Daytona Beach

The world’s most famous beach, the birthplace of Speed Park, and home to the Jackie

Robinson ballpark; Daytona Beach is the hot spot for fun in the sun, high speed, and

history. Out door activities are endless in this exciting city and among these activities are

air balloon rides, sailing, and cruises. Daytona is a popular vacation spot and tourists are

never lacking a fun activity. Whether one wants to take a walk along the boardwalk, sail

the seas, tour the speedway, visit the ballpark, or view artwork in the Andy Warhol

Exhibit.

Taking a look at the historic features of Daytona Beach, the Speedway is a great place to

start. The Daytona International Speedway is home to the Daytona 500 and is open to the

public every day. Keep up with the latest NASCAR trends by visiting the gift shop after

the birds eye view tour. Next, get a home run and visit the Jackie Robinson ballpark,

where Jackie Robinson’s statue stands. Lastly, the Andy Warhol Exhibit is an interesting

place to view historic photography.

Moving on to the more youthful aspects of Daytona Beach, taking a air balloon ride is the

perfect way to see all the city has to offer from a birds eye view. Those who have a fear

of heights, this amenity is not recommended. March 28-30, the Balloon and Sky fest is a

fun night and day air balloon show. Sailing is a nice way to relax and feel the cool, crisp

ocean breeze. Fun Cat sailing offers daily three hour cruises on their sailboats and one

can ride along the Intracoastal Waterway in Ponce Inlet.

Cocoa Beach, Florida

Hurricanes once deterred settlement up until the 1960s, Cocoa Beach, Florida launched

into the public eye when President Nixon built NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Cocoa

beach became home to the greatest technical minds, which worked to launch rockets into

the unknown space. According to the city website, children raised here during that time

were referred to as the “Cape Brats”. NASA’s Kennedy Space Center is located fifteen

miles away from Cocoa Beach, yet can be seen from residential areas; launches remain a

popular attraction today. Space experts still call this historic city home, along with those

looking for a serene location to retire.

Beach galore with three ocean front parks to choose from, Cocoa beach is a prime

vacation spot with fabulous beachfront condos available to rent. Family friendly,

retirement ready, and tourist attractive, this city is a well-rounded and optimal place to

either settle down or just visit. Regardless, everyone should make Cocoa Beach a

destination.

Known for their conservative lifestyle, residents take pride in their use of reclaimed

water. Better for the environment and highly cost effective, reclaimed water is great for

the growing concern for Green living. Storm water is an important part of the process;

Maritime Hammock Preserve built a storm water pond that not only looks beautiful, but

also provides water treatment to 128 acres. The preserve is a residential hot spot, filled

with nature trails where local wild life can be viewed in their natural habitat. Fresh

produce and home baked goods can also be enjoyed at the local farmers market, owned

and operated by Cocoa Beach residents.

The endless amenities can be enjoyed in the nearly predictable 80-degree weather and

sunny skies. Shopping, relaxing, dining, and strolling become even more enjoyable in

tropical, vacation weather. Step away from daily stresses and breath in the fresh, ocean

air, while lying on the warm, soft beach sand.

Clearwater, Florida

Clearwater, Florida is the perfect amount of sunshine and fresh air; the world record book

awarded Clearwater with the longest consecutive days of sunshine in a 361-day calendar

year. Also, in 2012 CBS money watch listed Clearwater as top ten best to retire.

Festivals can be enjoyed in this nice weather and are a popular attraction for locals and

visitors. A recent festival is the Sugar Sand festival where sand sculptures become a

competition and a work of art. The Fun in the Sun festival is another popular festival that

occurs in the spring; music and art is enjoyed.

Along with art and festivals, wildlife such as dolphins is of abundance. Dolphin watching

can be enjoyed in multiple locations such as the Clearwater Beach Marina and Dream

Catcher Explorations. Tours occur daily and interactive services are available. Scuba

diving is also an option for those who enjoy getting close and personal with the deep sea.

Two Shea Scuba offers scuba diving, spear fishing, and off shore fishing. Another fun

water attraction is the Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise in which all age groups can

experience a day in the life of a pirate.

Clearwater isn’t just fun and games; Clearwater is the World’s spiritual headquarters.

Flag is located in Clearwater, Florida and is the center of Scientology. Flag is a religious

retreat and scientologists from all over the world come to be a part of this organization.

Along with being a spiritual place to live, Clearwater will always hold a special place in

the heart of U.S soldiers. Developed in early 1900s as a home for the U.S confederate

army during World War II and became a major training boot camp for U.S soldiers.

Winter GardenWinter Garden is a friendly, relaxing oasis just outside of the excitement of Orlando.

According to the City of Winter Garden, Florida official site, the city is known as a

community among friends. Those who enjoy spending time outdoors have endless

amenities to choose from. Trails and parks are a couple of the out door amenities to be

enjoyed. The West Orange Trail is one of the most popular trails; this historic route used

to be the center of Florida’s packing and shipping of oranges, grape fruit, tomatoes, and

carrots. Lake Louisa State Park is also a must see destination; rent a horse and take a

nature walk through the park. Consistent weather patterns include endless days of sunny

skies, perfect for out door activities. Along with outdoor amenities, there is also a wide

range of indoor entertainment. Museums, markets, and theatres are popular attractions

visitors shouldn’t miss.

The Garden Theatre, once a movie theatre in the mid 1900s and shut down in

1963. The theatre reopened in 2008 and is now a community performing arts theatre.

History of early pioneer settlement to present can be learned by visiting the Winter

Garden Heritage Center. The Centennial Gazebo is a local hotspot located in the

Centennial Plaza, the heart of down town. The centennial Gazebo has live music every

Friday night and Jazz music is the most popular genre. Crowds fill the streets of the

Centennial Plaza because of fabulous dining, wine tasting, and impromptu dancing for

the little ones.

Windermere

Ever been walking through an older town and wondered what it was like back in the old

days? Windermere, Florida captures this wonder; historic towns can be walked through

and one can see what life was like back in the old days. Florida is home to the first legally

sanctioned free African settlement; multiple towns in which rich African culture is

celebrated. Windermere is a dog friendly vacation spot as well; there are numerous five

star hotels that accept pets and hold many activities for dogs and their owners to enjoy

together. Bird watching is also a popular hobby, as many beautiful, unique bird species

inhabit Windermere, Florida.

Historic towns such as Milton, Marianna, and Panama City are a few of the areas in

which history can be seen in action. View the industrialized city of Florida before the

civil war, early Civil War mansions remain today and can be seen, and art deco of the

Martin Theatre can be visited as well in these historic towns. African history is celebrated

in Windermere as well, stories can be told of the slaves who escaped European colonies

and made it to what is now known as Florida. Taking along man or woman’s best friend

is absolutely welcome in several fabulous hotels such as Sandestin Golf and Beach

Resort. There are many fenced in dog parks to be enjoyed with ones furry friend as well

as dog friendly beaches. As mentioned previously, bird watching is a popular hobby;

Great Florida Birding and Wildlife is the perfect spot to sit, relax, and watch the birds.

Bird watching, companion bonding, and historic reminiscing, Windermere is the best city

for those looking to have the ultimate experience with nature and have quality time with

one’s companion. Nothing can beat taking a vacation with one’s furry friend and relaxing

on the beaches of Florida.

Kissimmee

Kissimmee, Florida is full of fun adventures that will get the whole family together

creating memories. According to the Kissimmee official site, the city is known as the

Gateway to Fun. Gator land, Fun Spot America, water parks, and dinner shows are of

these family friendly adventures. Along with family fun adventures, one can also

experience the great outdoors; Kissimmee is the perfect place for fishing due to the

abundance of bass. Visit the Kissimmee courthouse or explore the medieval times in

Kissimmee’s historic attractions.

The alligator is Florida’s state reptile; Kissimmee, Florida celebrates their state reptile

with an exhibit just for alligators. Gator land features the most rare species including the

white alligator. There are numerous theme parks to choose from in Kissimmee, Florida;

Fun Spot America is the most popular theme park offered. The biggest attraction is the

world’s tallest sky coaster, which is 300 feet tall. After a long day at the park, cool off at

the LEGOLAND Water Park; the water park is filled with interactive playgrounds, water

slides, and wave pools. Everyone likes to be served, while being entertained; take a trip

back to the medieval times or swim with the fishes at one of Kissimmee’s dinner shows.

There are also many free amenities to choose from; fishing is a popular sport in

Kissimmee due to the abundance of bass.

Kissimmee, Florida is a unique vacation spot filled with family friendly attractions.

However, even on family vacations, time apart is also nice; there are activities for times

like this as well. Take a break from the chaos of every day life and treat oneself to the

wonders of Kissimmee, Florida. Relax on the many beaches, fish on one of the beautiful

piers, or visit a theme park.

Melbourne

Looking for a romantic getaway, an adventurous family vacation, or a chance to

rediscover oneself, Melbourne, Florida is the perfect location. Airboat rides along the

lagoon, a bike ride down the Greenway, trip to the zoo, visit to the art gallery, history

lesson at the Liberty Bell Memorial, or a fun day at Funtown; Melbourne has every

vacationers ideal agenda. Melbourne, Florida is a cultural city and archeological hot spot

filled with rich Indian history and historic remains. Paleo-Indian remains were discovered

in the 1920s along with skeletal remains of the Mammoth. Be adventurous, bring out the

kid within, and discover the rich history of Melbourne.

The Indian River lagoon is a popular waterway constantly filled with airboats taking a

scenic cruise and canoes gliding across the water. Stepping back on land, take a bike ride

down the Greenway and view the beautiful landscape, riding along the smoothly paved

roads. Nature is of utmost importance to Melbourne, which is why the city is working

towards reducing pollution of the water. Wild life is also of great importance and many of

the different species can be seen at the Brevard Zoo. There is no other zoo like theirs and

this zoo is their most talked about attraction. For those looking for a more up close and

natural experience with nature, visit Fort Pierce and take a authentic tour where wild life

can be seen in the natural state.

Melbourne is a wonderful place to visit for the many nature lovers of the world. Nature is

of high priority to the city and efforts toward preservation are of utmost importance. Take

time to become one with nature and visit Melbourne, Florida; now is the time to spend

time with Mother Nature at her best.

Clearwater Beach

Dolphins are among the ocean’s most gentle and intelligent creatures. Clearwater Beach

is home to the most beautiful beaches, in which dolphins can be seen from shore. A fun

fact about Clearwater is Winter, the fin tailed star of Dolphin Tale, resides in this quaint

city. Another fun fact about Clearwater is Caladesi Island, off the north end of the beach,

was awarded by Dr. Beach to be the Nation’s best. The beach can be enjoyed on shore or

off with the popular tourist attraction, The Tropics boat tours. Along with the best beach,

the best spa is also located in Clearwater. Clearwater is famous for the inviting small

town atmosphere and with these amenities, what better spot to vacation?

Sandpearl Spa is one of the best Spa’s and is located in Clearwater Beach,

Florida. Sandpearl is among the best because of the gorgeous view one gets, while being

treated to a relaxing massage, facial, etc. Therapeutic treatment is good for the soul and

great for relieving the tensions life brings. Along with visiting the spa, whether young or

old, Captain Memo’s Original Pirate Cruise is a fun family, interactive entertainment,

which includes face painting, treasure hunts, pirate stories, and water gun battles. Another

fun way to get off shore is the Tropics boat tours, which offers several different tours

such as the Caladesi Island cruise, Sunset Celebration, or the Saturday Night Party Booze

Cruise.

Clearwater Beach is an ideal location for those looking to party and those looking

to have a relaxing vacation with the family. Clearwater Beach is the most beautiful

among the many beaches of Florida; everyone deserves the vacation of a lifetime. Visit or

reside in Clearwater Beach and live among the locals who experience paradise on a daily

basis.

St. Cloud

Originally filled by swamps and unusable land, St. Cloud was eventually

developed and made into a railway system and sugarcane plantation. St. Cloud gradually

grew from just a profit and a community formed. The town became known as a Soldiers

colony and was nominated as such by the Kissimmee Valley Gazette in 1909. Once a

small community, now a town of over 20,000 people and full of rich history and a

fascinating story to tell.

Taking a stroll through St. Cloud’s down town, one can see the past come alive.

The beauty of the city’s simplicity is something to be admired. Along with historic

structures, St. Cloud has numerous other activities to enjoy. Triple N Ranch Wildlife

Management Area Trails is the center for hiking and has endless scenic views and

multiple hammocks to lay back and relax in. St. Cloud is also home to the Reptile World

Serpentarium where individuals are educated on the many species that exist in the cold-

blooded family. After visiting Reptile World, get lost in the enormous Partin Ranch Corn

Maze; challenge friends to see who can find their way out first. Next, take a airboat tour

with Marsh Landing Adventures; bird watching, hunting, and boating can be enjoyed on

this adventure.

St. Cloud is a beautifully simple city in which visitors and locals are engulfed by

nature and historic buildings and landscaping. The simple things in life are appreciated

and enjoyed by the community and visitors. Forget time exists and take in the simplistic

lifestyle of St. Cloud recipients. Located just outside of Kissimmee, St. Cloud is the

perfect city to visit after leaving the “Gateway to Fun”.

Davenport

Learn how do to Florida right and visit Davenport, Florida, this small town knows how to

dive and glide. Davenport is a growing city filled with unique activities that will get one’s

adrenaline pumping. Take a ride on the wild side, relax with a round of golf, or dine in

one of the locally owned establishments. Davenport is conveniently located in the center

of several large vacation hot spots such as Orlando, Kissimmee, and Tampa, making

Davenport an ideal place to visit or live.

How to Do Florida is a show dedicated to seeking the best of Florida; according to the

show, Davenport is the best place for hang gliding. Soar high in the sky, feel what its like

to fly like a bird. Wallaby Ranch offers hang gliding classes and was chosen as the best

place to hang-glide by NBC. Hang gliding is an experience one will never forget. Take a

dive into the deep end and search for shark teeth; be careful not to run into the owner of

the tooth. Daring activities for thrill seekers and those looking to step outside their

comfort zone.

Davenport is small in size, but makes up for size with unique, thrilling activities. The

convenient location and unique amenities combined make the city a great place to live.

These are two of the many reasons why Davenport is growing rapidly in population. The

future looks bright for the growing city.

Poinciana

Gulf America Corporation developed Poinciana as a retirement destination in the

1960s and remains a quiet, relaxed environment today. Richichi, famous pro wrestler,

would agree Poinciana is a great place to live, as he is a local. Poinciana is a planned

community and a total of ten villages make up the population. Although a quiet

community, the city has a lot to offer attraction wise. Old timey cafes are a fun way to

shake things up and Poinciana is full of them. Along with fun dining, the city has many

nearby attractions such as gardens, museums, and interactive sites.

The city is full of fun road trip destinations such as the local boardwalk-style ice

cream shop Beaches and Cream. Also check out the Florida’s Natural Growers Grove

House located just outside of Poinciana in Lake Wales. The freshest foods can be found

along with having an educational experience. Bok Tower Gardens is another must see

attraction located nearby. This breathtaking garden has twenty-three million visitors

every year; historical landscaping explains the garden’s popularity. Who said Halloween

could only be celebrated once a year? Poinciana is home to the Spook Hill where spirits

push cars up hill, some say gravity, but those who have actually experienced this

disagree.

Poinciana is a remarkable location to retire and is a fun road trip destination. Located

near all the major cities with popular tourist attractions, locals don’t miss out on the fun.

Oviedo

In the late 1800s, those living along Lake Jesup needed a convenient post office. A local

filed the paper work for a post office and named the city Oviedo. Oviedo is located on the

rural outskirts of Orlando. Chickens roam the streets of the historic downtown, really

keeping the small town feel alive. There are so many of them roaming the area that traffic

often stops as they cross the roads. The chickens have been featured on Oviedo T-shirts

and coffee mugs and a poster commemorating one of Oviedo's yearly festivals, "A Taste

of Oviedo". Out of the ordinary, in a good way, Oviedo is the perfect destination for

those looking to experience something new.

Other than chickens roaming the streets, locals and visitors can enjoy the city’s unique

amenities as well. Spend the day fishing at one of the local lakes and compete to see who

can catch the biggest fish. Hang out in the Maridian Hookah Lounge, which is a popular

place for those looking to party. Visit Pangea Adventure Racing and enjoy the great

outdoors, while navigating either on bike, foot, or boat through the wilderness with only a

map and compass.

Oviedo, where natural, home grown, and simple is the way to live. Appealing to chickens

tired of living in a coop and perfect for those wanting the best of the country, yet in

proximity to the city. Visitors and locals can have the best of both worlds in Oviedo.

Winter Park

Winter Park features open park space, residential neighborhoods, golf courses, and a

street-side shopping district along Park Avenue. Wealthy businessmen established the

city as a resort community in the late nineteenth century. The community developed

slowly, but progressively became a popular destination with the addition of the railroad,

connecting the city with surrounding cities. Eventually the town became a beautiful

winter resort for northern visitors.

Winter Park is never lacking in fun activities and historic scenery, many of the town’s old

buildings still remain and brick paved streets still in tact. Visitors and locals enjoy

walking the old brick paved streets and gazing upon the carefully constructed

architectural buildings of the past. The Hannibal Square is also an interesting place to

tour; the square was once home to African Americans who worked the groves. Memoirs

from the past can also be viewed at local museums; the most popular are the Enzian

Theatre and the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens. Take a walk down the

Cady Way Trail, distancing a total of six and a half miles long; the trail features the most

beautiful homes of Winter Park.

Walking through the city, one can appreciate the ideas of great minds that became

realities with the purchase of the small town. Once a developing resort community now

exists as a suburb just minutes from Orlando, Kissimmee, etc.

Casselberry

Hibbard Casselberry established a property tax free town in his name in the mid 1900s.

Deland

Nicknamed The Athens of Florida, Deland was founded in 1876 by Henry Deland, who

later established DeLand Academy, Florida's first private college. The city has beautiful

scenery, which is why DeLand has been the filming location for a number of television

and movie projects, including the 1999 Adam Sandler comedy The Waterboy. Along with

being a popular location for movies, the city has been called the "skydiving capital of the

world", with the majority of skydiving industries calling it home. DeLand also hosts all

home games for Stetson University Hatters athletic teams. Skydiving, film making,

competing, Deland has a lot to offer. 

Taking a break from the excitement and thrills, visitors and locals enjoy camping,

paddling, boating, and gator hunting. A popular campsite is the Highland Park Fish Camp

where family and friends can rent a cabin and enjoy the great outdoors. Paddling can be

done at the Blue Creek Run Paddling Trail.

Boredom does not exist in this exciting city; whether free falling, paddling down the

creek, or camping with friends, Deland has it all.

New Smyrna Beach

Similar to Daytona Beach, New Smyrna has a lovely, all natural drive on beach located

just off the Atlantic coast. Unlike Daytona, New Smyrna has a small town feel and much

quieter. According to National Geographic, New Smyrna Beach is one of the top twenty

best places to surf. Grab a partner and paddle down the Intracoastal water way or Spruce

Creek. Experience fly boarding, an adventurous water sport, or take a relaxing boat ride

and see the amazing wild life New Smyrna Beach has to offer. Tour through historic sites

and see history unfold from over 4,000 years ago.

Paddling is an enjoyable, leisurely activity where Indian remains can be viewed while

floating down the stream. Manatees and dolphins can be seen on local boat tours,

specifically Turtle Mound Tours. After relaxing on the calm waters, make a splash and

try Jet Stream Flyboarding. Ride the power of a Jet Ski high into the air. It's one of the

easiest and safest water sports around. A fifty-foot hose connected to the nozzle of a Jet

Ski takes all of the water pressure produced by the Jet Ski engine and propels it

downward from the board. 

An incredible town filled with excitement, yet keeping alive the hometown feel and rich

historic scenery.