Any attempt at describing the vast tourist offerings of Florida can only be as successful as the writer's imagination. On one hand is the natural beauty that Florida is bestowed with - think its powdery white-sand beaches, its verdant forests and its abundant wetlands, and on the other side are the miraculous transformations the state has gone through as a result of the human development - think its theme parks, its art and architecture infused museums and plazas, its larger than life resorts, and its warm cafes. Though in vain, below we attempt to bring you some of the cities, regions and attractions the make Florida a land where there is something suitable for all kinds of fancies.
OrlandoAny list on Florida's top attractions must mention its theme parks to be complete. From Walt Disney World to Universal Studios Florida and from Disney's Magic Kingdom Magic Kingdom to Disney's Animal Kingdom; there are just enough theme parks in Orlando, Florida to lend it the status of 'Theme Park Capital of the World'. Catering as much to the lovers of animal life as to the admirers of fantasy, magic and cartoons, these theme parks and their lush resorts host a majority of visitors in the Sunshine State of Florida.
MiamiMiami in Florida is a city that exposes the visitors to a delightful cocktail of Cuban, Haitian and Colombian cultures. Its cerulean waters that are common to its beaches and the Biscayne Bay hold the attention of many visitors. The Miami Beach, the Art Deco District, the Ocean Drive, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, the Freedom Tower, Miami Seaquarium as well as its various zoos and museums form just a fraction of the diversity that the city boasts. The neighbouring South Beach is as iconic as the bustling cafes and nightlife scene that dominates this district.
The Florida Gulf CoastVisiting Florida's Gulf Coast is being introduced to a side of the state that a visitor to Orlando or Miami won't be able to picture till he gets here. From the snow-white beaches in Clearwater like Crescent and Turtle beaches to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium boasting an incredible variety of marine life, the Gulf Coast is full of wondrous surprises. Tampa, the city popular for the Busch Gardens Theme Park, International Plaza & Bay Street, Lowry Park Zoo as well as the Florida Aquarium is a port town that is ripe with development. The Bradenton-Sarasota-Venice municipality is the gateway to Anna Maria whereas the Paradise Coast boasts of the Ringling Estate. Then, of course there are the mighty Everglades, one of the world's largest conservation areas for plant and animal life.
Fort LauderdaleFamous as the 'Venice of the America', Fort Lauderdale is popular among beach and nature lovers. Best Explored through its waterways, Fort Lauderdale is where you can find some of best yachting and cruising opportunities in Florida. Some of the must visit attractions here include Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale Beach, Sawgrass Recreation Park, Stranahan House Museum as well as Bonnet House. Alternatively, you can explore Fort Lauderdale through a Hollywood Beach Segway tour, Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise as well as Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi.
Key West, Saint Augustine and Sanibel IslandKey West is known for its arty cafes, street art as well as a relaxed vibe as also for its ample snorkelling and parasailing opportunities. The oldest and still occupied European settlement in Florida, St Augustine is the place for you if you love horse carriages, museums and all things old worldly. The Sanibel Island, on the other hand, is your quintessential beach escape popular for JN 'Ding' Darling National Wildlife Refuge and its fresh seafood.
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