College spring break instantly comes to mind when most people hear of Florida vacations and the beach, but family friendly beaches are plentiful. The beaches of Florida -- particularly along the Gulf Coast -- often cater to families with picnic areas, public restrooms and children's playgrounds. Build sandcastles, play in the ocean or take a surfing lesson as a family. When it's time for a break, enjoy a picnic lunch. It's hard to beat the lure of Daytona Beach on the East Coast, however. Driving on the sand and shopping at world-famous Ron Jon's Surf Shop is sure to please families with teenagers in tow.
If you're enjoying a day on a lake instead of the ocean, rent a boat to go boating or take the entire family water-skiing. If finding alligators gives you thrills, hire a tour guide to help you look for alligators and other native Florida animals.
Florida Attractions For The Entire Family
Once you're done enjoying the fun in the sun at the local beaches, there are enough attractions to keep your family busy for many Florida vacations. Doing a little research before you go will help if you're on vacation for only a short time.
Many people instantly think of Orlando when they think of Florida. Orlando is home to many Florida attractions like Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, Aquatica and Universal Studios, just to name a few. And in nearby Polk County, visitors can enjoy the beautiful landscaping of Cypress Gardens or the Bok Tower Gardens and the thrilling excitement of Fantasy of Flight.
Speaking of flight, if you're lucky enough to plan a vacation during a shuttle launch at the Kennedy Space Center, try to plan on watching. It's an exciting and unique activity and educational for the entire family. There are many viewing areas available around Cocoa Beach and a trip to tour Kennedy Space Center will take your entire family directly inside the thrill of the space program.
Walt Disney World isn't just about Mickey Mouse anymore - it has many different theme parks and water parks. Enjoy all Hollywood has to offer at Disney's Hollywood Studios and brave the seas at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon water park. Disney World has everything you could want to do, making it almost a vacation all of its own.
Florida attractions aren't just in the Orlando area. Fun Florida vacations can be had around the state. Tampa is home to Busch Gardens and Adventure Island water park. In the south part of Florida, there's Gatorama, Butterfly World and the Key West Aquarium.
Florida Hotels and Restaurants
When on vacation, everyone wants a great place to stay and eat. Florida offers rustic bed and breakfasts, big resort hotels and even campgrounds so you'll have plenty of choices of where to lay your head every night.
Florida attractions and eating go hand in hand. You'll find fast food, casual national chains and fun theater meals like a pirate's dinner theater or a racetrack adventure. Everyone loves great food and fun while on vacation.
With many family friendly Florida attractions and beautiful year-round weather, Florida is a great place to enjoy a vacation. Florida vacations offer something for everyone.
