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Traverse Florida from its Alabama-nuzzling panhandle to the island chain dangling at its southernmost toe and you'll be startled by the diversity. Along its northern border, a pretension-free Southern sensibility dominates. Head to the southeast for an international urban mix. Dip into the Florida Keys … more for relaxed charm. In Central Florida, Orlando is ground zero for family fun, while on the west coast, the Tampa Bay area combines arts-centric energy with white-sand beaches and a booming convention business.
Favorable word of mouth has served Naples well since its founding in the late 1800s. The first settlers compared the area's subtropical climate, beautiful bay, and top-notch fishing to an Italian paradise, giving the peninsular southwestern Florida city on the Gulf of Mexico not only its name, but also the chic resort reputation that continues to this day. See our Naples Travel Guide
Ever since Henry Flagler's Florida East Coast Railway arrived in Palm Beach in 1894, this barrier isle north of Miami on the state’s eastern coast has basked in its reputation as a winter resort for the wealthy. Also worth exploring: the 37 surrounding municipalities of Palm Beach County, a mixture of cool urban sophistication and vintage Florida beach-town charm. See our Palm Beach Travel Guide
