South Florida Keys – A Natural Beauty For All
South Florida is located between the Everglades and the Atlantic Ocean. The area is often referred to as the Sunshine State because of its sizzling summers and warm, rainy winters. Florida is the easternmost U.S. state, bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the Atlantic to the east. It has about 400 miles of beautiful beaches.
The coastal city of Miami is renowned for its Latin-American culture and impressive, arts-filled nightlife, particularly in Miami’s West Palm Beach area. Orlando is famous for its theme parks, such as Walt Disney World, which is nicknamed the “Magic Kingdom.” But perhaps the most famous destination south of the border is Jacksonville, a major city with a large gay community. Major cities like Saint Augustine, Tampa Bay, West Palm Beach, Punta Cana, and Daytona are all nearby.
Jacksonville is home to many famous celebrities, including singer Janet Jackson, who has performed there frequently. Other notable figures have included former First Lady Hillary Clinton, tennis star Andre Agassi, football coach Joe Edwards, and composer Mel Torme. A popular food scene allows visitors to try out various types of Jacksonville cuisine, from Latin to African to Mediterranean. Visitors who enjoy food and drink to enjoy stops at local restaurants, like the Gumbo Juice Bar in the River Walk section of the city. Tourists also may enjoy the many waterfront restaurants in South Florida, such as Sapphire Lagoon in St. Pete Beach, Florida; Tropical Fish in Ybor City, Florida; and, of course, Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Apopka, Florida.
West Palm Beach, also known as Palm Beach, is easily accessible from downtown. Its location makes it a desirable place for families, retirees, or tourists looking to shop. The shops and restaurants of West Palm Beach provide an array of choices, from big name retailers to specialty shops and restaurants. West Palm Beach is home to the popular Gompers Gas Station and Company Outlet Mall, as well as the world-famous Flea Market on International Drive. Flea markets are also regularly held in the hundreds throughout the county, attracting not only shoppers but residents who partake in the annual event.
Located close to the southern end of the Miami Metro Area, Miami is easily accessible by car, bus, train, and taxi. Traveling by car is perhaps the best way to explore the rest of the southern Florida landscape. Public transportation, including the subway system, Orange Line, and ferry service, is also available to the traveler. Major cities in the south Florida area are conveniently located near the Miami metropolitan area, which means that travelers can simply take a cab or rent a car to get around. Many restaurants and other businesses are within walking distance, making travel convenient.
The largest city in the south Florida keys is Miami, which is also home to the well-known South Beach, one of the most famous seaside destinations in the world. The beautiful beaches and beautiful weather are the perfect combination for vacationers to take advantage of the warm temperatures and wonderful water activities that this city offers. Miami offers plenty of accommodations options, from luxury hotels to affordable resorts and bed and breakfasts. Other popular local attractions include the Everglades and dolphin watch tours, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the Miami Seaquarium, the Jack Ketchum Causeway, the Miami-Dade County public school system, and the Art Deco District.
Just south of Miami, lies the town of Boca Raton, which is a popular community for families. With its picturesque beaches and nearby oceanfront parks and landmarks, Boca Raton is a great community for couples and families to enjoy. The Boca Raton Country Club is a world-class facility that provides exceptional golfing, tennis, swimming, fishing, and other fitness activities. There are also several fine dining and shopping opportunities in and around the city, as well as a variety of entertainment venues such as the Raton Film Festival and the Palm Beach Art Museum.
Besides Boca Raton, another popular spot in the south Florida Keys is Palm Beach County, which serves as the political and social center of the Florida Keys. Much of the city of Miami lies just to the north of the county line, while all of the counties surrounding it (including Escambia and Pinellas) are all to the south. Palm Beach County is home to several notable cities, including Melbourne, which serves as the capital of the state of Florida. Melbourne’s central business district is also home to several of the larger financial institutions of the world. The county is truly a place to experience the real Florida lifestyle.