Indulge in the alternative side of Florida

With over 1,200 miles of coastline and year round sunshine, it is little wonder Florida attracts over 60 million tourists each year. Seeking excitement and thrills, many of the visitors head for its legendary selection of action-packed theme parks and adventure activities, for which the state is famous.

However, Florida is also home to a huge range of beautiful sandy beaches and interesting cities, allowing those who prefer to avoid the main tourist attractions, the chance to indulge in a little rest and relaxation by the sea, or explore its more historic parts.

Indeed, with a little research, it is easy to find interesting places to go. Take Daytona Beach, for example. A mecca for motor sports, the city is famous for the hard-packed sand found on its huge beach, which was historically used for racing cars and motorbikes, in fact, 15 land speed records were set here.

However, due to its rising popularity, it was decided in the late 1950s that a proper speedway should be built. The new Daytona International Speedway resulted, which is home to the renowned annual stock car race, the Daytona 500. Although the beach is no longer used for racing, it is still one of the few in the world which allows people to drive cars onto it.

Heading east, those looking for some watery adventure will not be disappointed to find Jacksonville. Although the city itself is fairly industrial, it boasts over 20 miles of wide, white sandy beaches, which run along the shore of the Atlantic Ocean. Here visitors can try out a range of water sport activities, including surfing, windsurfing and snorkelling.

Fishing is also a popular activity in Jacksonville. Indeed, from its 1,000 foot fishing pier to St John's River, there is ample opportunity to catch some fresh seafood in time for dinner! For those in quest of adventure on the high seas, it is even possible to partake in some sport fishing for species like cobia and barracuda.

For a slice of culture, whilst of course continuing to indulge in beach life, it is definitely worth visiting St Augustine. Legend has it the long sought after Fountain of Youth is located here, with many travelling to it in the hope of eternal life!

The oldest continuously settled city in the US, founded by the Spanish, it is home to some beautifully preserved architecture, stunning beaches and historical points of interest. The Spanish Quarter, which has been restored as a 1740s Spanish Colonial village, is a great place to visit, with authentically-dressed tour guides offering up a detailed history of St Augustine.

It is clear to see that there are numerous places to visit across Florida, which present the visitor so much more than the traditionally thought of theme parks. Indeed, with a little exploration, it is easy to discover a wealth of history and culture. And, with numerous flights to Florida taking off year round, it is possible to enjoy its continuous sunshine and warm welcome, whatever the season.

The information contained within this article is the opinion of the author and is intended purely for information and interest purposes only. It should not be used to make any decisions or take any actions. Any links are included for information purposes only.