FLORIDA
Florida is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. With a population of over 21 million, Florida is the third-most populous and the 22nd-most extensive of the 50 United States. The state is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the northwest by Alabama, to the north by Georgia, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, and to the south by the Straits of Florida. The state's capital is Tallahassee and its most populous municipality is Jacksonville. The Miami metropolitan area, with a population of almost 6.2 million, is the most populous urban area in Florida the seventh-most populous in the United States. Other urban areas in the state with a population of more than one million are Tampa Bay, Orlando, and Jacksonville. Florida's $1.0 trillion economy is the fourth-largest of any U.S. state, and if it were a country, Florida would be the 16th-largest economy in the world
Oldest City Road Trip
Just 1-hour south of Jacksonville and 2-hours northeast of Orlando, St. Augustine lays claim to being the oldest city in the US. There's plenty to see an do and fun for the whole family, from the St. Augustine Alligator Farm to the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park, or just stroll down St. George's street for historical sites and architecture. Spend a day on one of St. Augustine's sandy beaches or visit Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century Spanish stone fortress with views of the St. Augustine Inlet.
Florida's West Coast Road Trip
Spend some time exploring the West Coast of Florida. Visit Marco Island, just a half hour south of Naples, and enjoy fun in the sun on its long, sandy beach or play a round of golf before hitting the road to Naples. In Naples spend time in its high-end shops or visit The Naples Pier for fishing and dolphin-spotting. Travel just an hour north to Ft. Myers and visit Manatee Park, a non-captive warm water refuge for the Florida Manatee, or stroll through the serene ecosystem of Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. Just under two-hours north of Ft. Myers is Sarasota, where you can enjoy Myakka River State Park, consisting of 37,000 acres, making it one of the Florida's largest parks, or visit Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary, a large animal rescue.
Orlando Road Trip
Spend some time exploring the West Coast of Florida. Visit Marco Island, just a half hour south of Naples, and enjoy fun in the sun on its long, sandy beach or play a round of golf before hitting the road to Naples. In Naples spend time in its high-end shops or visit The Naples Pier for fishing and dolphin-spotting. Travel just an hour north to Ft. Myers and visit Manatee Park, a non-captive warm water refuge for the Florida Manatee, or stroll through the serene ecosystem of Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. Just under two-hours north of Ft. Myers is Sarasota, where you can enjoy Myakka River State Park, consisting of 37,000 acres, making it one of the Florida's largest parks, or visit Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary, a large animal rescue.
South Florida Road Trip
South Florida, for many, is the ultimate vacation destination. Start your trip in West Palm Beach where you can tee off at one of PGA National's five golf courses, or visit the Palm Beach Outlet Mall for retail therapy. Take your trip less than 1-hour south to Ft. Lauderdale where you can visit outdoor restaurants and boutiques on The Strip along the oceanside of highway A1A, or take the kids to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, for some fresh air, animal spotting, and beach access. A quick 40-minute ride south lands you in Miami, where you can visit Bayside Marketplace, a two-story open air market recognized as the #1 most visited attraction in Miami, or grab a pastelito from a cafe's walk-up window in Little Havana. From culture, to beaches, shopping to dining, a South Florida Road Trip offers something for everyone and promises sunshine.
