Florida
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Those whose interests lie elsewhere will be glad to know that there is more to Florida than the movie studios and theme parks of Orlando – the State abounds with hills and forests, winding waterways and freshwater lakes, and thirteen thousand kilometers of coastline featuring endless beaches, inlets and islands. Florida consists of eight focus points. Miami and Miami Beach are the stamping grounds of the super rich while Palm Beach is the place to be for the “beautiful crowd.” The fit head for Fort Lauderdale with its superb choice of recreational and sports destinations, while families may prefer the beautiful beaches and clear blue waters of the Florida Keys. The capital city of Tallahassee is a magnet for tourists in search of an archetypal southern experience; Tampa and Saint Petersburg are largely built-up areas, while Jacksonville abounds in military history waiting to be discovered.
There are many exciting things to see in Florida, and the following list is by no means exhaustive: Fort Lauderdale is a laid-back place sometimes referred to as the “Venice of America” because of the city's canal system. A visit to the extensive waterfront is a must, as is a walk down town exploring the boutique restaurants and the exciting nightlife. Not into city life? Then head for Butterfly World, which has six large aviaries and a bug zoo for the kids. Miami is a vibrant city that benefits from the exciting cultures of the many immigrant groups that have settled here. The food is varied and great and you can often enjoy it to the sound of local music. When the weather is great, why not head for the beaches – South Beach is the current hot spot for the flashy, rich and famous and lined with countless bars, boutiques, high-end stores, hotels and restaurants where you may shop until you drop if you so wish.
The Air Force, Space and Missile Museum at Cape Canaveral is an amazing place where you can walk up to and touch the huge space rockets that fuelled America's space race before the space shuttles arrived. If you get your timing right, you might even be able to catch a glimpse of the current generation of explorers blasting off not far away.
Bush Gardens presents a number of spectacular rides set in park-like surroundings with a wide range of animal and birdlife attractions. It is the perfect place for the younger family, as mom can sit in the shade under the trees with junior while dad takes the rest of the gang for an experience they won't forget easily. The Big Cyprus National Reserve provides safe opportunities to explore nature, including the famous Everglade Swamp, in the company of a ranger. Adventure activities include hiking along designated trails or even orienteering through unmarked country. While the dry season is the most straightforward, the wetter months provide added challenges including wading through water up to waist deep. The rewards of the Big Cyprus are many – on a single day you could spot a bear track, watch an otter catch a fish, or simply find a cooling spot where the wind rustles through your hair.
These are just a few of the many unforgettably exciting things to do in the Sunshine Sta te. If you get tired of the busy tourist spots, why not just hop in the car and follow your heart along one of the first class motorways that cross the state in every direction? You will find the accommodations first class, the food excellent and the people friendly. The Sunshine State is waiting to welcome you!
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