South Florida's Hidden Gem -- MacArthur Beach State Park

Want to be let in on a special secret? There is a State Park plus beach in South Florida which no one seems to know about. And it's called John D. MacArthur Beach State Park. It is a little-known gem north of Singer Island plus south of Jupiter Beach on the Atlantic Ocean. It's got gorgeous surroundings and a stunning sun-washed stretch of beach...that you might have all to yourself.

Where is this secluded Florida park and beach? It's really easy to get to!

This thoroughly amazing Florida State Park boasts a tropical dune path and a stunning beach. Urban sprawl hasn't reached its tentacles here, so the beach and the park is quiet nearly all of the year. You may not even see anyone other than the park staff!

The beach itself has a quite fascinating history, dating back when it was known as Air Force Beach during World War II. What's now Palm Beach International airport was an Air Force base years and years ago. Apparently servicemen had some pretty wild beach parties, so it was (unofficially) named Air Force Beach!

Some time afterwards, John D. MacArthur bought the island, wanting to keep an unspoiled piece of South Florida safe. He subsequently donated the land to the State during the 1970s and the park (named after him) opened to the public in 1989.

MacArthur Beach State Park is found on a barrier island, which is long and slender, separating the mainland from the ocean. Though condominiums and resorts have taken over a lot of Florida's beautiful barrier islands, not this one - it's still "au naturale"!

Be looking for sea turtles! Scarce species of sea turtles are known to make their nests here, including the endangered loggerhead and the much rarer leatherback. You likely will not catch sight of the turtles themselves however you may see proof which they actually have been around. If you'd really like to detect the turtles, there are ranger-led walks in May and June. Call for advanced reservations thru the office -- the tours are filled up early.

You could see several roseate spoonbills at MacArthur Beach State Park. What are they? Roseate spoonbills are interesting birds; their feathers are rose tinted ("flamingo pink") and the overall bottom of their bills are spoon shaped.

Birding walks are also occasionally offered, for the ornithologically inclined.

The most wonderful single factor regarding this superb Florida state park is because not many individuals come here. Possibly for the reason that there are masses of public beaches just a little to the north and also the south, MacArthur Beach State Park is quiet. Serene. And you possibly could have the entire stretch (2 miles) of beach to yourself!

By the way, you can rent single or double kayaks here, as well as paddle along with ranger-led kayak tours in the lagoon areas.

Swim the waters, snorkel the reef or maybe try one of the park's surfing clinics -- the beach holds all sorts of wonders!

Florida Keys Camping: Paradise Found at Bahia Honda State Park

Bahia Honda State Park has something very uncommon for the Florida Keys. It's got a beach. Plus a really beautiful one as well. Add to it nice camping sites and you have the recipe for a Florida Keys camping wonderland. Let's see why.

Although the Florida Keys are islands, naturally made beaches are very exceptional indeed. Why? Mainly for the reason that the turquoise waters surrounding the Florida Keys are so calm, the beach does not get an opportunity to create a beach. Bahia Honda has, no doubt about it, the most beautiful beach in the Florida Keys, and quite possibly the loveliest in the Sunshine State.

Swimming is a popular pastime at Bahia Honda State Park. The calm turquoise seas are warm, in the upper 70s to the low eighties a good amount of the year. And the waters are very clear. Although the beach faces out to the Atlantic Ocean, unless there's a storm out to sea, the waters are tranquil.

Along with swimming, snorkeling is quite a large draw to the park. The same peaceful, clear waters that invite swimming are superb for exploring the underwater world. Plus, if you'd like a treat, book a snorkeling tour from the park out to Looe Key and visit the amazing coral reef there.

Kayaking, canoeing and boating are additionally on the list of fun things to do at the park. There is a small marina and a boat ramp. If you've somehow misplaced your boat, you can rent a kayak from the park's concession stand. The serene waters are great for exploring the waterways around the key, especially on the Gulf side.

Let's not forget Florida Keys camping. From tents to RVs to renting one of their beach cabins, many types of camping are available at the park. Here's a caution: call ahead to reserve a camping spot or especially one of the cottages. Because as you may imagine, a beach cottage in this Florida paradise has a bit of a waiting list.

Bahia Honda State Park is located in the lower Florida Keys, just south and west of the Seven Mile Bridge. One visit and you will realize why they call the Florida Keys the American Caribbean. Or simply Paradise.

So come on down for a visit. The weather is fine and the natives are welcoming. And once you are here, you will have to agree that it's paradise found at Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys.

Do You Want Them? Finding Florida Vacation Deals

What would you say to having your vacation budget go a lot further? If this appeals to you, you'll be quite amazed at some of the great Florida vacation deals that can be found, both online and off.

Here are some ideas for finding the best of the Florida vacation deals around.

Before You Read Further...

Know your dates. Are you open or are there certain dates that you need to schedule your vacation around? If you sort these out before you start your research, you will be winnowing down the information out there, and you will find more targeted and worthwhile deals.

Something to consider for Florida; July through September are hot, humid and potentially have hurricanes here in the Sunshine State. Then again, because of this, some of the very best vacation deals can be found in August and September. If your vacation budget is a serious consideration, you may want to consider these months.

On the flip side, the months from Christmas through March is the most expensive time for a vacation, because people flock to Florida from the ice-covered northern states!

Tip #1

When you know your Florida holiday dates then you should start with a visit to your local travel agent where you can unearth some good deals. Believe it or not, even in this day and age, not all Florida vacation places have an online website, even more so those in the Florida Panhandle!

You can blend both offline and online worlds by getting your paper brochures and using them as a baseline for your online research.

Idea #2

Next it's time to do some web research. Check out the websites of the online travel agencies that show Florida vacations, for their most up-to-the-minute price packages. There will frequently be "web only" discounts on websites.

Once you have found a deal that piques your curiosity then call the agency and make them an offer for the holiday package. You would be surprised at how many of them are willing to offer a 'ready to buy' customer a better deal, than potentially lose them to a competitor who will. Especially if it is for the Florida "low season" where bookings are a somewhat on the thin side.

Hint #3

Newspapers and magazines are also a wonderful way to discover current Florida vacation deals. When a magazine writes a story on a holiday location, they typically have several travel agencies advertising discounts and deals around the article.

But here's a hint you may not realize; when you see those advertisements (usually for the most costly times of the year), check if making a reservation a few weeks earlier or later makes a price difference.

For example, if there was an article about Walt Disney World in the summertime, bear this in mind -- the resort price differences between the middle of August versus the end of August can be many hundreds of dollars. You could save plenty of money by changing your holiday dates back a few weeks, or even days!

Romantic Florida -- Vacation Spots to Enjoy

Romantic Florida vacation destinations are nestled around Florida, sometimes in the most surprising places. While the traditional oceanside sunrises and sunsets are indeed romantic, you may want to consider some more exceptional ideas. The kind that will make your sweetheart swoon and think you are the most romantic person there ever was.

How about some night lights. I am not talking about the big city now. I'm talking about the night sky here, and drinking champagne while looking at its magnificence. And here's a distinctive way to do this; rent a boat in the Florida Keys or Flamingo and put out to sea (so to speak) in Florida Bay. The bay water is calm and you can float away from the bright lights and stare up at the night sky. Don't forget the music!

Lover's Key is another place to consider for a romatic getaway. It's an island on the SW Florida Gulf coast. Lover's Key was initially named such since one couldn't get there from the mainland without a boat. As a result, it was an, ahem, out-of-the-way site. These days a road connects Lover's Key to the mainland, but it is still a romantic vacation spot. Why not take the sunset eco-tour cruise and get pleasure from the sun's final rays lingering on the horizon while you see the natural Florida. Or possibly you'd prefer the morning dolphin tour and shelling expedition?

Is a romantic Florida wedding part of your future? You're maybe thinking one of the Florida Keys, right? There's something quite unusual to consider. I'm talking about a South Seas genuinely romantic wedding at Disney World, at the Polynesian resort. I know, Disney is a favorite of honeymooners, but one doesn't usually think of it as being a romantic wedding location. Want an extraordinary wedding experience? Consider a fairy tale wedding at Cinderella's Castle. Envision, fireworks going off when you take your first kiss as man and wife.

Daytona Beach has some appealing places for romance; one is The Shores Resort and Spa, where there are several couples packages. Enjoy champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, a moonlit seaside walk, breakfast in bed and spa treatments as well.

There are bed and breakfasts situated all around the Sunshine State and many have out of the ordinary packages planned for a romantic holiday. One off-the-beaten-path rendezvous spot is called Turtle Beach Inn. It's appropriately placed on Florida's "Forgotten Coast" -- the area from the Big Bend on the east to around Apalachicola on the west. This bed and breakfast is cozy and private, offering miles and miles of unspoiled shoreline for your pleasure.

Do you fancy a resort on its own private key? Little Palm Island in the Florida Lower Keys is actually on its own island, with just 30 suites (28 are thatch-roof bungalows). Little Palm has a five-day romance package that can make anyone swoon, because of the champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, a steaming bath with rose petals...you get the idea.

Florida's know as the Sunshine State and occasionally the Tourist State, but we should also be renowned for our romantic Florida vacations.

Piqued your curiosity? Here are some other great Florida vacations for you to enjoy!

Sebastian Inlet State Park: Popular but Undiscovered?

Sebastian Inlet State Park is popular with locals, but not well-known outside of the Treasure Coast area of Florida. Except perhaps by surfers. But there's more than just surfing at Sebastian Inlet - lots more! Come and find out about this lovely Florida State Park, and all it has to offer.

First of All -- Surf's Up!

The surfing crowd in Florida pretty much knows about Sebastian Inlet -- it's famous for the "Monster Hole" where you can catch a wave and ride it a long time.

Sebastian Inlet State Park is unusual in that it hosts several surfing competitions during the early part of the year, especially in April.

Swimming and Watery Fun

Swimming is a great part of the appeal of this Florida State Park. There are shallower, calmer areas that are great for novices or children. Then there are the beach areas that get the same kinds of waves that the surfers crave.

For the scuba diving set, there are plenty of rocky reefs off the beach to explore. Be aware that the summer is the best time in general to dive -- the water is clearer, unless there is a storm out to sea. Remember your diver down flag!

Boating and Fishing

Boating and fishing are both great at Sebastian Inlet. You can do either or both in the Atlantic Ocean or the Indian River. The Atlantic involves navigating through the Sebastian Inlet, which isn't for the novice boater -- it can be a bit tricky. The Indian River, though, is calm water, suitable for motor boats, kayaks or canoes.

You can find all manner of fish, including jacks, redfish, snapper, grouper and more, in the river or the ocean.

What Else?

You can also camp in the park (both RVs and tents are welcome) -- there are 51 spots available, but you might want to call ahead in the summer months.

And if you like hiking, there are two different trails you can follow and enjoy -- Hammock for shorter walks and Volksport for longer (up to 10k) walks.

Sebastian Inlet State Park is located on the Atlantic, just north of Vero Beach and south of Melbourne, Florida. Come on down and enjoy!

Sanibel Island: State of Florida or State of Mind?

Do you dream about white sandy beaches and warm, clear waters? Do glorious sunsets bring out the romance in you? Do your eyes sparkle when you look at bright tropical flowers on a sunny day? Do you adore shelling by the seashore?

Have you considered a Sanibel Island resort on your next Florida vacation?

Sanibel Island resorts have a lush tropical beauty and offer plenty to see and do. And with plenty of wonderful restaurants and activities for all the family to enjoy, you really will find everything you need in and around the resorts.

Consider Your Stay

The Best Western Sanibel Sunset Beach Resort is situated on one of Florida's most beautiful barrier islands, where you can relax and forget about the rest of the world. One of the best things about this resort is that it offers great value for money (Sanibel isn't cheap). You can also enjoy daily bicycle rides with 25 miles of biking paths around the island.

If you want 85 acres of pure bliss, try the Sanibel Harbour Resort and Spa. With spectacular views over the island and a wide range of local amenities, you'll never be stuck for something to do. It's a resort which offers elegance and relaxation - exactly what you need on your vacation!

Want to really get away from it all? Sanibel's Seaside Inn Resort might be just what you are looking for. Ideal for both families and those who are looking for a little adventure, Sanibel's Seaside Inn offers a number of amenities including golf and bicycle riding. Not to mention some gorgeous views!

Hungry Yet?

Sanibel has some wonderful places to eat - breakfast, lunch and dinner!

If you'd like to try one of the best restaurants in the area then Ellington's Jazz Bar and Restaurant is definitely worth checking out. With fine cuisine to suit every palate, you'll love the exotic tastes and the value that the restaurant offers.

Oh, you just have to try this next one, just once. The Sanibel Harbour Princess is a fantastic private yacht owned by the Sanibel Harbour Resort and Spa. Experience true luxury, eating some of the finest food all the while sailing on a romantic cruise. Look for the magnificent sunset over the ocean!

If you're looking for something a little more low-key, think about the Hungry Heron Eatery. Friendly staff and a nice relaxed atmosphere provide a great setting for families. The prices are also extremely reasonable (a good thing on your Sanibel Island vacation).

Sanibel - a State of Mind

There's so much to Sanibel Island, with all kinds of things to see and do. Here's more information on Sanibel Island vacation rental options.

See you in Sanibel!

St. Augustine, Florida - Where History Meets Attractions

St. Augustine, Florida is America's oldest city. It is also one of the nation's most charming cities, for a variety of reasons.

Its cobblestone streets. The history that peeks out from every turn and corner.

The quaint inns and bed and breakfasts that rest under ancient oak trees.

The ghosts, too, make things interesting in St. Augustine, Florida!

The Oldest City

Known as the "Ancient City," St. Augustine was founded forty-two years before the English colony at Jamestown, Virginia, and fifty-five years before the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts - making it the oldest permanent European settlement on the North American continent.

St. Augustine is in North Florida, located between Jacksonville and Daytona Beach, on the Atlantic Ocean. While Orlando is a bit of a jaunt, it's not too terribly far away either.

What's the Weather Like?

North Florida has mostly mild temperatures in Fall and Spring. Winters can get a bit on the nippy side, with temperatures at the freezing mark can certainly happen. But usually the days are sunny and on the cool side in Winter.

Summers are something else -- hot and very humid. So arrange your vacation, if you can, in such a manner that you can avoid the hottest and most humid times (July and August). However, October, November, March and April are wonderful times for a visit.

Things to do in St. Augustine, Florida

There are a lot of things you can do here in St. Augustine, like visiting the Fountain of Youth, the Alligator Farm Zoological Park or Potter's Wax Museum. There is Ripley's Believe it or Not where you can spend an hour or two.

If you like the beach, you'll love St. Augustine's beautiful, wide, sandy beaches, just made for basking in the sun or playing in the waves.

There is a very special event in October of every year called the St.Augustine Art Walk. October is considered the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the people participating in this walk raise money to help research and fight breast cancer. The event has become known for its art raffle. Around 10 paintings are raffled each year, with the proceeds going to various breast cancer foundations. After the walk many other raffles and fund-raisers takes place.

The Ghostly Side of Life

Then there are the St. Augustine ghost tours. These tours take a look into the city's sometimes spooky past, as it is said that there are restless spirits which haunt certain locations in town.

Another interesting aspect of ghost walks is that your guide dresses up in a period costume, to get in the "spirit" of things, so to speak. The walks are held in the evenings, when the weather is cooler and the atmosphere more eerie. Who knows what you'll see around the next corner?

More Information

If all this sounds intriguing, you can find more facts at the St. Augustine Florida vacation guide.