Tips For Your Florida Vacation

So you're planning a trip to Florida? You're not alone. About 50 million people visit Florida each year to take advantage of all that the beautiful state has to offer.

Here are some tips to make the most of your vacation.

1. Go to Sea World

Located in Orlando, the theme park capital of the world, Sea World offers something a little different from the rest of the parks. Dolphins! Who doesn't love them? But they've got lots of other fun sea critters, plus activities and rides. Fun for all!

2. Try Lummus Park and Beach

Known as Glitter Beach to the locals, this beautiful piece of South Beach in Miami (SoBe) is a favorite pick for photo shoots, and because of its majestic and unique beauty, it attracts a hugely-diverse mix of people including top celebs. If a fun Florida vacation for you includes a lot of people-watching then this lovely beach destination is a must.

3. Watch the Fireworks

If you're going to Disney World in Orlando make sure you remember to stick around after dark for their incredible pyrotechnic display. You won't be disappointed and this event will be a treasured memory of your perfect Florida vacation.

4. Feel Tropical in the Keys

While you're snorkeling, hiking, or dining in the Florida Keys, you'll feel like you're on an exotic Caribbean island, but you won't need a passport to get there. This is the southernmost region of the Sunshine State and driving to these islands is at least half the fun.

5. Canoe in the Everglades

The Everglades is 1.4 million acres of adventure, including hiking and kayaking. Be on the lookout for such endangered species as the green turtle, the Florida panther, and the American crocodile.

6. Relax on Amelia Island

Whether you stay in a bed-and-breakfast or a luxurious resort, you'll be in heaven on this beautiful island. While you're there, be sure to check out the charmingly eclectic shops of Fernandina Beach, which was once a Victorian seaport village.

7. Visit St. Augustine

You'll love the rich history and great shopping of this beautiful city. Spend some of your vacation moments learning more about the wonders of Saint Augustine and who knows, you may just find that Fountain of Youth that the Spanish explorers were so sure existed. Sign up for a guided tour so you can relax and enjoy the sights, and if you're brave enough, try the haunted tour!

8. Catch the Strawberry Festival

If you're going to Florida in late winter, check out the 11-day long Strawberry Festival, an annual event since 1935, where you'll find tons of carnival rides, activities, and strawberry snacks, plus live music every day from big names like Sara Evans, Josh Turner, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

9. Don't Forget Your Sunscreen

Even if you're not planning on going to any of the beaches, you're still going to the Sunshine State, after all, and you'll get lots of sun while you visit the sites no matter if you are in downtown Miami or strolling along the grounds at Epcot in Orlando. You don't want any painful sunburn to put a damper on your trip and a convenient package of sunscreen is a cheap and easy way to prevent this from happening.

10. Don't Stress About Money

If you've decided beforehand that you'll only spend a certain amount on souvenirs and that you'll go out for a nice dinner only a limited number of times, you'll be less likely to feel guilty and stressed when you part with some of your hard-earned money. But above all else you should remember, you're on a Florida vacation! Have fun!