This was the birthplace of NASCAR racing, after all. UConns back for the first time in nine years. Downtown is where the arts are, with several galleries and five museums (theSalvador Dal Museumhouses the largest collection of the surrealists work outside of Spain). Whos going to win the national championship? Quiet tree-lined streets, boutique shops, eclectic galleries, and award-winning restaurants reward those willing to take a break from the busier (and much louder) amusements. Learn more in ourCookie Noticeand ourPrivacy Policy. Its only a short walk to a gorgeous private beach, complete with cabanas and an oceanfront Greek restaurant, too. Florida's beaches along the Gulf of Mexico feature peaceful waters, white sands, and off-the-beaten path destinations for natural beach lovers. Known best as a university city, Gainesville is kind of like the Miami of the northeast, minus the beaches. 0 remaining. Gulf World Marine ParkandZooWorldare fun, and educational, too. Certified Visitor Information Centers North Central Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Northeast Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central West Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central East Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Southwest Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Southeast Florida, Florida Travel and Vacation Guides - United States, Exchange Rates, Conversions, And Processes. Emphasizing the unchanged, theZephyrhills Depot Museumshares city history and railroad memorabilia inside the restored 1927 Atlantic Coast Line Railroad depot. Seafood shacks and oyster bars serve up fresh eats almost everywhere you look. Known as the "Sport Fishing Capital of the World," this slice of paradise sits 90 minutes south of Miami in the Florida Keys. You can stop by Ollivander's for a new wand, or pop into the Leaky Cauldron for a bite to eat! Part fishing village and part artists' enclave, this quirky community over the bridge from Pine Island is quintessential old Florida. Pensacola does Southern charm like no other Floridian town. St. Pete is Floridas most underrated gem. Falling Waters State Parkstages some drama within its 100-foot-deep, 20-foot-wide sinkhole; when water levels are sufficiently high, a waterfall crashes inside. Downtown is a sight from the mystical minarets of the circa-1891 Tampa Bay Hotel (now theHenry B. Sebring is a hidden gem, nestled in the center of Floridas peninsula. Mature palms dot the city's busy streets, complementing the high-rises stretching toward the sunny skies. WithGulf Islands National SeashoreandPerdido Key,Big LagoonandTarkiln Bayou Preserve State Parks in proximity, Perdido Key protects some of the beachs most fragile and magnificent assets: wispy sea oats, critical dunes and nesting birds and sea turtles. While not all of these Florida destinations are technically small towns (some are neighborhoods within a city), we think you'll agree that they feel quaint, personal, and belong on this list. Golfing, shopping, and tucking into a good meal are other crowd pleasers. You can swim or kayak with these majestic sea creatures that flock to Florida for its warm waters. Its impossible to say which Florida town is the prettiest (there are just too many to count), but Sanibel is definitely a top contender. Sister to nearby Sanibel, this captivating isle on Florida's southwest coast offers biking, sailing, birding, and a variety of water activities. Topsail Hill Preserve State ParkandPoint Washington State Foresttake you back to nature. Accommodation: Best Hotels in Daytona Beach. Constitution Convention Museum State Parkwill fill you in on 19th-century happenings. Grandfatherly oaks and ornamental gardens decorate the grounds, and a notable collection of Louis XVI furniture accents the homes interior. Craving more culture? Aside from the stunningly gorgeous sunsets, the best Gulf Coast beaches are said to have the softest sand, the clearest waters, the most fun nature trails and the best fishing. This remodeled boutique is set up near some of the Keys most popular restaurants and attractions, with cocktails, water sports and other activities like breweries and museums all less than a five-minute drive away. Its an Old Florida town with a statue of a Confederate soldier in front of its courthouse and blueberry farms in the surrounding countryside. Situated between the Gulf of Mexico and Florida's main peninsula, Anna Maria features seven miles of white sand beaches. You'll find European influences throughout this small city's streets. If you plan a visit, make sure to slot in time to check out nearby Caladesi and Honeymoon Islands. The Ringling is one of Sarasota's most popular attractions, especially with kids. Accommodation: Top-Rated Resorts in Destin, FL. Coaches have been thrust into uncertain and unwelcome roles in trying to navigate the topic as well as the fallout from the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. Oh, and did you know Venice is also considered the Shark Tooth Capital of the World? About ten minutes from downtown Naples, this affordably priced hotel includes everything youll need for the ultimate vacation. Though the town boasts more than 900historic sites, its an easy walk among most of them. Or, look for blue herons, brown pelicans and five-lined skinks inside theNaval Live Oaks Area(and headquarters) ofGulf Islands National Seashore. Accommodation: Top-Rated Resorts in Orlando, FL. This option is known for being a place that locals prefer when Clearwater is a bit too busy, and it is also a fantastic place to explore by kayak. 1 beach in the nation in 2008 (according to Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, a.k.a. St. George Island State Parkcaptures the islands peacefulness along miles of dune-dotted beach. March Madness has rounded toward the Final Four and No. The Three Sisters Springs flow at a constant 72 degrees, creating an ideal home for the gentle giants when the temperature drops in the Gulf of Mexico. Learn more in ourCookie Noticeand ourPrivacy Policy. (Its a nod to Madeiras first rumored settler, a pirate named John LeVique. A walkable downtown is popular for restaurants and shops, like decades-old Fernandina's Fantastic Fudge. Ready to connect with your inner 19th century? Alabama and Houston didnt survive the second weekend. Check the events schedule to catch one of the town's Art Walks (like flower displays in the business windows!) Just like Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach is one of the most gorgeous beach destinations in all of Florida, and it offers the added appeal of almost always having beautiful weather. Check the events page for the official launch dates and buy tickets for a VIP launch viewing. Water wields its influence with thePithlachascotee Riverwinding through town (call it the Cotee to sound like a local) and a 320-foot-deep spring bubbling insideWerner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park. The SEC and Big Ten led the way by placing eight teams each in the 68-team field. Then came 16-seed Fairleigh Dickinsons win over Purdue as the 22 1/2-point underdog. Part culture, part nature thatsSt. Petersburg. Theres ample water sports activity and classic beach fun to be had alongQuietwater Beach Boardwalk, but you can also access the hushedGulf Islands National Seashorehere. VISIT FLORIDA is a service mark of the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation, d/b/a VISIT FLORIDA, registered in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. St. Pete Beach promises soft white sand and emerald-hued waters. Known as an ideal destination for families, Destin is one of our favorite options located up in the panhandle along Floridas Emerald Coast. Bring a couple of bathing suits (and lots of sunscreen) and get ready to spend a few days on the water, whether that means fishing, sailing, jet skiing or swimming. In your downtime, make sure to hit the historic Ybor City, Tampa's liveliest neighborhood that lies northeast of downtown. Floridas first Constitutional Convention was held here in 1838, but the areas legacy proves more natural than political. With a perfect combination of silky-smooth white sand and a small-town atmosphere, Clearwater should continue to be at the top of just about everyones list of favorite beach destinations for years to come. This is also the spot to find live concerts and festivals, some of which are held in Mallory Square. Some towns here include Steinhatchee , Horseshoe Beach, Cedar Key , Homosassa , Crystal River, Hudson, Weeki Wachee , Hernando Beach, and New Port Richey. Affordable restaurants and shops are interspersed with the high-end offerings, even on fancy 5th Avenue South. WebThe Gold Coast spans from South Miami up to West Palm Beach and includes over 60 miles of Atlantic coast line within the counties of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach. Explore thePasco County Courthouse, renovated to its 1909 glory, andChurch Street, lined with 19th-century (you guessed it) churches. 1/15. Youll want to stay at Vero Beachs Costa dEste. The Sunshine State is known for big cities, like the glitzy metropolis of Miami and the bustling Orlando with all its Disney attractions. You can zip above swarms of gigantic alligators on two different zip line coursesif you can handle it. Then, venture into the adjacentdowntown(its listed in the National Register of Historic Places) for more food, plus art galleries and specialty shops. No matter what type of vacation you're looking for, you'll find it in one (or more) of the Sunshine State's great cities. Located just 45 minutes east of the iconic Flora-Bama beach bar, Pensacola is the farthest west of the panhandle beaches on our list. Make your way to the Fort Myers River District for the small-town feel you're craving, where brick-paved streets and historic buildings meet quintessential palm trees. While Tallahassee feels more like a university town than the state's capital, this northern metropolis is full of charm. Where to stay: This ones a no-brainer: The perfect place to stay during a quick getaway to Floridas west coast is the Naples Grande. Certified Visitor Information Centers North Central Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Northeast Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central West Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central East Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Southwest Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Southeast Florida, Florida Travel and Vacation Guides - United States, Exchange Rates, Conversions, And Processes, T.H. They figure to get a stiffer test against Miami. There are so many fun things to do in Port St. Lucie that we promise, you'll never get bored. Other popular attractions include the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, Tallahassee Antique Car Museum, and the Tallahassee Museum. St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, a replica of St. Sophia Cathedral in Constantinople, welcomes visitors, too. Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, a wonderland of salty bays, estuaries and marshes mingling with the Chassahowitzka River, is accessible only by boat. Want to discover more hidden gems near Miami? These venues offer a chance to swish through mangrove forests and see the state's most beloved wildlife up close. Take the ferry or a private boat fromHoneymoon Island State Parkto experience it, though the sight of striated blue water meeting sky is equally spectacular within both parks. For divers, the worlds largest artificial reef, retired aircraft carrierUSS Oriskany, lies just offshore. Being so close to Georgia, Southern hospitality (and menu items from the deep south) abound in this laid-back spot. Home to the southernmost point in the continental United States, Key West is the most popular city in the Florida Keys. The Aztecs beat Creighton when Darrion Trammell hit the second of two free throws with 1.2 seconds left. The best Gulf Coast beaches are the ones that suit your particular idea of paradise. Blocks from the famous Naples Pier is Third Street Southwhere you'll find palm trees, pastel buildings, shops, bistros, fountains, and more. TheSuncoast Beach Trolleytransports sunbathers to both. Why You Need To Go: The Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival is one of Florida's most unique events. One things certain: Youre in good hands with the Estefans at Costa dEste. All rights reserved, Located on the Matanzas River, St. Augustine is brimming with history intertwined with European flair and Southern hospitality. The annualFlorida Panhandle Watermelon Festivalsweetens the scene at theWashington County Agricultural Center. Anglers revel in the areas bays and grassy flats, which reveal species from tarpon to trout; sun-celebrants and shell-seekers enjoy natural respites such as Dog Island, accessible only by boat. SarasotaCounty is home to beaches that include award-winningSiesta Key, renowned for its soft white sands,Venice Beach, perfect for finding sharks teeth, andManasota Key, where you can escape to find some quiet time. Here is what to know: No. The setting for The Truman Show, its downtown offers quaint cafes, as well as food vendors in airstream trailers, just a stone's throw away from the sugar-white sand beach. Think: New England and European charmbut with some of the most pristine beaches at your fingertips. Um, count us in. Where to stay: Situated in downtown Lakeland, the Terrace Hotel is a gorgeous spot to spend a few nights. Named one of the Happiest Seaside Towns in America, Venice is an oasis like no other. Home to one of Florida's best beaches for families (Siesta Key, with Lido Key a close second), Sarasota is a superb place to lounge on the warm, soft sand. Its a great place to get the most out of your trip to Sanibel, giving you direct access to the beach as well as other water-centric excursions. Other must-see Tampa attractions include, The Florida Aquarium, Tampa Zoo, Museum of Science and Industry, and the Glazer Children's Museum. Northern Florida Beaches Have So Much to Offer. You might miss it mid-freefall (the town is home toSkydive City, one of Floridas largest skydiving facilities), but Zephyrhills maintains a pastoral feel, with ranch, farm and citrus groves all around. This Amelia Island enclave on Florida's northeastern border boasts 13 miles of pristine beaches. In fact, it's been dubbed by locals as "the world's luckiest fishing village." You want to know how AP selects the award winners? While visiting this hot spot, it's easy to get caught up in the thrill and magic of these adrenaline boosters. Coconut Grove is a must-see for those who love to shop, eat, and be entertained. From sky to sea, theres much to see here. From zipping through the air on roller coasters in Orlando's theme parks to snorkeling the turquoise waters of the Florida Keys, you'll never be bored. Hop in the car and drive to Key Largo. Natural wonderlands like the Savannahs Preserve State Park are serene spots to lose yourself for a few hours, and the Port St. Lucie Botanical Garden will satisfy your craving for colorful beauty. Furman celebrated its first tourney appearance since 1980 with a win over No. Catching the view from the top is one of the best things to do in Tallahassee. As a result, Pensacola's top things to do include a National Museum of Naval Aviation, Fort Barrancas and the Pensacola Naval Air Station alongside its picturesque lighthouse and the Historic Pensacola Village. Kitsch is alive and well at the circa-1959Goofy Golf,not only with golf but with giant monkeys and dinosaurs with glowing eyes. Looking for a slice of heaven? All rights reserved. Where to stay: For more than 90 years, the Fenway Hotel in Dunedin has welcomed some of the worlds most famous artists, politicians and celebrities. Its there, waiting for you to explore it. West Coast (2): 4-2. For another unique Florida experience, read about the magical Fairy Trail in Cassadaga. Florida Atlantic became the lowest-ever seed to make the Final Four after beating Kansas State. Web4 Fort Myers - Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel and the exotic beaches of Captiva Islands. WebCentral West Central West Florida offers the big-city lures of Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg, but is also home to magnificent beaches, wildlife, clear springs, and scenic Its Scottish heritage brings anannual Celtic festival and Highland games. WebStretching 26 miles along Florida's northwest coast, Santa Rosa Beach is the place to go for sugar white sand, emerald water, top-notch dining and local art galleries and boutiques. Cedar Key. 1. 2 seed Arizona and then beat Missouri to lock in its first Sweet 16 spot in 56 years. Fishing boats run in place of cotton-laden steamboats, and shrimp and blue crab are tasty here. Its tropical topography of giant cacti and bougainvillea vines is a picturesque backdrop for the already stunning sunsets that attract visitors from far and wide. Head to Palm Beach in South Florida if you want to feel a little fancy. Missing out on Orlando's beautiful downtown core, though, would be a shame. St. George Island State Park defines a soul-soothing getaway. PLANE CRASH UPDATE: Emergency crews are still searching the debris field west of the Venice Fishing Pier this morning following Wednesday night's plane crash. You can also practice a little retail therapy in the various boutique shops. Why You Need To Go: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter's Diagon Alley is a colorful street lined with all the best shops from the beloved book series. While mostly landlocked, Port. 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