks around. In fact, there are more than 175 of them in Florida. Visitors can enjoy plenty of fun and adventure here with the opportunity to hike, swim, cycle, or paddle boat. If you want to see some amazing wildlife, the Everglades National Park is definitely worth a visit. The Myakka River State Park in Sarasota is another popular park at which you can see a vast variety of birds or take a boat trip on the lake. 

Shopping

Florida has plenty to offer in terms of shopping opportunities. If you love some retail therapy, you will certainly not be disappointed. From quaint boutiques to large factory outlets, you will definitely find some hidden gems and superb bargains on a Florida shopping trip. The larger malls have hundreds of stores and eateries, where you can take a break from the sunshine and enjoy spending your hard-earned dollars. 

The Florida Keys

The Florida Keys is a chain of islands linked by one road. Here you can enjoy fabulous scuba diving and snorkeling at the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Just outside of the park is the National Marine Sanctuary with the submerged statue of Christ of the Abyss, which is definitely worth seeing. If you enjoy sporting activities and wildlife, the Florida Keys are for you. 

Nightlife

While there is certainly plenty to do during the day in Florida, the nightlife is just as exciting. Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale are two of the main hotspots for Florida nightlife with lively bars, nightclubs, and plenty of restaurants. Even those staying close to the central areas of Orlando and Daytona can enjoy fantastic nightlife at Universal CityWalk or Pleasure Island in the Walt Disney World complex. 

Culture

If you love culture and the arts, you will find plenty to keep you busy while in Florida. There is a host of museums worth visiting including the National Museum of Naval Aviation, The Museum of Science and Industry, and the History Museum. You can also enjoy a Broadway-style show or grab tickets to a major sporting event or rock concert during your stay. 

Conclusion

Florida is one of the most popular U.S. destinations for a vacation, and with so much to see and do here it is not hard to see why. But despite being the self-styled theme park capital of the world, there is much more to Florida. Visitors can enjoy museums, national parks, stunning beaches, and much more.