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| The Hollywood Bonus Plan |
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| A major event can serve as the cornerstone for a great getaway, and when it's combined with Hollywood Beach's multitude of activities, you've got the makings of a memorable Florida vacation. Pack extra batteries for the camera! |
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| Tags: Hollywood, beaches, cruises, music, events, parks, biking, sports, Miami, Green_Travel, |
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| A Fall Getaway to Florida's Space Coast |
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| Located just 35 miles east of Orlando on the central east coast of Florida, Florida's Space Coast boasts some of the state’s best natural attractions, as well as world-class beaches, shops, resorts and hotels. |
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| Tags: Cocoa_Beach, shopping, dining, beaches, Melbourne, Titusville, parks, surfing, Orlando, downtowns_and_small_towns, |
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| It's a Wild, Wild Life in Naples |
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| There's a good reason it's called the Paradise Coast. More than 80 percent of Collier County in southwest Florida, which encompasses Naples, Marco Island and the western side of the Everglades, is designated as parkland and nature preserves. |
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| Tags: Naples, Marco_Island, Everglades_National_Park, beaches, outdoors_and_nature, parks, boating, fishing, kayaking, |
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| Countdown to Affordable Family Fun in Hollywood |
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| Hollywood pulls out all the stops with Funtastic Fridays for Kids, a weekly event in Anniversary Park that includes a free bounce house, clowns, face painting, music, games and more. |
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| Tags: family, Hollywood, beaches, theater, deals, parks, outdoors_and_nature, art_and_culture, |
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| Help Preserve Florida's Beaches |
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| Beach cleanups keep trash off our beaches – trash that is not only unsightly, but poses a danger to animal life. Beach cleanup days happen regularly all over Florida, and anyone can participate. |
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| Tags: beaches, wildlife, sealife, Clearwater, Ponce_Inlet, Marathon, birding, Tampa, Green_Travel, |
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| Dive Into Deals and Diversions |
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| Life along the Emerald Coast revolves around the water. I opt for a lazy day under a big beach umbrella with a good book and daydreaming. Dad digs sand fleas for bait and reels in dinner. The kids build the Starship Enterprise – no simple sandcastles for us. |
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| Tags: Destin, Fort_Walton_Beach, beaches, dining, fishing, shelling, snorkeling, wildlife, resorts, hotels, |
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| A REAL. FUN. BEACH. |
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| With its new Pier Park entertainment complex, long-popular family attractions, emerald-green waters and a brand-new airport on the horizon, Panama City Beach is the quintessential Florida beach that has spelled out “REAL. FUN.” through the ages, for all ages. |
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| Tags: Panama_City_Beach, Panama_City, beaches, family, parks, theme_parks, piers, |
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| Ten Local Loves |
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| Tags: Bradenton, Anna_Maria_Island, Cortez, art_and_culture, culture, historical_sites, dining, beaches, downtowns_and_small_towns, Scenic_Highway, outdoors_and_nature, sports, |
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| Tropical Island Getaway |
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| Pristine and remote, the islands inspire romance, naturally sparked by the setting sun. |
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| Tags: beaches, Sanibel_Island, shelling, Fort_Myers_Beach, Captiva_Island, wildlife, fishing, shopping, festival, history, museums, |
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| Fiestas, Freebies and Fun |
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| Celebrate the founding of Pensacola at the 60th annual Fiesta of Five Flags from June 4-11, when Seville Quarter comes alive with special events. |
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| Tags: Pensacola, Perdido_Key, festival, events, resorts, beaches, fishing, museums, zoos, historical_sites, |
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| Ten-Mile Marathon |
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| Marathon is the "Family Fun and Boating Destination" of the Florida Keys. And it certainly lives up to this title, with outstanding boating, fishing, swimming, snorkeling, shopping, dining and unique sites you won’t find anywhere else. |
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| Tags: Florida_Keys, Marathon, dining, beaches, museums, wildlife, resorts, festival, |
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| Need More Beach |
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| It really struck home a few weeks ago that I need more beach in my life (really everybody does). And one of my favorite places to 'get more beach' is Southwest Florida's Paradise Coast – Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades, where the beach is always close by. |
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| Tags: Naples, Marco_Island, Everglades_National_Park, parks, beaches, shelling, boating, kayaking, sunsets, |
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| Five Ways to Save Some Green |
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| Join avid anglers on the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier that extends a quarter-mile into the Gulf. Typical catches include mackerel, snapper, tuna, flounder, pompano and bluefish. |
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| Tags: Destin, Fort_Walton_Beach, deals, beaches, fishing, dining, history, culture, events, parks, |
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| Beach Within Reach |
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| No taller than a palm tree, the Outrigger Beach Resort is one of those barefoot, tiki bar places that has remained a bastion of classic Florida vacationing. It immediately brings back memories of entire days spent in a swimsuit, running wild in the waves and not caring what time it is. |
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| Tags: Fort_Myers, beaches, water_sports, resorts, |
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| Memories Worth Repeating |
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| You know when you’ve found that perfect vacation spot – it’s a place you replay in your mind when you’re back home and can’t wait to revisit. Our travel writers, who know every corner and curve of the Sunshine State, share their memories of places you also might want to explore. |
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| Tags: Beaches_of_South_Walton, beaches, Cedar_Key, St_Petersburg, Orlando, Flagler_Beach, Stuart, Key_West, Santa_Rosa_Beach, |
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| Coastal Cruising |
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| Sitting on the deserted beach on a spring morning as the sun filters through the pines, it’s not hard to picture yourself in another era, a time when conquistadors and Native Americans ruled this stretch of coast. |
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| Tags: St_Petersburg, Clearwater, Sarasota, parks, beaches, Anna_Maria_Island, Cortez, Charlotte_Harbor, Captiva_Island, Egmont_Key, Venice, |
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| Favorite Florida Beaches |
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| Since the sheer number of stunning shores in Florida can be a bit overwhelming (unless, of course, you’re lucky enough to visit them all), we’ve made a list of some favorite Florida beaches according to interest. |
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| Tags: beaches, family, surfing, romance, Hollywood, Panama_City_Beach, Siesta_Key, Venice, Key_West, Pensacola, Sebastian, Cocoa_Beach, Daytona_Beach, Ormond_Beach, Jacksonville_Beach, Fort_Myers_Beach, Beaches_of_South_Walton, Fort_Lauderdale, Miami_Beach, Caladesi_Island_State_Park, |
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| Florida's Unexpected Shores |
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| The sand is as soft as baby powder at Siesta Key. Leave the shoes in your room: It’s a sensory delight to walk down this strand, thanks to tiny sand grains that are almost pure quartz. |
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| Tags: Sarasota, Siesta_Key, beaches, Daytona_Beach, St_Augustine, Apalachicola, Pensacola, Santa_Rosa_Beach, Hutchinson_Island, Palm_Beach, Florida_Keys, Key_Biscayne, Caladesi_Island_State_Park, |
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| City to Shore |
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| Clearwater Beach, top-ranked for city beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, is a whirl of activity with sunset celebrations on its pier; fishing charters, sightseeing cruises and watercraft rentals from its municipal marina. |
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| Tags: St_Petersburg, Clearwater, beaches, |
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| PCB Vacation Style |
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| Nap on the resort's 650 feet of white, sandy beach, take a Banana Boat ride through clear waters, hit the health club, spa and fitness center or sip a drink from the outdoor pool bar. |
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| Tags: resorts, beaches, Panama_City_Beach, |
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| 'Round the Clock in Hollywood |
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| USA Today named Hollywood Beach's 2.5-mile seaside walkway one of the top 10 nostalgic promenades in the country, making it the postcard-perfect spot to catch the final light of day. |
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| Tags: Hollywood, beaches, nightlife, historic_districts, culture, transportation, biking, parks, dining, music, hotels, |
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| Sand, Sea and Butterflies |
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| While Florida is filled with amusement parks and attractions to entertain visitors, Navarre Beach provides a place for families to sit back, relax and reconnect in a natural setting centered around miles of undeveloped, gorgeous white-sand beaches free of high rises and crowds. |
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| Tags: Santa_Rosa_Beach, Navarre, beaches, |
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| Down the Garden Path |
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| Every time I come to stay here, the lush gardens are blooming with something new and stunning, and today was no exception. There were exotic blooms everywhere, and the smell of sweet citrus filled the air. |
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| Tags: gardens, Sanibel_Island, beaches, resorts, |
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| Easy Being Green |
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| TradeWinds Island Grand and its sister property, the Sandpiper Suites, hold the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Two Palm designation. |
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| Tags: St_Petersburg, beaches, aquariums, resorts, sunsets, wildlife, sailing, Green_Travel, |
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| Warm Up on the Water |
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| No matter the season, it's a given that a walk along the shore is part of every trip to the Emerald Coast. |
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| Tags: Destin, Fort_Walton_Beach, beaches, sightseeing, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, outdoors_and_nature, romance, dining, hotels, |
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| Space Coast |
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| With its nature preserves, prairies and wetlands, the Space Coast is a haven for wildlife. |
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| Tags: Orlando, surfing, Sebastian, Melbourne, Kennedy_Space_Center, Merritt_Island, Titusville, wildlife, sightseeing, sports, outdoors_and_nature, beaches, |
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| The Key to Having It All |
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| The season brings some special reasons to luxuriate on Longboat Key. |
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| Tags: Longboat_Key, beaches, boating, snorkeling, shelling, outdoors_and_nature, birding, biking, Anna_Maria_Island, resorts, hotels, shopping, dining, luxury, food_and_wine, Bradenton, |
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| Emerald Escape |
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| Autumn along the Emerald Coast of Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island is the quiet season and a perfect time to discover this slice of Northwest Florida. |
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| Tags: Destin, Fort_Walton_Beach, beaches, sailing, fishing, parks, dolphins, family, dining, |
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| Daytona Beach Break |
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| Today, the three-mile section of beach around the pier has been designated for pedestrians only, and it's still where it's happening on Daytona Beach. The Bandshell and historic clock tower stand in contrast to the beach's hip new scene, a pretty city park has sprung up at the pier's end and monuments and plaques pay tribute to the beach's early racers.
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| Tags: beaches, Daytona_Beach, resorts, shopping, dining, luxury, spas, family, |
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| There Is a Season |
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| You don't have to ride a "hawg" to appreciate the action and machines that stream through the area for four days annually during Biketoberfest, this year Oct. 16-19. As the festival planners like to say, "there's a little biker in all of us," so let out your inner biker as you party to live music all around town. |
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| Tags: beaches, Daytona_Beach, motorcycling, art, culture, festival, Ponce_Inlet, museums, |
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| Find Your Beach |
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| In 2008, Caladesi Island State Park with its fine white sand and gentle clear blue surf, beat out beaches in Hawaii and California for the No. 1 spot on Dr. Beach's 2008 Best Beaches in America list.
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| Tags: beaches, kayaking, Dunedin, St_Petersburg, Clearwater, parks, Egmont_Key, shelling, birding, camping, fishing, Caladesi_Island_State_Park, Honeymoon_Island, |
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| Beyond the Broadwalk |
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| Hollywood boasts seven miles of beaches, which have been designated Blue Wave beaches by the Clean Beaches Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting America's shores. And the area's expanse of white sand and turquoise waters makes it easy to see why. No wonder folks are serious about their beach-going in these parts. |
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| Tags: beaches, Hollywood, boating, shopping, parks, kayaking, canoeing, dining, |
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| A Different Daytona Beach |
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| Come fall, the thermometer and barometer inch down just enough to make spending an entire day on the beach breezy and comfortable. School's back in session, meaning the crowd census also inches downward. |
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| Tags: Daytona_Beach, beaches, |
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| Celebrated Beach |
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| For active couples and families, the beach has got it going on. Trump's beach concession takes care of recreational needs from kayak rentals to an inflatable floating water park with a trampoline and slide. |
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| Tags: resorts, beaches, Sunny_Isles_Beach, Miami, |
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| Florida Beach Primer |
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| Take our abbreviated beach trip around Florida and add a few new beaches to your scrapbook. From Pensacola to Amelia Island to the Florida Keys, there is a new beach for you. |
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| Tags: beaches, Pensacola, Perdido_Key, Destin, Fort_Walton_Beach, Beaches_of_South_Walton, Panama_City_Beach, Apalachicola, Cedar_Key, Steinhatchee, Crystal_River, Tampa, St_Petersburg, Clearwater_Beach, Egmont_Key, Sarasota, Bradenton, Anna_Maria_Island, Charlotte_Harbor, Fort_Myers, Sanibel_Island, Captiva_Island, Naples, Marco_Island, Florida_Keys, Key_West, Miami, South_Beach, Fort_Lauderdale, West_Palm_Beach, Fort_Pierce, Vero_Beach, Cocoa_Beach, Daytona_Beach, New_Smyrna_Beach, Flagler_Beach, Palm_Coast, St_Augustine, Jacksonville_Beach, Amelia_Island, New_Port_Richey, |
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| Sunset Rituals |
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| The very moment the sun sets, the hostess rings the bell mounted on the deck, guests go wild with applause and the table that guessed the exact time of the sunset without going over wins. |
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| Tags: sunsets, Anna_Maria_Island, Clearwater_Beach, St_Pete_Beach, Bradenton, Sarasota, Key_West, beaches, Panama_City_Beach, |
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| Been There, Haven't Done That! |
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| You've seen the theme parks, the big cities and the major attractions. Now it's time to go off the beaten path. On your next Florida excursion, plan for some extra travel time to visit these offbeat, quirky roadside attractions. |
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| Tags: dining, museums, history, historical_sites, outdoors_and_nature, parks, culture, Apalachicola, Carrabelle, Fort_Walton_Beach, Marianna, Milton, Panama_City_Beach, Pensacola, Santa_Rosa_Beach, water_sports, Cross_Creek, Gainesville, Madison, Suwannee, Tallahassee, White_Springs, Steinhatchee, Amelia_Island, beaches, Flagler_Beach, Jacksonville, Palatka, St_Augustine, Crystal_River, St_Petersburg, Tampa, Tarpon_Springs, Kissimmee, Lake_Placid, Lake_Wales, Lakeland, Winter_Park, Hobe_Sound, Okeechobee, Ponce_Inlet, Sebastian, Stuart, Titusville, kayaking, Vero_Beach, Bradenton, Clewiston, Punta_Gorda, Coral_Gables, Delray_Beach, Fort_Lauderdale, Florida_Keys, Miami, Key_West, Homestead, Palm_Beach, Marathon, been_there_havent_done_that, Monticello, downtowns_and_small_towns, resident, |
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| Florida Beach Camping Guide |
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| Whichever camping rig you bring, you'll find a beach campground to accommodate you, and many will even accommodate your pet. Most campgrounds offer sites that are ADA accessible. |
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| Tags: beaches, camping, Florida_Keys, Key_West, Sebastian, Cape_Canaveral, Flagler_Beach, Fort_Myers_Beach, St_George_Island, Grayton_Beach, |
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| Battle of the Beach Sands |
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| Northwest Florida has some of the purest, whitest sand anywhere in the state. Its dazzling crystals are nearly pure quartz, resulting in soft, fluffy sand that is a pleasure to walk on. |
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| Tags: beaches, |
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| Naples Beach Paradise |
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| Relax in the shade of an authentic Native American chickee hut, fish from Naples Pier or chug through the mangroves on personal watercraft to meet friendly manatees and playful dolphins. |
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| Tags: Naples, beaches, Marco_Island, |
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| Voluntourism Vacations in Florida |
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| Sibling rivalry has its advantages, it turns out. My kids were very excited to compete to see who could get more trash in their bags. Our goal was to grab as much as we could before it was blown away and washed out to sea. |
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| Tags: Naples, family, beaches, |
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| Walking the Planks: Piers of Southwest Florida |
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| Piers offer a way for us to transcend the limits of the shoreline without having a boat. Strolling out onto a pier is the closest we'll ever get to walking on water. |
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| Tags: piers, beaches, fishing, sunsets, Clearwater_Beach, St_Petersburg, St_Pete_Beach, Anna_Maria_Island, Bradenton_Beach, Venice, Fort_Myers, Fort_Myers_Beach, Naples, |
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| Get to Know Hollywood |
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| Like a scene from a postcard, Hollywood Beach's turquoise waves lapped onto the shore. Children built sandcastles. A couple napped under a cabana. |
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| Tags: Hollywood, beaches, |
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| Seven Bits of Beach Heaven |
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| Visit Clearwater Beach if you want an archetypal beach town experience. Seafood shacks, beach bars, pizza parlors and souvenir shops abound, along with a wide variety of accommodations. |
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| Tags: St_Petersburg, Clearwater, Dunedin, beaches, Clearwater_Beach, Treasure_Island, St_Pete_Beach, Honeymoon_Island, Caladesi_Island_State_Park, |
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| Florida Beach Safety |
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| Our first concern is the health and safety of our guests. The Florida Department of Health has proper information so that every trip can be safe and enjoyable. |
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| Tags: beaches, |
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| Beach Perfect |
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| At the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, you don't have to leave the beach to go kayaking or boogie boarding, have a great meal or arrange a tee time from your beach cabana. |
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| Tags: Sandestin, beaches, resorts, Destin, |
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| Butterflies, Beaches and Fall Breezes |
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| A number of the coast's newer resort towns were planned with the safety and entertainment of families in mind. Along with a deep sense of community, they offer diverse vacation accommodations, beachfront kids' programs, shops and restaurants. |
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| Tags: Beaches_of_South_Walton, family, beaches, events, Santa_Rosa_Beach, Sandestin, |
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| Four Elements of Florida Beaches |
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| Deep blue water laps the broad shoreline, and candy-colored lifeguard stations add a festive touch to the scenery. The most striking sights, though, are the throngs of gorgeous sun gods and goddesses that congregate in this playground of the rich and famous. |
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| Tags: Grayton_Beach, beaches, Destin, Santa_Rosa_Beach, Fort_Walton_Beach, Cocoa_Beach, surfing, Clearwater_Beach, South_Beach, Pensacola, |
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| Beach Party |
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| Conveniently perched on the Florida-Alabama state line, it hosts the Annual Interstate Mullet Toss, a wacky April tournament where participants heave a dead mullet from Florida into Alabama. |
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| Tags: Venice, beaches, events, festival, Pensacola, Cocoa_Beach, surfing, Fernandina_Beach, Key_West, Big_Pine_Key, Destin, fishing, Miami, Miami_Beach, South_Beach, Fort_Myers_Beach, Delray_Beach, Clearwater_Beach, Dunedin, Siesta_Key, Nokomis, Stuart, St_Augustine, Jacksonville, music, Panama_City_Beach, camping, St_Petersburg, |
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| Florida Beach Survey |
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| A painfully obvious but nevertheless satisfying thought crossed my mind the last time I was there; the refreshing sea breeze you feel has crossed the entire Atlantic before making landfall, making it some of the cleanest, freshest air on earth. |
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| Tags: beaches, parks, St_George_Island, Dunedin, Fort_Myers_Beach, Clearwater_Beach, Anna_Maria_Island, Longboat_Key, Siesta_Key, Sanibel_Island, Marco_Island, Boca_Grande, Florida_Keys, Fort_Lauderdale, Cocoa_Beach, Flagler_Beach, Palm_Coast, St_Augustine, South_Beach, Daytona_Beach, Caladesi_Island_State_Park, |
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| Daytona Luxe |
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| Iron security gates guard the restored home and its regally appointed guest accommodations (think cedar-lined closets, antique furnishings and gold-plated bathroom fixtures), all within walking distance of the beach. |
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| Tags: historical_sites, Daytona_Beach, luxury, art, shopping, history, bed_and_breakfasts, spas, culture, lighthouses, beaches, museums, |
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| Island Intrigue |
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| I love to walk the quiet streets lined with taverns, clapboard cottages and tin-roofed huts, all reminders that – despite a bustling tourism crowd – this was, and still is, a commercial fishing village with a frontier persona. |
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| Tags: parks, beaches, boating, Cedar_Key, wildlife, |
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| Best Beaches |
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| This oasis near Santa Rosa Beach along Florida’s Northwest coast mystifies with gnarled driftwood juxtaposed against ethereal sea oats. |
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| Tags: Marathon, Florida_Keys, parks, beaches, Port_St_Joe, Grayton_Beach, St_Petersburg, Dunedin, Panama_City_Beach, Bonita_Springs, |
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| Beach Blanket Bingo |
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| With hula girls, fire-twirling dancers and more tiki faces than you’ll find in Tahiti, this place shimmies with Polynesian surrealism (and the food’s good, too). |
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| Tags: Anna_Maria_Island, resorts, Florida_Keys, Islamorada, theme_parks, Fort_Lauderdale, Panama_City_Beach, Daytona_Beach, beaches, Hollywood, Weeki_Wachee, |
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| Go Dog, Go! |
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| Forget biscuits – your best friend wants a vacation. (Though a few bites of steak and a stroll on the beach might earn you a lick or two.) |
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| Tags: Tampa, Winter_Park, Miami_Beach, Key_West, beaches, parks, resorts, hotels, bed_and_breakfasts, Beaches_of_South_Walton, Dunedin, St_Pete_Beach, St_George_Island, Pensacola, dining, |
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| A Family Affair |
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| Reunions are not just about catching up, they're about making memories. For your next affair, these activities infuse fun into your family time. |
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| Tags: Daytona_Beach, Fort_Lauderdale, Fort_Walton_Beach, Miami, New_Smyrna_Beach, Panama_City_Beach, Titusville, beaches, reunions, family, Kennedy_Space_Center, resorts, bed_and_breakfasts, Destin, fishing, hotels, Florida_Keys, |
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| Caladesi Island: Pristine Perfection |
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| You don't have to do anything on Caladesi Island. That's the joy of its three-mile beachfront. But, if you choose, you can actually, oh, get up, enjoy a picnic lunch under the pavilions and go angling, kayaking, birding or hiking through several distinct habitats. |
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| Tags: Clearwater_Beach, Dunedin, beaches, Caladesi_Island_State_Park, |
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| Fantasy Islands |
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| It's a place where nothing is too extravagant when it comes to wowing your partner. As the Resort reminds, "all you have to do is ask." |
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| Tags: Amelia_Island, Anna_Maria_Island, Clearwater, Fort_Myers, Fort_Myers_Beach, Grayton_Beach, Marco_Island, Miami, Palm_Coast, Panama_City_Beach, Sanibel_Island, Sebastian, parks, romance, beaches, spas, resorts, St_George_Island, weddings, |
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| Gilligan Fantasies |
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| We feel as though we've arrived in the South Seas in the mere 15 minutes it takes the ferry to spirit us away from traffic jams and life's other irks. |
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| Tags: Fort_Myers, Miami, beaches, parks, biking, hiking, resorts, outdoors_and_nature, Florida_Keys, romance, Englewood, |
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| Coastal Guardians |
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| Visitors come for the beach, for the pier, for charter boats, a casino cruise, for the waterfront restaurants and to walk the town's canopied lanes, escapist as ever. |
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| Tags: Apalachicola, Cape_Canaveral, Jupiter, Key_Largo, Key_West, Marathon, Miami, Ponce_Inlet, history, historical_sites, lighthouses, beaches, |
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| Insider Tips to Florida's Beaches |
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| And lest we forget, it's beautiful! It continually makes several of America's Top 10 lists of best beaches based on sand, water quality and facilities. |
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| Tags: Amelia_Island, Beaches_of_South_Walton, Grayton_Beach, Key_West, Naples, Palm_Beach, Sarasota, Sebastian, South_Beach, Venice, Vero_Beach, beaches, shelling, water_sports, snorkeling, romance, historical_sites, family, wildlife, surfing, sunsets, New_Smyrna_Beach, Daytona_Beach, St_Pete_Beach, birding, Ponte_Vedra_Beach, equestrian, Sanibel_Island, Hollywood, |
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| Executive Escapes |
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| Later that evening, Gatsby-esque murals and saltwater aquariums, along with our three waiters - Birk, Ben and Don - greeted Meghan and I at The Maritana Grille. |
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| Tags: Amelia_Island, Boca_Raton, Coral_Gables, Islamorada, Key_West, Longboat_Key, Marathon, Miami, Miami_Beach, Mount_Dora, Palm_Beach, Steinhatchee, West_Palm_Beach, spas, resorts, beaches, luxury, dining, |
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| Parrot Heads |
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| This is a place of bikini tops and Bloody Marys for breakfast. Where the talk is about fishing, the weather and what port of call is next. |
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| Tags: Amelia_Island, Fort_Lauderdale, Gulf_Breeze, Key_West, Marco_Island, Miami, Miami_Beach, Naples, Nokomis, Panama_City_Beach, Pensacola, Ponce_Inlet, Sarasota, South_Beach, St_Pete_Beach, Tampa, Venice, nightlife, beaches, resorts, hotels, dining, |
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| Natural Beaches |
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| If you count all bays and inlets - where you'll find the "secret" sandy getaways usually known only to locals - Florida has nearly 8,500 miles of shoreline. |
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| Tags: Amelia_Island, Apalachicola, Cape_San_Blas, Fernandina_Beach, Grayton_Beach, Key_West, Pensacola, Ponce_Inlet, Ponte_Vedra_Beach, beaches, outdoors_and_nature, wildlife, sealife, birding, camping, St_Augustine, parks, Florida_Keys, Tampa, New_Smyrna_Beach, Caladesi_Island_State_Park, |
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| Beaches 101 |
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| Seekers of relaxation and tranquility go to Dunedin's state-protected Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island for a serene visit with nature. |
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| Tags: Amelia_Island, Anna_Maria_Island, Beaches_of_South_Walton, Cape_San_Blas, Captiva_Island, Cedar_Key, Clearwater, Clearwater_Beach, Cocoa, Cocoa_Beach, Daytona_Beach, Dunedin, Flagler_Beach, Fort_Lauderdale, Fort_Myers, Fort_Walton_Beach, Fort_Myers_Beach, Fort_Myers_Beach, Grayton_Beach, Key_Largo, Key_West, Marco_Island, Miami, Naples, Navarre, New_Smyrna_Beach, Palm_Beach, Panama_City_Beach, Pensacola, Sanibel_Island, Sebastian, St_Pete_Beach, Venice, beaches, parks, camping, sightseeing, Honeymoon_Island, Caladesi_Island_State_Park, |
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| Under the Boardwalk |
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| "Downtown" Hollywood is undergoing a modern makeover, but at Hollywood Beach, the Broadwalk wears its history proudly. There's a timeless appeal to the visitors' strolling, shopping, playing and dining before the open sand and the Atlantic Ocean. It's a haven for people and people-watchers of all ages. |
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| Tags: Clearwater, Daytona_Beach, Fort_Myers, Fort_Myers_Beach, Hollywood, Key_West, Madeira_Beach, St_Pete_Beach, Venice, beaches, family, boating, fishing, dining, sightseeing, |
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| Island Honors |
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| In recent years, the secret has definitely come out about where to take the entire family to go to revel in gorgeous waters, wriggle your toes in sugary-soft sand and enjoy a just-caught grouper sandwich. |
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| Tags: Anna_Maria_Island, Bradenton_Beach, beaches, |
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| A Shore (or Off-Shore) Thing in Palm Coast |
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| Remote golden-sand beaches and pristine nature preserves dot the shore. Myriad wildlife, from songbirds and shorebirds flying overhead to sea turtles, dolphins and manatees swimming just off the bow, will be your only companions. |
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| Tags: Daytona_Beach, Flagler_Beach, Palm_Coast, Ponte_Vedra_Beach, boating, beaches, water_sports, spas, shopping, cruises, resorts, St_Augustine, |
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| Island Hopping in the Charlotte Harbor Area |
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| Accessible only by boat, this seemingly untouched island has more than a mile-long stretch of white-sand beach perfect for collecting seashells, fishing or soaking up the sun. |
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| Tags: Charlotte_Harbor, Englewood, Punta_Gorda, kayaking, beaches, fishing, parks, birding, shelling, outdoors_and_nature, wildlife, geocaching, |
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| Carefree Cruising |
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| Adults can escape to the top deck to mingle, spot dolphins and check the progress of the 125 passenger, engine-powered boat. |
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| Tags: Clearwater, Clearwater_Beach, St_Pete_Beach, Tampa, beaches, cruises, tours, boating, St_Petersburg, fishing, |
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| Biking Daytona and Beyond |
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| St. Augustine's Colonial Spanish Quarter is a pedestrian maze of shops, eateries and attractions such as the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse in America. |
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| Tags: Daytona_Beach, Flagler_Beach, New_Smyrna_Beach, Ocala, Orlando, Palatka, Winter_Park, St_Augustine, museums, parks, beaches, Ormond_Beach, motorcycling, historical_sites, Ponce_Inlet, lighthouses, |
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| Martin County Beaches: A to Z |
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| Also, Stuart Beach offers everything Jensen Beach Park does, plus basketball, a playground and the Elliott Museum, which teaches area history and contains life-size historical replicas, including a general store and ice cream parlor. |
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| Tags: Jensen_Beach, Jupiter, Palm_Beach, Stuart, wildlife, beaches, museums, Hobe_Sound, |
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| Rockin' Around the Clock in Panama City Beach |
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| Water pistol fights, an underwater treasure hunt, tugs of war, steering the pirate ship, and going below deck for pirate tattoos keep kids active and entertained for the two-hour sail. |
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| Tags: Panama_City_Beach, family, beaches, diving, shopping, resorts, hotels, nightlife, fishing, |
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| Sandy Feet Welcome |
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| The air was crisp, the sky cloudless and it was time to put the luckiest fishing village in the world to the test. |
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| Tags: beaches, Destin, vacation_rentals, shopping, family, fishing, boating, wildlife, sports, |
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| Great Reunions in the Great Outdoors |
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| Here your family can boat, hike nature trails, bird-watch or fish from two piers. |
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| Tags: Amelia_Island, Tallahassee, Wakulla_Springs, outdoors_and_nature, reunions, beaches, parks, canoeing, kayaking, family, |
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| A Beach for Each |
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| Getting to Captiva Beach is a romantic adventure in itself; quaint restaurants shaded by tropical foliage, cozy bed & breakfasts and colorful boutiques dot the path to seductive seclusion, breathtaking sunsets and romance. |
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| Tags: Estero, Fort_Myers, Fort_Myers_Beach, Fort_Myers_Beach, Sanibel_Island, beaches, family, parks, water_sports, museums, romance, shelling, destination, |
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| Family Reunions 101 |
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| We dined on fresh grilled grouper, huge burgers, jerk chicken wings and arguably the best conch fritters in the United States. |
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| Tags: Clearwater, Egmont_Key, St_Pete_Beach, Tampa, family, reunions, resorts, beaches, |
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| Turtle Watch |
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| All Florida beaches are potential nesting sites, but the greatest concentration of loggerhead nesting turtles lies on the east coast between the Canaveral National Seashore (Titusville) and Fort Lauderdale. |
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| Tags: Boca_Raton, Fort_Lauderdale, Jensen_Beach, Melbourne, Naples, Palm_Beach, Sarasota, Sebastian, Titusville, Vero_Beach, outdoors_and_nature, tours, beaches, sealife, Dania_Beach, |
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| Treasure Hunt |
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| The islands above Sanibel also hold treasure troves but are less accessible due to a lack of bridges. Good news: that makes their shell hoards less plundered. |
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| Tags: Captiva_Island, Fort_Myers, Sanibel_Island, outdoors_and_nature, beaches, shelling, tours, birding, wildlife, family, lehigh_acres, |
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| Adventure For All Ages in St. Petersburg/Clearwater |
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| Make sure you save some time to explore the Pier 60 area, with its giant inflatable slides, bungee-harness rides and huge playground. |
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| Tags: Clearwater_Beach, Indian_Shores, Madeira_Beach, St_Pete_Beach, Tampa, beaches, family, aquariums, water_sports, St_Petersburg, |
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| Uncovering the Ancient and Avant-Garde in Bradenton |
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| At Emerson Point Park, whispers and shadows of a 1,400-year-old Native American village hide amidst 195 acres of mangrove swamps and salt marshes. |
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| Tags: Anna_Maria_Island, Bradenton, Bradenton_Beach, Cortez, beaches, art, museums, parks, fishing, historical_sites, historic_districts, antiques, |
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| Float Your Boat |
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| I can tell you that as a globe-hopping angler and diver, I've had the good fortune of visiting countless ports, harbors and marinas, and I've never seen a more boater-friendly area than what we encountered off Martin County. |
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| Tags: Okeechobee, beaches, boating, fishing, |
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| Big Beach, Big Fun |
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| Whether you're looking for history, eco-tours, live stage shows, music, pampering, elegant dining or high-speed thrills, you'll find it in friendly, accessible Daytona Beach. |
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| Tags: Daytona_Beach, sports, beaches, spas, museums, |
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| Panama City and Panama City Beach |
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| Cast away, if only for a day, on Shell Island, off the mainland of St. Andrews State Park. With seven-and-a-half miles of undeveloped coastline, this barrier island offers the best shelling this side of Sanibel Island. |
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| Tags: Panama_City_Beach, beaches, museums, driving_tours, parks, cruises, shelling, Tours_on_a_Tankful, |
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| Jacksonville and Beyond |
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| Jacksonville Beach is the liveliest of the bunch, and it's also the best for surfing. Rent a board at one of the shops along the surf, or simply chill out with a walk along the pier. |
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| Tags: Amelia_Island, Atlantic_Beach, Jacksonville, Jacksonville_Beach, Ponte_Vedra_Beach, beaches, surfing, art, driving_tours, Tours_on_a_Tankful, |
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| Neighborhood Attractions in Orlando, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale |
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| Fish from the pier. Whack volleyballs in the very capital of beach volleyball. Play on the covered playground. Rent water toys. Relax with a good book. |
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| Tags: Clearwater, Clearwater_Beach, Dania_Beach, Fort_Lauderdale, Hollywood, Kissimmee, Orlando, Tampa, family, beaches, aquariums, museums, parks, |
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| Tropical Paradise: The Captiva Island Inn, Captiva Island |
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| Because the inn is in the heart of this tiny town, most everything - shops, restaurants, and of course, the beach - is within walking or bicycling distance. Anything else is minutes away by car, including the sunset cruise we scheduled. |
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| Tags: Captiva_Island, Fort_Myers, Sanibel_Island, beaches, bed_and_breakfasts, kayaking, outdoors_and_nature, hotels, dining, |
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| Palm Beach Area Beaches |
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| Although Palm Beach is considered a playground for the rich and famous, and you'll find plenty of glamour, trendy restaurants, and high-end shopping on this island, the beaches are still some of the area's best and publicly accessible. |
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| Tags: Boca_Raton, Boynton_Beach, Lake_Worth, Palm_Beach, South_Beach, beaches, disabilities_travel, |
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| Fort Myers Area Beaches |
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| Recently, biologist and beach expert, Dr. Stephen Leatherman, also known as Dr. Beach, recognized Captiva's beaches as among the "most romantic" in the U.S. |
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| Tags: Cape_Coral, Estero, Fort_Myers, Fort_Myers_Beach, Sanibel_Island, beaches, disabilities_travel, shelling, |
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| Fort Lauderdale Area Beaches |
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| Fort Lauderdale boasts seven miles of warm, soft sand. There are 30 beach access points, but the city's award-winning "wavewall" and beachfront promenade provide the perfect place to soak up Fort Lauderdale's flavor. |
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| Tags: Dania_Beach, Deerfield_Beach, Fort_Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano_Beach, South_Beach, beaches, disabilities_travel, |
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| St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Beaches |
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| Both sandy and rocky shores line this state park. Wildlife is abundant, and two bird observation areas and nature trails offer plenty of opportunities to see osprey and other native Florida wildlife. |
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| Tags: Clearwater, Clearwater_Beach, Egmont_Key, Indian_Rocks_Beach, Indian_Shores, Madeira_Beach, St_Pete_Beach, Tarpon_Springs, beaches, disabilities_travel, Dunedin, Caladesi_Island_State_Park, |
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| Bradenton Area Beaches |
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| A full-service concession stand, ample parking, barbecue pits, picnic facilities, a boat ramp, a playground, restrooms, showers and lifeguards make this beach a popular, bustling beach. |
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| Tags: Anna_Maria_Island, Bradenton, Cortez, Longboat_Key, beaches, disabilities_travel, Bradenton_Beach, |
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| Fort Myers/Sanibel Area |
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| With its gentle Gulf of Mexico waves, shell-strewn beaches, neighborly attitude and laid-back tempo, Fort Myers and its islands coerce a mood of creativity and inspiration. |
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| Tags: Cape_Coral, Captiva_Island, Estero, Fort_Myers, Fort_Myers_Beach, Sanibel_Island, parks, beaches, outdoors_and_nature, history, |
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| Florida Keys/Key West Area |
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| Attractions recall Ernest Hemingway's residence here, visits by Harry Truman, and the island's shipwrecking era, cigar-making days and military importance. |
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| Tags: Big_Pine_Key, Islamorada, Key_Largo, Key_West, Marathon, Florida_Keys, parks, beaches, fishing, museums, aquariums, |
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| Saltwater Fishing |
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| It's deep, it's blue, and it's full of large game fish that can turn the shape of a rod into a pretzel. Here lurk awesome battlers such as blue marlin, wahoo, sailfish, dolphin, kingfish, swordfish, yellowfin and blackfin tuna, and sharks longer than the width of some boats. |
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| Tags: Charlotte_Harbor, Miami, Pensacola, Sebastian, Tampa, fishing, piers, boating, outdoors_and_nature, beaches, |
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| Dr. Beach's Florida Picks |
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| "There's even a 105-year old fort on-site that's a landmark of Florida history." |
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| Tags: Beaches_of_South_Walton, Clearwater, Grayton_Beach, Key_West, Marathon, Miami, Panama_City_Beach, beaches, parks, Port_St_Joe, Florida_Keys, camping, outdoors_and_nature, Caladesi_Island_State_Park, |
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| Caladesi and Honeymoon Islands |
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| Go shelling along the stretch of beach that juts toward the Gulf. But remember this island belongs to the real natives - birds and, yes, even things that slither. |
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| Tags: Clearwater, Clearwater_Beach, Dunedin, beaches, resorts, wildlife, parks, Caladesi_Island_State_Park, Honeymoon_Island, |
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| Charlotte Harbor Area |
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| On the other side of the Peace River, the quiet little town of Charlotte Harbor faces Punta Gorda with its charming little motels, a fishing pier park, a miniature golf course, and the shiny new Charlotte County Historic Center. |
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| Tags: Charlotte_Harbor, Englewood, Port_Charlotte, Punta_Gorda, Boca_Grande, beaches, |
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| Diving in Northwest Florida |
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| After a dozen or so years on the ocean floor, this labyrinth of twisted girders and beams had become a virtual condominium for small reef critters. |
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| Tags: Apalachicola, Fort_Walton_Beach, Navarre, Panama_City_Beach, Pensacola, diving, beaches, Destin, sealife, outdoors_and_nature, |
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| Places to Propose |
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| Have a dolphin do it. Discovery Cove in Orlando can have a buoy personalized with your proposal delivered by a dolphin, along with a video recording or photographs of the special moment. |
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| Tags: Captiva_Island, Cocoa, Cocoa_Beach, Orlando, Palm_Beach, Ponte_Vedra_Beach, romance, weddings, Florida_Keys, beaches, Sanibel_Island, |
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| Beach Events |
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| Located at the Florida-Alabama border, the Flora-Bama Lounge, Package, Oyster Bar & Grill is well-known for its Interstate Mullet Toss and beach party, where participants toss mullets, a fish indigenous to the area, from Alabama across the state line into Florida. The fish-throwing is done in late April on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. |
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| Tags: Bradenton, Clearwater, Clearwater_Beach, Daytona_Beach, Fort_Lauderdale, Fort_Myers, Fort_Walton_Beach, Fort_Myers_Beach, Fort_Myers_Beach, Key_West, Panama_City_Beach, Pensacola, Sarasota, Venice, beaches, sports, events, sunsets, |
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| Best Beaches For... |
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| The grains are so fine, so white that you'll feel you are on packed sugar. |
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| Tags: Amelia_Island, Beaches_of_South_Walton, Daytona_Beach, Estero, Fort_Lauderdale, Hollywood, Key_West, Melbourne, Naples, New_Smyrna_Beach, Palm_Beach, Pensacola, Ponte_Vedra_Beach, Sanibel_Island, Sarasota, Sebastian, South_Beach, St_Pete_Beach, Venice, Vero_Beach, parks, shelling, snorkeling, romance, historical_sites, water_sports, beaches, |
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