Florida’s Appealing Landscape and Diverse Activities Promise a Memorable Vacation for Newlyweds
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (June 2019): Florida is known as one of the nation’s top vacation destinations for families, but it’s also an ideal choice for couples celebrating recent nuptials. The state welcomes honeymooners with unique outdoor experiences, pristine beaches and waters, local dining and authentic culture. Newlyweds are heading to the Florida Keys for water excursions, Fort Lauderdale for the latest in fine dining and shopping and hidden gem Sebastian River for thrill-seeking skydiving, to name just a few.
Here are a few of the state’s top offerings for newlyweds in search of a memorable honeymoon:
Bradenton: For the Daring Duo
In Bradenton, couples will find a wide array of activities, including horse surfing, flyboarding and other fun water sports. Horse surfing brings riders along the calm shoreline of the area’s Palma Sola Bay into the water for an outdoor experience that is truly unforgettable. Travelers can take advantage of Bradenton’s top assets - the beach and surf - by renting a kayak, jet ski, powerboat or fishing boat. For the super adventurous, honeymooners can flyboard (boarding up to 20 feet in the air using a jet ski for power), parasail or windsurf.
Florida Keys: For the Island Lovers
At Islamorada’s Aquaholic Adventures at the Postcard Inn Beach Resort and Marina, water lovers can participate in “Sip and SUP” eco-tour experiences. The tour features paddleboarding and kayaking through Key Largo and Islamorada, while enjoying libations from local bars. Further south, The Hemingway Rum Co. Distillery in Key West, once a tobacco factory, offers 30-minute tours embodying Ernest Hemingway’s spirit of adventure. Scuba enthusiasts can head directly to Key Largo – the diving capital of the world – for some of the best underwater adventure in the country.
Fort Lauderdale: For the Shopping & Entertainment Seekers
Couples looking to add décor or flair to their home will discover all kinds of unique items at The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale, The Village at Gulfstream Park or at boutiques along Las Olas Boulevard. The list of must-dos keeps going with sightseeing by Water Taxi or the Jungle Riverboat, taking in a show at the Broward Center for Performing Arts, and gaming at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino or Gulfstream Park.
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach: For the Beach Bums
Five barrier islands, two state parks and miles of beaches offer access to delightfully deserted stretches of pristine and uncrowded sand, sun and surf. Couples often spend a day basking in the rays, walking hand-in-hand along the shore and searching for seashells or fossilized shark teeth. Twosomes can break away from the land on kayak, paddleboard or jet ski to explore Charlotte Harbor, one of Florida’s most scenic waterways.
Sarasota County: For the Cultured Couple
Honeymooners can continue wedding reception festivities by dancing in Sarasota under the stars in the Italian-inspired courtyard at The Ringling Museum, the state’s art museum of Florida celebrating the legacy of John and Mable Ringling. During select months, couples can even try a trapeze or acrobatic class at The Circus Arts Conservatory.
Sebastian River Area: For the Adventurous Couple
In Sebastian River, newlyweds will get their hearts pumping at world-class skydiving sites, offering breathtaking views from 13,500-foot elevation. Also known for its fishing, vacationers can engage in a variety of sportfishing, from freshwater to deep sea fishing adventures. After a day of heart pounding fun, couple can unwind along the beautiful riverfront, with dockside restaurants serving fresh catches, and marinas harboring fishing and sightseeing boats.
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About VISIT FLORIDA
As the Sunshine State’s No. 1 industry, tourism was responsible for welcoming 124.7 million visitors in 2018. Based on the latest economic impact study, Florida visitors contributed $85.9 billion to Florida's economy and supported 1.5 million Florida jobs in 2017. According to the Office of Economic and Demographic Research, for every $1 the state invests in VISIT FLORIDA, the official tourism marketing corporation for the State of Florida, $2.15 in tax revenue is generated. VISIT FLORIDA promotes tourism to Florida through sales, advertising, promotions, public relations and visitor services programs. As a public/private partnership, VISIT FLORIDA serves more than 13,000 tourism industry businesses, including major strategic alliance partnerships with Busch Gardens Tampa, Disney Destinations, The Hertz Corporation, Hilton, LEGOLAND Florida Resort, SeaWorld Parks & Resorts Orlando, Simon Shopping Destinations and Universal Orlando Resort. To learn more about VISIT FLORIDA, please go to VISITFLORIDA.org or follow us on our industry social media channels: Facebook and Twitter @FloridaTourism.