Florida for Nature and Beach Lovers

The United States of America is a huge federation of 50 states covering an area of 3.7 million square miles which put it as the third largest country in the world in terms of land area. Its climate ranges from severe cold polar in Alaska to warm tropical in South Florida and Hawaii. It is not uncommon for residents in the cold north to escape to the warmer weather in the south in winter. It is also not uncommon for retired residents in the north to move south to spend their retirement years in warmer weather. Many also journey to the south for their vacation

A prime candidate for such move is peaceful Kissimmee, Florida. Kissimmee is a peaceful town boasting of a few resorts, museums and art galleries. Nature lovers will love Kissimmee for there are some a wide expense of wetlands. Those who are interested in conservation of the environment may be interested in how Kissimmee restored the Kissimmee River. For the majority, probably the reason they go to Kissimmee is because it is very near to Orlando, the world capital of theme parks. The world famous Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios, etc., are located in Orlando. Orlando is an easy drive from Kissimmee. There are hotels here that provides shuttle bus services to the resorts in Orlando. Plus you probably can get cheaper accommodation here than in Orlando. For accommodations, try Kissimmee vacation rentals.

Beach lovers can check out Panama City Beach with its 27 miles of beautiful white sandy beach. They call it sugar sand. The sand is white because quartz crystals were washed down from the Appalachian Mountains centuries ago. The ocean water crystal clear and great for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. You may also be interested in skiing, parasailing, diving or fishing. College students and other youngsters will love the annual Panama City Spring Break with its concerts, contests, giveaways and beach parties.

You will love Panama City Beach if you are a golf enthusiast because there are plenty of golf courses.

Panama City Beach lay claim to the title of "Seafood Capital of the World" and you can actually find a wide array of seafood restaurants in Panama City Beach where you can enjoy fresh seafood newly harvested from the ocean.

Other attractions in Panama City Beach includes theme parks. Shipwreck Island is the largest water park around. From Panama City Beach, you can also join cruises of every kind, enjoy the beautiful scenery visit the Zoo World Zoological and Botanical Park which features a wide variety of animals, including rare and endangered species.

There is also St. Andrews State Park adjacent to Panama City Beach. St. Andrews has more than 1,000 acres of spotless sugar white sand, dunes, and emerald waters. You can snorkel, swim and do other things you normally do on a beach. You may be lucky and catch a glimpse of some wildlife like foxes, deer, coyotes, and other animals. There are two fishing piers and jetties which provide excellent vantage points year-round for casting your lines if you are interested in fishing. You may get spanish mackerel, red fish, flounder, sea trout, bonito, cobia and bluefish.

Remember to book your accommodation at Panama City beach vacation homes.

Another interesting place to visit for family vacation, nature and beach lovers in the Florida Panhandle is Fort Myers Beach. You can escape the crowd here. Watching loggerhead turtles laying eggs at the Lovers Key State Park during the nesting season (Spring and Summer). Bottlenose dolphins, West Indian manatees, marsh rabbits, roseate spoonbills, and bald eagles also make their home here.

Matanzas Pass Preserve is a wetland eco-systems containing one of the last maritime oak hammocks in the area. There is 1.25 miles of trails that wind through the canopies of mangroves and the oak hammock for your hiking pleasure while you enjoy a nice view of the Estero Bay. You will probably spot plenty of wildlife ranging from dolphins, manatees, herons, egrets, pelicans and snowbirds, and also the native plants.

An unique place to visit is the Mound Key, constructed with shells left by the Caloosa Indians over 1,000 years ago. However, it is accessible by boat only.

Or visit the Thomas Edison and Henry Ford winter homes for a glimpse into the life of these 2 great personalities. Or take a stroll on the Fort Myers Beach Pier, which reaches about 600 feet into the gulf. Cast a line here and get a catch you can take a photograph with to boast about at home.

For accommodation, chose and book yours online via Fort Myers Beach vacation rentals.