Florida Area Information
When many of us think of vacation, where is the first place we think of? Florida. There's a reason Florida was given the nickname the Sunshine State, and you can experience it all in style by staying in one of these world class Florida Vacation Rentals. From the Panhandle Beaches on the Gulf of Mexico to the coral reefs of the Florida Keys, Florida has a lifetime of memorable vacation experiences waiting for you. But what makes Florida a travel destination known by tourists across the globe?
Florida is the most southern state in the US on the east coast, a peninsula with over 1000 miles of beachfront spread over the eastern and western coasts. Its location gives it a semi-tropical climate with the perfect conditions for a getaway any time of year. Considered the peak season, the summer months are hot and rainy and experience the greatest influx of travelers. The spring and fall months are a bit cooler than the summer months, experience less rain, and are considered ideal by those who love pleasant weather without the heat and humidity. The winters are very mild, especially to the south, which is why Florida vacation rentals have been used as an escape from the snowy cold for decades.
History
In the late 1800's, Florida started to gain a reputation as a spot for the wealthy Americans to go on retreat. As smart investors began to purchase land and build luxury hotels, areas like Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and West Palm Beach started seeing more and more visitors spurred by advancing railway system making its way into the region. As time passed and the railways expanded out into new regions of Florida, more areas of tourist development were started. By the beginning of the 1900's, northern Florida had become a tourist destination for visitors from the northern states. This period was known as the Florida land boom of the 1920's as investors bought and sold the land and developers began building up new resort communities for the influx of travelers. As the 20's came to an end and the depression of 1929 hit the whole country, speculation and development of Florida came to a halt for all but the wealthiest investors in the country.
Florida remained a tourist destination after the depression and saw an economic resurgence after World War II. Due to its constant temperate climate, Florida was one of the main training grounds for US troops. This led to a sophisticated transportation system being set up throughout the state spurred by the increasing use of railways and automobiles by our armed forces. This also led to a population boom in the 50's, from within the US as well as from other nations in the Caribbean, such as Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Haiti. Not only did this make Florida one of the countries most populated states, but also led to a boom in the economic development of the cities and communities. This is turn made the attraction of Florida as a tourist haven even greater and the travel enthusiasts continued to pore in from all over. The increase tourism is what led Walt Disney to lay out plans for a theme park in the Orlando area using land he purchased in the 1960's. In 1971, the Magic Kingdom theme park, based on the most well-known Disney characters, opened to the public. Over time this made Orlando the most popular tourist destination in all of Florida, as the Magic Kingdom grew to become the world's largest theme park, the Walt Disney World Resort.
Since then, Florida has blossomed even further, with distinct regions and cities becoming the frequent vacation spots of travelers everywhere. After hotels carved the way onto the beaches and into the Disney region, condominiums and Florida vacation homes have become the highlight of vacation leisure throughout the state, and there is just about any size and style to choose from in any of Florida's luxury resort communities. The people of Florida have embraced their place as top vacation spot in the US and have added all of the perks you will ever need to have an amazing vacation, with or without the family. But where will you find your favorite Florida vacation rentals? Which part of Florida is right for you?
Regions
In terms of tourism, Florida is divided into 5 geographical regions, with each region having a distinct feel and flavor to attract travelers. These regions include the Panhandle or Northwest, Central Florida or Northeast, the East Coast, the West Coast or Gulf Coast, and the Florida Keys.
Panhandle/Northwest
The Panhandle of Florida is the most Northwest portion of the state, with its northern edge bordered by Alabama and a portion of Georgia and the southern edge bordered by the gentle waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Though this region attracts the least amount of tourism in terms of numbers of visitors, arguably the beaches and communities of the Panhandle attract the savviest of tourists with a knack for relaxation. Known for its pristine white sands, quiet surf, and sparsely populated beaches, the Panhandle is home to some of the most luxurious and laid-back vacation communities in all of Florida. Florida Panhandle vacation rentals offer the embodiment of old world charm meets modern luxury and convenience. Explore the Panhandle as your next vacation destination.
Central/Northeast
Though the boundaries are often disputed, Central Florida is the Northeast region of Florida bordered to the north by Georgia, to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, and to the east the Atlantic Ocean. Central Florida is the biggest tourist attraction in the US, and only in part because of the beautiful beaches. Central Florida is home to the Disney World amusement park, the largest of its kind in the world. Located south of Orlando, Disney World draws visitors from around the world, many of whom stay in Florida vacation rentals located in Orlando and the surrounding vacation communities of Kissimmee and Davenport. There are plenty of Disney area vacation homes to choose from. The Atlantic beaches are home to some of the earliest settlements in Florida and blend history with contemporary resort luxury. Whether making your quest to Disney World or basking in the sun on a historic beach, Central Florida vacation rentals have everything you need for your next vacation.
Gulf Coast
The biggest attraction of the Southwestern region of Florida is the pristine water of the Gulf of Mexico. During the hottest summer months, these coastal beaches enjoy cool ocean breezes off the Gulf and during the cold winter months, this region stays warm, making it an ideal destination for snowbirds and those looking to escape to a tropical paradise. Home to some of Florida's most exclusive and relaxed resort communities, such as Naples, Anna Maria Island, and Fort Myers, Gulf Coast Florida vacation rentals give you a vacation experience full of excitement and leisure. The Gulf Coast is also a nature lover's paradise, being home to numerous national park regions, such the Everglades National Park and the Shell Factory, known around the world for its abundance of shells, corals, and other sea treasures. Take a look and see why so many travelers call one the Gulf Coast their second home.
East Coast
The East Coast is the Southeastern region of Florida and is best known for the southern beaches, collectively known as the Gold Coast. Stretching from Palm Beach about 60 miles down to Miami Beach, this strip of wondrous beaches is one of the most frequented vacation destinations in the world due to its constant sun and the lavish lifestyle enjoyed by the residents and the visitors. With breathtaking beaches, golfing, resorts, and vacation homes, a trip to the Gold Coast will leave you wanting for nothing, and sitting in the lap of luxury. Many of these resort communities, such as Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, and Miami Beach cater to tourists, and offer everything to make your vacation dreams come true. Browse through the East Coast Florida vacation rentals and live it up in your home away from home.
Florida Keys
What kind of place needs the world's largest bridge, spanning over 7 miles long? 42 bridges in all connect over 100 miles of coral islands known as the Florida Keys. From Key Largo to Key West, the Keys are a natural phenomenon you have to see to believe. Known for its lush island environment, the Keys have some of the warmest, sun-drenched, tropical weather in all of the US. Being a chain of islands, the warm waters of the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico have a big influence on the life of this region, as well as the tourism. The Keys are well known for the sea life that surround them and attract those looking to go snorkeling in the reefs or scuba diving, as well as those who enjoy deep-sea fishing. Key West is one of the most popular destinations for those who those looking to visit the Keys because of its rich history, relaxed atmosphere, and exciting nightlife.
Florida Keys vacation rentals might be just what you've been searching for, so take a closer look and see which Key is right for you.
