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!

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!

Great Florida Vacation Spots

You need a Florida vacation guide if you want to get the absolute most out of your great Florida vacation.

Do you like the outdoors? Theme parks and attractions? Tropical sandy beaches?

Florida is all this and so much more! Here are just a few of the wonderful Florida vacation spots that await you in the Sunshine State.

Florida Vacation Guide: The Call of the Wild

So many overlook Florida's greatest resource -- its beautiful outdoors. Not to mention the wealth of outdoor activities!

Florida's State and National Parks are some one the very best in the nation. If you want a step back in time, visit the Florida Everglades -- where reptiles (in the form of alligators and crocodiles) rule!

What about the Devil's Millhopper? Just the name alone is intriguing -- but wait until you see this fantastic Florida wonder.

On a hot summer day, visit Ichetucknee Springs for a three-hour float down a crystal-clear spring river.

Your Florida Vacation -- Disney and Other Attractions

Sure, Walt Disney World is "the" theme park in Florida. But did you know there are all kinds of smaller attractions where you can have fun?

For a far-out trip, try the Kennedy Space Center. Not only can you see the workings of our space program, but you can see all kinds of special exhibits -- including the very first space shuttle -- appropriately named "Enterprise".

St. Augustine, in North Florida has a town full of attractions. From the fabled Fountain of Youth through to Potter's Wax Museum and Ripley's Believe it or Not, there are loads of smaller attractions in St. Augustine.

f you're down in the Florida Keys, you have to visit Theater of the Sea, near Islamorada. You'll see the secret as to why they have bottomless boats (yes, you read that right -- bottomless).

A Guide to Florida Beaches

Florida beaches are what made the Sunshine State famous, and no Florida vacation guide would be complete without mentioning at least a few.

If you want a quiet and secluded beach, there's one in the middle of South Florida where you go and not see more than a handful of people -- MacArthur Beach State Park.

Bahia Honda in the Florida Keys has arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida -- maybe in all of the United States!

Daytona Beach is wide and sandy. If you like beach toys, boardwalks and just plain people watching, you can't go wrong here.

More About Florida

There's so much to see and so in Florida, that it would be a shame to spend your whole vacation at one of the theme parks. Use this Florida vacation guide as a jumping off place to discover more about this wonderful state!

Have fun planning your great Florida vacation!

Planning Your Orlando Florida Vacation

Going on a great Orlando, Florida vacation sure can be fun, but it takes at least a little planning to get the most fun out of your trip.

Just what kind of planning should you consider, when considering an Orlando, Florida vacation?

What should you know before you go?

Is There Room at the Inn?

For one you want to make sure that you don't spend more than you have. The most expensive single item you'll pay for while in Orlando is your hotel room. But you're in luck if you can book a room at one of the Disney World value resorts, All-Star or Pop Century -- they can be surprisingly affordable! And if you want to go the lavish route, check out the Disney Deluxe resorts.

If Disney isn't your thing, no problem -- you can always stay at one of the major hotel chains on International Drive or Highway 192.

If you're traveling with a large group you might want to look into a timeshare, condo or a vacation home that you can rent for your Orlando, Florida vacation. This can be a tremendous savings for your wallet!

Just keep in mind that the further away from the theme parks you are, the less you will pay. Also keep in mind that if you find a deal that's too good to be true, especially close to any of the major attractions, it probably is. (I speak from the Voice of Experience...and what an experience!)

There are a lot of people on the internet looking to cater to tourists coming to Florida. The good news is that in Orlando, just about anywhere you stay, you'll be just steps or a short shuttle ride away from a multitude of things to do. From shopping expeditions to dining spots after your long day at the theme parks, there's a way to get there.

Playing Around Town -- the Attractions

If you're going to stick around for a couple of days you may want to go and get a GO Card. A GO Card is your one ticket to many discount Orlando attractions. You pay for "days" on the card and go from place to place, only flashing the card to get in. Why wait in line paying for each individual attraction -- you have more important things to do! (Like have fun.)

Out and About in Central Florida

You may eventually want to go outside of Orlando and see what the rest of Central Florida has to offer. Cocoa Beach is the closest beach to Orlando, But Daytona Beach isn't all that far away. Cape Kennedy is also a great place to take families to see all of the exciting things NASA is doing. And to the west, you're just an hour or so away from Clearwater Beach and the Tampa Bay area attractions.

Always Remember (and Never Forget)

While you're having fun anticipating your Orlando, Florida vacation, remember to pack and dress accordingly. The summers in Florida are super hot and muggy -- think temperature and humidity in the upper 90's. The winters can be surprisingly chilly at times, so don't get caught off guard without a sweater or jacket between December and February.

Here are some more ideas about planning and anticipating an Orlando Florida vacation!