Travelers hungry for a change of pace but who prefer to stay within the United States will find Florida to be a natural choice. With 1,100 miles of coastline and a peninsula filled to the brim with theme parks, natural wonders, and night life, the sunshine state is a treasure trove of vacation delights.

Beginning with the obvious, the beaches in Florida are a major attraction. They range from remote and isolated to popular and packed with sun-seekers, and many offer diversions such as surfing, shelling, and celebrity-seeking. Rugged stretches of sand are great for exploring and picking up sand dollars, while more manicured areas offer the best sun tanning around. No matter which area of the state you plan to visit, there will certainly be a place to kick of your shoes and wade into the nearby surf.

While you're near the water, be sure to save some time to squeeze in some fishing. Florida boasts that it has the best fishing in the world, so pack up the tackle box and see if the title is deserved. Or, if you prefer to observe rather than catch, put on your diving or snorkeling gear and head to the nearest reef.

In the interest of the kids, and the kids we used to be, nowhere else compares to Florida when it comes to the number and diversity of available theme parks. Disney, which includes the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney MGM Studios, and Animal Kingdom, certainly deserves some time. And don't forget about Sea World, Universal Studios, the Kennedy Space Center, or any of the numerous water parks that dot the land.

Golfers will find themselves in a veritable heaven, as courses seem to occur naturally and every day of the year is fit for enjoying 18 holes. There are over 1,000 golf courses in Florida, many of which are designed by the biggest names in the sport. In other words, don't forget to pack your clubs.

If you come alive after the sun sets, you'll find plenty of exciting prospects in places like Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Key West. Seafood restaurants, dance clubs, and a variety of shows make the nights in Florida fly by. Before you know it, dawn will be breaking as you return to your room with a head filled with music and memories of a state that truly knows how to have a good time.

If you want to ensure that you'll have a comfortable stay during your sunny adventure, be aware that Florida is filled with vacation rentals of all shapes and sizes. Many of these properties contain all the amenities of home and make it easier to avoid the pitfalls of long lines and cramped quarters sometimes associated with vacationing. So whether you aim to be near a beautiful beach or the fantasy lands of Orlando, the perfect vacation rental is waiting for you.

After you have decided what is important to you when it comes to choosing a place to stay, be it location, special features, or size, visit HomeAway.com for the widest selection of .