By Sandy Klim

Many people feel there's no greater vacation than one in which you can dress in only t-shirts and flip flops. You'll find it in the Sunshine State, a wonderland for visitors looking for some good 'ole-fashioned family fun. In Martin County, on the Atlantic side of the peninsula, experience world-renowned sport fishing for both novice and serious anglers. The area holds the title of Sailfish Capital of the World, and you'll find plenty of boat rental opportunities on the pristine shores and byways of the "Treasure Coast."

To try your hand at freshwater fishing, put your line down in Lake Okeechobee, affectionately known at "The Big O" to locals. A paradise for bass fishing enthusiasts, it's the heart of a massive waterway system that crosses the state from coast to coast. With over 1,500 lakes and rivers and 1,800 miles of coastline, Florida is a game fishing paradise.

Tranquility can be found on the many cool, clear spring-fed rivers that dot the north and central Florida landscape. Local canoe or tube-rental shops will drop you off upstream and let you use the river's current to lazily float back. For the more adventurous, jet skis, wave runners and powerboat rentals are available along the beaches, lakes and coastal waterways.

Airboats can take you into the deep reaches of the shallow waters and swamplands of the state. Nature tours are also available throughout the Sunshine State. One of the best is the Miami Dade Parks Eco Adventure tours, which introduces visitors to the sub-tropical beauty, unique wilderness areas and historic sites via kayak, canoe, snorkel, bike or nature-guided adventures.

On the Atlantic Coast, nature lovers can experience an outdoor paradise on Amelia Island, known for its spectacular sunsets and stunning beaches. The historic town of Fernandina Beach provides a glimpse into the area's fascinating history, with horse-drawn carriage tours featuring the town "gossip" as host.

For great tennis, golf and a luxurious spa, check out the Amelia Island Plantation, a AAA-Four Diamond, 1,350-acre property with four 18-hole championship golf courses and 23 clay tennis courts. Amelia Island Plantation also features a health and fitness center, award-winning youth programs, fine shops and a full-service spa.

Land-lovers will enjoy Florida's thousands of trails, which cross every type of terrain, from highland forest to underground caverns. Many are designed to accommodate bicycling, horseback riding and inline skating. In Tampa, rollerbladers come to experience Bayshore Boulevard, "the longest sidewalk in the world."

For golfers, the Reunion Resort & Club, located just six miles from Walt Disney World, is a full-service, private resort and club with two signature golf courses. The spacious villas and homes offer a multi-level water and swimming pavilion, plus 36 holes of championship golf.

St. Johns County and the city of a St. Augustine offer visitors a look into old-world Florida. Popular landmarks include the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, a living-history museum that interprets life in colonial St. Augustine circa 1740. Looking for the Fountain of Youth? You'll find it at the Fountain of Youth Discovery Park, the original spot Ponce de Leon sought everlasting youth. Within the beautiful grounds you'll find the original fountain and even get a chance to taste this remarkable water.

Pack up the family and a picnic to visit one of the 150 state parks that cover nearly 600,000 acres. Each has its own personality and offers a blend of beaches, natural springs, pristine preserves and historic sites.

For something out of this world, try a visit to the Kennedy Space Center on Florida's East Coast. Families can tour the facility and learn about the marvels of space exploration.

For a more in-depth Florida experience, let your kids try one of the many camps that are available throughout the state. SeaWorld offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes camp that lets kids feed manatees, audition as a trainer and learn how to protect endangered marine life.

This year, turn your family vacation into an adventure. The toughest decision you'll have is what to do first.

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For information on Florida
call: 1-800-291-9012
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