Visiting Florida? Here Are Six Fun Places

Are you planning a Florida vacation? Whether you are searching for thrills, rest or romance there are many places to find it in the sunshine state. Regardless of the season there is always something to do. Here are just a few places to visit.

Disney World

If you have never been to Disney World then you definitely need to set aside some time or an entire vacation for this memorable theme park. It sits on 25,000 acres in Orlando, Florida and offers four theme parks, two water parks, twenty four themed hotels, two health spas and five golf courses. Once you reach Disney property you never have to live for anything. There are countless restaurants on property and an abundance of shopping to do at Downtown Disney. Yearning for some thrills? You can get your adrenaline pumping on several roller coasters within the theme parks. Need to relax? Just sit poolside in one of the resort hotels and enjoy your favorite beverage.

Busch Gardens

About an hour away from Disney World in Tampa, Florida is the exciting African themed park of Busch Gardens. The big attraction to this park is all of the wildlife. Kids get a chance to see wild animals such as gorillas, giraffes, elephants, hippos, rhinos, zebra, tigers and lions up close. There are over 2,700 animals at Busch Gardens making it one of America’s largest zoological institutions. Thrill seekers are also in luck as there are many adrenaline pumping roller coasters to enjoy. If you need a thrill make your way to Montu, Kumba, Scorpion, Gwazi or Sheikra roller coasters. On a hot day you can cool yourself off by going on one of the water rides – Congo River Rapids, Tanganyika or Stanley Falls.

Universal Studios Orlando

This movie themed resort is great for anyone seeking a long weekend full of excitement. There are 2 theme parks to enjoy, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. These parks are packed with 4-D attractions, water rides and thrilling coasters. Citywalk provides a break from the excitement with shopping, dining, live music, and nightclubs. Visitors can stay on site at one of Universal’s three luxury hotels. A vacation here will undoubtedly be one to remember.

Play on Siesta Key Beach

If you need a break from the theme parks or if the beach is more your cup of tea then visit Siesta Key. This is a gorgeous 8 mile long barrier island off the coast of Sarasota and on the west coast of Florida. Siesta Key beach and Crescent beach are considered by many to be two of the prettiest beaches in the country. They continually rank by various people and magazine as one of the best. The sand is made up of white quartz which provides a refreshing cool feeling. There is much or as little to do on Siesta Key as you want. You can lounge on the beach, swim in the Gulf of Mexico, take a romantic walk along the water. You can also visit Siesta Key Village an enjoy a meal and/or drinks in one of the many restaurants. Siesta Key has a very laid back attitude that will help you unwind your knots.

Ichetucknee Springs State Park

As you move a little farther north in the state of Florida you can visit the state park that surrounds the Ichetucknee River. This river flows six miles through mature, shaded hammock trees and wetlands. The water in the river is a refreshing 72 degrees and very clear. It feels fantastic on a hot summer day. You can jump in the river on your favorite tube or raft and just float down the river enjoying the wildlife.

Everglades National Park

In the southern part of Florida you will find a 1.5 million acre park which happens to be the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. The Everglades are home to roughly 350 species of bird, 40 species of mammals and 50 species of reptiles. If you want to be one with nature you can cruise through the Everglades on foot, car, canoe, bike, kayak or airboat.

Marc Rasmussen sells Siesta Key Beach Villas