Florida Discoveries July/August
If you’re planning a fun-filled family vacation or a romantic getaway for two, look no further than the Sunshine State! This summer, discover pristine beaches, a city rich in history, and the freshest seafood you will find. The possibilities are endless for your summer adventure in Florida!
Family Fun on the West Coast
SUNNY SARASOTA. Start your exciting family vacation by getting up close and personal with aquatic wildlife at the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, featuring more than 100 marine species and interactive exhibits. Visit the 135,000-gallon shark habitat and watch them hunt for food during a narrated training session. Meet sea turtles and learn about the threats they face in the wild, and follow the ocean journey of turtles tagged by Mote scientists. See the playful swimming antics of North American otters and manatees, or take in the beautiful sights of seahorses and color-changing cuttlefish. There are also educational programs for all ages to learn about marine research and ocean ecosystems.
Have some fun in the sun by spending the afternoon at Siesta Key Beach. With pristine white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, it’s no surprise that Siesta Key Beach is consistently one of the top-ranked beaches in Florida. The waters here are calm and the sand is soft and smooth, making it a great destination for families with small children. Have lunch at the full-service concessions with covered tables, or take a free, open-air taxi to one of the many restaurants near the beach. Visit Siesta Key Village for a plethora of shopping opportunities at fabulous local boutiques.
Your trip to Sarasota isn’t complete without an evening at the circus. Sarasota is home to The Circus Arts Conservatory, which works in partnership with the Ringling and Sailor Circus to bring you live performances throughout the year. The Summer Circus Spectacular runs every year from mid-June through the end of August, and features family-friendly acts under the big top. Watch exciting performances such as contortion, hand balancing, Rolla Bolla, aerial acrobatics, and more. A ticket to the circus also gives you a discount for admission to The Ringling Circus Museum, where you can learn the history of the circus and its amazing acts throughout the years.
mote.org
circusarts.org
Explore History in This Coastal City!
HISTORIC ST. AUGUSTINE. Begin your journey through one of the oldest cities in Florida by visiting the St. Augustine Lighthouse. Built in 1874, the St. Augustine lighthouse is one of the nation’s oldest ports, and offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the city and beaches. In addition to the lighthouse, there are several other amenities, including a Maritime Education Center, a children’s shipyard playground, and a World War II Museum where you can see preserved artifacts from shipwrecks. Have lunch at the Tin Pickle, a World War II-themed eatery featuring specialty hot dogs, hand-crafted fudge, and unique sweet treats. Wash it all down with the house-made sangria or a local beer. Explore historic downtown St. Augustine for a variety of shopping and nightlife locales.
Next, visit the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, the oldest masonry fort in the United States. The famous fort was first built by the Spanish between 1672 and 1695, with major renovations made from 1738 to 1756. Castillo de San Marcos was retired as an active fort in 1900, and became a national monument in 1924. The self-guided tour allows you to explore the Castillo de San Marcos at your leisure, with park rangers and volunteers available to answer any questions you may have. There are also historic musket and cannon demonstrations on the weekends. You can learn the stories of the people who shaped the history of the Castillo and view collected artifacts from the fort. Visit on the Fourth of July for a fantastic concert and fireworks show!
Near the Castillo de San Marcos is the Matanzas Inlet, named after the nearby Fort Matanzas. The inlet played a role in shaping Florida’s history by being a stronghold for the Spanish against the French in 1565. This event helped the Spanish secure control of Florida for 235 years. Today, the beaches of the Matanzas inlet are popular for shopping, dining, and watersports like kayaking, paddle boarding, and kite surfing. There are also miles of lush hiking trails to explore the beautiful flora of Matanzas. Heading south of St. Augustine, you will find Marineland, which is home to the Dolphin Adventure, where you can see dolphins swim and play. You will also discover the Marineland Ocean Boardwalk, which is perfect for a relaxing stroll and taking pictures of the sunset over the ocean. On Sundays, the Salt Air Farmer’s Market at the Marineland Marina is a popular destination. Here, you can shop for fresh produce, homemade breads, and a variety of hand-crafted goods.
staugustinelighthouse.org
nps.gov/casa/index.htm
staugustineadventure.com
Make a Splash!
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE. Orlando offers more than just theme parks! In addition to the bustling nightlife scene in downtown Orlando, you will find Lake Eola Park. This beautiful oasis in the middle of Orlando features a picturesque lake with dozens of black and white swans, and sprawling oaks perfect for an afternoon picnic. Have a leisurely stroll around the lake to view public art installations and a Japanese rock garden, or take a ride on the lake in one of the park’s pedal-powered swan boats. The Bandshell hosts free public concerts as well as special events like the Sunday Farmer’s Market, annual bicycle race, arts and crafts shows, tai chi, yoga, and spectacular Fourth of July fireworks. A nightly music and light show illuminates Lake Eola’s iconic Centennial Fountain.
For exciting animal encounters, visit the 30-acre tropical oasis of Discovery Cove, featuring rocky lagoons, coral reefs, waterfalls, and pristine white-sand beaches. Here, you can swim with dolphins, snorkel among thousands of tropical fish and rays, and hand-feed exotic birds. This all-inclusive park includes snorkeling gear, sunscreen, and unlimited food, beverages, and select beers and wines. There’s also plenty of lounges and hammocks throughout the park when you need a break from your adventures.
orlando.gov/Parks-the-Environment/Directory/Lake-Eola-Park
discoverycove.com/orlando/experiences/
Stay at This Gorgeous Historic Rental
A RELAXING GETAWAY. The historic Watermelon House is located just south of St. Augustine in the Summer Haven community. This 130-year-old home has been fully restored and is the oldest surviving building in Summer Haven. The original owners, the Mellon family, hosted high-profile guests like Ernest Hemingway, Cary Grant, Robert Frost, and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Featuring old growth heart pine floors and stairs, a floor-to-ceiling coquina stone fireplace, and pecky cypress paneled walls, the home is an architectural masterpiece. With over 5,000 square feet of space housing 6 bedrooms and 7.5 baths, this is the perfect vacation rental for family reunions or group retreats. Outdoor amenities on the property include a private pool with a mermaid waterfall, hot tub/spa, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, a grilling area, and an outdoor living space modeled after a French Polynesian bungalow. There are also a variety of local amenities, such as catering, day spas, and bike rentals.
historicwatermelon.com/
Relax in a Laid-Back Paradise
AN ECLECTIC ISLAND. Key West is, without a doubt, Florida’s most laid-back destination. Take an open-air trolley or rent a bike for a quick way to get around the island. Visit the renowned Eaton Street Seafood Market for the freshest seafood straight from local fishermen. The restaurant in the Market has a delectable lunch and dinner menu, and they deliver anywhere on the island. Seek out some of the many eclectic shops in Key West for one-of-a-kind artwork, jewelry, apparel, and authentic Key Lime pie. Key West is also pet-friendly if you want to travel with your favorite furry friend. The waters of Key West are excellent for diving and snorkeling if you’re feeling adventurous. Don’t forget to have your picture taken next to the iconic buoy at the southern-most point in the Continental United States!
kwseafood.com/
keywest.com/
