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Florida Travel Guide

Florida, United States — Things to Do

Golf

The 'Sunshine State' never deserved its name more than on the sunny year-long greens of its more than 1000 golf courses. Picking a time to golf in Florida is unusually easy but choosing where to go can be more confusing. Pristine top rate courses are spread throughout the state but what sets Florida apart is its diverse environment. Golf's top course designers have altered different landscapes into unique course features. Sand dune and coastal courses like those on Amelia Islands and the northeast can incorporate large sand bunkers to pitch from one to another. More traditional tree lined fairways use the undulation of central Florida's gentle hills to challenge unique shots. The menacing everglades of the southwest devour sliced shots. Here courses can use native pines and crushed shells to create the course roughs. These are great options for players looking for a challenge and change of scenery. Florida's heavy tourist flow also means self arranging vacations and tours are relatively easy. The many varied courses can offer something for all preferred styles, yet what makes Florida golf special are the surprises.

Fishing

Florida's fish and fishing is at its biggest and best in the Florida Keys. Pictures of Hemingway standing next to car-size marlin may come to mind. Yet today it isn't only 'The Old man and the Sea', scores of big game fishers test their line's strength on the ocean's biggest fish. Deep sea fishing is usually an all day excursion in the Gulf Stream. Dolphin fish, shark, wahoo, tuna and, of course, marlin ride the ocean current below just waiting to end up proudly mounted on mantle tops. Big fish, deep sea fishing is pricey, running around $700 a day for small power boat, gear, and skipper. Another slightly cheaper option is backwater fishing. Shallow draft boats traverse mangrove swamps and narrow inlets in hunt of fish hideaways. A host of beautiful species live in the backwaters and expert guides are an important hire to find them. Less intense fishermen can hire larger yachts for a more relaxing day on the water. These can be great for larger groups or families and still have great catches. Charter boats have fishing permits so visitors don't need to arrange their own prior to the outing. Different fish have different seasons but most types are available most the year.

Disney Wedding and Honeymoon

Disney Wedding and Honeymoon

A Disney World Fairy Tale wedding and honeymoon is filled with magic and fantasy, embracing all the wonders of love and living 'happily ever after'. The resort offers many venue options, from the Disney Wedding Pavilion to the Magic Kingdom or Epcot Japan, and an array of planning services to ensure couples have the best wedding or honeymoon imaginable. Florida enjoys plenty of sunshine all year round, making this an optimal wedding and honeymoon destination. Wedding and Honeymoon things to see and doWhile in Florida for a Disney World wedding or honeymoon, couples will be pleased to find there are many other things to see and do in the region. Not far from Orlando, the Kennedy Space Center is fascinating and, further afield, Miami's Vizcaya Villa is an historic attraction. In the Florida Keys, Ernest Hemingway's old home and museum are worth visiting, as are the Butterfly Conservatory and the National Key Deer Refuge. Tampa is home to Ybor City, with its cobblestone streets and old cigar factory buildings, while the Shell Factory and Nature Park on the Gulf Coast also has its allure. Disney Wedding FormalitiesTo be married in Florida, couples are requires to have a marriage license, which can be obtained from a Florida county clerk office and is valid for up to 60 days. A photo ID is required, passports being the best option for foreigners (who may also be asked for a certified copies of their birth certificates). Any ordained or licensed clergy, notary public or justice of the peace may marry couples in Florida.