Welcome to Florida and the Best Life

World Famous Florida Beaches

Visit Florida's beaches from Destin, FL in the Florida Panhandle all the way to Key West, Florida, the southern most point in the USA. Enjoy beautiful beaches, deep sea fishing, seafood restaurants and views on the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. And, you have never seen more beautiful sunsets from Mallory Square.

Drive your car on the beaches in Daytona Beach, or horseback ride on the beaches of Amelia Island. And, the surfs up at Cocoa Beach home of world famous Ron Jon's giant surf shop, annual surf contests, and Surfin Santas.

On the west coast of Florida are the island beach favorites at Sanibel Island, Longboat Key and Siesta Key. Here, the way of life is an ode to the beach vibe and fabulous sunsets that draws all beach lovers to the sea.

Florida Panhandle Beaches

The Florida Panhandle has some of the finest beaches in the world and great seafood restaurants with the freshest fish in the country. Cities such as Pensacola Beach, Destin, and Fort Walton Beach attract tourists from all over the world to the Florida Panhandle beaches.

Sea Turtle Nesting Season in Florida

Every year, thousands on turtles return to their favorite Florida beaches to lay hundreds of eggs in carefully dug nests in the sand. The majority of nesting takes place between March and October. These nests must never be disturbed.

At hatching, hundreds of baby turtles make their way to the ocean where they will stay for years until

The five species of turtles that nest on Florida beaches are Loggerhead, Green Turtle, Leatherback, Kemp's Ridley, and Hawksbill. Beachfront hotels, restaurants, condos, and private residences all use special dimmed lighting during the nesting season to help the hatchlings find their way using the moon as a beacon.

Jacksonville, Florida Beaches

Jacksonville, Florida is sometimes called the First Coast as it is just south of the Florida-Georgia line on the Atlantic Ocean. Jacksonville is home to Amelia Island and Ferdinanda Beach, classic beach communities that are favorites for many southeastern United States residents. Further south along the coast is Saint Augustine Beach with its historic fort and spectacular beaches.

Florida's Space Coast

Kennedy Space Center

Just 45 minutes directly east of Orlando, on the Atlantic Ocean, sits Kennedy Space Center where man's travel to space starts. Brevard County, nicknamed the Space Coasts sport 72 miles of pristine beaches and is home to Port Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center.

Port Canaveral

The Space Coast is also home to Port Canaveral, the world's second busiest and the world's highest rated cruise port. Disney Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Lines, and Carnival Cruise, all dock their latest and greatest cruise ships here. Book a fantastic cruise now at Port Canaveral.

Port Canaveral serves as a gateway for travelers heading to the Caribbean, Bahamas, and beyond with renowned cruise lines like Disney, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival Cruises. The port also offers a wide range of services, including cargo operations, fishing charters, and leisure activities. Its strategic location near Kennedy Space Center adds a unique allure for visitors, making it a key hub for tourism and commerce in the region.

Additionally, SpaceX uses the port to dock their barges that catch its reusable Falcon 9 stage one rockets out at sea. Visitors to the port might see one the barges awaiting the rocket's pickup to shuttle it back to the SpaceX facility at the Kennedy Space Center. Several SpaceX stage one rockets have been reused more than 20 times.

South Florida Beaches

South Florida hosts some of the finest beaches in the world starting with the Florida Keys, Miami Beach, Hollywood Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Palm Beach.

South Florida is a different world after dark, offering a vibrant mix of nightlife, casinos, and sports. From the electric beats of Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach night clubs to the laid-back lounges of Boca Raton and Palm Beach.

Tampa Bay, FL

Tampa, FL is one of the fast growing cities in Florida and the Tampa Bay area also includes St. Petersburg, Bradenton, and Clearwater Beach. Tampa Bay features many fine beaches, boating, and outstanding fishing from piers or charter boats. And of course, as with all areas of Florida, quality golf courses abound.

Tampa is home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL team, the Tampa Rays MLB team, and the Tampa Bay Lightning Hockey Team. Tampa is also home to one of Florida's two thoroughbred horse racing tracks, Tampa Bay Downs.

Miami Beach and Florida Keys Beaches

Miami Beach with its wide sandy beaches stretch for miles and bring you along a stretch of fantastic hotels. Visit Key West beaches, the Hemingway House, and Mallory Square for a change in attitude that comes with the latitude.

Enjoy people watching and be part of the night life in Miami Beach - South Beach. Experience the exciting late night life of Miami and South Beach and don't miss the exciting night clubs in South Florida.

Florida's Professional Sports Teams

Florida hosts three NFL Football Teams, the Miami Dolphins, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Additionally, two NBA basketball teams call Florida home, the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic.

Florida's MLB baseball teams, the Miami Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays are home town favorites.

NHL championship hockey teams can be found in Miami (World Champion Florida Panthers) with and the Tampa By Lightning, also with a legacy of Stanley Cup wins.

MLS soccer teams are popular in Miami (Inter Miami CF) and Orlando City soccer team. Central Florida is also proud of its women's professional soccer team, Orlando Pride.

Florida Animal Attractions

Florida Zoos

Florida has a rich collection of iconic zoos such as Zoo Miami, Zoo Tampa, and Brevard Zoo. Florida zoos are known for their natural habitats and for their animal rescue activities such as sea turtles, manatees, and other marine wildlife. Many of the zoos include petting zoos and areas for celebrations such as birthday parties.

Florida Aquariums

Florida, being surrounded by sea creatures, has several world class aquariums that bare visiting. Florida Aquarium in Tampa, FL features animals and aquatic life in their natural environment. Sea World in Orlando is home to many Florida creature such as the large, but harmless manatees that frequent fresh and salt water environs.

Florida Wildlife Sanctuaries

You are invited to review Florida's collection of wildlife preserves that rescue and house lions, tigers, chimps and more. Florida's semi tropical climate duplicates the natural wild environment many of these animals inhabit in the wild.

Florida Animal Parks

On this page you will find visitor favorites such as Gatorland and Lion Country Safari in West Palm Beach. Lion Country Safari allow you to drive through African and Asian wildlife habitats and safely visit the animals from your car.

 Florida Universities

Florida Public Universities

• University of Florida (Gainesville)
• Florida State University (Tallahassee)
• University of Central Florida (Orlando)
• Florida Atlantic University (Boca Raton)
• Florida International University (Miami)
• University of South Florida (Tampa)
• University of North Florida (Jacksonville)
• University of West Florida (Pensacola)

Florida Private Universities

• University of Miami (Coral Gables)
• Rollins College (Winter Park)
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach)
• Eckerd College (St. Petersburg)
• Florida Institute of Technology (Melbourne)
• Florida Southern College (Lakeland)
• Nova Southeastern University (Fort Lauderdale)
• Stetson University (DeLand)
• Ave Maria University (Ave Maria)
• University of Tampa (Tampa)

Florida Casinos, Poker Rooms, and Race Tracks

Florida Casinos

Florida's casinos are located mainly in Miami-Dade (Miami) and Broward (Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale) Counties. The three exceptions are Seminole owned casinos listed above. The Florida Casinos web page indicates the locations of all casinos in Florida as will as details about each casinos' slots, electronic games, poker rooms. and dining facilities.

Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos

Florida's Seminole gambling casinos are mainly located in South Florida, but three others casinos associated with the Seminole Indian Tribe are located in Tampa, Immokalee, and Brighton, Florida. The Seminole Hardrock Hotel and Casino Hollywood  is closest to Miami and Fort Lauderdale. The other Seminole Hardrock Hotel and Casino Tampa , is the nearest casino to Orlando, FL.

Florida Poker Rooms

Florida hosts 27 poker rooms throughout the state. Several poker rooms are incorporated into Florida casinos, but there a many more that operate independently. Several of the poker rooms operate within Florida Jai Alai frontons that offer seasonal live play. Also, all Florida poker rooms offer simulcast racing and Jai Alai.

Florida Horse Racing at Gulfstream Horse Track and Tampa Bay Downs

Florida's premier horse race track, Gulfstream Park, is located midway between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, in Hallandale, Florida. And, live thoroughbred racing is featured throughout the year. The Florida Derby, at Gulfstream Horse Track, is considered an important qualifying race for the Kentucky Derby.

Tampa Bay Downs is the Florida's thoroughbred horse track, is located in Tampa, FL. Live races are held December - May of each year, but simulcast and the Silk poker room keep the facility open year around.

Florida Equestrian Activities

Like horses? Horseback riding is available in every area of Florida. Enjoy a guided trail ride through some of the finest trails in the eastern United States.

Florida Horseback Riding on the Beach

Horseback riding o the beach should be on everyone's bucket list, and you won't find more places to ride on the beach than in Florida. There are several tour operators throughout Florida that provide excellent beach riding experiences.

Florida Horse Shows

Florida is winter horse show capital of the United States with the FEI rated Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) and the Adequan Global Dressage Festival at Wellington International, Wellington, FL.

Ocala hosts the World Equestrian Center Ocala, Florida Horse Park, HITS Ocala Post Time Farm, and Grand Oaks horse show venues. Most venues offers show jumping and dressage, while some feature cross country, eventing and driving.

Additionally, Fox Lea Farm and TerraNova Equestrian Center show venues are located on the west coast of Florida in Venice and near Sarasota respectively. Both venues host rated horse shows including show jumping, eventing, and dressage.

While the highest level horse shows are featured in the winter season, numerous equestrian events are held at each venue throughout the year. All of the horse show venues in Florida offer free admission for most events, while some charge for parking. Check their websites for more information.

Florida Polo

Florida hosts numerous polo clubs throughout the state and is home to the National Polo Center in Wellington, FL. The National Polo Center offers several polo trophy series including the Gauntlet of Polo and is famous for its Sunday brunch featuring strawberries and cream. Polo is a great spectator sport and offers exciting winter afternoon matches in many Florida cities. Check out our directory of Florida Polo Clubs.