By Ruth Taylor
Florida is an excellent destination for a getaway weekend, not only thanks to the sunny climate and inviting
beaches, but also because Florida has been a part of the
United States' history since its founding. Picturesque old cities and forts are complemented with modern-day entertainment and attractions, ideal for adult-only trips or for the whole family.
Saint Augustine
Saint Augustine, also known as the Ancient City, is the oldest city in the country. Located in northeast Florida, Saint Augustine's cobblestoned streets, cafes and historical architecture make it a worthwhile destination for weekenders. Visitors can easily walk to nearby Fort Matanzas, built in the 1740s by the Spanish as an outlook post on the Matanzas River. Fort Matanzas flanks Castillo de San Marcos to the south, which is a now a national monument but was originally built by Spain to defend its claim to the Americas. Weekend visitors to Saint Augustine can also enjoy golf and water sports. There are 43 miles of beaches, some of which allow dogs. Saint Augustine visitors can fly into the Orlando, Jacksonville or Daytona airports.
For more information, visit www.oldcity.com.
Honeymoon Island State Park
Sandy beaches and shell hunting attracts nature lovers to Honeymoon Island State Park. Honeymoon Island received its name when bungalows were built in the late 1930s by a New York developer for honeymooners. Bird-watchers come for the birds, hoping to spot ospreys, egrets and herons, among other shorebirds. There are nature trails and bird observations spots. beach enthusiasts shell, swim and snorkel. Kayaks are available for rentals. Caladesi Island is a short 10-minute ferry ride away, and tickets are sold in the park. Located north of Dunedin on the gulf of Mexico, Honeymoon Island is open year-round.
For more information, call (727) 469-5942 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/honeymoonisland.
Boca Raton
Boca Raton, located on the southeast Florida coast, is ideal for those who love the beach and also enjoy elegant surroundings. Designed and built in the 1920s as a beach resort and getaway spot for the rich and famous by architect Addison Mizner, Boca Raton's architecture reflects the sunny ambiance of Florida with classical buildings painted in pink and orange. Nearby Red Reef Park offers 67 acres of oceanfront, with guarded beaches for swimmers and offshore reefs accessible to snorkelers. Two other parks, South Beach and Spanish River, offer swimming and sunbathing opportunities as well.
For more information, visit www.ci.boca-raton.fl.us/vis/.
Key West
Key West is the most southern point in the United States and has a reputation of vacation spot and home to artists and writers. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is open to visitors, and there are day trips to Dry Tortugas Islands available by ferry or chartered planes. During the day, downtown Key West offers shoppers hours of diversion, and the night life is lively with bars and nightclubs, no small wonder since Key West is reputed to have the most bars per capita in the country, according to the Visit Florida website.
For more information, visit www.fla-keys.com/keywest
Resources
About the Author:
Ruth Taylor is a teacher and a freelance writer. She has been writing for years, but only recently started freelancing. Her articles have appeared in Livestrong, eHow and other websites. In college she majored in Spanish and graduated summa cum laude with a M.A.T. in teaching a second language. She has taught both in high school and elementary school.
