Tuesday, June 01, 2010

Disney-free destinations in Florida

Florida is nicknamed The Sunshine State, and whether you're basking in Miami Beach or take a trip to the famous Florida Keys, you can expect to benefit from the blissfully warm weather year round. The perfect climate for sightseeing, whose real Disney-free Florida vacation is what you're looking for, then consider these top five alternative sites instead. From adventures in a hovercraft to historical discoveries, Florida is a paradise for A-Listers, ex-pats and leisure travelers, and it is easy to see why.

Everglades


Everglades is a must see for anyone visiting Florida, as one of the largest wetlands in the world. This national park, a myriad of rivers, canals, springs and swamps, which are best explored through the water. Whether you choose to dip in and out of the creeks on an Airboat, hop on a hovercraft and head to Alligator Alley (did we mention local?) Or get acquainted with pond life on a canoe trip, you will be spoiled for choice on how to travel around 1.Five million acres of marsh. It is also possible to discover the park by bike, tram or even on foot, you prefer to keep your feet dry.

Key West

Water sports enthusiasts will love the Key West, one of Florida Keys' most popular and most southern point. Fill you with snorkeling, sailing or fishing, or for something a little more closely and personally experience swimming with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Literary fans can brush up on the famous works of Ernest Hemingway at his home and museum in the old town, while golf aficionados can brush up on the back nine the impressive Key West Golf Club. So as the day draws to a close, watch the sunset from the deck of a ship Liberty Clipper as you wined and dined in the bays there.

Miami Beach


In his hit single, Miami, song Will Smith about "festivities in the city where the heat is on, all night on the beach 'till morning," and frankly, we could not have said it better myself. Made famous for his roll as the background of '80s cop show Miami Vice, Miami Beach is still number one hotspot, as trend setters, party animals and sun worshipers continue to flock to soak up A-list atmosphere. South Beach is undoubtedly the area's most fashionable with its golden sand and crystal clear water that goes hand in hand with designer shops and cool cocktail bars. But if you're looking to escape the flashing lights of the parties, and accompanying paparazi has an art deco area in the vicinity, dotted with museums, a great place to stretch your legs and work the brain cells.

St Augustine


The oldest European city established in America, Turn Back Time with a stop-off at St Augustine. The quaint and charming old town with its narrow streets and craft makers on every corner, is a true oasis of culture and history buffs. There are plenty of transportation options, making it easy to make the most of your time-warp trip and visit such famous sights as St. Augustine Lighthouse, completed in 1874, Bro Lions, The Old City Gates and Fountain of Youth. Expect views from all angles to be truly breathtaking, both from a horse, an old town trolley tour or a helicopter ride over the city.

Kennedy Space Center

Beam me up, Scotty! (Or should we say Kennedy?)? For an experience that is truly out of this world, is NASA's launch headquarters just the ticket. Not far from Orlando and its plethora of amusement parks, the space center attracts millions of visitors every year. And it's easy to see why. The only place where spectators can witness the real-life space shuttle launches, you can also enjoy a fully simulated experience where you get to try out the sights and sounds of heading into space for yourself. Add to this lunch with an astronaut learn everything about past and current operations in space, and you will be over the moon.

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