Family Vacations in Florida

Family vacations in Florida are always a great vacation idea. It continues to be the number-one tourist destination in the nation. From the Panhandle in the north to the southern peninsula Key West, the “Sunshine State” welcomes families with open arms.

One of the treasures of the Gulf coast side is Anna Maria Island , just south of Tampa. Accessible by drawbridges the three cities of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach are secluded in an “Old Florida” kind of way. The island is seven miles long and has four wonderful beaches for the family to frolic on. Pier fishing, charter fishing, power boating and sailing are all at your fingertips.

Just over the bridge onto the mainland is Cortez Historic Fishing Village which is home to the annual Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival in February. Entering this tiny town is like stepping back in time.

The Tampa Bay area has much to offer for family vacations in Florida. With an African jungle setting, Busch Gardens is always a favorite if you are looking for family thrills. Their SheiKra dive roller coaster will take you 70 mph straight down into a tunnel.

Nearby is one of the top family-friendly zoos, the Lowry Park Zoo. With rides and over 1,600 animals this one of the family vacations in Florida that you should plan on.

When it comes to beaches you can’t do better then Tampa area's award winning “Florida’s Beach”. There are 35 miles of white-sand beaches along this barrier island with the waters of the Gulf on the west and Tampa Bay on the East.

Moving inland to the Orlando area you will find many spots for Florida family beach vacations. A few of these are Orlando’s SeaWorld, Universal Studio and Disney World Resort. Other vacation ideas here are Gator World, Wet n’ Wild Water park and Kennedy Space Center.

To the east is the nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine, with over 40 miles of beach. Come for the water but don’t miss out on the museums and the historically-themed attractions.

Active families on a Florida family beach vacation should consider getting the kid's some surfing lessons at Ron Jon Surf School. It's located in the heart of Cocoa Beach - "The East Coast's Surfing Capital". Ron Jon has private, semi-private and group lessons that will get the kids up to speed with important things like basic surfing techniques, ocean safety and marine life awareness. The professional Ron Jon intructors work with all ages and abilities.

There is just so much to do on family vacations in Florida. It’s the country’s top vacation spot for a good reason so find out for yourself.

This Florida vacation ideas contributed by Misti Guertin, a local resident.

Stuart, Martin County, located on Florida’s East coast in a region known as the Treasure Coast, is a small waterfront city with a historic downtown full of charm, eclectic boutiques, sidewalk cafes, Zagat rated restaurants, working art galleries, museums, street festivals, waterfront jazz concerts, horse-drawn carriages, Fido-friendly restaurants, and natural beauty.

With 21 miles of beach coastline, 114 miles of inland waterways, 5 state parks, and more than 50 public parks, Stuart is a paradise.

Kayaking, water activities, pristine beaches, snorkeling, hiking trails, birding, watching sea turtles lay eggs on the beach, beach combing, world-class sport fishing adventures (the area is self-proclaimed the Sailfish Capital of the World), and designer golf courses give both residents and visitors hundreds of choices.

Here you’ll find no Spring-Breakers, no neon flamingos and no high-rises. It’s Florida the way it was meant to be...a bit slow and laid back, full of character (and characters!) and charm, and a place where you can be as active or as quiet as you want.

P.S. Martin County was named recently named by Forbes magazine as one of the most family-friendly areas in the country---the 11th best place to raise a family!