Florida known as the “Sunshine State” has built its entire identity around tourism. With its beautiful white sandy beaches, subtropical climate, and wide range of theme parks, it is no wonder that Florida is one of the most visited hotspots around the globe, attracting 60 million visitors annually.
Seeing that everyone else is visiting Florida is not much of a reason to visit, but actually there is a lot to see and do in Florida, and just reading about the places will bring forth in you a desire to visit this amazing state.
Everything Florida has to offer can’t be seen in a weekend. Florida is about the size of a medium-sized country with 16 million residents on 170,000 square kilometres of land. Florida is also famous for its contrast with its landscape similar to tropical islands, soaring sky scrapers, and several cultures. As crazy as this may sound, but it’s true that many people who come to visit end up staying for the rest of their lives because they get lost in the beautiful contrast and rich diverseness that Florida has to offer.
A reason to vacation in Florida is to enjoy the soft sand, warm water, and beautiful sunsets as you are sitting on the beautiful beaches. With 1500 Kilometres of coastline, the numerous beaches in Florida are quite varied. In western Florida, there are the Panhandle beaches like popular Destin, and these are acclaimed to be the finest beaches in the United States. This is also a great place for canoeing and to see caverns. Other favorites include South Beach in Miami, the white-sanded family-oriented beaches of Siesta Key, near Sarasota, beaches like Fernandina and Ponte Vedra in the northeast, as well as the beaches of the Florida Keys and those in the southwest, like Sanibel and Marco Island. At Tampa in south Florida, the real attraction is the Gulf of Mexico, whose calm green waters and white sandy beaches are suitable for tanning year-round. At every corner of the state, you’ll find a Florida beach where you can relax in the sun and appreciate nature.
Theme Parks are another reason people visit Florida. Theme park fanatics often head to central Florida which is dominated by Orlando. Orlando is home Walt Disney World complex, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and SeaWorld. Disney World has so many attractions that it can take at least a whole week to visit them all. Disney World has 4 theme parks, 2 water parks called Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, a bunch of beautiful themed resort hotels, and golf courses. Experiencing traditional Disney at Magic Kingdom, seeing various animals at Animal Kingdom, going behind the scenes at MGM Studios, and exploring the world of today and tomorrow at Epcot are some of things you can do. It also offers many dining options such as McDonalds and 5 star black tie restaurants. With all this, Disney property provides plenty of fun for all ages. Another popular theme park is Tampa’s Busch Gardens Africa, which is also an excellent amusement park.
While exploring Florida, you’ll not only experience recreation but also gain knowledge about history, arts, and culture. At northeast Florida, you’ll see Jacksonville, the state’s largest city, and also see the Spanish-style architecture of St. Augustine – the oldest city
in the U.S. Other historical cities include Tampa with its ties to the cigar industry and Panhandle, with a rich military history.
Where ever you stay, Florida vacation rentals are a great way to fulfill the accommodation aspect of your trip.
Fort Myers is located in Lee county and is known as the “City of Palms”; the population is about 70,000. The tropical atmosphere attracts many tourists and this number usually doubles in the winter months. The city was founded in the late 1880’s.
Fort Myers is a place of fascinating wildlife, pristine white sand beaches and hundreds of uninhabited islands.. Most feel that the city has a very athletic feel to it, the baseball team of Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins both hold there spring training camps in Fort Myers. Fort Myers is also home to the AAA Everblades hockey team. Tourists also travel from all over North America to see the winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.
If you enjoy shopping then Fort Myers is the right spot for you. Miromar Factory Outlets are a very popular spot. They have over 200 stores here with various brand names like Pac Sun, Nike, Reebok etc. If you are looking for something a little lower key, try the Gulf Coast Town Center or the Coconut Pointe Town Centre.
If you are looking for a wonderful place to have a meal there are many restaurants to choose from, some of the more popular ones are the Pierside Grill or Matanza’s. If you are looking for pub fare atmosphere go to Anthony’s or the Dockside Pub.
There are many green areas, parks, there are possibilities for several outdoor activities and picnics with your family. If golf is your mania go to Whiskey Creek or Stoneybridge Golf Course. You can get a tour of the Eden Vineyards and Winery. Prepare a trip to the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium.
There are lots of fishing boat excursions, sightseeing tours, and the Murder Mystery Dinner Train is always a great time. If you are a gambling person then you will have to visit the BIG M casino cruises.
If you’re just into relaxing head down to the beach and pick a spot. Fort Myers beach is 10 km long and is known as the world’s safest beach. Due to this is the water is quite shallow and almost no accidents happened here. There are lots of accommodations in the area, Fort Myers Beach Vacation Rentals are also a great way to meet the accommodation aspect of your vacation. Vacation properties are also available in nearby Naples and Marco Island – check out Naples vacation condo rentals and Marco Island vacation rentals.
Famous people you can meet there: Jason Bartlett, Deon Sanders, Mindy McCready, Cliff Williams
Bonita Springs is considered as the Gateway to the Gulf, located in Lee County, FL; the city is located on Estero Bay. The population of Bonita Springs is roughly 42,000. The climate makes Bonita Springs a popular tourist destination with regular temperatures in January around 65 degrees.
Bonita Beach is possibly the most famous location for travelers. There are a number of beachfront parks that feature a beautiful boardwalk and good swimming areas. There are gazebos and a number of shelters for picnicker’s lots of coastal vegetation and amazing sand dunes. All entries are accessible to the general public there are 10-12 all along the beachfront.
The North end of Bonita Springs is also known as Lover’s Park. It is made up of four barrier islands and is amazing. Features include, hiking trails, bicycling, canoe launch, kayaking, and a wide diversity of wildlife as well as rabbits and manatees.
If dog racing is your passion than Bonita Springs is for you, the Naples- Ft. Myers greyhound track is located there.
So you want to go shopping, the Coconut Point Mall is for you, they have more than hundred brand name stores here and most have , Aeropostle, American Eagle, Tommy Hilfiger, etc. For high end fashion you will like to visit The Promenade at Bonita Bay.
Maybe the sugar white beaches and shopping isn’t your hobby. If you like playing golf there are plenty of courses to select in Bonita Springs try Hunter’s Ridge, Spring Run or Raptor Bay. Disc golf is very popular here as well and there is a nice course at the Bonita Springs Park and Recreation Centre. Check out professional skateboarders at B3 Skate Park.
Dining and night life is aplenty Angelina’s is a must see for fine diners, they have a two story glassed in wine cellar that holds 5-6k bottles. There are many seafood restaurants that have fresh fish and seafood brought from the docks. Check out also Pincer’s Crab Shack, Skillet Inc. or South Bay Bistro. For a Pub atmosphere check out Ruth’s Steak House, Shane’s Rib Shack or the Hurricane Grill.
Celebrity Alert: Donald Trump, Rocco Mediate, and Buzz Aldrin have property here
There are lots of hotels and motels in this region, Bonita Springs Vacation Rentals are also an excellent way to meet the accommodation aspect of your vacation.
Vacation properties are also available in nearby Naples, and Cape Coral – browse Naples vacation rentals and Cape Coral vacation rentals.
Naples is located in Collier County Fl. The population is roughly 315,000. The city received its name when founded in the 1880’s by John Stuart Williams. The area’s subtropical climate and bay area atmosphere likened it to an Italian city also called Naples.
The city is next to Marco Island and the Everglades and is most famous for its vacation area well-known as The Paradise Coast. Naples has numerous land reserves that include Everglades National Park and Corkscrew Sanctuary .
Naples is a very wealthy city, downtown you can find the Naples Players, Gulf Shore Playhouse, and the 5th and 3rd Ave. shopping districts. These are high end shops that include Gucci, Tiffany, and Saks among other brands. This area is all open air shopping, and there is fine dining on almost every corner.
In the winter months Naples is totally vibrating with travelers and music. Odds are you will see some Ferrari’s Mazaratti’s and other exotic vehicles. Make sure you head down to the beachfront and check out the Naples Fisherman’s Pier. This is a great place to observe the locals fish and enjoy the wonderful nightfalls.
If high end fashion isn’t for you stop by Tin City, what used to be a fisherman’s wharf has been altered into around 30-40 unique boutiques and restaurants.
You can also take a sightseeing tour here before or after your lunch, rates are acceptable.
If you are traveling with kids you will have to go to see the Naples Zoo, founded in the early 1900’s they have a wide variety of animals, shows and crafts for the children. Depending on what you like there are also a plenty of adventure tours, Everglade Air Boat tours, sight seeing cruises etc. You can challenge Para-sailing or rent kayaks and seaboards.
There is a good choice of restaurants in Naples. Some of the most popular can’t miss restaurants are Cloyde’s Steak and Lobster House, The Waterfront Grille, Gordon’s Waterfront Grill and Shula’s Steakhouse.
If you are into golf then you are in the right place. Naples is said to be the largest golf hole per capita in all of the US, this is debatable. Some famous courses are the Windemere, Eagles Creek, and Foxfire.
There are lots of hotels and motels in the area, Naples Vacation Condo Rentals are also an excellent way to meet the accommodation aspect of your holiday. Vacation homes are also offered in nearby Fort Myers and Marco Island – browse Fort Myers beach Vacation Condo Rentals and Marco Island vacation House Rentals.
Celebrity Alert: Tiger Woods, VJ Singh and Bill Cosby all have a home in Naples.
Marco Island is located in Collier County FL; the island city is on the Gulf of Mexico off the Southwest coast. The population of Marco Island is roughly 15,000 but this boosts 2-3 times in the winter months. Climate is subtropical having both a wet and dry period, the majority of rainfall happens in June and October. Marco Island is the largest island in the archipelago of 10,000 Islands, and the doorway to the Everglades.
Marco Island is your typical Island beach city, people here are very friendly and there is a lot to do for all ages. Crescent Beach is the main draw on Marco Island; the 6 mile beach has beautiful views and sunsets. There are only four public entrances to the beach the remainder are reserved for travelers and private communities. There are many hotels and motels in the region, Marco Island vacation rentals are also a great way to match the accommodation aspect of your vacation. Vacation homes are also available in nearby Naples, and Bonita Springs – browse Naples vacation rentals and Bonita Springs vacation rentals.
There are numerous restaurants and pubs along the strip. If fine dining is your preference Verdi’s and Davinci’s are top notch. If you prefer pub fare atmosphere Marco Polo’s and The Sandbar are a must. Mozart’s is very popular as well and known for its European flavor. For those who love seafood dont miss to visit Crazy Flamingo. Having trouble making up your mind? Head over to the Marco Walk the Islands city centre for fun and entertainment.
There is plenty to do when you’re vacationing here, there are numerous fishing charters Sunshine Tours is a popular one. Maybe you would like to take a tour through the Everglades and look for crocodiles, dolphins or manatees there are numerous charters that you can book. If you like golfing there are two popular courses Marco Shores Country Club and the Marco Island Resort. There are many other courses also.
Marco Island Princess Cruise is a very famous attraction, and is a wonderful way to see the views of the city from an ocean perspective. There are many lunch and dinner cruises as well basic tourism tours. Cost is affordable.
If shopping is your passion, then your in the right place, there are 100’s of shops on Marco Island, all tourists should plan to stop by Marco Town Centre there is good choice of shops and name brand stores. Usually on weekends there are always outdoor concerts and events going on here.
Famous people you can meet there: Alan Jackson, Shania Twain, James Buster Douglas, and Gene Sarazen all reside here among other famous people.
Near by is the popular Keewadin island, where locals and tourist get together in the weekends and escape with their boats for fishing, relaxing, having barbeque and enjoying the sun.
FL Jupiter is one of those towns that you arrive and within the first 10 minutes you already know you never want to leave again for as long as you live. With its very cool and very recent Yacht club addition to the town and its softly meandering River Walk FL Jupiter is one of those places you could easily call home.
Ok, you could easily call it home until you check out the prices of real estate. Then compare it to the rest of the United States and much of the world you might find yourself gasping for breath. Yes there are a few houses that would be considered a bargain by the locals there on the outskirts of town well away from anywhere you would actually want to live, but considered a bargain none the less.
Yes, indeed the local market in FL Jupiter has taken a hammering along with the rest of the nation during what analysts are calling a market correction (I call it a crash). But still when compared to the rest of the market across the country it’s still pretty pricey indeed.
The real value here is in having rentals. Why you might ask? Well, everyone has to live somewhere and you can then take advantage of these high priced Haciendas and get into the rental market for the service people. The who people? The service people.
You see, anywhere there are people with a lot of money and trust me there’s money in FL Jupiter for sure, plenty of it. Those people with the cash want other people to take care of stuff for them like yard work, house cleaning, driving, washing the cars, taking care of the kids and so on. They don’t want to be bothered with those kinds of tasks why would they? But the people who perform those tasks need places to live and with the very high price of real estate in FL Jupiter those places are few and far between.
So, where is the opportunity Mr. the glass is half full? Well it doesn’t have to be Jupiter FL it could actually be any place with this same type of a scenario unfolding. But here’s what you look for. Focus your search on old school buildings, old factories, old warehouses, old pier canneries ect… These old places can many times be renovated into very nice quaint apartment complexes just perfect to put 20 or 40 units into.
Trust me these types of renovation projects can pay off handsomely in the end if you set a budget and stick to it during the build out process. One word of caution to the wise, stay away from purchasing old churches. People get spooked at the thought of living in an old church no matter what their Religions are.
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