If your ideal way to spend time with nature is by lying out on a blanket in the sun or jumping into the waves, Florida state parks camping areas could still be the way to go. Many Forida beaches also can be found in over 160+ Florida State Parks along with privately owned campgrounds and RV parks that offers fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, horseback riding, theme and water parks. Florida is an abundance of unique places to visit, explore, shop and just relax, enjoy the sun and have plenty of fun!!!
Picnic in the Park Ponce de Leon Springs State Park 2860 Ponce de Leon Springs Road
Ponce de Leon, Florida 32455
Phone: 850-836-4281 Date: Early September
Description: Ponce de Leon Springs will be hosting an annual event at Ponce de Leon Springs entitled "Picnic in the Park". This event is co-sponsored by the Holmes County Sheriff's Department, and the Holmes County School System. The Schools provide free food and drinks for all park visitors, as well as games for all the kids. The Holmes County Sheriff grills all the hamburgers and hot dogs for the event. To show our appreciation for all of our visitors, admission to the park is also free for the day. Fees: Vary
Tri the Park Triathlon Race Series Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park 1900 E. Gulf Beach Dr.
St. George Island, Florida 32328
Phone: 850-927-2111 Date: Early September
Description: The triathlon series includes an 800 meter swim in the Gulf, 18-mile bike course and a 4-mile run. Awards will be given in a variety of divisions, along with T-shirts, race packets and post-race refreshments. Awards and door prizes will highlight an honors ceremony, and complete race results will be posted online.
The Tri the Park Triathlon Series race, offered in conjunction with the Historic Apalachicola Merchants Association and the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce, is officially sanctioned by USA Triathlon (USAT), the national governing body for triathlons, duathlons, aquathlons and winter triathlons in the United States. USAT is a member federation of the U.S. Olympic Committee and the International Triathlon Union. All USAT rules will be enforced, only approved helmets may be worn and no drafting or blocking is allowed. All participants, including relay teams, must be members of USAT or will be required to purchase a one-day license ($9) at check-in. Fees:Visit www.tribluesky.com for registration fees, online registration, mail-in registration forms, course maps, and more. Fees: Yes
Evening Cruise and Dinner Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park 550 Wakulla Park Drive
Wakulla Springs, Florida 32327
Phone: 850-926-0700 Date: Early September
Description:Cuddle up with someone special for a romantic cruise on the Wakulla River, followed by a delicious dinner served in the comfort and charm of the historic Wakulla Springs Lodge. Fees: Yes Contact: Wakulla Springs Lodge
Natures Gallery St. Andrews State Park 4607 State Park Lane
Panama City Beach, Florida 32408
Phone: (850) 233-5140 Date: Late October
Description: The Friends of St Andrews, Inc. hosts this annual event within the campgrounds area of this Panama City Beach park. This event has Arts & Crafts, Florida Folk Life Demonstration, Historical Re-enactments, Students Art Exhibits, Native Wildlife Exhibits, and several other.
Fees: Yes Contact: (850) 233-5140 or (850) 233-5117
Destin Festival of the Arts Henderson Beach State Park 17000 Emerald Coast Parkway
Destin, Florida 32541
Phone: (850) 837-7550 Date: Late October
Description:The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation will host the Destin Festival of the Arts at the park. Enjoy a juried fine arts festival, which will include live entertainment, a Bistro café, a children's interactive tent and children's art exhibits. Over 80 fine art vendors will be present during this fun filled two-day event. Fees: Yes Contact: . For more information, call (850) 650-2226. NO PE
Annual Sugar Cane Festival Florida Caverns State Park 3345 Caverns Road
Marianna, Florida 32446
Phone: 850-482-9598 Date: Early November
Description: Celebrate the sights, sounds and smells of one of the sweetest things on earth: Sugar Cane! Enjoy learning how the early settlers of Florida thrived in the rural areas, as you watch living history interpreted by park staff and volunteers. Fees: Yes Contact: (850) 482-9599
Wetlands Tour Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park 550 Wakulla Park Drive
Wakulla Springs, Florida 32327
Phone: 850-926-0700 Date: Early November
Description: Explore the area flood plain and learn about the plant and animal life that depend on this environment for their existence. Make a day of it with breakfast before or lunch afterwards at the historic Wakulla Springs Lodge. Dinner reservations suggested. Fees: Free with Park Admission
FordIronman Triathlon St. Andrews State Park 4607 State Park Lane
Panama City, Florida 32408
Phone: (850) 233-5140 Date: Early November
Description: The Friends of St. Andrews, Inc. along with the Iron-man North America Triathlon, Inc. hosts the run portion only of this event within the boundaries of the park. Fees: Entry is free the day of the event only to Participates. Contact: 850 233-5140
Camellia Christmas Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park 3540 Thomasville Road
Tallahassee, Florida 32309
Phone: 850-487-4556 Date: Early December
Description: Start the holiday season with a wonderful evening of cookies, carols and candle light as Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park presents Camellia Christmas 2006. Enjoy the seasonal sounds of local musicians, hot apple cider, cookies, and a candlelit stroll through the beautiful ornamental gardens. In addition, guests can tour the historic winter home of Alfred and Louise Maclay, adorned in fine holiday greenery. Fees: Yes Contact: Ranger Station, (850) 487-4556
Annual Caverns Christmas Florida Caverns State Park 3345 Caverns Road
Marianna, Florida 32446
Phone: 850-482-9598 Date: Early December
Description: Join the Florida state park staff and community in a celebration of the holiday season! The park is decked out in all of the finery of the season to bring an awareness of the less fortunate in our area. Hot cider and cookies are provided for all that attend. Fees: Cost is a donated toy, food item or monetary donations. All proceeds go to the Jackson County Christmas fund. Contact: 850 482-9599
New Year's Eve Cruise & Dinner Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park 550 Wakulla Park Drive
Wakulla Springs, Florida 32327
Phone: 850-926-0700 Date:Late December
Description: Start the evening by the Lodge fireplace with drinks and nibbles. At 5 pm head down to the waterfront for a romantic cruise followed by a scrumptious buffet dinner in the lodge dining room. Guest rooms available. Call (850)224-5950 for rates and reservations. Fees: Yes Contact: (850)224-5950
Natural Bridge Battle Reenactment Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic
State Park 7502 Natural Bridge Road
Tallahassee, Florida 32305
Phone: 850-922-6007 Date: Early March
Encampments are open to the public from 10-4 Sat and Sun. The opening ceremony and battle reenactment take place on Sun at 1:45 pm.
Description: A reenactment of the 1865 Civil War battle, the second largest in the state, which defeated the Union troops attempting to march toward Tallahassee. Fees: No Fees Contact: 850-922-6007
Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina
813-221-4900
Welcome to the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina
When you stay at the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina you have selected Tampa's largest and most complete luxury hotel. Our 719 newly renovated guest rooms and suites offer breath taking views of the water as well as Tampa's skyline. With 3 award winning restaurants, Champions Sports Bar, heated pool, a marina, and Waterside Spa, all your needs will be well taken care of. Located in the heart of downtown Tampa, enjoy the Florida Aquarium, St. Pete Times Forum, Ybor City and Channelside Entertainment Complex only minutes away. Take a fun ride on the open air Trolley which boards outside our front door, and connects all there is to do downtown! Call 1-813-221-4900, or visit www.tampawaterside.com
Hotel Highlights
3-star luxury waterfront hotel and marina in the Channelside District of Tampa, Florida
Tampa Channelside Hotel with 719 renovated guest rooms & suites with city or bay view balconies
Three restaurants, new event space, pool, spa, and 32 slip full service Tampa Channelside Marina
~Come and enjoy the friends you have yet to meet!~
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A Paradise Vacation Rentals
941-778-4800
A Paradise Vacation Rentals and Real Estate offers private home, condo and multi unit rentals as well as real estate sales on Anna Maria Island in Florida on the Gulf Coast. The Island history is interesting and the assorted activities makes a vacation on the Island a fun one! If your not looking for excitement, the Island also offers relaxation and comfort with beautiful sunsets and sugar sand beaches. Enjoy a nice meal at one of our award winning restaurants, or shop at one of our quaint shops. Call A Paradise for a perfect rental that suits your needs for a wonderful vacation!
