Welcome Welcome to the Sunshine State AS FLORIDA’S GOVERNOR, MY FAMILY AND I ARE PRIVILEGED TO CALL THIS INCREDIBLE AND DIVERSE DESTINATION OUR HOME. It is with great pride that I invite you to enjoy all that Florida has to o er. Each year, millions of visitors travel to Florida to discover our world-renowned beaches, attractions, state and national parks, natural and cultural wonders, world-class golfi ng and fi shing, and our many incredible dining, shopping and entertainment venues. To assist you with planning the perfect Sunshine State vacation, this VISIT FLORIDA guide provides expert tips from Florida writers, plus detailed information on all there is to see and do, organized by topic and region of the state. A road trip feature that spotlights some of our many scenic highways, historic main streets and unique downtowns o ers a great way to experience the more o -the-beaten path facets of this great state. In addition to our beautiful weather and limitless vacation options, the more than 1.4 million Floridians who work in the tourism industry are committed to providing you with exceptional value and hospitality. Floridians enjoy welcoming guests year round, so no matter when you come or how long you stay, you are sure to experience the same warmth and friendliness that continues to make Florida one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations. I know that your stay in the Sunshine State will be both enjoyable and memorable, and I invite you to visit us again soon. Sincerely, Rick Scott Governor It Must Be the Sunshine! Whether your plans include visiting family and friends, discovering our state’s cultural and historical wonders, or basking in the sunshine on one of Florida’s 825 miles of beautiful beaches, I trust your experience will be unforgettable. As the state’s o cial source for travel planning, VISIT FLORIDA is pleased to provide this user-friendly guide to assist you with getting the most out of your Florida vacation. It helps you design your trip around specifi c interests and activities, such as beaches, dining, shopping, golf, and events and festivals. Within its pages we have included tips from Florida writers who know the Sunshine State well and are happy to provide you with expert advice to make your stay even more enjoyable. Be sure to check out the special feature on Florida road trips to discover outdoor attractions, arts and culture, and family fun along the state’s scenic highways. The feature also highlights the unique downtowns and main streets you’ll fi nd along the way. With so many options, no two Florida vacations are the same, but each trip is sure to leave you with lifelong memories. I invite you to browse these pages, go to VISITFLORIDA.com, and follow us @VISITFLORIDA or #LoveFL to plan your unique Sunshine State getaway. Sunny regards, ON BEHALF OF THE 1.4 MILLION FLORIDIANS EMPLOYED IN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY, IT IS MY HONOR TO WELCOME YOU TO THE SUNSHINE STATE. Ken Lawson VISIT FLORIDA President and CEO OFFICIAL FLORIDA VACATION GUIDE 4 9
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