Panama City - Incredible Flying Boats


Ride the wind with a Flying Boat!

Basic 15-20 Min. $40.00
Master 30-35 Min. $90.00
Pro 55-60 Min. $150.00

Incredible Flying Boats
Panama City, FL
850-866-3805

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Chokoloskee Island - Everglades Area Tours

Guided Power Boat Eco-Tours
& 10,000 Island/Everglades Excursion

Two ½ to Three Hour Guided Eco-Excursions
Boat Departs 8:30 am and 1:00 pm
Stable, Easy and Quiet
Limited to Six Guests
$119 Per Person

EvergladesAreaTours.com power boat tours and 10,000 Islands/Everglades Excursions The 10,000 Islands, Big Cypress and Everglades National Park are a vast wilderness area.
Wildlife you may see are ospreys, bald eagles, white ibis, rosette spoonbills, egrets, herons, pelicans, hawks, oyster catchers, terns, etc. Dolphins, manatees, sting rays and alligators are also very common.

The 10,000 Island/Everglades Excursion tour can/will include a bit of fishing, birding, photography, strolling thru tidal pools, shelling, walking on remote island beaches and even some kayaking. Discuss with the Guide what you would like to do, or not like to do.

The tour fee is $119 person and is limited to six guests.
Tour lasts approximately three hours

238 Mamie Street
Chokoloskee Island, FL
239-695-3633

Bonita Springs - Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park

Barefoot Beach preserve is 342 acres on a barrier island.
Things to do include, Find Shells at the Beach, Watch for Wildlife on the Saylor Nature Trail, and the Canoe Trail,and Visit the Aquatic Butterfly Garden, the Cactus Garden, and the Nature Center.

2 Barefoot Beach Blvd.
Bonita Springs FL
239-591-8596

Ochopee - Big Cypress National Preserve & Maps

Over 720,000 acres of swamp, tropical and temperate plant communities, a diversity of wildlife, including black bears, and the elusive Florida panther.

There are Guided Activities, Off Road Vehicles, Hunting, Hiking, & Camping Opportunities.
There is a Scenic Drive along the Turner River Scenic Loop.
Take a stroll along the trails or visit one of the wildlife viewing areas.

Write To:
33100 Tamiami Trail East
Ochopee, Florida

Oasis Visitor Center
The visitor center is located along U.S. 41
239-695-1201

Everglades City - Everglades Airboat Tours & Totch's Island Tour

Take a 30 Minute, 1 Hour, or 1 & 1/2 Hour Airboat Ride
exploring the Everglades watching for wildlife or Totch's Island.

929 Dupont St
Everglades City FL
866-626-2833
239-695-2333

Sanibel Island - Bowman's Beach, Sanibel Island

Bowman's Beach is one of Sanibel's best shelling, and the island's best place to find some remote beach space.

Some other beaches on Sanibel Island are:

Turner Beach on the southwestern tip of Captiva, just after crossing Blind Pass from Sanibel Island.

Sanibel Island Lighthouse & Public Beach
(Lighthouse is not open to public)
The Sanibel Lighthouse is at the eastern end of Periwinkle Way

Tarpon Bay Road & Beach
Located at the southern end of Tarpon Bay Road

Gulfside City Park

West Gulf Beach Access

Captiva Island Florida Beach Access

Pineland - Paradise Fishing charters

Fish in the Gulf of Mexico off fort Myers beach. Grouper, snapper,amberjack, shark, cobia, kingfish, mackerel, tarpon & permit.

April 1st - September-15
4-5 hour long Shark & Tarpon trips just off of Fort Myers beach. These trips are very popular, almost non stop action on most trips. The Sharks rang in size from 10lb to 300lb with 150lb Sharks common. $100 per/person.

The boat can carry up to six anglers in comfort and safety.

The Full Day Charter rate is $175.00 per person on a split charter where you share the boat with other anglers, or $1050.00 per day to hire the boat privately.

The 6 hour charter is only available to private party's - $700.00 for up to six anglers.

Their offshore boat the "Paradise" is also available for extended trip's out in the Gulf 12,18, and 36 hour charters.


13921 Waterfront Drive,
Pineland, Florida
941-575-3528

Sanibel Island - J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Over 6,400 acres of mangrove forest, seagrass beds, cordgrass marshes, and hardwood hammocks. The refuge provides habitat to over 220 species of birds.
The J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is part of a larger area: the Caloosahatchee NWR, Matlacha Pass NWR, Pine Island NWR, and Island Bay NWR
that totals 8,000 acres.

One Wildlife Dr.
P.O. Box 565
Sanibel Island, Florida 33957
239-472-1100

Fort Myers - Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve

The Six Mile Cypress Slough is a 2,500 acre wetland that measures approximately 9 miles long and 1/3 mile wide.

The Slough is a natural drainage-way, collecting runoff water from a 33 square-mile watershed area during periods of heavy or prolonged rainfall. The Slough empties into the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve.

there is a 1.2 mile long boardwalk trail,
a 11,000-square-foot Interpretive Center, and a Amphitheater.

7751 Penzance Blvd.
Fort Myers
239-533-7550

Free admission but $1 an hour parking.
Please check with attraction for current rates, discounts, and information.

Naples - Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Call for reservations for the:

Early Bird Walks
8-11 AM - $12

Morning Walks
7 ~ 9-11 AM - $11

Sunset Strolls & Night Walks
hours vary - $18

They also have Wildflowers Walks - $18
They also have the Deep Sky, which you use telescopes to probe the deep sky for planets, constellations, galaxies, and other celestial bodies. $18

They also have other programs, contact Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary for more information.

Program Information

375 Sanctuary Road West
Naples, FL
239-348-9151

Please check with attraction for current rates, discounts, and information.

Sanibel - Thriller Cruise

Cruise the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Pine Island Sound,
along the shores of both Sanibel and Captiva Islands.

The Sanibel Thriller also offers trips to Boca Grande, Cayo Costa State Park,
and Naples for shelling, shopping, exploring, or lunch.

Also can take a Sunset Thriller Cruise

634 N Yachtsman Drive,
Sanibel, FL
239-472-2328

Fort Myers Beach - Good Time Charters

Cruise Estero Bay looking for dolphins, manatees, birds, and other wildlife
1 hour cruise - Afternoon (1PM) Dolphin Wildlife Tours, and Sunset Dolphin Cruises
$20 per person
$15 children under 12

Champagne Sunset Dolphin Cruise- Every Wednesday
$25 per person, $20 for children under 12

Coastal Sealife, Shelling & Dolphin Cruise
Approximately 3 hours, 9-noon, $35 per person, $25 for children under 12

Marine Life Kayaking Adventure- mornings Monday thru Friday
Approximately 3 hrs. $50 per person, $40 children under 12

Marine Life Explorers Adventure
Charter is Half Day 4hours $400. Up to 6 passengers

Airboat Rides in the Everglades
$75 per person; $55 for children under 12

Fishing Charters
Half Day Charters: $275 for up to 2 fishermen; $300 for 3-4 fishermen; $350 for 5-6 fishermen.
Full Day Charters: 9 am to 5pm; rate is double the half day rate.

Please check with attraction for current rates, discounts, and information.

Located on South End of Ft Myers Beach
at Fish Tale Marina
Captain Cristina (239) 405-2060
Captain Mike (239) 218-8014

Naples - Cool Bean Cruises

Cruise Naples and Marco Island

Cruises are:
3 HOUR DAY-SAIL for up to 6 guests - $55 per guest
CHAMPAGNE SUNSET CRUISE for up to 6 guests - - $55 per guest

Private cruises are:
PRIVATE 3 HOUR DAY-SAIL OR 2 ½ HOUR SUNSET CRUISE - $330
FULL DAY SAIL TRIP for up to 6 guests - 7hours $700

Please check with attraction for current rates, discounts, and information.

278 Capri Blvd,
Naples, FL
239-777-0020

Fort Myers Beach - Sunset Ride Private Charters

Charters day and night

4 HOUR PRIVATE CHARTER - $400 for group:
Embark into Estero bay, cruise the backside of Lover's Key and Bonita Beach for a chance to see dolphines, and manatees. Search for shells, sand dollars, fighting conchs, lightning welks, lettered olives, alphabet cones and many more. Go swimming to find shells.

There is also a
5 HOUR PARROT KEY LUNCH OR DINNER TOUR - $500 for group
6 HOUR GRAMMA DOTS LUNCH OR DINNER TOUR - $600 for group
10 HOUR CAYO COSTA/CABBAGE KEY CHARTER - $1000 for group
10 HOUR NAPLES CHARTER - $1000 for group
10 HOUR MARCO ISLAND CHARTER - $1000 for group

Please check with attraction for current rates, discounts, and information.

You can also make up your own custom cruise.

Fish-Tale Marina
Located off of Estero Blvd
Fort Myers Beach FL
239-839-2109

Cape Coral - Sun Splash Family Waterpark

Some of the Rides are:
Cape Fear
Slide down a dark tunnel for a length of 215 feet, using single or double inflated tubes.

Fun-L-Tunnel
Slide down a narrow darkened tunnel that drops 30 feet without a tube.

Drop Slides
Feel like your free falling.

Pro Racers
Child-sized slides

Main Stream River Tube Ride
Quarter-mile river gently winds its way around the park

Tot Spot
Area for younger children with floating gators, logs, an interactive play apparatus and an inner tube slide

The Electric Slide
Drops five stories, then take a 27-second plunge into the pool

Power Surge
Dropping five stories twisting and turning for 457 feet

Thunder Bump
264 feet long and features several steep bumps

Terror Tube
Descent gradually in an enclosed tube, then a sudden, steep drop.

X-celerator
Drops guests down five stories at speeds up to 40 feet per second and 30 mph.


Click here to view rides at the Sun Splash Family Waterpark

Adult (13+ yrs) $16.95
Child (3-12 yrs) $14.95

Please check with attraction for current rates, discounts, and information.

400 Santa Barbara Blvd.
Cape Coral, FL
239-574-0558

Video of Starfish caught on Jetty Park's Pier in Cape Canaveral Florida

Florida Alligator at Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge near Titusville Florida

Video of Manatees at Blue Springs near Orange City Florida

Video of Turtle At Jungle Adventures Near Christmas Florida

Manatee Tour video taken on Kings Bay at Crystal River Florida

Scroll Down for Quick Summary of All Areas of Florida

Central West Florida	Central Florida	Central East Florida
B Bradenton - Winter Wonderland (3 day event) Bradenton - Pirates Cove Bradenton - Around the Bend Nature Tours Bradenton - Palma Sola Botanical Park Bradenton - Parker Manatee Aquarium Bradenton - Bishop Planetarium Bradenton - South Florida Museum C Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge Clearwater - Francis Wilson Playhouse Clearwater Ice Arena Clearwater Beach - Thriller Powerboat Tours Clearwater - Sea Screamer Clearwater - Ruth Eckerd Hall Clearwater - Celebration Station Clearwater Marine Aquarium Clearwater - Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise Crystal River - Glass Bottom Boat, Swim with Manatees H Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park Homosassa - Cap'n Mike's Swim With The Manatees Tour I Indian Shores - Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary L Largo - Florida Botanical Gardens Largo - Gulf Coast Museum of Art P Plant City - Dinosaur World S Sarasota - Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Sarasota Jungle Gardens Sarasota - The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art Sarasota - Mote Aquarium St. Petersburg - Salvador Dali Museum St. Petersburg - Great Explorations Children's Museum St. Petersburg - The Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg - Pier Aquarium & Boat Cruise St. Petersburg - Museum of History St. Petersburg - Sunken Gardens T Tampa Bay - Busch Gardens Tampa - Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) Tampa - Lowry Park Zoo Tampa - The Florida Aquarium Tampa - Adventure Island Tampa - Ybor City Museum State Park Tampa - Henry B. Plant Museum Tarpon Springs - Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve Tarpon Springs Aquarium	A Apopka - Wekiwa Springs State Park C Christmas - Jungle Adventures K Kenansville - Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Tours Kissimmee - SkyCoaster Kissimmee - Boggy Creek Airboat Rides Kissimmee - Full Speed Race & Golf Kissimmee - Fun Spot L Lady Lake - Uncle Donald's Farm Lake Wales - Spook Hill Lake Wales - Bok Tower Gardens O Ocala National Forest & Nearby Springs Orlando - Titanic The Experience Orlando - Pirate's Dinner Adventure Orlando - Medieval Times Dinner Show Orlando - Ice Bar Orlando - Holy Land Experience Orlando - Congo River Golf Orlando - Arabian Nights Dinner Theatre Orlando - Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows Orlando - Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf Orlando - Magical Midway Orlando - Ripley's Believe It or Not Orlando - SeaWorld's Aquatica Waterpark Orlando - Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Orlando - Disney's Blizzard Beach Waterpark Orlando - Universal's Wet 'n Wild Waterpark Orlando - Gatorland Orlando - WonderWorks Orlando - SeaWorld Orlando - Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure Orlando - Walt Disney World Orlando Ghost Tours Orlando - Harry P. Leu Gardens Orlando - Bill's Airboat Adventures P Polk City - Fantasy of Flight S Sanford - Central Florida Zoo Sanford - Central Florida Zoological Park Silver Springs Theme Park Sorrento - Rock Springs Riding Ranch St. Cloud - Florida Eco-Safaris St. Cloud - Reptile World Serpentarium W Winter Haven - Cypress Garden's Splash Island Waterpark Winter Haven - Cypress Gardens Theme Park Winter Park - Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Garden Z Zolfo Springs - Peace River Refuge and Ranch	C Cape Canaveral - Jetty Park Port Canaveral Cruises Cape Canaveral - Kennedy Space Center Cape Canaveral - Astronaut Hall of Fame Port Canaveral - SunCruz Casino Cape Canaveral - Air Force Space & Missile Museum Cocoa - Ace of Hearts Ranch Cocoa Beach - Cocoa Beach Pier Cocoa Beach Area - Grasshopper Airboat eco-tours D Daytona International Speedway Daytona Beach Boardwalk & Pier Daytona Beach - Pastime Princess Deep Sea Fishing Daytona - Daytona Flea and Farmers Market Daytona Beach - Halifax Historical Museum Daytona - Congo River Adventure Golf Daytona Beach - Museum of Arts and Sciences Daytona Beach - Ghost Walk Daytona Beach - Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory South Daytona - Arctic Zone Ice Rink DeLand - Safari River Tours F Ft. Pierce - Harbor Branch Marine Oceanographic M Melbourne - On The Edge Rock Climbing Gym Melbourne - Andretti Thrill Park Melbourne - Brevard Art Museum Melbourne - Brevard Zoo Merritt Island - Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary N New Smyrna Beach - Marine Discovery Center P Ponce Inlet - Marine Science Center Ponce Inlet - Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse R Rockledge - Space Coast Iceplex T Titusville - Haulover Canal & Manatee Lookout Titusville - Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Titusville - Playalinda Beach at Canaveral National Seashore Titusville - American Police Hall of Fame V Vero Beach - McKee Botanical Garden

North West Florida	North Central Florida	North East Florida
D Destin - Big Kahuna's Waterpark Destin - Southern Star Dolphin Cruise Destin - Olin Marler Charter Fishing & Dolphin Cruises Destin - Track Family Recreation Center Destin - Sunset Cruises Destin - Just Chute Me Parasail F Fort Walton Beach - Indian Temple Mound and Museum Fort Walton Beach - Emerald Coast Science Center Fort Walton Beach - Florida's Gulfarium Marine Show Aquarium G Gulf Breeze - The Zoo Northwest Florida M Marianna - Florida Caverns State Park Milton - Farmers Opry, Dinners, and Campground P Panama City - Incredible Flying Boats Panama City Beach - Zoo World Panama City Beach - Swim with the Dolphins Panama City Beach - Island Time Panama City Beach - Sea Screamer Panama City Beach - Ripley's Believe It Or Not & 4D Movie Panama City Beach - Bungee Mania Bungee Jumping Panama City Beach - Gulf World Marine Park Panama City Beach - Coconut Creek Family Fun Park Panama City Beach - Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise Panama City Beach - ShipWreck Island Waterpark Panama City Beach - Captain Anderson’s Marina Cruises, Fishing, Seafood Panama City - Shell Island Cruise and Kids Pirate Treasure Hunt Pensacola Beach - UFO House Pensacola Opera Pensacola - National Naval Aviation Museum Pensacola - Blue Water Adventures Point Washington - Friends of Eden Gardens State Park S St. George Island Visitor Center & Lighthouse Museum	F Fort White - Ichetucknee State Park G Gainesville - Kanapaha Botanical Gardens Gainesville - Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo Gainesville - Devils Millhopper Geological State Park M Music Park - Spirit of the Suwannee T Tallahassee Antique Car Museum Tallahassee Museum of History and Natural Science Tallahassee - Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park	F Fernandina Beach - Amelia River Cruises J Jacksonville - Timucuan Ecological & Historical Preserve Jacksonville - Museum of Science and History Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Jacksonville - EcoMotion Segway Tours S St. Augustine - Potters Wax Museum St. Augustine - Marineland St. Augustine - Country Carriage Tours St. Augustine - Old Town Trolley Tours St. Augustine - Fort Matanzas St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park St. Augustine Eco Tours St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum St. Augustine - Ripley's Sightseeing Train Tours St. Augustine - Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth St. Augustine - 3d World & Simulator Rides St. Augustine - Ghost Tours

South West Florida	South East Florida	Florida Articles
B Bonita Springs - Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park C Cape Coral - Greenwells Family Fun Park Cape Coral - Sun Splash Family Waterpark Chokoloskee Island - Everglades Area Tours Clewiston - Billie Swamp Safari E Everglades City - Everglades Airboat Tours & Totch's Island Tours F Fort Myers Beach - Sunset Ride Day or Night Private Charters Fort Myers Beach - Good Time Charters Fort Myers - Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve N Naples - Southwest Florida EcoTours Naples - Cool Bean Cruises Naples - Double R's Everglades & Manatee Tours Naples - Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Naples - Southwest Florida EcoTours O Ochopee - Big Cypress National Preserve & Maps P Palmdale - Gatorama Pineland - Paradise Fishing Charters Punta Gorda - Babcock Wilderness Adventures S Sanibel Island - J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge Sanibel Island - Sanibel Island Beaches Sanibel - Thriller Cruise	C Coconut Creek - Butterfly World Coral Gables - Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden D Davie - Flamingo Gardens & Wldlife Sanctuary F Fort Lauderdale - Museum of Discovery and Science G Grassy Key - Dolphin Research Center H Homestead - Coral Castle I Islamorada - Robbie's Tarpon Feeding, Snorkeling, & Charters Islamorada - Theater of the Sea K Key Largo - Princess Glass Bottom Boat Key Largo - Jules’ Undersea Lodge Key Largo - Capt. Sterling's Everglades Eco-Tour Key West - Pirate Soul Key West - Fury Water Adventures Key West - Mallory Square Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory Key West Aquarium Key West - The Original Ghost Tours Key West - A Key Encounter Nature Theater & Planetarium Key West - Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center L Loxahatchee - Lion Country Safari M Miami - Everglades Safari Park Miami - Monkey Jungle Miami - Jungle Island S Stuart - Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center W West Palm Beach - Norton Museum of Art West Palm Beach - Mounts Botanical Garden West Palm Beach - The South Florida Science Museum	In and Around Miami Beach Caladesi Island - a Little Bit of Paradise Sunny Florida Found in Clearwater and Tampa Bay The Beautiful and Famous Parks of Florida Spend some Time in the Everglades National Park Florida 's Gulf Coast Travel Haunted Skies: Ghosts Of The Eastern 401 Disaster Free Things to Do When Visiting Orlando Florida Get More Out Of Disneyland Or Disneyworld Amazing Secrets To Bass Fishing in Florida Fort Lauderdale Ghost Tours The Florida Keys Central Florida's Wildlife: An Abundance Of Diversity

Norton Museum of Art - West Palm Beach

American Art, Chinese Art, Contemporary Art, European Art and Photography.
Famous for its 19th and 20th century painting and sculptures by European artists:
Brancusi, Gauguin, Matisse, Miró, Monet, Picasso
and Americans: Davis, Hassam, Hopper, Manship, O'Keeffe, Pollock and Sheeler.

$8 - adults
$3 - ages 13-21
Free for children under 13.

Please check with attraction for current rates, discounts, and information.

1451 S. Olive Avenue,
West Palm Beach, FL
561-832-5196

Mounts Botanical Garden

Plants from six continents on Mounts Botanical Garden's fourteen acres.

531 North Military Trail
West Palm Beach FL
561-233-1757

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Rare tropical plants including palms, cycads, flowering trees, tropical fruit trees, vines, and succulents. The 83-acre garden is among the region's most popular visitor attractions.

Adults - $20
Seniors (65 and over) - $15
Children 6-17 - $10

Please check with attraction for current rates, discounts, and information.

10901 Old Cutler Road
Coral Gables, FL
305-667-1651

Daytona Beach Boardwalk & pier

The Daytona Beach Boardwalk & Pier is fun to visit. Shopping, Food, Salt Water Taffy, and Rides. You can drive on the beach.

Jetty Park - Cape Canaveral

Jetty Park is Great!! You can swim in the ocean, fish off the pier, watch the cruise ships go by, camp, and watch the rocket launches.

4.5 acre beach, 1,200 foot fishing pier, 150 campsites, pavillions and picnic tables, tackle shop, concession area, restrooms, showers.

You can catch some great fish, and watch the turtles. I have even seen someone catch a large Star Fish. The sand is nice, and life guards are there certain hours.

There is Ron Jon's Cape Caribe Resort next door.

400 Jetty Road,
Cape Canaveral, Florida
321-783-7111

In and Around Miami Beach

Author: Melissa

Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum



Learn about the culture of the unconquered Seminole Indians. Located on a 60-acre cypress hammock, more than one mile of boardwalk nature trails winds through ceremonial grounds and a living village.

Located 17 miles north of 1-75, exit 14. Big Cypress



Amelia Earhart Park



Explore 515 acres, including a freshwater lake, photo above, and the Bill Graham Farm Village (open 9a. m. to 4 p. m.), complete with a petting zoo and weekend pony and hayrides. The park also features Tom Sawyer's Play Island, picnic pavilions, and bike and paddkboat rentals.

401 E. 65th St., Hialeah



Art Center - South Florida



Art Center provides work and exhibition space for more than 81 visual artists through its juried artists program. Art Studies in various media and artistic levels are available for all ages.



Galleries and studios are free to the public.



At 800, 810 and 924 Lincoln Road Miami Beach.



Art Deco District



Eight hundred classic buildings, photo above, from the 1920s, '30s and '40s make up this historic area. Walking tours depart from the Art Deco Welcome Center (1001 Ocean Drive) every Thursday and Saturday. Miami Beach (305) 672-2014.



Biscayne National Underwater Park



With 181.000 acres of marine habitat, the park offers prime sightseeing for snorkelers and divers, and glass-bottom boat rides. Fast end of SW 328th St., nine miles east of Homestead (305) 230-1100.



Butterfly World



Three acres of tropical gardens, photo below, house thousands of live, brilliantly colored butterflies. The natural habitat also includes a hummingbird aviary suspension bridge and museum. 3600 W Sample Road, Coconut Creek (954) 977-4400.



Church of St. Bernard de Clairvaux



Dating from 1141 and exemplifying early Gothic and Romanesque architecture, the church was brought to America by William Randolph Hearst in 1925.



It remained in crates until 1952 when it was erected in North Miami Beach. 16711 W Dixie Hwy, N. Miami Beach (305) 945-1461



Coconut Grove



This trendy and sparkling area, photo below, is full of galleries, theaters, night- clubs, fine restaurants. CocoWalk and Mayfair Shops. Beautiful Peacock Park and Kenneth Myers Park are along the waterfront. Very romantic place.



On Biscayne Bay bounded by S. Dixie Hwy. (Hwy, 1), S. Bayshore Drive and Douglas Road Coconut Grove.



Coral Castle



This architectural curiosity of coral rock, built by Latvian immigrant Edward Leedskalnin between 1923 and 1951, is a national historic site. Open daily, 9 a. m. to 6 p. m. 28655 S.



Dixie Hwy. Homestead



Coral Gables



Founded in the 1920s, Coral Gables features plazas, fountains. Roman-style arches and Cuban tile blended with lush foliage. The turreted Colonnade, Coral Gables Playhouse, University of Miami, exceptional dining, theaters and public golf courses make this a choice destination.



Bounded by Biccayne Bay Sunset Drive, Old Cutler Road Ponce de Leon and Red Road



Deering Estate at Cutler



Take a guided tour of more than 420 acres, including endangered natural areas and archaeological sites, with recreation facilities and a view of Biscaync Bay. The estate also boasts the historic Richmond Cottage, portions of which date back to 1896, and the Mediterranean Revival winter home of industrialist Charles Deering, completed in 1923.



Open daily from 10a. m. to 5 p. m. 16701 SW 72nd Ave. Miami



Everglades Alligator Farm



Airboat tours and shows featuring alligators, snakes and other wildlife educate visitors on the native land and species.



Open daily, 9 a. m. to 6 p. m. 40351 SW 192nd Ave



Everglades National Park



Covering 1.5 million acres of land and water, this habitat of tree islands, mangroves, coastal prairies and subtropical hammocks is fed by a 200-mile- long, 50-mile-wide river. Many native and endangered species call it home.



Fairchild Tropical Garden



This 83-acre paradise of tropical plants offers tram tours, miles of paths, a conservatory and museum. Open year round, 9:30 a. m. to 4:30 p. m. 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables.



Flamingo Gardens



Everglades and wildlife adventures begin with a tour through botanical gardens featuring a 200- year-old live oak hammock and some of Florida's largest champion trees. From a 1-1/2 - mile tram ride, view Everglades, rain forests and citrus groves, with flamingos, alligators, river otters and birds of prey.



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Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/in-and-around-miami-beach-714282.html

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Read the full article: In and Around Miami Beach

Caladesi Island - a Little Bit of Paradise

Author: V.K. Melhado

Whoever said there was no unspoiled beauty left in Florida has never been to Caladesi Island State Park. This diamond in the rough is one of the few remaining examples of a secluded island paradise. Four miles of undeveloped white sand beach and dunes line this island on the Gulf of Mexico, providing an ideal escape for sun worshippers and nature lovers.

In fact, Caladesi Island was voted number one in the Annual Top 10 Beaches ranking by coastal expert Dr. Stephen Leatherman, Director of Coastal Research at Florida International University.

In addition to its beautiful beaches, the island boasts acres of lush mangrove forests; one of the few tree species that survives in salt water. The mangrove are also increasing the size of the island as their immense root system traps soil and continue to spread. Explore this area on foot via the three miles of trails or by kayak trails that intertwine through the forest. The vegetation on Caladesi Island provides an ideal nesting place for the gopher tortoise, loggerhead and green sea turtles, and the occasional Eastern diamondback rattlesnake.

The beach at Caladesi is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Popular sightings include American oystercatchers, black skimmers, royal and least terns and snowy, Wilson's and piping plovers. On the bayside of the island watch for great blue herons, snowy egrets and roseate spoonbills. See if you can spot the osprey nests located atop barren pine snags.

Hours of Operation: Open from 8 a.m. until sundown all year round. Call (727) 469-5918 or visit http://www.floridastateparks.org/caladesiisland/ for more information.

Directions: Caladesi Island State Park is accessible only by boat from Honeymoon Island State Park, Dunedin Florida

By Ferry: The ferry service to Caladesi leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park hourly beginning at 10 AM. Folks can call the ferry service directly 727-734-1501.

By Boat: From channel marker #14, just west of the Dunedin Causeway Bridge, take an approximate 212´degree heading on your compass for approximately 1 mile. Follow the channel markers into the Caladesi Island State Park Marina.

Pets: Ok to bring Fido as long as he remains on a leash, but no pets are allowed on the beach.

Fishing: Fishing is allowed in designated areas.

Facilities: Picnic pavilions, snack bar, gift shop and kayak rentals. Boaters have access to a 108 slip marina that offers overnight docking with electric and water hook-ups. Off shore anchoring is also available. Beaches are not ADA accessible (Beach Wheelchair is available and can be used on beach).

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/exotic-locations-articles/caladesi-island-a-little-bit-of-paradise-711356.html

About the Author:

Visit PreviewNaples.com for all the tools and information you need to navigate the Naples FL real estate and greater Southwest Florida real estate market. You'll find local realty info, including details about Port Royal FL real estate.

Sunny Florida Found in Clearwater and Tampa Bay

Author: Kirby Collins

With warm, sunny, beaches, fabulous sunsets and crystal clear water, Clearwater is a great place for a weekend getaway or a week at the beach. Clearwater is located just outside Tampa, Florida and visitors will find plenty to do year round. For those into water sports, Clearwater Pass offers direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. Boaters will find the calm clear waters of the Gulf a great alternative to the rough waters of the Atlantic Ocean. A place where fishermen often target, Snook, Tarpon, Redfish and Sea Trout.



Another option is to rent a personal watercraft. It's a great way to explore the area. Nature lovers may rent a kayak or canoe so they can get up close to birds and other wildlife.



Try a Pirate Cruise, it's a great way to see the Gulf of Mexico and not have to do anything but enjoy the ride and scenery. If it's a party you're looking for, try the Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach. Every afternoon they throw a Sunset Party similar to the one at Mallory Square in Key West, Florida. The Pier is also a great place for a drink or a long walk down the pier. Fishing is also great at the pier with anglers targeting Snook, Drum, Redfish, Pompano, Croakers, Sheepshead and the occasional Cobia.



A sidewalk snakes along Clearwater Beach and is lit at night for walkers, bike riders and roller bladders. It's relatively safe and a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the beach.



Another popular activity is Para Sailing. Many tour operators offer both para sailing and the classic nature tours, who knows you may see a manatee or dolphin on your journey.



While in Tampa, be sure to check out what it has to offer. Baseball season features the Tampa Bay Rays and football season is when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers play.



For theme park lovers, check out Busch Gardens. Home to over 2000 animals, Busch Gardens is a great spot for children and adults alike. Their newest adventure Junglala features two rare animal encounters, Bengal tigers and orangutans. There are also two new rides, Jungle Flyers is a zip line experience for young adventurers above the tree tops and Wild Surge launches riders out of a mountain crater above a waterfall for a view of the village below.



If you're ready for real action head over to Seminole Hard Rock Tampa. With over 150,000 square feet of gaming open 24/7/365 this place will get your heart pumping. There are over 50 poker tables and 3,200 gaming machines with everything from slots to poker. Other popular games include Black-Jack and Baccarat. While you're there you'll enjoy all the Rock and Roll memorabilia and dining experiences like Council Oak Steaks & Seafood or Rock n Raw Sushi Bar. If you just wanna keep playing, enjoy their upscale food court with basic burgers and pizza or unique items like plantains and black beans and rice from Cafe Cabana.



Wherever you go in the Tampa - Clearwater area you'll enjoy it all, from the urban areas to the beaches.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/sunny-florida-found-in-clearwater-and-tampa-bay-804008.html

About the Author:

If you are looking for one of the best Florida beaches, head to the Gulf Coast. With wide white sand beaches and plenty of things to do in Clearwater Beach, you'll want to come back again.

The Beautiful and Famous Parks of Florida

Author: David H. Urmann

Florida is famous for its parks, lakes and beaches. Some of the famous parks in Florida are great for visit. These includes Big Cypress National Preserve, Everglades National Park, and Biscayne National Park.



Florida is a state that is located in the South-eastern region of the United States, neighboring Alabama to the northwest, and Georgia in the northeast. The majority of Florida has a humid subtropical weather, while Southern Florida has a tropical weather. Due to this kind of weather, its parks look like paradise.



There are a lot of famous national parks in Florida and these includes; the Big Cypress National Preserve, the Biscayne National Park, and the Caloosahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. These are joined with the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge, the Dry Tortugas National Park, the Everglades National Park, the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge, the Gulf Islands National Seashore, and the Saint Vincent National Wildlife Refuge. In this article, we will just discuss three of them namely: the Big Cypress National Preserve, the Biscayne National Park, and the Everglades National Park.



Big Cypress National Preserve



This park is a sort of preserve in the midst of the cosmic Everglades and the increasing Florida commercial and residential population. The Big Cypress is somewhat a little less distraught with tourism than its brother. With almost similar wildlife and identical climates, this well-maintained national site is a must see for tourists and adventurers. There is a wide range of activities to try on while being overwhelmed in this pristine, dense setting. You can try hiking and backpack through the thick woods that beautify the park or even glide the bogs and swamps. The venerable ecosystems are abundant with tropical birds and some other extraordinary natives, which makes kayaking or boating through the winding streams a great means to take it all in.



Biscayne National Park



Just for a quick stroll from the active and busy nightlife of Miami, the Biscayne National Park is to be found. While most of their community is recognized as a sanctuary of economic elite, this part of the shoreline is mostly a well-maintained habitat. Although the land is still very flat, the vegetation is really very thick. Here, you can discover thick forests; however you can find on the central part of the park is Biscayne Bay. This protected cove is very ideal for fishing and boating. There is also a well-established trail that leads to the lake on the mainland side.



A visitor center has been located here, very near to the blue green water's perimeter. Camping and also snorkeling are some of the pastimes at Biscayne for families that are on vacation from the north. Even though there are some strange and unnatural views from out of the bay and that includes a huge landfill, a nuclear plant, and the distant Miami buildings, Biscayne is still is far from civilized.



Everglades National Park



The Everglades are a natural awesome sight: with lengthy patches of flat and vegetated earth in the middle of streams and marshes, a great quantity of unique natural world, and a great land, kept solely for the enlargement and richness of the ecosystems within.



There are a lot of ways to behold the park. A visitor can cross it on foot while hiking the thin paths by the side of the water, ride a canoe into the streams and trails in the midst of landmasses. Or, go fast about the bigger bodies of water riding on a fan boat. Also, be aware of the park's natives, crocodiles and alligators are existing here, making it an exceptionally unusual occurrence.



The tropical condition of southern Florida allows the exotic birds (at about 300 of their recorded species), and the wildlife beautify the park. It has constantly grown in population since its inauguration in 1934. This park is swamped with tourism. It offers an amazing perspective of an unrestrained tropical area, untouched by man's hand.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/the-beautiful-and-famous-parks-of-florida-660175.html

About the Author:

For more information on US Hotel Guide and State Vacation Rental Guideplease visit our website.

Spend some Time in the Everglades National Park

Author: Mark Whichard

Are you planning a Florida vacation? If so be sure to visit the Orlando area and its many theme parks and attractions, and if you have some more time, then you might also want to visit Florida's southern tip and explore the Everglades National Park.

In an age when we have all become environmentally conscious, the Everglades National Park is a great place to immerse your self in the wonders of Mother Nature. The park covers more than 1.5 million acres. It was established in 1947 and it was the first large park set up with "biodiversity" or species protection in mind. Previously most parks were established to preserve scenic sites.

The Everglades has a variety of habitats including saw grass, freshwater marsh, mangrove forests and coastal areas. It is home to more than 400 species of birds and numerous species of mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and plants. Speaking of plants, you will be able to view 24 species of orchids in this park.

So, what's there to do in this park? Well, you could spend a morning in the field and take photographs of exotic birds, or take an afternoon hike or tour with a ranger, and for "nightlife" you could enjoy the glow of a campfire,

If you are an outdoors type, then this is the place for you. The park offers a variety of camping, boating, hiking and fishing options as well as guided tours. The tours are of two varieties: ranger led tours and tours offered by companies who have a licensed concession arrangement with the park. The tours bring you right up close to the living beings and natural environment as well as providing you with background knowledge of this important eco system.

For all you history buffs, I recommend a tour of the Nike Missile base. During the height of the Cold War, this base was set up to provide surface-to-air missile protection against a possible Soviet attack. The base remains virtually the same as it was in 1979 when official use of the site was terminated. Tours to this area are already filled up for 2009, so if you want to see it, be sure to make a reservation.

The park is on the southern tip of Florida and is accessible from most parts of Florida. It is open 365 days of the year and the main park entrance in Homestead, Florida is open 24 hours a day. The other entrances are located in Everglades City, Flamingo and Shark Valley.

The National Park Service Everglades website (nps.gov/ever ) offers good tips about visiting. One thing that is important to consider is their advice regarding pets. They say "If traveling with your pet please be aware that pets are not allowed on most trails in the park. For the health and safety of your pet it would be better to leave them at home or board them at an appropriate facility while you visit the park."

So, if you have the time, head on down to the tip of Florida and enjoy the beauty of the Everglades National Park

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/spend-some-time-in-the-everglades-national-park-967580.html

About the Author:

Mark Whichard is an Orlando tourism expert and writes frequently about attractions in and around Orlando. He is the proprietor of DisneyRents.com You can get great deals on Orlando Vacation Home Rentals at this website http://www.disneyrents.com

Princess Glass Bottom Boat - Key Largo

View beautiful underwater world of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Adults: $30
Child: $15

Please check with attraction for current rates, discounts, and information.

Located On U.S. Hwy 1 at mile marker 100
Holiday Inn Docks, Key Largo, Fl.
305-451-4655

SkyCoaster

Feel all the thrills of skydiving and hang gliding in one action packed ride.
So if your into Bungee Jumping, give this a try.

Drop from 300 feet

Fun Spot USA
2850 Florida Plaza Blvd.
Kissimmee, Florida
321-677-0585

$40 for 1 person
$35 each for 2 people
$30 each for 3 people

Please check with attraction for current rates, discounts, and information.

Robbie's Tarpon Feeding & Charters - Islamorada

This is a fun stop. Feed the Tarpons at Robbie's
Or go on a Snorkeling Trip, take a Boat Tour, go on a Fishing Charter, or Rent a Boat.

77522 Overseas Hwy
Islamorada, FL
877-664-8498

Theater of the Sea - Islamorada

General Admission includes dolphin, sea lion, and parrot shows,
guided tour of marine life exhibits,
lagoon-side beach, and the bottomless boat ride.
$25.95 for age 11+
$18.95 for ages 3-10 years
free for ages 2 and younger.

Swim with Dolphins $175 per person
Swim with Sea Lions $135 per person
Swim with Stingrays $55 per person

Their is also a Adventure & Snorkel Cruise
Adults: $69.00
Children 3-12: $45.00

Located at mile marker 84.5 in Islamorada, Florida Keys
305-664-2431

Please check with attraction for current rates, discounts, and information.

Pirate Soul - Key West

Pirate Soul Museum combines authentic pirate artifacts and the fun of interactive technology to reveal a historic adventure of Piracy and the lives of the most infamous pirates. Audio-animatronics of a theme park coupled with almost 500 artifacts take guests on a awesome pirate journey above and below deck.

524 Front Street
Key West, Florida
305-292-1113

Adults: $13.95
Children: $7.95

Please check with attraction for current rates, discounts, and information.

Fury Water Adventures - Key West

This is a great way to fit a lot into your trip to Key West.

Choose from a variety of watersports:
Reef Snorkeling
Sunset Cruises/Sails aboard the Fury Catamaran
Parasailing
Reef Eco-Tours aboard the Fury Glass Bottom Boat
Private Charters are also available.

or Do a Combo Package
FURY's ULTIMATE ADVENTURE:
Snorkel the Reef, Parasail, Jet Ski, and Kayak
Adult: $139.00
Child (6-12) $69.50

These are Regular Rates at day of this posting,
please check for current rates, and discounts.

A few of the adventures are:
KEY WEST SNORKELING:
Adult: $40.00
Child (6-12) $20.00

FURY CATAMARAN GLASS BOTTOM BOAT:
Adult: $40.00
Child: (6-12) $20.00

Phone:
877-994-8898

Mallory Square - Key West

Each night around two hours before sunset, people flock to Mallory Square to watch the performers, view arts and crafts exhibits, and watch the beautiful sunset.

Some of the performers are:
jugglers, tight rope walkers, trained animals, fire eaters, escape artists, comedy, magic, and music.
* The performers only get paid by tips.

You may see Sketch Artists, and Psychics, a juggler on a unicylce,

Their is also Food Carts

The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory

Walk through an exotic environment filled with hundreds of butterflies
The Learning Center to learn about butterflies.

1316 Duval Street
Key West, Florida
305-296-2988
800-839-4647

Adults $12.00
Children 4-12 years $8.50
Under 4 yrs Free

Please check with attraction for current rates, discounts, and information.

Key West Aquarium

Daily shark and turtle feedings
Touch Tank offer guests hands on experience with sea life.
The Aquarium features a wide variety of fish
pet a live shark

Tours and shark feedings daily at 11am, 1pm, 3pm, and 4:30pm

Adult $11.00
Child $4.50
under 4 yrs of age is free

Please check with attraction for current rates, discounts, and information.

1 Whitehead St.
Key West, Florida
800-868-7482

The Original Ghost Tours of Key West

Tour historic Old Town Key West while listening to haunted tales.

423 Fleming Street
305-294-WALK

$15 Adult
$10 Child

Please check with attraction for current rates, discounts, and information.

A Key Encounter Nature Theater & Planetarium

The Nature Theater has 3 huge screens that show underwater footage of the keys.

The Planetarium has a 20 foot dome that displays development of the telescope, mankind's first steps on the moon, and animation and visuals of the future.

Their is also a Jungle walk that has live birds, and animated jungle creatures.


Clinton Square Market Mall, Upper level
291 Front Street
Key West, Florida
305-292-2070

Florida Wildlife Photos - Mostly taken at Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge Titusville FL

Manatee Tour video taken on Kings Bay at Crystal River Florida

Photos taken on Manatee Tour in Kings Bay at Crystal River Florida

Photos taken at Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee Florida

Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park

The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is a resort and campground in the Suwannee River recreational area. The Spanish moss-draped forest of 700+ acres, spring-fed lake, fishing and canoeing, wildlife, and bird watching. Hiking Trails, Music Hall, Miniature golf.
Come as a camper or day visitor.

Attend the Concerts & Events

Visit:
The Bat house
The Boatright Barn Museum
The Bird Sanctuary
Craft Village

3076 95th Dr
Live Oak, FL
(386) 364-1683

Amelia River Cruises


Cumberland Island Tour
View the wild horses along Cumberland Island
Chance to view Dolphins, Manatees, Sea Turtles, & Birds
View a Civil War Fort
2 hour cruise
Adults - $26
Children 3-12 yrs - $20
up to 3 yrs - free

Cumberland Sound Tour:
is 1 and half hours $23 Adults, $17 3-12,
under 3 yrs - free

Sunset Tour:
1 hour cruise
Adults $20, $14 3-12 yrs
under 3 free


Please check with attraction for current rates, discounts, and information.


Fernandina Harbor Marina
1 North Front Street
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
877-264-9972 or 904-261-9972

Potters Wax Museum - St. Augustine

Over 160 Wax Figures

Adults - $8.99
Children 5+ - $5.99
5 and under - free
Please check with attraction for current rates, discounts, and information.

17 King Street
St. Augustine FL
800-584-4781

Marineland - St. Augustine

9600 Oceanshore Blvd.
St. Augustine, FL
904-471-1111

General Admission:
$8.00 for adults ages 13 and above,
$3.50 for children

Dolphin Encounters
Swim with the Dolphines
Ages 5 & up - Price: $149
Duration: 50 minutes (20 minutes with dolphins)

Please check with attraction for current rates, discounts, and information.

Country Carriage Tours - St. Augustine

Take a 2 mile Narrated Carriage Tour, and listen to the history of St. Augustine.

Located between the Bridge of Lions and the Castillo De San Marcos (The Fort) on the bay front.
(904)826-1982

Old Town Trolley Tours - St. Augustine

Tour the nation's oldest city.

The Trolley makes stops at:

Castillo de San Marcos
Fountain of Youth
Spanish Quarter
Oldest Wooden School House
Ripley's Believe It or Not
San Sebastian Winery
Villa Zorayda Museum
Lightner Museum
Cathedral Basilica
Potter's Wax Museum
Spanish Military Hospital
Ximenez-Fatio House
Alligator Farm
Lighthouse and Museum
St. Augustine Beach
Boat Cruises
Oldest House
Fernando-Lambias House
Ghost & Gravestones Night Tour
Mission of Nombre de Dios & Shrine of Our Lady of Leche

3 days of consecutive use tickets:
Includes FREE Admission to St. Augustine History Museum & FREE Beach Bus Shuttle.

Adult Ticket $23 $20.70
Child Ticket (ages 6-12) $10 $9
Children Under 6 free

There are several ticket options, please call or visit website for additional information.
Tickets may be purchased at some of the stops, or online.
904-829-3800

Please check with attraction for current rates, discounts, and information.

Fort Matanzas - St. Augustine

Fort Matanzas guarded St. Augustine’s southern river approach.

Take a ferry to the fort.
cost: free
Please check with attraction for current rates, discounts, and information.

Fort Matanzas National Monument
8635 A1A South
St. Augustine, Florida
(904) 471-0116

St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park

Observe many species of animals including a wide variety of exotic reptiles

Adults (12 & up) $21.95
Children (Ages 3-11) $10.95

999 Anastasia Blvd.
St. Augustine FL
904-824-3337

Please check with attraction for current rates, discounts, and information.

St. Augustine Eco Tours

Guided boat excursions and kayak tours on St. Augustine's inland waters.

Take a one and a half hour trip exploring the rivers and creeks surrounding St. Augustine. Chance to view Florida Wildlife, dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, birds, etc.

Tours:
90 Minute Dolphin & Nature Eco Tour-1-6 guests per boat
$40 Adults/ $35 kids 3-12/ $15 infants 2 and under

Private 90 Minute Eco Tour $175 1-6 guests

2 hour Beach combing Eco Tour 1-6 guests per boat
$50 Adults/ $40 kids 3-12/ $15 infants 2 and under

Private 2 hour Eco tour $225 1-6 guests

111 Avenida Menendez
St Augustine, FL
904-377-7245

Please check with attraction for current rates, discounts, and information.

St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum

Adults $9.00
Children ages (6-11) $7.00

81 Lighthouse Avenue
St. Augustine, FL
904-829-0745

Please check with attraction for current rates, discounts, and information.

Timucuan Ecological & Historical Preserve

46,000-acres with individual parks to visit.

Hike, explore historic sites, go to the beach, take a ride on a segway, go horseback riding or kayaking.

Experience salt marshes, coastal dunes, and hardwood hammocks.

There are two visitor centers in the preserve, located at Fort Caroline and Kingsley Plantation.

Fort Caroline National Memorial
12713 Fort Caroline Road
Jacksonville, Florida 32225
904.641.7155

Kingsley Plantation
11676 Palmetto Avenue
Jacksonville, Florida 32226
904.251.3537

Museum of Science and History - Jacksonville

Interactive Exhibits,
Science & Planetarium Shows.

Adults: $9.00
Children(3-12): $7.00

1025 Museum Circle
Jacksonville FL
904-396-6674

Please check with attraction for current rates, discounts, and information.

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Over 1,500 rare and exotic animals and 1,000 varieties of plants.

Adults: $13.00 (13 and up)
Children: $8.00 (ages 3 - 12)

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
370 Zoo Parkway
Jacksonville, FL 32218
(904) 757-4463

Please check with attraction for current rates, discounts, and information.

Take a eco-tour on a Segway exploring Fort George Island.
1 hour tour $55
2 hour tour $85

They also have a custom tour to Little Talbot Island.

11255 Fort George Road
Jacksonville Florida
(904) 251-9477

Please check with attraction for current rates, discounts, and information.

Zoo World

Over 200 animals including exotic and endangered species, also animal shows

ADULTS $15.00

CHILDREN (AGE 4-11) $12.00

Please check with attraction for current information, and admission rates.

Zoological & Botanical Conservatory
9008 Front Beach Road
Panama City Beach, Florida
850-230-1243

The Zoo Northwest Florida - Gulf Breeze

More than 1,200 animals
Hand-feed the giraffes, petting zoo, and a Safari Line Limited Train which winds through more than 30 acres of free-roaming wildlife.

$11.50 Adults (12-61)
$8.25 Children (3-11)
Train Rides $3 (+tax)

Please check with attraction for current information, and admission rates.


5701 Gulf Breeze Pkwy
Gulf Breeze, FL 32563
850-932-2229

Big Kahuna's Waterpark

Waterpark,& Rides: Mini Golf, Skycoaster, Cyclone, Speed Raceway


Unlimited Water and Adventure Park Access $54.99 $52.99

Adult - Water Park Admission
48" or over
$36.99 $34.99

Child -Water Park Admission
Under 48" $29.99 $27.99

Ages 2 and under are free


Golf - 48"+ $6.39
Golf - 48" and under $4.29
Go Karts $6.34 (must be 54'' and up to drive)
Thrill Rides: Sky Coaster or Cyclone $14.99
(must be 48'' and up to drive)
Thrill Combo: 1 Sky Coaster & 1 Cyclone $24.99

Fun Pass: 1 Golf,1 Go-Kart & 1 Thrill Ride $23.99

They have discounts listed on website
Please check with attraction for current information, and admission rates.


1007 US Highway 98 East
Destin, Florida
(850) 837-8319

Swim with the Dolphins - Panama City Beach

Swim with the Dolphins Experience, lasts 4 hours
optional walk on Shell Island, also view sea life that staff dives for and brings on the boat.
$98+tax per person
Please check with attraction for current information, and admission rates.

866-449-5591
5709 N. Lagoon Drive
Panama City Beach

Indian Temple Mound and Museum

Admission to Indian Temple Mound Museum is included in the general admission to Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park & Cultural Center.

Adults (18years +) $5.00
Children (4-17years) $3.00

(850) 833-9595

Please check with attraction for current information, and admission rates.

Tallahassee Antique Car Museum

View Cars & Antiques

Adults $16.00 $13.50 Two or more
Students $10.75
Children $7.50 (5 - 8)
Children free (4 & under)

Please check with attraction for current information, and admission rates.

6800 Mahan Drive
Tallahassee, FL
(850) 942-0137

St. George Island Visitor Center & Lighthouse Museum

Adults --$5.00
Youth under age 16 - $3.00
Under age 6 - free

Please check with attraction for current information, and admission rates.

2 East Gulf Beach Drive
St. George Island, Florida
850-927-7744

Southern Star Dolphin Cruise

Cruise from a 80 Foot Glass Bottom Boat, 2 hour cruise, Dolphin Watching, Kids Steer, & Sunset Cruises.

Located at
HarborWalk Village
Marina Level
100 Harbor Blvd, Suite A
Destin, FL
850-837-7741

Olin Marler Charter Fishing & Dolphin Cruises

Charter Fishing
5 hr. $ 55.00 per person
6 hr. $ 60.00 per person

Dolphin Cruises
Adult: $20.00-$25.00
Child (4-12): $10:00-$13.50
Child (3 and under): Free

Please check with attraction for current information, and admission rates.

102 B Highway 98 East
Destin, FL
Fishing: 850.837.7095

Fishing: 850-837-7095
Dolphin Cruises: 850-654-7113

Friends of Eden Gardens State Park

Moss-draped oaks, and numerous gardens are on the 10.5 acre public grounds
Also a 110-year-old Wesley House, built for the owner of one of the largest timber operations of the 1800s.

Beautiful blooms year round: camellias - October thru March, azaleas - March and April, gardenias - May and June, hydrangeas - May thru October and magnolias in May thru July.
Picnic area on the edge of Tucker Bayou.

181 Eden Garden Road
Point Washington, Fl.
850-231-4214

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

Features a Brick walkway, secret garden, reflection pool, walled garden, and hundreds of azaleas and camellias.
Lake Hall offers swimming, fishing, canoeing and kayaking.
Hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians can enjoy five miles of trails through the woods surrounding Lake Overstreet.

High blooming season is from January 1-April 30 with the floral peak in mid-to-late March.

3540 Thomasville Road
Tallahassee, Florida 32309
850-487-4556

Island Time

Shell Island Snorkeling & Dolphin Swim Sailing Cruise or
3 ½ hour cruise
$35 per person plus tax, all ages

Sunset & Dolphin Watch Sailing Cruise.
2 hour cruise $25 per person plus tax ($20 with $5 web discount)
FREE for children 3 & under

The 55-foot long, 30-foot wide sailing catamaran can carry up to 77 passengers.

3605 Thomas Drive, Slip #22
Panama City Beach, FL
850-234-7377

Please check with attraction for current information, and admission rates.

Just Chute Me Parasail

404 Harbor Blvd,
Destin, FL
(850) 650-4630

$60 per person (10–12 min)

Please check with attraction for current rates, discounts, and information.

Sea Screamer

Cruise coastline to view everything for over 8 miles, or cruise beside shell island. Day and night cruises.

5325 North Lagoon Drive,
Panama City Beach, FL
(850)233-9107

Gatorama

6180 U.S. Highway 27
Post Office Box 248
Palmdale, FL 33944
863-675-0623

Alligators, Crocadiles,
panthers, bobcats, raccoons, peacocks, ducks and geese.
Shows & Encounters.

Their website says that mapquest or google maps
may not display their location accurately.

$14.95 adult
6.95 children
Please check with attraction for current admission rates, discounts, and information.

Babcock Wilderness Adventures

8000 State Road 31
Punta Gorda, Florida 33982
800-500-5583

90 minute Swamp Buggy Tour through the
Babcock Ranch and Telegraph Cypress

90,000+ acre Crescent B Ranch for an experience you'll never forget.

Adults: $19.95 plus 7% tax
Children (3-12): $12.95 plus 7% tax

Tallahassee Museum of History and Natural Science

The Tallahassee Museum is a lot more than a museum. Some of the things they offer are: Animal Exhibits, Big Bend Farm & Farm Animals, Nature Trails, Plantation House, Natural Science Museum, Discovery Center, and Playground.

Adults $9.00
Children (4-15) $6.00
Please check with attraction for current admission and information.

3945 Museum Drive
Tallahassee, FL

24 hour info: 850-576-1636
Office hours: 850-575-8684

Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge

Refuge has 13 islands from 1 to 120 acres, total of 762 acres

Atsena Otie Key has walking trail through the interior of the island,
but the other islands are just for beach use.
Please check with the refuge for current information.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

62 acre facility
1 ½ mile paved walkway

4700 S.W. 58th Drive
Gainesville,
(352) 372-4981

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo

Adults (13 to 59): $4
Children (4 to 12) & Seniors (60+): $3
Check with Attraction for Current Prices and Discounts.

Open Weekends
but do weekday tours by appointment

Hands-on experience in every aspect of wild animal care

3000 NW 83rd Street
Gainesville, FL
352-395-5000

The South Florida Science Museum

Dozens of fun, hands-on interactive exhibits, museum, planetarium, lazer show, galaxy golf

Museum Admission Only
Adults - $9.00
Children (3 - 12) - $6.00
Children under 3 - free

Planetarium - $4 adults, $2 children
Laser Show - $5
Galaxy Golf - $2
Check with Attraction for Current Prices and Discounts.

4801 Dreher Trail North,
West Palm Beach, FL
(561) 832-1988

Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center

Feed sting rays, and fish. Take a Guided Nature Walk

Adults - $8.00
Children 3 to 12 - $4.00
Children under 3 - free
Check with Attraction for Current Prices and Discounts.

890 NE Ocean Boulevard,
Stuart, Florida
(772) 225-0505

Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center

6,000 square feet of interactive exhibits.
2,500-gallon reef tank

35 East Quay Road,
Key West, FL
305-809-4750

Admission is free

Peace River Refuge and Ranch
Non-profit exotic animal sanctuary.
Tours are only twice a month, so will need to schedule ahead.

2545 Stoner Lane
Zolfo Springs, Florida
(863) 735-0804

Rock Springs Riding Ranch
Enjoy horseback riding thru the Rock Springs Run State Reserve.
31700 County Road 433
Sorrento, FL 32776
352-735-6266

Double R's Manatee Tours
25000 Tamiami Trail E
Naples, FL
239-642-9779

Website info
'Our two and a half hour manatee viewing and nature tours are the only local eco tours that start in the heart of the Everglades, and are only minutes from the 10,000 Islands and the Gulf of Mexico.'

2-1/2 hour trip into the 10,000 Islands

Adults $55 plus tax ~ Children 12 and under $35 plus tax

Check with Attraction for Current Prices and Discounts.

Titanic The Experience
7324 International Drive
Orlando FL
407-248-1166
Adults $19.95

Check with Attraction for Current Prices and Discounts.

Ichetucknee State Park
12087 S.W. US Hwy 27
Fort White, Fl
386-497-4690
(Tubing):
North Entrance-Summer Season (Begins the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day) - $5.00 per person (children 5 and under are free).
They only allow the first 750 tubers to launch from the North entrance each day.
Around 3 hours to tube entire length.

South Entrance-Summer Season (Begins the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day) - $5.00 per person (children 5 and under are free).

Check with Attraction for Current Prices and Discounts.

Ocala National Forest


The Ocala National Forest offers Trails, Canoeing, Snorkeling, Swimming, Hiking,
Fishing, Hunting, and a chance to view a variety of Florida Wildlife, including Black Bears. The Forest has around 600 lakes and ponds, several streams, 2 rivers, and some great springs.

There is also rumored to be some Monkeys in the Forest, brought here for a 1930's filming of Tarzan. I am told the Silver Springs Theme Park has a River Cruise out to see them.

The Springs in the Ocala National Forest (Area) are:

Alexander Springs
Fern Hammock Springs
Juniper Springs
Sweetwater Spring
Silver Glen Springs
Silver Springs
DeLeon Spring
Orange Spring


Some Spring Addresses:

Alexander Springs State Park
10863 E Highway 40
Silver Springs, FL 34488
(352) 669-3522

Juniper Springs Recreation Ar
26701 E Highway 40
Silver Springs, FL 34488
(352) 625-3147

Silver Springs Theme Park
5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd.
Silver Springs, FL 34488
Telephone: 352-236-2121

DeLeon Springs State Park
601 Ponce DeLeon Blvd.
DeLeon Springs, FL 32130
(386) 985-4212

Click Here for a Great List of Springs

Below are the Visitor Centers for the Forest
Please call ahead to make sure they are open
The maps when we picked one up are $3.00

Ocklawaha Visitor Center
3199 NE Highway 315
Silver Springs, FL 34488
Phone: (352) 236-0288


Salt Springs Visitor Center
14100 N. State Highway 19
Salt Springs, FL 32134
Phone: (352) 685-3070


Pittman Visitor Center(*this one may be Closed)
45621 State Road 19
Altoona, FL 32702
Phone: (352) 669-7495

Florida Caverns State Park
3345 Caverns Road
Marianna, Florida 32446
850-482-9598

The only Florida state park to offer cave tours to the public.

Park Fees
Park Entrance--$4.00 per vehicle. Pedestrians, Bicyclists, Extra passengers, Passengers in a vehicles with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Permit - Admission Fee $1.00.
Cave Tour Fees: Age 13 and up $8.00, Age 3 to 12 $5.00, Age 2 and under free. Organized groups of 25 or more with prepaid reservations will be $4.00 per person
Check with Attraction for Current Prices and Discounts.

Florida Caverns is also popular for camping, swimming, fishing, picnicking, canoeing, boating, hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding.

Pirate's Dinner Adventure
6400 Carrier Dr
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 248-0590

Adult (ages 12 and older) Prices: $ 58.95 + tax
Child (ages 3 - 11 years) Prices: $ 38.95 + tax
Show Only: $29.95 + Tax

Check with Attraction for Current Prices and Discounts.

Medieval Times Dinner Show
4510 W. Irlo Bronson Hwy.
Kissimmee, FL 34746
(866) 731-9313

ADULT - $58.95 (+tax)
CHILDREN 12 & UNDER - $37.95 (+tax)
Check with Attraction for Current Prices and Discounts.

Ripley's Believe It Or Not
9907 Front Beach Rd
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
(850) 230-6113

$12.99-$15.99 Museum
$16.99-$20.99 Combo with Movie
Check with Attraction for Current Prices and Discounts.

Billie Swamp Safari
Big Cypress Indian Reservation
HC-61, Box 46, Clewiston, FL 33440
(800) 949-6101

Swamp Buggy
Eco-Tour $15-$25

Night Swamp Buggy Eco-Tour $20-$30

Airboat ride $15

Herpetarium
Alligator & Snake
Show $4-$8

Swamp Critter Show $4-$8

Campfire
Storytelling $3.50

Chickee Lodge
(Sleeps 2) $35

Dorm Chickee
(Sleeps 8 or 12) $65

Check with Attraction for Current prices and Discounts.

Uncle Donald's Farm
2713 Griffin Avenue, Lady Lake, Florida
HOURS:

Tuesday-Saturday
10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.

Sunday (March, April, Oct, Nov)
12:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.

GATES CLOSE:

4:00 P.M.
Farm closes at 5:00 P.M.

GENERAL ADMISSION:
Adult $10.50 + tax
(352) 753-2882

More than a petting farm almost a zoo

Central Florida Zoo
3755 NW US Highway 17/92
Sanford, FL 32771
(407) 323-4450

Adult $10.95

Ice Bar Orlando FL
8967 International Dr Orlando, FL
407-426-7555
Bar with everything made of ice

Haulover Canal & Manatee Lookout
Beside the Canal is an area the Manatees sometimes hangout.
Haulover Canal is located in the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge.
Enter the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge from Garden Street in Titusville Florida.


The best time to view manatees are at the Florida Springs in the winter.
They go to the springs in the winter for the warmer water.

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
4150 S Suncoast Blvd
Homosassa, FL 34446
(352) 628-5343

Cape Coral - Greenwells Family Fun Park

Go-Karts, Miniature Golf, Arcade, Paintball Fields, feed turtles and fish, batting cages, playground, and snack bar.

Bradenton - Winter Wonderland (3 day event)

holiday boat parade, a street festival, a Jingle Bell Run, arts and crafts, live entertainment, and a visit from Santa.

Bradenton - Pirates Cove

Go-kart racing, bumper boats, laser tag, miniature golf, batting cages, and arcade.

Bradenton - Around the Bend Nature Tours

Guided Nature Tour

Bradenton - Palma Sola Botanical Park

10 acres of natural beauty, lush tranquil gardens, and three lakes.

Bradenton - Parker Manatee Aquarium

Houses three adult manatees, Pool holds nearly 60,000 gallons of water. Manatee Education. Also a temporary home for injured manatees, that get released back into the wild.

Explore the universe in a “state of the art” domed theater, with an advanced all-digital projection system

Bradenton - South Florida Museum

Life sized casts of prehistoric Ice Age Mammals and fossils

Tarpon Springs - Friends of Brooker Creek Preserve

8,500-acre wilderness area, 4-miles of hiking trails, guided hikes

Tarpon Springs Aquarium

living reef, 120,000 gallon tank is home to more than 30 species of fish, four times daily, a trained diver enters tank and hand feeds inhabitants, safely pet and feed stingrays and small sharks.

Largo - Florida Botanical Gardens

Over 30 acres of gardens and 90 acres of natural areas, wildlife, education, and gift shop.

Clearwater - Francis Wilson Playhouse

On Stage Plays

Clearwater Ice Arena

Public Ice Skating & Skating Lessons

Clearwater Beach - Thriller Powerboat Tours

Twenty two mile Speedboat tour passing beautiful vacation spots, and encounter dolphins.

Orlando - Holy Land Experience

Exhibits, Scriptorium (several thousand manuscripts, scrolls, and other religious artifacts), Wilderness Tabernacle (live presentation), Jerusalem Street Market, Shofar Auditorium (live presentation), Great Temple (representation of the Temple that once stood on hallowed Mount Moriah in 1st century Jerusalem.), Oasis Palms Cafe, Dead Sea Qumram Caves (replica of the desert caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered by a shepherd boy in 1947), Calvary's Garden Tomb (Follow the road on which Christ carried the cross, to Calvary’s Garden Tomb), Smile of a Child Adventure Land (rock-climbing wall, misting station, stage where the kids are the stars), Prayer Gardens (three prayer gardens), Crystal Living Waters (Fountains and lights water show), Jerusalem Model A.D. 66 (45 by 25 foot-long structure gives a stunning overview of what Jerusalem looked like), and Theater of Life (movies that depicts the greatness of God and Christian values).

Merritt Island - Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary

Together with the Kiwanis Island Park, the Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary totals 487.91 acres. Trails, Fishing Pier and Birdwatching Tower. Be careful of Alligators, especially April & May, and the Mosquitoes.

St. Augustine - Ripley's Sightseeing Train Tours

Sightseeing Train Day tours or Night Ghost Train Tours.

Daytona Beach - Pastime Princess Deep Sea Fishing

Deep Sea Fishing. The rate at the time of this post, is $69 to fish all day, and they also offered a $5 Coupon.

New Smyrna Beach - Marine Discovery Center

Hands On Marine Education, eco-tours, and Marine Research.

DeLand - Safari River Tours

Wildlife and nature tour. 49-passenger pontoon boat, the Jungle Jim, departs from 1905 Hontoon Road, behind the Sunrise Restaurant in DeLand.

Daytona - Daytona Flea and Farmers Market

Large Year Round Flea Market, and farmers market.

Daytona Beach - Halifax Historical Museum

History of the greater Daytona Beach area. Artifacts dating from 5,000 B.C. exhibits include Native American, Spanish and British colonial, early pioneer families, beach auto racing, WorldWar II and vintage toys.
The Museum also offers a research facility, and theater presentations on the history of the area.

Daytona - Congo River Adventure Golf

Miniature Golf - website has virtual tour

Ponce Inlet - Marine Science Center

Sea turtle rehabilitation
Bird rehabilitation
Exhibits
Boardwalk
Nature trails
Observation tower
Artificial reef aquarium
Interactive displays

Marine Science Center
100 Lighthouse Dr
Ponce Inlet, FL 32127
(386) 304-5545

Hours:
Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed Monday
Last admission 3:30 p.m.

Adults (13 and over) - $5
Check with Attraction for Current Prices and Discounts.

Daytona Beach - Museum of Arts and Sciences

Exhibits, Nature Preserve, Children's Museum, Art

Daytona Beach - Ghost Walk

Take a Ghost Tour with a Certified Ghost Hunter & active Certified Paranormal Researcher.

Daytona Beach - Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory


Take a tour of Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory. Yummy.

Cocoa Beach - Cocoa Beach Pier

Restaurants & Snacks:
*Oh Shucks Seafood Bar - open air seafood bar on the beach.
*Atlantic Ocean Grille - Ocean dining 500 feet over the Atlantic at affordable prices.
*Marlins Good Times Bar & Grill - snacks, sandwiches, homemade soups, and desserts with ocean view.
*Ricky's Ice Cream Parlor & Arcade
*Fresh Baked Pizza
*Popping Fresh Popcorn

Entertainment:
*The Boardwalk - Friday night "Boardwalk Bash", cocktails and live entertainment.
*Mai Tiki Bar - Located at Pier's end, 800 feet over the ocean.

Easter Weekend Surf Contests
Beach Rentals

Titusville - Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

140,000 acre Widlife Refuge consisting of brackish estuaries and marshes, coastal dunes, scrub oaks, pine forests and flatwoods, and palm and oak hammocks.
1,045 plant species has been identified on the Refuge, 500 species of wildlife, including 330 species of birds, 117 fishes, 65 amphibians and reptiles, and 31 mammals.

We live near here, and we love this Refuge!!
It's near Kennedy Space Center, and Playalinda Beach. You could find Horseshoe crabs, sting rays, alligators, and much more. The Alligators are usually easy to spot, but if you can't find one, a good Alligator hang out is in a pond just a little ways on the right (before)you get to the Haulover Canal bridge. Just quietly observe them, and make sure to keep small children and pets at a good distance. My husband and I scooped up some seaweed at the first right after the Refuge Entrance, and there were seahorses, and pipefish in the seaweed. The fisherman here fish the Mosquito Lagoon, and my husband fishes for Redfish. Yummy!!

Playalinda Beach has miles of parking lots, and during the weekdays you can usually have a beach area all to yourself. If you are new to Florida, don't forget to watch for the undertows in the ocean. Also if you use floaties on the children, it does make them easy for the waves to pick up, so watch them close.
Their are nudist's that park at the last parking area, but with miles of parking lots, you have plenty of choices.

Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge also has a Manatee Viewing Area by Haulover Canal, follow the signs off the main road.

Go to Rt 1 and Garden Street (406) in Titusville FL to
Max Brewer Memorial Pkwy
Cross the bridge to the Wildlife Refuge.

Click Here for Map

Titusville - Playalinda Beach

A great beach to get away from the crowd. Playalinda Beach has 13 parking lots. One end has a view of the Launch Pads at Kennedy Space Center, the other end is used by clothing optional. The beaches on weekdays are usually not busy, and you can sometimes find a section of beach all to yourself. What makes Playalinda stand out is their are no resorts, just the beautiful ocean, sand dunes, and the wildlife refuge.

Playalinda Beach is located at the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge in Titusville Florida
From the corner of US 1 and Garden Street go across the causeway, and drive east until reach the beach.

Here are a few Playalinda Links:

Canaveral National Seashore
Playalinda Blog

Click Here for Map

Cocoa Beach Area - Grasshopper Airboat eco-tours

Airboat Tours across the grassy marshes of the St. Johns River

Rockledge - Space Coast Iceplex

100x200 International Ice Surface, Snack Bar and Sports Bar, Skate Rental & Quality Sharpening, Game Room, Iceplex Fitness Center and Dance Studio, Play "Moore" Hockey Zone Pro Shop, US Figure Skating Basic Skills Program, USA Hockey Youth, Adult and Junior Programs, Daily Public Skating Sessions, Learn to Skate Classes and Intro to Hockey.

Port Canaveral Cruises

Take a cruise. Carnival Cruise Lines, Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International.
Cruise Destinations: Nassau, Freeport, St. Thomas, St. Marten, Belize City, Cozumel,
Progreso Mexico, Castaway Cay, CocoCay, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel

Port Canaveral - SunCruz Casino

Slots, Table Games, Real Blackjack, Live Poker—Texas Hold ’Em, Let It Ride, 3-Card Poker & Caribbean Stud, Roulette, Craps, Mini Baccarat, Sportsbook Wagering, Four Decks of Gaming, Full-Course Lunch or Dinner, Free Drinks While Gaming, Live Entertainment.

Vero Beach - McKee Botanical Garden

McKee Botanical Garden is a 18-acre subtropical jungle hammock.

Cape Canaveral - Astronaut Hall of Fame

Exhibits dedicated to our nation's astronauts.
Astronaut Adventure room is an interactive experience that gives you a taste of space. The G-Force Trainer allows you to feel the pressure of four times the force of gravity.

Ft. Pierce - Harbor Branch Marine Oceanographic

Hands on Marine Education, Research & Conservation.

Daytona International Speedway

Daytona International Speedway. Watch the Races. You can also visit Daytona 500 Experience, which are simulators that allow you to experience racing. Richard Petty Driving Experience allows you to Ride shotgun with a professional driver. The Coca-Cola IMAX Theatre at DAYTONA 500 EXPERIENCE allows you to view "NASCAR 3D: The IMAX Experience" in 3D. DAYTONA 500 EXPERIENCE ACCELERATION ALLEY. Fans maneuver NASCAR simulators that combine motion, video projection and sound for a racing experience. Daytona Dream Laps is an iWERKS motion simulator ride that seats 32 guests. There is also "Chevy 16-second Pit Stop Challenge" which allows you to experience being part of the pit crew.

Cocoa - Ace of Hearts Ranch

Horse Back Riding. 1 - Hour Wooded Trail Rides.

Panama City Beach - Bungee Mania Bungee Jumping

Bungee Mania Bungee Jumping
10279 Front Beach Road
Panama City Beach, FL.
850-233-1132

Gulf World Marine Park

Animal shows, exhibits, and hands-on interaction with the animals.
Swim with the Dolphins.

Adults: $24.00 + tax
Children ages 5 – 11: $15.00 + tax
Children under 4 - free

Please check with attraction for current information, and admission rates.

15412 Front Beach Road
Panama City Beach, Florida
850-234-5271

West Coconut Creek Family Fun Park

Miniature golf & Giant Size Maze

9807 Front Beach Road,
Panama City Beach, Florida
850-234-2625

Mini-golf $10.50
Gran Maze $10.50
Special (on day of this posting) play 2 days for $18
Please check with attraction for current information, and admission rates.

The Gran Maze is a giant labyrinth about the size of a football field

Fort Walton Beach - Emerald Coast Science Center

Exhibits, Programs, Learn how to become an astronomer, navigate the night sky and gaze upon the wonders of the universe. There is also a Family Science Night.

Adults $5.00.
Children (3-12) $3.50.
Youth (13-17) $4.00.
Seniors (55 and older) $4.00.
Children 2 and under free.

Please check with attraction for current information, and admission rates.


139 Brooks Street
Fort Walton Beach FL
850-664-1261

Indian Shores - Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary

Wild bird hospital and rehabilitation center. Injured Birds are rescued and brought here. Free admission.

18328 Gulf Blvd
Indian Shores, FL 33785
(727) 391-6211

facility is open 365 days a year from 9:00 a.m. until sunset.

Panama City Beach - Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise

Take a Sight Seeing Cruise on a Pirate Ship

$17 - $21
Check with Attraction for Current Prices and Discounts.

Fort Walton Beach - Florida's Gulfarium Marine Show Aquarium

Marine Shows, Animals Exhibits, and Dolphin Encounters.

Destin - Sunset Cruises

Dinner, Holiday & Specialty Cruises.

Destin - Track Family Recreation Center

Miniature Golf, Bungee Jump, SkyFlyer, Arcade, Go-Karts, Bumper Rides.
Kids Rides: Kiddie Karts, The Rio Grande Train, The Carousel,
The Red Baron Plane Ride, Spin Tops, Swings, Ferris Wheel,
The Jungle Jumper, & Rookie Karts.

Pensacola Opera

Opera Music

Pensacola - National Naval Aviation Museum

Hands-on history of Naval Aviation, more than 150 restored aircraft, over 4,000 artifacts representing Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Aviation. Flight Simulators, Naval Aviation Memorial Theatre and IMAX® films, and Museum.

Milton - Farmers' Opry, Dinners, & Campground

Opry, Gospel Music, and Famous Artist Events. Also Dinners before the music.

Pensacola - Blue Water Adventures

Dive Charters, Spearfishing, Largest artificial reef in the world.
A majestic aircraft carrier, sunk in 212' of water 22 miles from
shore, attracts many species of marine life.

Panama City Beach - Captain Anderson’s Marina

Deep Sea Fishing, Shell Island Cruises, Dolphin Encounters, Evening Dinner Cruises, Dive Trips, Charter Boat Fishing, Seafood Market & Restaurants.

Panama City - Shell Island Cruise and Kids Pirate Treasure Hunt

Boat Cruise, Sight See, Collect Shells, and Watch Dolphins. The kids will enjoy the Pirate Treasure Hunt.

Panama City Beach - Ripley's Believe It or Not and 4D Movie

Ripley's weird and unusual collection, and a 4D moving theater.

Largo - Gulf Coast Museum of Art

St. Petersburg - Salvador Dali Museum

Exhibits and Art

St. Petersburg - The Museum of Fine Arts

Art Exhibits

St. Petersburg - Museum of History

Exhibits of Florida & St. Petersburg's History.

St. Petersburg - Great Explorations Children's Museum

Stimulate learning through creativity, play and exploration. Exhibits, Programs, and hands on learning fun.

St. Petersburg - Pier Aquarium & Boat Cruise

The St. Petersburg Pier offers an Aquarium, Dolphin Queen Boat Cruise, Rental boats, buggy bike made for 9 adults and 2 children, & Fishing

Clearwater Beach - Show Queen Cruises

Sight See, and Dine, on a sixty-five foot triple deck riverboat.

Clearwater Beach - Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise

Take a cruise with Pirates, on a Pirate Ship.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Dolphin, Turtles, and Fish Exhibits. You can also have Dolphin Encounters.

Clearwater - Celebration Station


Arcade, Batting Cages, Bumper Boats, Go-Karts, Miniature Golf, Lazer Tag, and Kid's Rides.

Tampa - Ybor City Museum State Park

The State Park contains exhibits on Vicente Martinez Ybor.

Tampa - Henry B. Plant Museum

Travel Back in Time and visit the Tampa Bay Hotel,

Tampa Bay - Performing Arts Center

335,000 square-foot. Has leading Broadway series, grand opera, concerts, and events.

Tampa - Adventure Island

Tampa's 30 acre Waterpark

St. Petersburg - Sunken Gardens

100 year old garden with some of the oldest tropical plants in the region.
Explore waterfalls, and more than 50,000 tropical plants and flowers and also
a butterfly garden.

Florida 's Gulf Coast Travel

by peter1402
There is a great deal of variety in the beaches located along the Gulf Coast of the State, but the choice of what to visit is even more interesting than on the Atlantic Coast. The Gulf Coast is in many ways less developed along long stretches, but it provides much more to explore, both in terms of topography and of activity. Beginning with the southern tip of Florida and working one 's way north would provide dozens of interesting and exciting places to visit, with even more activities to occupy people of every age and interest.

NAPLES/MARCO ISLAND AREA

Naples area beaches are known as some of the most beautiful in the state. In fact the entire area is known as The Paradise Coast. Here you will find beaches such as Barefoot Beach Preserve with expectations for viewing sea turtles, ospreys, and bald eagles. Often sparkling which beaches are lines with mangroves and dunes. Many areas are rich in natural history. In spite of their beauty and accessibility, these beaches tend to be quieter than in some of the other parts of the State, but you can still find hot night action in spots where the locals gather.

FORT MYERS

Fort Myers Beach is perfect for those who enjoy shell collecting and island hopping. You can swim in the warm waters of the Gulf, enjoy snorkeling, scuba and swimming and wandering in beach towns that can only be described as rustic. Accommodations in this area can be gold star treatment, or you may choose to stay in one of the primitive cabins located on Cayo Costa Island. If you chose this option, make sure you plan your stay for overnight, since it 's accessible by ferry only.

Fort Myers Beach itself is noted for its safety. Gently sloping sands lead temptingly into the Gulf 's waters where you can enjoy para-sailing, swimming, water skiing and jet skiing. The village will entice anyone who loves to shop.

ST PETERSBURG

Miles of powdery sand here on the barrier islands protecting the harbor. Many are undeveloped, but there are also city managed stretches of developed facilities. These beaches have consistently captured awards for everything from the quality of the sand to the environmental efforts of the area.

Anclote Key has dozens of species of birds including the bald eagle to enjoy and observe. Four miles of beaches on the island. There are six different biological communities on the island so a variety of flora and fauna makes your stay in this area fascinating. In addition, there is a superb swimming beach located here. Historical interest is provided by the 1887 federal lighthouse located on the southern tip of the island

CRYSTAL RIVER

The character of the beaches begins to change in this area. There are shallow grassy flats coupled with a few stretches of sandy beaches. This area is known as Florida 's Nature Coast. In addition to the expected wildlife, you can enjoy snorkeling, swimming and even the search for scallops in the months during the summer season.

Surrounding marshland proves to be a place where many vacationers choose to make a trek inland to view the wildlife which calls this area home.

Smaller communities, more quiet locations to enjoy nature and good food and accommodations are all characteristics of the stretch of Florida coast north of St Petersburg.

CEDAR KEY/STEINHATCHEE BEACHES

A definite change in scenery characterizes the coastline of Florida. These are almost all smaller communities with a rich history and more emphasis on fishing--both fresh and saltwater, boating, birding and plenty of other nature activities to enjoy. There are many secluded island beaches where you can choose your activities with an eye to quiet, peaceful stretches along with places for swimming, snorkeling and other water activities. There are even villages noted for the fishing trade which can best be classified as quaint.

FORT WALTON

This area has been called the best beach in the South. It 's famous for miles of powdery white sand and warm Gulf waters that make you feel like you are swimming in an aquarium, thanks to the variety of underwater creatures you can view.

Favorite activities here include those which are beach and family oriented.

About the Author

Peter Kenny has been working in the Orlando area travel industry for the past 10 years. Please visit Vacation homes by owner and Orlando vacation homes

Article Source: Content for Reprint

I ran across this Ghost Story article, and thought I would share it for
those of you interested in the Ghost Tours.

---

Haunted Skies: Ghosts Of The Eastern 401 Disaster

by Bill Knell
My experience with the story of Eastern Flight 401 began early in 1973. I flew from Tampa, Florida, to New York City and back several times that year. Most of my close relatives lived in the New York City area. During school breaks, I took the opportunity to combine visits with them with opportunities to attend various paranormal seminars scheduled for that year.

At sixteen, I was an experienced traveler and made most of my own airline reservations and arrangements. I hated crowds and loved red eye flights. Traveling at odd hours was no big deal for me. During the middle of Summer Break 1973, I was aboard a Sunday afternoon EAL flight that seemed almost empty. In those days there were always more flight attendants than needed on the off peak hours flights. The younger, less experienced crew members tended to hob knob with passengers. That’s how I met Susan. (I am being polite: Flight Attendants were called Stewardesses if they were women and Stewards if they were men in those days)

Her attention was drawn to a book I was reading about Flying Saucers. Like most of the flight attendants that I met during the 1970s, Susan was from the South. She seemed about twenty years old and had a pleasant personality. We talked on and off as her free time allowed. I had enough time in the air to know that there were several topics that you never brought up on a plane. These included UFOs and Airline Crashes, but both subjects came up anyway.

Susan was obviously well read on the UFO subject. Like me, she had relatives in the Air Force. She also knew people that had personally seen UFOs while on commercial flights. Most were not spectacular sightings, but strange enough to cause concern. What really got her started were some of the ghost stories I told. It turned out that hers was much better than mine.

I didn’t know much about the Flight 401 Air Disaster except that it involved an Eastern Airlines Passenger Jet which went down in the Florida Everglades about six months before. Personally, I was more concerned about airline hijackers in those days than crashes. Susan asked if I had heard any of the stories about ghosts from that flight appearing to people. I hadn’t. Before she could utter another word, a male flight attendant walking by grabbed her by the arm. Both vanished into the First Class section.

After a few minutes the male flight attendant reappeared. Although he worked in First Class, he came up to my seat and asked how I was doing? I said I was fine and didn’t need anything. He introduced himself as Bobby and asked if I wanted to move up to First Class. I accepted the invitation. While walking through the curtain that separated the sections, Susan whizzed by me with just a quick smile and stuffed some folded mimeographed papers into my hand. I shoved them into my pocket.

The five folded pages that Susan stuffed into my hand looked like some kind of insider’s newsletter. Something a Flight Attendant had put together for other Flight Attendants. It made reference to the 401 crash and how that some flight crews were seeing ghosts from the 401 crash. The pages were badly worn and had obviously been passed around and handled a lot. Although names and specifics were left out, it was obvious that this was a how-to sheet for crew members that wanted to avoid being on planes known for the 401 ghost appearances.

After we landed, I told Bobby that I left something in my seat back in coach. Before he could say anything, I headed back to speak to Susan. She was putting away pillows, so I thanked her for being so nice, pulled the mimeographed sheets out of my pocket and asked her, “Did you see any of the ghosts?” She looked down and thanked me for flying Eastern. Cold! I felt as if I had been dumped by a prom date! I mean, it wasn’t like I expected her to give me her telephone number. I just wanted to talk Airline spooks.

While in New York, I went to a library and looked up more information about the crash. It seems that the whole thing began when Flight 401 left Tampa for New York on December 29, 1972. The flight crew was Pilot Bob Loft, First Officer Albert Stockstill and Flight Engineer Don Repo. On the return leg to Miami, a problem developed. While on approach to Miami International at 11:30pm, a landing gear light failed to come on. As a result, the crew attempted to be sure the gear was down.

While trying to remedy the landing gear light issue, it’s likely that someone bumped the aircraft control column and deactivated the auto pilot. This caused a slow decent that wasn’t noticed by the flight crew until it was too late. Loft and Stockstill perished in the cockpit, although Loft hung on for a while after the crash. Stockstill was thirty-nine and Loft was fifty-five years old. Don Repo, fifty-one years old, initially survived the crash and died a day later in the hospital. In the end, ninety-six of one hundred and sixty-three passengers died.

Two weeks later I flew back to Tampa, Florida. I wondered if it had been sheer luck that caused me to learn about the 401 ghost stories on a flight from Tampa and to New York. Maybe, but I wasn’t lucky enough to end up on a flight with Susan again. My off peak flight took off on a late Sunday afternoon with a completely different crew. There were maybe thirty people on board and we ended up with an experienced Flight Attendant. She was kind of bossy, so I sat and read quietly.

At some point, I took out the folded pages that Susan gave me. I tucked them into a notebook I purchased at the airport and had been trying to decode the worn mimeo sheets for days. It proved difficult and was very frustrating, but I thought I would use the flight time back to Florida to try again. While I was using a magnifying glass to try and make out the words and letters, a member of the flight crew passed by. It was the First Officer headed to the back of the aircraft.

I probably wouldn’t have noticed him, but he stopped at my seat and looked at the sheets. He asked, “Pardon me, did someone on this flight or at the airport give that to you?” I told him no and made the mistake of saying that I found it in one of the magazines on board. I didn’t want to get Susan in trouble. He reached over and grabbed it out of my hands saying it was a scandal sheet passed around by ill-informed employees.

I had no way of knowing that I was flying Eastern at a time when the Flight 401 ghost sightings were at their high point. The sightings began in January of 1973 and continued in earnest until the summer of 1974. These events were exposed to the world in The Ghost of Flight 401, a book written by John G. Fuller. Fuller is one of my favorite authors. His book, Interrupted Journey chronicled the famous Betty and Barney Hill UFO Abduction Case and there were others like Incident at Exeter that I enjoyed as well.

Fuller’s book came out a couple of years after the ghost sightings ended. His wife, Elizabeth, was an Eastern Flight Attendant that helped him get the goods on the 401 ghost sightings. Her book, My Search for the Ghost of Flight 401, was just as good as his and I read both with equal enthusiasm. Anyone interested the paranormal should dig up copies of these and read them cover to cover.


The film, The Ghost of Flight 401, starred Ernest Borgnine and was a part of a one-two punch delivered by Hollywood. The second was the release of Crash, another film about the 401 disaster. This one starred William Shatner. Both films were shown on Broadcast Television in the USA and released in theaters in some other Countries. All told, the films were well received and probably gave Frank Borman more sleepless nights than the ghosts themselves.

In The Ghost of Flight 401, the ghosts appear as any human would. For example, during a 1973 flight from Newark to Miami, A Flight Attendant was doing a head count when she noticed a man in an Eastern Airlines Pilot uniform seated with the passengers. He refused to acknowledge her, so she contacted the flight crew. The Captain of that flight came back to see what was going on and recognized the man as Bob Loft. He cried out, “Oh my God, that’s Bob Loft!” At that point Loft vanished. Everyone present saw it happen.

During a 1974 flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Newark, NJ, the Pilot sees Don Repo sitting in the Flight Engineer’s seat. Repo says, "There will never be another crash of an L-1011, we will not allow it.” Repo vanishes after speaking. During another sighting, Repo appeared to a Flight Crew member and said he had completed the preflight check.

On another occasion, a Flight Attendant saw a man in a Flight Engineer uniform fixing a microwave oven. Thinking nothing of it, she went about her business. Later she asked the Flight Engineer what was wrong with the microwave. He had no idea what she was talking about. Repo also appeared several times in the Hell Hole (electronics room) beneath the cockpit after crew members heard knocking in that area and went to investigate.

While boarding a flight that would take him from JFK in New York to Miami International in 1973, a Vice President of Eastern Airlines entered the First Class Cabin and saw an Eastern Pilot sitting there. When he got close enough to see his face, it was Bob Loft. Loft vanished before his eyes. Loft was seen by a number of flight crews and spoke occasionally warning about problems or potential problems on board an aircraft.

There were some other types of appearances as well. Flight Attendant Faye Merryweather saw the face of Don Repo staring at her from an oven in the galley of Tri-Star 318. The galley was salvaged from the wreckage of 401. Merryweather summoned two other Flight Attendants. One was a friend of Repo and recognized his face. Repo spoke and said, “Watch out for fire on this airplane." The airliner ended up having engine trouble a short time later on route to Acapulco. After landing, the rest of its flight was cancelled.
And it wasn’t just flight crews that saw the deceased crew members.

Several Marriott Food Service workers saw a Flight Engineer vanish in the galley of an airliner being stocked for the next flight and refused to continue their work. That flight was delayed for over an hour. Airline cleaners and mechanics began to find reasons to avoid working on or in Ship #318 where most of the sightings took place. Some believe that’s because parts were salvaged from the aircraft involved in the 401 crash and transplanted into #318. It’s as good as explanation as any.

Although the details remain sketchy and there’s a great deal of disagreement about it, the end of the ghost sightings may have had something to do with a psychic intervention of sorts. It’s been reported that one or more people who knew Loft and Repo managed to contact them through the help of a psychic medium who persuaded them to move on. The ghost sightings ended about a year and a half after the crash.

A haunting of this intensity and frequency reveals how woefully inadequate our attempts to understand or investigate the paranormal have been. This is especially true of those who do not care to acknowledge paranormal events in the first place. Rather than believe their own people, Eastern chose to ignore the ghost reports and recommend mental health evaluations and treatment for those who saw them. If the ghosts that appeared after the 401 crash have taught us anything, I would hope it is that simply ignoring paranormal events will not make them vanish into thin air.

Read more true stories about the Unexplained, order paranormal DVDs and experience the unexplained at http://www.UFOguy.com

About the Author

Author: Bill Knell
Author 's Website: http://www.ufoguy.com
Terms To Use Article: Permission is granted to use this article for free online or in print with the addition of a link to http://www.ufoguy.com or that URL printed with the article.

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Free Things to Do When Visiting Orlando Florida

by shickman
Going on vacation can be very costly if you don't do your research before you go. There 's the transportation, the lodging, where to eat, and what to do. Today we'll discuss free things to do when visiting Orlando.

If you are staying close to Disney World but not in a Disney hotel, you can still enjoy the Disney amenities for yourself for free. You can park at any of the Disney hotels and use the free transportation to travel to and from the individual resorts. The themed resorts like the Royal Pacific, The Wilderness Lodge, and the Grand Floridian are enjoyable to walk through. You can take the monorail to and from the Grand Floridian and Wilderness Lodge. The hotels also have different decorations depending on the time of year.

Down Town Disney is free and offers a lot to enjoy. There are the Disney stores, other fun shops and the river area. You can take a boat ride through the river and see the beautifully landscaped Disney hotels as you pass. The boat from Down Town Disney to Port Orleans takes an average of 30 minutes and is free top ride. Port Orleans is also very beautiful and looks like houses from the late 1800 's in Gone With The Wind.

Old Town in Kissimmee is only 10 minutes from Disney and is a lot of fun. They have lots of stores, rides like bumper cars, go carts, and thrill rides. It is free to park and walk around. There is Crusin on Saturday nights. They average 400 entries of classic hot rod and crusin cars. Grab a spot on Main Street and watch the cars cruise by.

Celebration is right next to old town and is not just a town but an experience. Enter the most perfect place on Earth. The houses are well manicured and all sit perfectly inline going down the street. Walk around the down town area and enjoy the stores, music, and the movies if you have time. It 's free to park and walk around.

If you are staying close to Universal Studios and Orlando, there are lots of free things to do here as well. Universal City Walk is always free to walk around and parking is free after 6pm. There are plenty of shops to keep you busy for a couple of hours. Visit the Hard Rock Hotel, The Pacific Island Resort, and The Portofino Hotel while you are there. They are all well designed and are a great way to have casual conversation with your friends. Universal also has a free boat service that will take you from City Walk to the different hotels.

The Gaylord Hotel is a great place to visit. Parking is not always free but if you have a group of people it definitely pays for it self. Designed after the famous Gaylord Hotel in Nashville but with a Floridian flare. It 's a great place to enjoy the outdoors inside year round. The entire center area of the hotel is covered by a giant glass ceiling. There are lots of tress, waterfalls, and a ship that sits on the water and doubles as a restaurant. You can easily walk around for 2 to 3 hours with out getting bored.

If you like to shop, there 's the Mall at Millennia, The Florida Mall, and The Fashion Square Mall all close by. It 's only free if you don't buy anything.

Park Avenue in Winter Park is just north of down town Orlando and is a beautiful place to slow down and enjoy the atmosphere. Visit the unique shopping and high end stores as you take in beauty of the tree lined streets. It 's free to look.

Harry P.Leu Gardens isn't free but I thought I would let you know about it. It is only around $4 a person and is worth the small investment. Located just north of down town Orlando off of Virginia Drive, it takes you right out of the city while still being in the city. Walk the path of beautiful native Florida landscape and stop to smell the roses in one of Central Florida 's largest Rose gardens. Take the tour of Leu Gardens house that is included in admission.

There are lots of state parks in Florida and many are free, the ones that aren't don't cost very much though. Visit Big Tree Park in Longwood which is 15 minutes north of downtown Orlando if you want to see the oldest Cypress Tree on record at over 2,000 years old.

Lake Eola in down town Orlando is a great place to walk as you can walk around the entire lake in less than an hour. Take in the natural beauty of the historic trees along with the skyscrapers that circle the lake.

Cranes Roost in Altamonte Springs Uptown Park is a free enjoyable experience. It is located about 20 minutes north of down town Orlando but is worth the visit. It is a well decorated park that circles Cranes Roost Lake. Walk across the long boardwalk that crosses the lake while you listen to contemporary music playing in the back ground.

There are many other free things to do in Orlando just get creative. You might have the experience of a life time.

About the Author

Shawn Hickman is the Internet Marketing Manager for getlistedinternetmarketing.com



and

Vista Cay Holidays

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Get More Out Of Disneyland Or Disneyworld

by jdanf39
How To Get More Out Of Disneyland or Disney World

There is always something to see or do at Disneyland or DisneyWorld in Florida, but Disneyland and DisneyWorld adds to this with nightly entertainment during the peak season, and weekend entertainment during the off-season. There is also special entertainment during special occasions, such as the Fourth of July and Christmas.

Get More Out of Your Disneyland Vacation With FastPass

You don't want to spend your entire Disneyland Vacation standing in long lines. This can be avoided by using Disneyland FastPass. FastPass can be obtained from machines located near the rides that accept FastPass. This doesn't mean that you get to immediately move to the front of the line. It is more like scheduling an appointment for the ride later in the day ' at which time you actually will move to the front of the line. In the meantime, you are free to go enjoy other sites and rides around the park.

When you obtain a FastPass ticket, you will be given a one hour time in which to enjoy the ride. For instance, your FastPass ticket may say 11am to 12pm. This means that you can show up and move to the front of the line between the hours of 11am and 12pm. You must have your Disneyland ticket in order to obtain a FastPass ticket.

At Disneyland, FastPasses are available for Indiana Jones, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Roger Rabbits Cartoon Spin, Autopia, Space Mountain, and Buzz Lightyear.

Fantasmic is held twice each night during the peak season, and on weekends during the off-season. The show takes place on Tom Sawyer 's Island, and features many characters, music, and fireworks. For the best seating possible, purchase tickets for Fantasmic in advance, but note that free seating is also available, and is included in your Disneyland park admission price.

The Parade of Dreams features large colorful floats accompanied by many Characters. This parade takes place twice each day. During the parade, the entire parade will stop three times to do a choreographed show, and most of the Disney Characters are portrayed in the Parade of Dreams.

In the Fantasyland Theater, you can see a musical of Snow White. This show is held several times throughout the day. This show should not be missed especially if you love Snow White. Since the show is held several times each day, reservations are not necessary.

These are just a few of the shows that are available at Disneyland. Again, entertainment is an ongoing thing at the park, with each day bringing something new. One thing that you can definitely count on, of course, is the fireworks! The fireworks show is held late each night ' before the park closes for the day.

Even if you can't stay for the fireworks, you can probably see them out of your hotel window! Try to get a view of the Fireworks from in front of Sleeping Beauty 's Castle for the greatest effect. The fireworks on the Fourth of July are out of this world.

To find out if there are any special shows or events during the time that you will be at Disneyland, visit the website, call the park, or ask your travel agent to find this information out for you. You may also want to inquire about special events during specific months, so that you can plan your stay at Disneyland for those days.

Most entertainment is provided free of charge, and is part of your admission price. However, special seating, or priority seating usually requires a fee, as well as a reservation. Some events require an admission price that is separate from your park admission. Again, check the website, call the park, or discuss events and fees with your travel agent when planning your Disneyland vacation.

With a little planning and organization your family can enjoy Disneyland or Disney world much more than if you just go. Use these tips to make it special.

About the Author

What to See And Do At Disneyland? Get All The Inside Tips To Make Your Disney Trip Super Fun.
Disneyland Vacation

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Amazing Secrets To Bass Fishing in Florida

by sagalists
Central Florida is a hot spot for bass fishers. In Florida waters, such as Lake Okeechobee, swarm of bass fishermen gather to get blue gills, specks, largemouth bass, crappie, peacock bass, etc, which populate the waters of the world 's most prominent fishing region.

Likewise, anglers come to Okeechobee to catch the butterfly bass, black bass, smallmouth, etc. Anglers through out the whole wide world enjoy bass fishing, along with hobbies, sports, trophy fishing, etc.

Thousands of anglers take pleasure in bass fishing at Florida 's familiar areas, including the Martin Marina. Martin has a extensive array of services, which comprise a number of the biggest bass in the whole world. Miami is an extra vicinity where anglers gather together to hook up bass, however absolutely will move onto Lake Okeechobee, Lake Kissimmee, etc.

If you are organizing a bass fishing journey take stock of the information online where you will learn about a wide spectrum of guide, tours, etc, and discounts. Internet information will assist you with sorting out the popular areas. Most information are accepted by Coast Guards and are licensed. Check that you search for qualified plus permitted services to keep away from dismay.

Likewise, look around for proficient anglers or information. The books will teach you. Countless information offer suggestion on the finest bait, waters, etc. Moreover, the information will supply live-bait, artificial lures, etc. Books also know the waters through out Florida.

Given that the info, books are the choice since you will have reliability when paying a quick visit the Florida waters. Bass fishing is an adventure. If you enjoy hobbies, sports, etc, you will enjoy bass fishing.

Speaking of the bass:
Largemouth bass is a freshwater game fish. The bass is blackish-green as well as stems from in the North American waters. The largemouth fish is notorious for its large mouth, which reaches behind the eyes. Largemouth bass originates from the family of Micropterus Salmoides.

Smallmouth bass is also a freshwater fish. The greenish-brown bass comes from in North American, yet like the largemouth is sited in many Florida waters. The bass is repeatedly caught in clear streams, lakes, etc, as well as is widely pursued in game fishing. Its Latin name is Micropterus Dolomieu.

Crappie bass are North American freshwater bass. The sunfish has a balanced anal plus dorsal fin, which this bass is repeatedly sited in ponds, lakes, etc. Crappie is categorized as the Genus Pomoxis family.

Peacock bass inclusive of the male peafowl has a crested head, plus large fan-shaped tail. The fish is distinguished to its vivid colors, along with the green and blue spots. Peacock is also named as peafowl.

Black bass:
Florida 's black bass is sited in North American plus is a game fish. The black bass is one of the biggest freshwater fish plus is like to the Genus Micropterus family. The black bass is also identified as the largemouth, bigmouth, green bass, lineside, green trout, Oswego, plus the bucketmouth. These bass found in warm regions tend to grow to trophy size quickly. You will also hit upon the Black Bass in California as well as Texas waters.

Another of Florida 's celebrated fish, consist of the Suwannee Bass. This bass originates from the family of Micropterus-Notius. Suwannee is easily mistaken for the redeye bass, smallmouth, or other comparable bass. Suwannee has a heavy body, which uncommonly does this fish grow further than 12 inches. Suwannee is prominent for its glamorous blue, turquoise, colors, and its chest, lower body parts, as well as cheeks.

Suwannee has a limit that constrains him to Ochlockonee Rivers through out Georgia as well as Florida. Suwannee is also found in Ichetucknee Rivers, Suwannee, St. Mark, Wacissa, etc, on top of several parts of Sante Fee. This bass has a tendency to move well in rapid waters where rock shoals exist.

About the Author

If you want more advanced bass fishing tips and strategies then download your free copy of bass fishing report called Professional Bass Fishing Shortcut Tips at Pro Bass Fishing Tips.

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Fort Lauderdale Ghost Tours --- Hunt The Haunted Tonight! by Christian Rieger

Hunt ghosts with the Ghosts, Mysteries & Legends tour of Old Fort Lauderdale, www.fortlauderdaleghosttours.com, Fort Lauderdale's premier ghost tour. Ghost Guides introduce visitors and locals to Fort Lauderdale's "other night life" as they walk along the banks of the New River in the city's historic district.

The ghost tour takes guests to the city's most haunted places right in the heart of downtown, where the Tequesta Indians lived when the Spanish Conquistadors arrived and where the city as we know it today began.

The tour's chief ghost guide, Christian Rieger, says, "We concentrate our tour in the area where Fort Lauderdale started as a modern city & where the Flagler railroad came through in 1896.

"The freeze of 1895 that killed the citrus trees through central Florida, caused Henry Flagler to extend his Florida Eastcoast Railroad from Palm Beach to what is today Miami.

The city's first hotel, built because the railroad's coming through, was built next to the tracks at the river. Historians say that it is this area, where we have our ghost hunting, that the city, as we know it today, began."

Ghost tour guides, wearing a cape, top hat and carrying a lantern, tell stories of the fabled New River, trading posts and 100 year-old mansions. Is the Ghost Train that speeds silently over the tracks the train that caused the death 500 people in the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935? Some locals who claim to have seen it think so.

Visitors on the tour will discover the mystery of the woman in the white wedding dress and why she stands alone on the balcony of the city's oldest standing hotel building. Guides also tell tales of Seminole Indians that still haunt the river, the ghosts of early settlers, and the haunts of a popular restaurant.

"It is great family entertainment," says Rieger, "something for the family to do after dinner besides watch television in the hotel room. It also works great for local families, because ghost tours are a clever way of introducing local history to children & a way of making history interesting and easy to listen to."

"And bring your digital camera. We have had many guests who have photographed various images in the spirit world."

For more info, contact 954 523 1501or admin@fortlauderdaleghosttours.com

fortlauderdaleghosttours.com
Christian Rieger has been writing financial and travel articles since 1965. He has also written sightseeing scripts for New York, Savannah, Key West, San Juan and Fort Lauderdale. He operates tour companies in Key West and Fort Lauderdale.

Article Source: ArticleSnatch.com

The Florida Keys
by dave4

On the southernmost tip of Florida lies a string of islands that extend out into the beautiful blue Gulf of Mexico, called the Florida Keys. These islands are a favorite of both Americans and international travelers alike, and are sometimes dubbed America's Caribbean. Since they lie where the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean meet, you will find the waters that surround the islands to be warm, wonderful, and beautiful year round.

Since the two bodies of water meet here around the keys, you can find some of the best deep sea fishing that the world has to offer and there are many different tour guides who are always willing to take you on a cruise around some of the best fishing spots. These warm tropical waters also make the Florida Keys a great place to do some diving. There are plenty of coral reefs to enjoy, marine life to watch, and even a few old shipwrecks to explore! You can always find a dive shop to help you get prepared for diving or snorkeling the keys as well as lessons for the beginners.

Each island that makes up the Florida Keys is unique, but beautiful in the same ways. Key Largo is the very first island in the chain that makes up the keys, and Key West is the southernmost island that completes the keys. Some of the other islands that just cannot be missed while you visit are Long Key, Marathon, Big Pine Key, and Islamorada. Each island has its own special flair and hospitality to offer, but Key West is by far one of the most popular islands in the Florida Keys.

When you stay on Key West, there are many hotels and resorts to enjoy, but one of the best is the Center Court Historic Inn and Cottages. This old fashioned Inn will make you feel like you are back in the days when the Inn first opened and life was simpler. Each room and cottage is spacious and luxurious, with many different settings to choose from. You can pick your room's setting, which include: cottages, condos, villas, historic homes, historic rooms at the Inn, and even a guest house. So, no matter what you prefer, you will find it here. Each room at the Center Court Historic Inn offers a Jacuzzi in each bath, so you will always be able to find a place to lay back and relax. This Inn specializes in weddings and honeymoons, so you are sure to be pampered like royalty when you book your wedding or honeymoon here.

Each of the different suites that the Inn offers is set among a different fun setting. One suite is only about a half a block away from the famous Duval Street and you can stroll out on the town to one of the most famous streets this side of Bourbon Street in New Orleans! Another suite is set among some of the most beautiful tropical gardens on the island, where you can listen to the birds and smell the flowers. This suite even has it's own aviary for guests to enjoy.

No matter which room, suite, house, or villa you choose when you stay at the Center Court Historic Inn and Cottages, you are sure to find exactly what you long for to make your vacation experience truly relaxing and wonderful. So, the next time that you visit the Florida Keys, be sure to book your rooms here, and enjoy some of the most unique settings that you could possibly ask for!

WarmIslands.com provides information on all types of tropical vacations. Reviews include vacations in the Florida Keys, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Southern Pacific, and many more travel destinations. Enroll for a free membership at their forums and participate with other tropical vacation lovers. If you want a vacation in the Florida Keys and are looking for a secluded stay in a villa or resort of your choice, we can help you. Just imagine yourself on a warm and sandy beach enjoying your favorite tropical drink.


Article Source: ArticleSnatch.com

Grassy Key - Dolphin Research Center

See and learn about Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions.
You can also swim with the dolphins.

Central Florida's Wildlife: An Abundance Of Diversity
by Susanne Pacher

When you go to Florida, wildlife confronts you everywhere. Especially all the exotic birds fascinated me, often you come up close to subtropical bird species while playing golf or picnicking in a public park.

Central Florida is actually a much more interesting destination for naturalists than I would ever have expected. Both Florida's plant life and wildlife are surprisingly diverse and Florida is the 3rd most ecologically diverse state after Hawaii and California.

It is a nearly flat lowland that gently slopes to the sea on the east and west coasts. This lowland has unique physical features that are associated with the diverse ecosystems that exist here. The predominantly low-lying topography was created by fluctuating sea levels over time. Coastal features include dunes, barrier islands, lagoons and tidal rivers, which were formed by tides, currents and winds.

The interior of Central Florida is characterized by swamps, marshlands and inland lakes, a haven for birds. South of Orlando is the Lake Wales Ridge, a ridge of sand hills paralleled by flatlands and sandy rolling hills. This ridge used to be an island in earlier geological times when ocean levels were higher. As a result many of the species that exist here are unique to this area.

The Florida Birding Trail (http://www.floridabirdingtrail.com) is a collection of sites throughout Florida selected for their excellent bird watching or bird education opportunities. This 2000-mile trail is designed to conserve and enhance Florida's bird habitat and promotes bird watching activities, environmental education and economic opportunity.

Florida truly is a birder's paradise, due to its unique geographical location between tropical and temperate regions. Florida is also a destination for many migratory birds from the north, some birds fly 3,000 miles to get here. In total Florida is home to more than 470 verified species of birds. A great article about the different species of birds found in Florida can be found at the Florida's Birders List, provided by Visit Florida.

Some of the unique birds to watch in Florida include the following:

American Avocet Limpkin
American White Pelican Mottled Duck
Anhinga Pine Warbler
Bald Eagle Purple Gallinule
Black-Bellied Whistling Duck Roseate Spoonbill
Black-Necked Stilt Sandhill Crane
Crested Caracara Snail Kite
Eastern Bluebird Swallow-Tailed Kite
Florida Scrub-Jay Wood Stork

Naturally, one of the most well-known Florida animals is the American alligator. And although this time we didn't see any (except for a gator tail sticking out from under some shrubs on our Swamp Buggy Tour), alligators have made an incredible comeback after they were headed for extinction due to overhunting earlier in the 20th century. Alligators were taken off the federal endangered species list in 1987, and on particularly warm days they can be seen sunning themselves on the edges of ponds and waterways.

Different species of fish also exist in Central Florida, a fact that makes it a popular destination with anglers. The species include large-mouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, sunshine bass, speckled perch, catfish and a variety of other sweetwater fish.

The wildlife of Florida is rich and varied, yet most of us are familiar with only a dozen or so species. Florida's amphibians include amphiumas, mudpuppies, newts, salamanders, sirens, frogs and toads.

Many interesting mammals can also be found in Florida, including armadillos, bears, beavers, bobcats, deer, feral pigs, foxes, manatees, minks, moles, opossums, otters, panthers, pocket gophers, rabbits, raccoons, seals, shrews, skunks, squirrels, and weasels.

Of course reptiles don't only include the American Alligator, but also anoles, geckos, lizards, skinks and turtles. Hobby naturalists will really enjoy their getaway to Central Florida.

A wonderful summary of Florida's wildlife can be found in a Wildlife Calendar at Visit Florida.

This entire article including photos is located at http://www.travelandtransitions.com/stories_photos/orlando_florida_wildlife.htm

About The Author
Susanne Pacher is the publisher of http://www.travelandtransitions.com, a web portal for unconventional travel & cross-cultural connections. Check out our brand new http://www.travelandtransitions.com/ebooks.html FREE ebooks about travel.

Pensacola Beach - UFO House

UFO shaped house

Devils Millhopper Geological State Park

Bowl-shaped cavity 120 feet deep leads down to a miniature rain forest. Researchers have learned a great deal by studying fossil shark teeth, marine shells, and the fossilized remains of extinct land animals.

4732 Millhopper Road
Gainesville, Florida
352-955-2008

Lake Wales - Spook Hill

Where cars inexplicably defy the laws of science and coast up hill.

St. Augustine - Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth

Over the last 100 years, many thousands of guests have visited in order to sip the world famous waters. Also visit the Discovery Globe, Navigator's Planetarium, Indian Burial Grounds, and Shipwreck Exhibit, and feed the peacocks and squirrels.

Adult - $8.00
Seniors (over 60) - $7.00
Child (6-12) - $5.00
Child (under 6) - Free
Please check with attraction for current rates, discounts, and information.

11 Magnolia Avenue
St. Augustine, Florida
800-356-8222

Key Largo - Jules’ Undersea Lodge

Scuba dive down 21 feet to Jules’ Undersea Lodge. Enter in a five by seven foot “moon pool” entrance in the floor of the lodge. Find yourself in the wet room, the center of three compartments that make up the underwater living quarters. The Lodge is designed for comfort, and has everything you need for a great stay. The lodge is monitored 24 hours a day, and has safety backup systems.

Homestead - Coral Castle

Ed Leedskalnin for 28 years carved a Coral Castle from the ground up using nothing but home made tools from junk parts.

Fort Lauderdale - Museum of Discovery and Science

Over 200 fascinating interactive exhibits, See sharks and the largest living Atlantic coral reef in captivity, bats, 12-foot snake, pet alligators, turtles and iguanas. Their is also a 11,000 square foot nature trail and learn about Florida's amazing Everglades, Aerospace at Runways to Rockets space exhibit, and take a simulated trip to the Moon or Mars.

Davie - Flamingo Gardens & Wldlife Sanctuary

25,000 square foot Everglades “free-flight” facility housing one of the largest collections of wading birds in America. Their are also some animals: River Otter, Bobcat and Panther Habitats, Alligator Lagoon, and a Tropical Plant House.

Coconut Creek - Butterfly World

10 acres Aviaries and Botanical Gardens, Bug Museum, Butterfly Farm & Research Facility.

ShipWreck Island Waterpark

Water slides, lazy river, wave pool

Admission $27-$32
Guests under 35 inches - free

Please check with attraction for current information, and admission rates.

12201 Middle Beach Road
Panama City Beach
850-234-3333

3D World offers two theaters. "Fantastic Fountains at Saint Augustine" water and light show and the 3D motion theater's 2 motion simulator rides in the future: "Castle of Doom" and blast into the past to "The Curse of King Tut".
28 San Marco Avenue,
St. Augustine, FL. 32084
Phone: 904-824-1220

St. Augustine - Ghost Tours

Ghost Tours & Tales while you Walk, Ride, or Sail

Miami - Everglades Safari Park

Airboat rides through the Everglades.
See alligators, birds, crocodiles, and other exotic wildlife in their natural habitat.
Alligator and Nature Wildlife Show,
View over 100 alligators,
Jungle Walking Trail, Observation Platform, and Exhibits

Naples - Southwest Florida EcoTours

Offering half-day and full-day journeys into the Everglades and the Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.

Key Largo - Capt. Sterling's Everglades Eco-Tour

Personalized tour into Hemingways pass, the spot National Geographic called "the prettiest area in the Everglades. You will see a million and a half year old reef, Manatees, Dolphins, and Birds.

Lion Country Safari

America's first drive-through wildlife preserve.

Lion Country Safari
2003 Lion Country Safari Rd
Loxahatchee, FL 33470
(561) 793-1084

Miami - Monkey Jungle

Where the humans are caged and the monkeys run wild. Advice is to wear a hat.

$23.95 - $29.95
Check with Attraction for Current Prices and Discounts.

Monkey Jungle
14805 SW 216th St
Miami, FL 33170
(305) 235-1611

Miami - Jungle Island

Animals, and Shows

1111 Parrot Jungle Trail Miami, Florida
305-400-7000
Adult $27.95 + tax = $29.91
Check with Attraction for Current Prices and Discounts.

South Daytona - Arctic Zone Ice Rink

Indoor Ice Skating Rink

Christmas - Jungle Adventures

Jungle Adventures Nature Park & Zoo. Experience Live Guided Wildlife Encounters with Rare Florida Panthers, Black Bears, Gray Wolves, White-Tailed Deer, Tropical Birds, Reptiles and Mammals. Be surrounded by more than Two Hundred Alligators on the Jungle Swamp Cruise. Replica Spanish Fort and Native American Indian Village Replica.