There's more to the state of Florida than just theme parks. Towns and cities from Pensacola to Jacksonville and south to Key West offer hot spots and attractions that fit the definition of a tropical dream vacation. Every part of the sunshine state has something to offer to fit any budget.
To help rebuild Florida's economy and create more jobs, the state has produced a tourism campaign in which residents can take an active part. If you're a Florida resident who's thinking of inviting someone out of state to visit, be sure to mention the top attractions in your area. If you're a tourist planning to visit Florida in the near future, then be sure to check out this author's list of personal recommendations of places to see. And thank you in advance for helping to rebuild Florida's economy.
Florida Residents Create Jobs with Share a Little Sunshine
Tourism is Florida's top industry. As a lifetime Florida resident, I know there are top quality attractions of all kinds in practically every town and city throughout the entire state. According to the American Automobile Association, Florida welcomes more than 80 million visitors each year. John Tomlin, President and CEO of AAA Auto Club South states, "[Visitors] spend more than $60 billion dollars in the state. This generates 22 percent of the state's sales tax and creates employment for nearly 1 million Floridians."
After the economic crisis of 2009, Florida needed a way to bring back the tourists, as well as bring in more visitors. More tourism means more jobs for residents and all those tourist dollars add up to a stronger economy that could start moving forward again. A campaign was created that would not only create jobs, but it would also give everyone living in Florida the opportunity to be a part of the solution.
How does Share a Little Sunshine work? It's easy. Just go to the official Share a Little Sunshine page on the Visit Florida website and select a postcard video invitation that can be emailed to friends and family outside the state. Write a short message inviting the person to spend a vacation in Florida. That's it! Anyone of almost any age can participate. As John Tomlin states, "In less than two minutes, you'll have done something to help the state's economy and encourage others to create their own priceless Florida vacation memories." You can even create a postcard using your own uploaded video if you want.
Florida's Playgrounds are Open All Year 'Round
If you're a traveler who's thinking about visiting the Sunshine State, then you should know that Florida tourist attractions are open year 'round. The most popular family attractions in Florida are at the center of the state in the Orlando area – Disney World, Epcot and Sea World, etc. – but one can literally go in any direction and find something of interest. Florida vacation deals are plentiful; packages come in all sizes and prices, and can accommodate singles, couples and entire families. Or, if you're more of a free spirit, then just travel on down the state and see what you find. Chances are you won't have to roam far before finding something utterly fantastic.
If history is your passion, then check out Saint Augustine, the oldest city in the nation located about 45 minutes south of Jacksonville. Stroll through the historical section and visit the many shops and stores. While you're in the area, take a walk on the sandy beaches that stretch endlessly for hundreds of miles. Are you a Florida gator fan? Check out Saint Augustine's Alligator Farm. Want to play golf or go deep sea fishing? There are gorgeous golf courses all over the state. Stop at virtually any town along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts to find commercial fishing trips at a reasonable cost. You don't even need fishing gear or a license on a chartered boat trip; everything is supplied. Some boats are even wheelchair accessible.
Vacation in Florida and Enjoy the Best of Southern Hospitality
Don't know what to see? The choices can be a bit overwhelming. Remember, as a tourist you'll be helping to boost Florida's economy so the hot spots and attractions can remain available for years to come. In addition to miles of beaches, superb fishing, golf and water sports, here is the author's sample list of great places to visit in Florida:
- Jacksonville Landing. Get ready to do some serious shopping in downtown Jacksonville. When the day is done, enjoy the view of the St. John's River and Friendship Fountain. Experience the fabulous dining and nightlife, too.
- Saint Augustine. In addition to the historical section and Alligator Farm, check out the museums, the old fort, restaurants, monuments and take a ride on a sightseeing train.
- Daytona Beach. You won't believe how much there is to do here, between swimming, dining and shopping. Daytona has everything anyone could want in a beach vacation, including the Daytona 500. The grand hotels are spectacular, too!
- Kennedy Space Center. The center is located just east of Orlando, on the coast. From the Kennedy Space Center website homepage (2011), "NASA's launch headquarters is the only place on Earth where you can tour launch areas, meet a veteran astronaut, see giant rockets, train in spaceflight simulators, and even view a launch."
- Orlando and Kissimmee Theme Parks. There are way too many attractions to list here, so check out the website Onroute for everything there is to see, including Disney World, lush resorts, golf courses and much more.
- Florida Botanical Gardens. A flower and landscape photographer's heaven, one can find garden attractions throughout the entire state, so take your pick. Jungle Island in Miami is one great option; McKee Garden is another top choice and so is St. Petersburg's Sunken Gardens. Be sure to see the Bok Tower (and gardens) in Lake Wales, too.
- Florida Everglades and the Keys. Spectacular and serene. Exciting and unique. See the website Florida-Everglades.com to plan a trip that's beyond your wildest and most colorful imagination.
- Sanibel Island. The photos on the website, Sanibel Island, don't lie. It is every bit as beautiful as any paradise could be. Don't forget to bring a bag for collecting shells!
- Pensacola, Destin, Fort Walton. The extreme tip of the Florida panhandle has some of the world's best fishing, along with serene nature trails, beaches and seafood festivals. Pensacola is the home of the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels.
Florida offers an almost endless list of vacation choices, indoors and out. Through the Share a Little Sunshine campaign, residents can take an active part in restoring Florida's economy. Whatever the season, friends and relatives can enjoy a tropical fun adventure in the deep south.
A guest should be prepared to have the time of his life. See an abundance of marine life through the glass-bottom boats at Silver Springs, or take a leisurely walk along the shaded trails of Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Most of all have a great time. Know that whether you're a resident or a guest, you're making a difference to preserve one of the greatest vacation spots on the planet.
Mary King - Mary King is a Suite101 Topic Editor for the Caregiver Support and Home Management sections. She has authored 5 teen-based novels.
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