Daytona . . .

Influential visitors have been flocking to the Greater Daytona Beach area for centuries, and their contributions live on for all to enjoy!

 

 

 

Famous explorer Ponce de Leon, during his 1513 search for the Fountain of Youth discovered the now- popular DeLeon Springs, located just west of Daytona Beach. Dr. Andrew Turnbull homesteaded 101,000 acres of land as the New Smyrna colony (now called New Smryna Beach), just south of Daytona Beach. Matthias Day, a wealthy northern tycoon, was so completely enamored with the entire area that he became the founding father of Daytona (now called Daytona Beach) and built its very first hotel in 1874. And Henry DeLand, for whom the nearby city of DeLand was named, founded world-famous Stetson University in 1883.

 

 

 

Many more entrepreneurs endeavored to bring commerce and vision to the community. Famous philanthropist John D. Rockefeller discovered Ormond Beach's immaculate golf courses and made his winter home at The Casements. Baseball legend Jackie Robinson played in the first integrated spring training baseball game in 1946 at the now-called Jackie Robinson Ballpark. Civil rights leader and educator Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune overcame great obstacles to found now-called Bethune-Cookman University in 1904. And of course Bill France founded NASCAR in 1948 and built the World Center of Racing, Daytona International Speedway, in 1959.

 



 

Today, the Daytona Beach area entertains nearly 8 million influential visitors each year! These visitors, who influence friends and family with their vacation stories, come from around the world to relax and enjoy the area's many treasures, both old and new.

 

Visit Daytona

Jekyll Island, Georgia . . .

It's not Florida, but . . .

If you visit North Florida, it's defiantly worth the short drive to experience this amazing hidden gem.

 

 

 

Jekyll island is haven of history, beauty and wonder. Here, guests are whisked back to eras gone by and uncover the heritage that makes the island undeniably unique.

 

 

 

 



Pulitzer, Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, and other prestigious families found respite on the Island in its gilded era, developing the club that became their own private world for more than four decades.

Jekyll Island’s exquisite natural beauty has long drawn guests to its barrier shores. From the Native American and British settlers to the Jekyll Island Club millionaires and the thousands of guests who arrive today, the Island is a haven of history and wonder.

Jekyll Island is guaranteed to complete your vacation wish list; spectacular beauty and an abundance of options make Georgia’s jewel the getaway experience perfect for everyone. With ten miles of picturesque beaches, four award-winning golf courses, a 250 acre historic landmark district and an array of lodging choices, this is sure to be the trip of a lifetime.

 

More information

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens . . .

Escape to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for the only walking safari in Northeast Florida.

 

 

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens proudly opened its latest exhibit on Saturday, March 8th.

 

Go see tigers like you’ve never seen them before! 

 

Take a walk through Asia and experience wreathed and wrinkled hornbills, Visayan Warty pigs, Babirusa pigs, and Asian-small clawed otters.

 

The centerpiece of this newest addition are three Malayan and two Sumatran tigers that are free to roam through the area via an innovative trail system.

 

Guests will have the ability to potentially see a tiger from almost anywhere in this one of a kind 2.5 acre exhibit.

 

 

Discover the earth’s wildlife through interactive and educational experiences.

A true family adventure, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is growing and changing daily and is dedicated to consistently improving. 

Beginning in 2004 with Range of the Jaguar and continuing with Giraffe Overlook and Savanna Blooms garden, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is quickly becoming a world-class establishment. The Zoo has something for everyone with more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals and 1,000 varieties of plants.

Whether you are a visitor to Florida’s First Coast or a lifetime resident, we invite you to experience the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens through interactions with people, wildlife and the environment.

Visit the Jacksonville Zoo

 

Fort Clinch . . .

A part of the park system since 1935, Fort Clinch is one of the most well-preserved 19th century forts in the country.

Although no battles were fought here, it was garrisoned during both the Civil and Spanish-American wars. During the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps began preserving and rebuilding many of the structures of the abandoned fort.

 

Daily tours with period reenactors depicting garrison life bring the fort to life for visitors. Sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing are popular activities at the beach. Anglers can fish from the pier or take advantage of excellent surf fishing. Hikers and bicyclists can enjoy a six-mile trail through the park. Self-guided nature trails provide opportunities to learn about and observe native plants and wildlife.

A full-facility campground and a youth camping area provide overnight accommodations.

For more information, visit Florida State Parks

Fort Walton Beach / Okaloosa County

With lots of bright and sunny days year-round, Fort Walton Beach on Northwest Florida's Emerald Coast provides a heavy dose of fun, especially welcome when much of the country is experiencing the harshness of winter.


The beautiful region is best known for white-sand beaches, emerald-green waters, and festivals (more than 300 per year, including culinary, sporting, and holiday celebrations).

Wildlife viewing is another popular activity, with sea turtles, sandpipers, dolphins and more, making the area their home. Snorkeling and diving near the 100 Fathom Curve, or tubing and canoeing in the Blackwater River State Forest and Eglin Reservation, can also all be part of a day's activities.

For those looking for more adventure, opportunities for parasailing, windsurfing and waterskiing abound.

The Okaloosa Regional Airport is serviced by five airlines, and the area is also just a short drive from Pensacola.

Visit the official web site for more information