Florida Family Fun

Any good Florida Vacation includes ample time under our glistening tropical sun and a touch of glamour. Here are the top ten family vacation destinations. Pick and choose your favorites, or make a road trip out of them.

10. Jupiter
Jupiter Florida is a great fusion of central and south Florida. With Parks like Jonathan Dickenson State park, where you can hike and explore the Loxahatchee river, Blowing Rock state preserve, and Jupiter Island, this is a fantastic destination for the adventure-minded family.

9. The Everglades
Its own unique habitat, the Florida Everglades are a site not to be missed. Hire a personal tour guide to go sloshing through the swamp, or stay dry on the Anhinga Trail, an easy boardwalk that wheelchair accessible and gives you a glimpse of the vibrant wildlife. Need some down time? Try an airboat ride!

8. Ocala National Forrest
One of the largest horseback riding hubs in the south, take a trail ride or visit one of the many state parks or beautiful natural springs.

7. Tampa
Have a blast at Busch Gardens or Islands of Adventure theme parks! Make sure you try Busch Gardens's latest 'coaster: SheiKra; a floorless 200-foot drop!

6. New Symrna
Catch a wave at one of America's top surfing destinations. Stroll through the quaint surf-side town and find some great local crafts and delicious food.

5. Sanibel Island
Known for its white sands, calm waters, and beautiful seashells, Sanibel will satisfy energetic children and be the perfect Romantic escapes for Mom and Dad. Sanibel also has many options for fishing enthusiasts. Cast a reel off of the pier or brave the seas!

4. Orlando
Disney World is a great place for young and old! Grab a fun pass for Magic Kingdom, MGM, Epcot, or Animal Kingdom. Craving some waterworks? Orlando is also the home of Sea World and the new Aquatica. Theme parks not your thing? Enjoy a round of golf or catch a Magic game! Orlando also has a large Downtown area where you can find restaurants for the most adventurous to the most picky eaters.

3. Ft. Lauderdale
Not only does Ft. Lauderdale sport a beautiful beach, but it boasts colorful Las Olas Boulevard and River Walk. Both are fantastic places to shop or dine with the family. These two avenues are right next to the Discovery Museum of Science, which has lots of hands-on exhibits for the kids and an Imax theater, as well as the Broward Center for Performing arts. There are also ample art museums, the Swimming Hall of Fame, and Butterfly World!

2. The Florida Keys and Key West
Relax and head down to Kokomo. Comprised of over 35 islands, the Keys are Florida's own personal paradise. Beach Bum it at Bahia Honda, or enjoy snorkeling Looe Key, a reef acclaimed as the Keys' crowning jewel. I recommend Strick Zone Charters out of Big Pine Key. Or head all the way South to Key West, also known as the Conch Republic, enjoy the Sunset festival at Malory Square Pier where you will find talented street performers and fantastic vendors. Feel like fishing? Key West is the place to do it, you can hire a private fishing charter, or hop on a party boat!

1. Miami Beach
A vibrant fusion of cultures, Miami Beach is fun for the whole family. Enjoy ice cream while window-shopping at Lincoln Road, walk the strip, or hit the sand and enjoy Florida's best beach. You can also check out the Miami Seaquarium, Parrot Jungle, or see a variety of shows at the Arsht Center or American Airlines Arena.