Guest article from livewpb.com
Florida has always been known as a popular tourist destination. With warm weather, sunny coastlines and Mickey Mouse, it attracts visitors of every age. According to the researchers at Visit Florida, Florida had more than 101 million visitors in 2019, a 3.7% increase from 2018.
When choosing a destination to visit, consider these 5 handpicked locations to vacation in South Florida.
- West Palm Beach- Located in Central Palm Beach County along the coast, West Palm Beach is often considered America’s first resort destination. Henry Flagler, a founder of standard oil, is known for extending the railway from St. Augustine to Palm Beach and later on, through to Miami and to Key West.
In 1896, Flagler built The Breakers, which attracted big industry tycoons and socialites to the beautiful beaches of Palm Beach. With the rise of tourists, more people began to call West Palm Beach home, which attributes to the beautiful historic neighborhoods in the Palm Beach area.
According to LiveWPB real estate agent Tim Frater, Palm Beach County is a great place to visit because of the rich history, beautiful beaches, excellent fishing and 5-star dining.
- Delray Beach- Delray Beach was once named “Most Fun Small Town in the USA” by Rand McNally and USA Today.
Located in southern Palm Beach County, just North of Boca Raton, this small town has lots to offer. Art galleries, restaurants and shops can be found along Atlantic Avenue, the main street, which runs east and straight to the ocean.
Go for a walk along the picturesque streets while still enjoying the ocean breeze. Visit the Pineapple Grove Arts District to explore more public art galleries and shops, located just off the main street. Delray Beach hosts many street festivals throughout the year where they close down the Avenue for pedestrians and vendors to enjoy. Plan your trip accordingly so you don’t miss out on the fun.
- Fort Lauderdale- Fort Lauderdale isn’t just for spring breakers, it’s for families, nature lovers and those looking for luxury. Family friendly activities range from Butterfly World and museums to beach days and snorkeling.
Fort Lauderdale is also the gateway to Everglades National Park, where airboat rides and alligator sightings are the norm. The Everglades is the largest tropical wilderness in the United States and also the third largest National Park in the country.
If you’re looking for something upscale, and an evening out to enjoy shopping and dining, visit Las Olas, a scenic boulevard that stretches from the business district to the ocean.
- Miami Beach- Miami is an international city known for its beaches, nightlife, art deco, Cuban influence and major arts scene, all reasons it’s a great place to visit. If you’re craving a Cuban sandwich and mojito, head to Little Havana, one of Miami’s neighborhoods, to experience the authentic Cuban culture and flare for yourself.
Another famous neighborhood to visit is the historic Art Deco district, built between 1923 and 1943. The glamorous architecture colors the streets in bright hues and soft pastels.
If you’re looking for more glamour, the nightlife in Miami is world famous and lasts well into the early morning hours. Celebrities, locals and tourists alike all flock to Miami to experience everything it has to offer.
- Key West- Just under a 4-hour drive South from Miami, you’ll cross over turquoise waters and end in Key West. Home to the Southern Most Point in America, you can enjoy beaches, bars, conch-style architecture, key lime pies and sunsets every day.
Author Ernest Hemingway called Key West home in the 1920s and spent many days writing, fishing and drinking at Sloppy Joe’s, a laid back bar just off Duval street. Visit the Ernest Hemingway house to glimpse into the life of the famed author and see the friendly six-toed cats.
If cats aren’t your thing, there are plenty of water activities to dive into. Just off the coast is the third largest barrier reef in the world where you can snorkel and see tropical fish, sea turtles and exotic coral. Key West has much to offer year round as the climate always feels like summer.