Vacation. It’s what every American dreams about–a week or two away from the daily grind of working and for those who stay at home, a chance to get out to a new place with new people, those demands of caring for children lifted slightly.
There are dream vacation destinations–camping in the woods, visiting a new, exciting city, and the beach, where Americans can go for relaxation, sunshine, and a little respite from responsibilities.
For beach-lovers, there are few places in the U.S. that beat out Florida. When you’re in Florida, you’re never more than 60 miles from the nearest beach. Florida has nearly 8,500 miles of tidal shoreline, second only to Alaska, and minus the freezing temperatures. And it’s more than just beaches. Consider these facts:
- The coral reef in Key West is the third largest in the world.
- 80% of loggerhead turtles in the United States reside in the beaches of Florida.
- Sanibel Island, off the coast of Florida, is one of the top 10 beaches in the world for shelling, having more than 400 species of shells.
One amazing area to visit if you’re in search of a peaceful beach is Indian County on the eastern coastline. Indian County is home to many beaches, including its most popular Vero Beach, which was named in USA Today as an “Easy Beach Escape” in 2015. Only 15,000 people reside in the city according to the 2010 Census, and is part of the Treasure Coast, a reference to the 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet lost off the coast in the hurricane.
The key with any beach vacation is considering the lodging that a location has to offer. Lodging facilities can range from a waterfront hotel to an ocean resort to a hotel near the beach. Types of hotels can vary with price point and location. Lodging facilities will generally rise in cost as they grow nearer to the beach. But they add the convenience of a short travel distance. Sometimes you can walk to the beach, which feels luxurious.
In the United States, over 650 million long-distance summer trips are made. The five most popular summer vacation activities in the United States are shopping at 54%, visiting historical sites at 49%, swimming and water sports at 49%, going to a park or national park at 46%, and sightseeing tours at 46%.
Vacations are also the activity that makes families most happy, according to a survey. In that survey, 37% of families say vacations made them happy, higher than any other alternative. Florida, with its 1,300 miles of coastlines, 660 miles of beaches, 11,000 miles of inland water streams, occupies an important place in the relaxation and rejuvenation of American families.
Next time you’re considering a vacation in Florida, remember to think about the following:
- Whether you want a large populated beach or a smaller one
- How close you want to be to the beach
- Lodging facilities and whether you want a more decadent experience or a casual one
