Crystal River, about an hour north of Tampa Bay, is an unspoiled playground, home to the largest herd of endangered manatees in the US, congregating primarily in the beautiful Crystal and Homosassa Rivers, these gentle giants can be seen from the riverbanks or by engaging local guide services for a boat or up-close snorkel encounter. Crystal River is also famous for its flats fishing where redfish, sea trout, tarpon and mackerel are abundant. About 20 minutes south of Crystal River is the Homosassa State Wildlife Park, where visitors can see the rare whooping crane, deer, bears, bobcats, egrets and flamingos along unspoiled nature trails as well as captive manatees in an underwater observatory.

Just east of Crystal River is Inverness, which is nestled along the banks of the 22 mile Tsala Apopka lake chain, famous for large-mouth and sunshine bass. Inverness is home the Withlacoochee State Forest where avid bird enthusiasts will find the largest colony of Red Cockaded Woodpeckers in peninsular Florida. The Withlacoochee State Trail traverses the east side of the county and provides an unimpeded paved path for bikers, hikers and skaters. There are festivals and events galore in Citrus County. Annual happenings include the Florida Manatee Festival, Homosassa Arts, Crafts, and Seafood Festival, Floral City Strawberry Festival, Heritage Village Scarecrow Festival, theatre, concerts, and lectures - something for every interest!

Destin is a charming seaside resort town that offers an extensive variety of vacation options. This sleepy fishing village has become increasingly popular over the years, but has retained its quaint charm and is still considered one of the more delightful hidden finds along Florida's Gulf Coast.  A white ribbon of sand curls along the coastline, bordered by brilliant emerald seas.

Fishing, although by far one of the more popular recreational activities, is certainly not the only one. Destin also plays host to many other recreational opportunities.  Dive or snorkel on the natural reefs, wrecks, and barges in Destin's clear green waters. Acres of links will satisfy the golfer in your family, and watersports, sailing, tennis and hiking are just a few of the outdoor recreational activities available.

When you come in from the sun, explore unique arts and collectibles galleries, specialty shops and modern malls. Savour culinary excellence with sumptuous seafood straight from the Gulf in casual beachside eateries or fine restaurants. And as if that weren't enough, festivals and special events celebrating food, wine, art, sports and even the area's legendary pirate past fill the calendar year-round.

The sun shines 320 days a year on Panama City Beach's 27 miles of snow white sand shores, considered among the most beautiful beaches in America. Emerald green waters lap at the tanned toes of visitors bronzing themselves on sugary shores. The subtropical climate, an  easygoing Southern mentality and variety of exciting activities are a sparkling backdrop to leisure-filled days, making Panama City Beach a year-round vacation paradise.

One of Northern Florida's most popular vacation spots, this slice of paradise boasts family fun with an abundance of activities for kids of all ages. The bustling Miracle Strip offers amusement parks and gaming centers. Gulf World houses an exciting marine showcase; Zoo World Zoological and Botanical Park is home to a colourful variety of animals; and Shipwreck Island is the largest water park within 300 miles.  If you're in the mood for wet and wild fun, you'll find it here in the beautiful waterways of the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrew's Bay. Boating, jet skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, scuba diving and water-skiing are only some of the watersports available. Landlubbers will revel in Panama City Beach's award-winning golf courses. Shoppers will be kept busy in the many fun beach boutiques and specialty shops. No matter how you like to spend your time in paradise, Panama City Beach has something to offer.

Clear waters and inviting sugar-white sand beckon thousands of visitors a year to Pensacola Beach whose atmosphere ranges from lively crowds with lifeguards to desolate beaches bordered by wispy sea grass. No matter what the season, beachgoers can relax on the sunny, peaceful shores of Pensacola's award winning, emerald green coastline. Long scenic bridges carry beachgoers to their destination. Pensacola Beach occupies nearly eight miles of the 40-mile-long Santa Rosa barrier island. It is surrounded by the Santa Rosa Sound and Gulf of Mexico to the north and south and on either side by the federally protected Gulf Islands National Seashore. Much of the barrier island is protected from development, preserved by a determination to maintain the natural environment for generations to come.

Yet Pensacola Beach offers an array of shopping, restaurants, beach bars and entertainment - all with minimum travel, traffic and cost. The Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier and Observation Post stretches 1,471 feet into the Gulf of Mexico providing breathtaking views. Beaches include Casino Beach, the geographic core of Pensacola Beach, where many gather for swimming and fun; Quietwater Beach near the commercial core of the beach, and many uncrowded areas where only a few congregate to unwind.

With its rolling hills, canopied roads of moss-draped oaks, and Southern charm, Tallahassee defies the stereotypes most people hold when it comes to Florida.  With the Gulf's aquamarine waters a mere 25 miles away and the Georgia border only 14 miles to the north, Tallahassee is strategically located in an area known as the Big Bend, straddling the foothills of the Appalachians and at the juncture of Florida's Panhandle and peninsula.

The city's rich heritage dates back to the 1800s. It was established as the seat of state government because it was the rendezvous point between the state's original largest cities, Pensacola and St. Augustine. Magnificent plantation houses, the newly restored capital building and the Museum of Florida History reflect the city's deep-rooted history.  A great deal of the appeal of Tallahassee is that it retains its youthful spirit, despite its long history. If a leisurely day about town is more your style, you will find every sort of shopping, dining and interesting things to see graced with Southern style and hospitality, embracing both the gentility of the old South and the innovation of the millennium.