1010 Florida

Florida Guide to Attractions, Places to Stay, Restaurants and Resources

Vacation Guide to Florida - the Sunshine State - big guide to attractions, places to stay, restaurants and local resources - all designed to help you plan and enjoy a better vacation: has info about things to see and do, where to eat and shop and info about hotels, resorts, motels, beaches, boating and golf.

Florida offers a greater variety of vacations than anywhere else in the United States: Beaches, Theme Parks, Everglades

Welcome to Florida - The Sunshine State

updated - May 3, 2012

Ever popular for all types of vacations, Florida provides a perfect year-round vacation setting for golf, beach, nature, history and tropical charm.

It's also a very large state - larger than most people think. If you're driving south on Interstate 95 it's an eye opener to read that Miami is another 400 miles. And, within the state, it's longer to drive from Key West to Pensacola than it is to drive from Pensacola to Chicago.

Just as the geography is immense, so are the vacation options. Florida pretty much has an answer for whatever your vacation needs are calling out for. You want chic, try Miami, Naples, Palm Beach or Sarasota. Eco-related and unspoiled: try Sanibel and Captiva or many of the Florida Keys.  Have the urge to party like its 1999? Panama City, South Beach and parts of Orlando will help you get in on.

The list goes on and on - with the exception of a snow-vacation, you can pretty much guarantee Florida can deliver.


Florida

1010 Vacations publishes a family of individual websites about Florida - they are geographic in nature and are divided into vacation type - romantic getaway, honeymoon or family vacation. If you're interested in Miami Beach, look no further than www.1010MiamiBeach.com and so on: See list below. Most all of the major areas are covered.    


Restaurants

If you have a favorite nationally branded restaurant you like to frequent, it's almost a given that you'll find one here, too. That being the case, we try to list local, individual or small scale eateries that you may not be familiar with. No one is perfect, and tastes are different from one to another, but we try to list eateries that are local favorites that allow you to get a good meal and leave with a fond memory.

Bern's Steak House
Considered by many to be the best steakhouse in the United States. A Tampa Bay original dating back to 1956, Bern Laxer envisioned "Art in Steaks". Fine aged steaks, 6500+ vintage wines, and a famous dessert room.
1208 South Howard Avenue in Tampa, Florida.

Rainbow Palace
Visit the Rainbow Palace in Fort Lauderdale and savor the best Chinese you'll ever taste. Fabulous Fine dining with impeccable white-glove service, true gourmet renderings, fine table linens and a credible wine and spirits list. Although designated dressy casual, the atmosphere lends itself to a jacket. 2787 East Oakland Park Blvd.


Places to Stay

The same philosophy with restaurants applies to hotel chains and brands. We go out of our way to highlight places to stay that are usually less publicized, but as worthy of consideration as any national chain or brand you may have experienced.  

Amelia Island Plantation Resort
This sprawling oceanfront resort is more like a small town than a modern day resort. 27 holes of golf, 23 tennis courts, oceanfront beach setting, secluded and tranquil, with retail shops and numerous restaurants. The list of amenities goes on and on - you could spend a weeks’ vacation here and still find plenty of worthwhile things to do. 6800 First Coast Highway, Amelia Island, FL 32034.

Mandarin Oriental Miami
With dramatic and sweeping views of Miami and Biscayne Bay, the Mandarin Oriental has taken one of the most scenic spots and transformed it into an ultra-luxurious vacation oasis. This Five-Star facility features one of Miami's most highly regarded restaurants - Azul - and offers guests the highest level of hospitality services and amenities found anywhere. 500 Brickell Key Drive, Miami, FL 33131.


Attractions

When it comes to attractions, it's a pretty safe bet to say that Florida is #1 in that respect. And, certainly, Orlando is King of Hill when it comes to theme parks and attractions. There are other countless other attractions scattered throughout the state - historic, nature related, thrills and spills, etc.

The ones you don't want to miss are all highlighted here on their respective website.


Florida Destination and Travel Websites

orlando vacation guides Orlando, Florida
40 years ago, no one had ever heard of Orlando. The visionary mastermind Walt Disney has made Orlando the number one destination in the world. With numerous theme parks, water parts, entire towns and communities, great golfing, countless resorts and hotels, attractions galore it's almost inconceivable that it's all less than 50 years old.  Orlando is a favorite family vacation spot and also has much appeal to young couples on their honeymoon and those looking for a romantic escape.


sarasota vacation guides Sarasota, Florida
West Coast Art & Cultural Center
Sarasota may be one of Florida's finest small cities. With a diverse cultural base and offering world - class entertainment and shows, it serves as winter residence for many talented artists. An active small city with spectacular beaches and a great boating community.  


key west vacation guides Key West & Florida Keys
String of Pearls Separating the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico
Whether you go to the Keys to relax or revel - or some combination of both, you'll be greeted by an island paradise and aqua-scape that will leave a lasting impression. Camping on the beach, deep sea fishing that inspired more than tall tales, history, romance and treasure - some of the many things that await.   


clearwater vacation guides Clearwater, Florida
Clearwater Beach is one of the finest beaches in the Tampa Bay area - wide and long, with great sand and a gentle slope into the Gulf of Mexico. No wonder it's a favorite spot for beach lovers and families looking for a beach vacation. A popular beach destination for Orlando visitors who want to take a break from the attractions and theme parks and soak up the sun, enjoy the sand and marvel at the natural beauty the Gulf of Mexico has to offer.


Southwest Florida

Naples - crown jewel of Southwest Florida.
Marco Island - gateway to the Everglades and the 10,000 islands.
Bonita Springs
Fort Myers - famous for the winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.
Sanibel - Sea Shells on the beach or the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum are a marvel.
Captiva - quite beach island just north of Fort Myers and Sanibel Island.
Sarasota - John and Mable Ringling Museum famous for the Rubins collection.
St Petersburg - Salvador Dali Museum houses an incredible collection of this famous artist.
Clearwater - nice beach playground on the Gulf of Mexico.
Tampa - Busch Gardens is the big attraction.


South Florida & The Keys

Miami - Vizcaya and Deering Estates bring Miami past to present glory.
Miami Beach - fun, chic and lively.
Fort Lauderdale - Yachting's Capital of the World.
Boca Raton - be sure to visit the Boca Raton Museum of Art
Palm Beach - Famous Flagler Museum says it all.
Key West & Florida Keys


Central Florida

Orlando - a treasure trove of attractions and entertainment. The #1 vacation destination in the world.
Kissimmee - Orlando neighbor with a number of side shows to the famed Disney resort complex.
Lake Buena Vista - home to Disney World attractions
Gainesville
Cocoa Beach - the undisputed top spot in Florida for surfing and home to the famous Ron Jon Surf Shop.
Daytona Beach - don't miss the fun at the Daytona 500
Vero Beach - a family favorite along Florida's Atlantic Coast north of Stuart and Fort Pierce.


Northeast Florida

Amelia Island
- coastal town with rich heritage and fine beaches. Jacksonville - the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens is not to be missed.
St Augustine - America's oldest city features Castillo De San Marcos National Monument.


The Panhandle

Destin
Panama City


National Parks in Florida

  • Biscayne
  • Dry Tortugas
  • Everglades

 


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Florida Vacation Travel Links & Resources


Florida Vacation Websites

Sarasota Florida - on the west coast of Florida, noted as the cultural center of the Gulf Coast with several fantastic beaches.

Orlando, Florida - home to Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld and over 200 other attractions.

Clearwater, Florida - Looking for a great beach vacation - miles and miles long - a Gulf of Mexico favorite. Wonderful sunsets

Miami Beach, Florida - Not only the most lively of all American cities, it's the most international, too.

Key West, Florida - Southernmost place in the Continental US as well as the place most likely to be confused with an island in the Caribbean.


Related Vacation Websites

The Bahamas - is just 50 miles off the Florida coast and a favorite island destination for US travelers.

The Caribbean - many people use Florida as the jumping off point to get to the Caribbean.

Hawaii - is the other tropical paradise under the US flag. A favorite spot for honeymoon couples.

The Poconos - Spring and Summer favorite for newlyweds and romantic couples looking for a unique experience. Outdoor waterparks offer themed entertainment for families.