Miami is far from the only place in Florida that is an excellent holiday destination. All parts of the long state have major attractions with interesting things to see and do. Plus there are 8,426 miles of coastline with beaches to be enjoyed all along the Atlantic Ocean on the right side and the Gulf of Mexico on the left plus the popular Panama City beach and others in northern Florida. Water sports, therefore, are also extremely popular including boating, fishing, diving, swimming, and water skiing, among others.
Starting with ORLANDO, the newest most popular attraction is WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER, which is located at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. To those of all ages who are avid fans of the Harry Potter series of books and movies, seeing everything come to life is an amazing phenomenon. Wander the halls of Hogwarts Castle that is perched high on a hill. Go on a Forbidden Journey ride that uses robotics and projections on screens to make riders feel that they are flying with Harry and friends.
DISNEY WORLD with its four spectacular theme parks, thousands of hotel rooms, two water parks, and so much more continues to add new rides and features; so it can be enjoyed on each trip to Orlando.
ST. AUGUSTINE in northeast Florida is the oldest city. Historical memorials of all kinds cover 500 years of Florida history. There is a preserved fort. You can see the day-to-day life of 18th century settlers acted out by craftsmen at the Spanish Quarter Living Museum.
The NASA KENNEDY SPACE CENTER is due to have its space missions end, but it is still operational at this time and is fascinating as you can take part in simulations of being an astronaut and so much more.
The BOK SINGING TOWER AND GARDENS in Lake Wales in central Florida is an exceptionally relaxing place and features the unusual 205-foot Singing Tower, which has 60 bells that reminded Pulitzer Prize-winning author Edward William Bok of the sound of carillons in his native Holland. Four million pounds of Georgia marble went into the construction of the Tower.
CYPRESS GARDENS, also in central Florida, has shows of water skiers performing daily, an ice skating show, rides, Southern Belles walking around the lawns, an authentic paddle wheel boat, and gardens with over 8.000 varieties of flowers that came from over 90 countries and have also attracted butterflies to its gardens.
In southern Florida there is MIAMI, SOUTH BEACH which is “party central”, and the EVERGLADES where you can take an airboat ride.
The MIAMI SEAQUARIUM is 38 tropical acres with a Dolphin and Killer Whale Show as well as a Sea Lion Show, Flipper Lagoon, a chance to swim with dolphins, and many marine life exhibits.
SOUTH BEACH, along with its partying at night, has daytime activities including an Art Deco Walking Tour where you can view hundreds of restored pastel buildings dating back to the 1930s. The South Beach Walking Tour covers 1.5 miles where you go inside five cafes to sample cultural fares including the popular Cuban as well as Italian and homemade kosher ice cream.
