Page 17 - Travel Guide to Florida 2020

Beyond the rivers and lakes, bodies of FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
STAY CLEAR water on either shore of the Florida Resorts and attractions are an inescapable
peninsula offer deep-sea fishing and diving part of Florida’s identity and some are
American alligators and crocodiles are opportunities galore. destinations in their own right.
found in the state’s 67 counties. Head south to the 173,000-acre, mostly
Wherever you see a body of water—even BREAK OUT THE SUNSCREEN underwater, Biscayne National Park where all
a large puddle that has formed on the Blessed with climates ranging from sorts of outdoor activities are available together
side of a highway—you should assume a subtropical in the north to tropical in the with snorkeling, diving and glass-bottom boat
reptile is in it. Do not feed alligators. It is coastal and southern regions, Florida is tours. It is certainly worth renting a watercraft
dangerous and illegal. Never swim in a known as the “Sunshine State.” Tempera- to search the islands for evidence of Indigenous
canal or wade in an unknown body of tures average a balmy 70ºF daily, with highs American inhabitants, to explore shipwrecks
fresh or brackish water, especially at usually peaking in the 90s in July and and to drift above the coral reef system, where
dawn or dusk, which are their feeding August. And while the lowest temperature more than 200 species of fish thrive.
times. And keep small children and pets ever recorded in the winter of 1899 was –2ºF Popular water parks in Southeast Florida
away from fresh or brackish water in Tallahassee, the normal lows, which last include Rapids Water Park in Palm Beach
shorelines at all times. only a couple of days, hover around the 40s County and Broward County’s collection of
or 50s during January or February. Although child-pleasing soakers: Paradise Cove Water
ALLIGATOR, EVERGLADES • SHUTTERSTOCK/
BILDAGENTUR ZOONAR GMBH Florida has its share of inclement weather, Park at C.B. Smith Park, Splash Adventures
it’s renowned for being the warmest state in Water Park at Quiet Waters Park, Castaway
the U.S. mainland. Island Water Park at Topeekeegee Yugnee
The currents of Key Biscayne and the Park, and Tropical Splash Water Park at
coastal areas around Fort Myers, particularly Central Broward Regional Park.
Sanibel and Captiva islands, are perfect for Water parks, such as Shipwreck Island
learning the rudiments of paddleboarding, Waterpark in Panama City Beach, Adventure
ocean kayaking and other water sports. For Island in Tampa and Adventure Landing in
shell hunters, the Gulf Coast, from Fort Jacksonville, offer thrilling experiences for
Myers to Sarasota, is where to go. And if the whole family, and are especially
you’re lucky, you may find thousand-year- refreshing in the summertime when the air
old sharks’ teeth. can be quite humid.

MEXICO BEACH WINE TASTING • VISIT FLORIDA

STAY COOL

Heat exhaustion can affect anyone,
especially young children and the elderly.
Symptoms include mild muscle cramps to
dehydration. If you feel faint, head for air
conditioning and start drinking fluids.
Also keep in mind that Florida is the
lightning capital of the United States.
Afternoon storms start and stop quickly
and often without much warning.
However, most parks and some other
public places are equipped with lightning
detectors. Heed the saying, “If thunder
roars, go indoors.” Hurricane season runs
June 1–November 30, but there is no need
to worry as your hotel (and the local
news) will keep you well informed. If you
plan a trip during hurricane season, it’s
wise to buy travel insurance.

2020 TRAVEL GUIDE TO FLORIDA 15