Page 327 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - USA

PR A C TIC AL INFORM A TION  325

All restaurants and cafés are Fishing off the pier is popular at the Symphony of the Americas
non-smoking in Florida. coastal spots, but the state is best and the Florida Grand Opera.
known for its sport fishing. Deep- Some of the best places to
sea fishing boats can be chartered dance are clubs offering live
Sports & Outdoor at seaside resorts; the biggest and varied music. Nightclubs
Activities
fleets are in the Panhandle and require an ID to prove that you
Florida’s climate makes the state the Keys. Many rivers and parks are over 18.
a top destination for all sports offer freshwater fishing. The Florida is the world’s leading
enthusiasts, from golfers and Florida Game and Fresh Water departure point for cruises to the
tennis players to canoeists and Fish Commission provides details Caribbean. You can also go on
deep-sea divers. The best on locations and licensing costs. mini-cruises, for a day or just an
sources of information on out- Outdoor adventure tours to evening, for around $40. Evening
door activities are the Florida wilder areas, such as the cruises usually entail dinner and
Sports Foundation and the Everglades, are organized by dancing; casino cruises, operating
Department of Environmental some companies, including out of Miami and Port Everglades,
Protection (DEP). Build a Field Trip. are the rage. Fort Lauderdale and
Water sports of all kinds are St. Petersburg also have popular
well represented, with Entertainment tour boats.
wonderful beaches on both the
Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Most Whether your preference is for Shopping
resorts offer the full range from a Broadway drama, a lavish Las
windsurfing to jet-skiing. Water- Vegas-style floor show, or a small Shopping is also a very popular
skiing can also be enjoyed on cruise, Florida has something for pastime in Florida, attracting
lakes and inland waterways. The everyone. Walt Disney World® many overseas shoppers.
state provides ample oppor- Resort, Universal Orlando® Although the state has some
tunities for canoeing as well, Resort, and other attractions very upscale stores, often
with the Wilderness Waterway offer the best in family entertain- clustered in shopping districts
in the Everglades National Park ment, with theme parks galore to such as the exclusive Worth
being a favorite run. thrill children during the day and Avenue in Palm Beach, it is best
Florida has superb diving and dinner shows at night. Here, known for its discount stores. If
snorkeling sports. The country’s meals are served, generally searching for gifts or souvenirs,
only living coral reef skirts the themed to the show you are the theme parks and seaside
state’s southeast coast, stretching watching. Water parks, through- tourist centers offer a vast choice.
the length of the Keys. Excellent out Florida, are also big draws. Florida is also famed for its citrus
guided snorkeling trips are Lavish road shows are the fruit, which you can buy fresh or
available to view the coast’s highest-quality productions in preserved as colorful candies
coral and fish. For information Florida. The state has its own and jellies. Other buys include
on diving, contact the Keys theater groups, orchestras, and seashells, Seminole crafts, Latin
Association of Dive Operators. opera companies, such as the music, and hand-rolled cigars.
DIRECTORY
Tourist American Auto­ Backcountry Entertainment
Information mobile Assn. (AAA) Pursuits
Tel (800) 222-1134. Florida Grand Opera
Tel (866) 972-5280. Build a Field Trip 8390 NW 25th St, Miami.
∑ visitflorida.com AAA General Break­ Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308. Tel (800) 741-1010.
down Assistance Tel (954) 772-7800.
Emergency Tel (800) 222-4357. NOTE: Symphony of the
Numbers Rentals also provide Fishing Americas
24-hour assistance. 2425 E Commercial Blvd,
All Emergencies Sports Florida Fish and Fort Lauderdale.
Tel 911 to alert police, fire, Wildlife Conservation Tel (954) 335-7002.
Tel (850) 488-4676.
or medical services. Department of Tel (888) 347-4356 Universal Orlando®
Environmental
Miami­Dade Police Protection (DEP) (fishing licenses). Resort
Tel (407) 363-8000.
Information 3900 Commonwealth ∑ myfwc.com ∑ universalorlando.
Tel (305) 476-5423. Blvd, Tallahassee, FL Diving & com
32399. Tel (850) 245-2052.
National Hurricane Snorkeling Walt Disney World®
Center Florida Sports Keys Association of Resort
Tel (305) 229-4470, Foundation Dive Operators Tel (407) 934-7639
Tallahassee, FL 32301.
recorded message with Tel (850) 488-8347. (KADO) (for reservations).
hurricane details. ∑ flasports.com ∑ divekeys.com ∑ disneyworld.com

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