Florida United States

" "

Florida is a bouquet of contrasts. Back in 1960, Connie Francis introduced Ft. Lauderdale - and spring break -- to the world when she sang that Florida beaches were "Where The Boys Are." Making the Ft. Lauderdale hotels a popular lodging option next to the beaches. Today, Florida beaches are also where the supermodels and megastars are.

Where, but in Florida, can you see both the Jurassic-era reptiles of the Everglades and the sci-fi futurism of Epcot Center? Once the home to The Old Man and the Sea author Ernest Hemingway, Key West now harbors the world's most glamorous yachts and cruise ships.

Florida architecture ranges from Key West Conch to Miami Art Deco and Orlando Postmodern. But perhaps Florida's greatest contrast is with the rest of America in winter: despite the impact of hurricanes like Wilma, the "Sunshine State" averages 300 full days of sunshine a year.

Fun in the Sun

All that sunshine makes Florida beaches the place to be. From the Atlantic, to the Gulf, to Caribbean Key West, no other state offers more walks along the sand at sunset or sunrise. The shell-strewn beaches of Captiva and Sanibel islands are beachcombers' heaven. Or perhaps you'd rather spy for diamonds and pearls among the bikinied glitterati on Naples Beach along Millionaire's Row. Miami's clothing-optional Haulover Beach also frequently rates as one of the top - or, if you prefer, topless - Florida beaches.

An active Florida vacation might include swimming with Crystal River manatees, jet-boating in the Everglades, or casting for wahoo off Key Largo. Or simply sit back and root for your favorite among Florida's nine major league sports teams or eighteen MLB teams who visit for Spring Training.