Florida: Things To Do

Biscayne National Park Scuba enthusiasts should beeline for off-the-beaten path Biscayne National Park (not on Key Biscayne) to see first-rate coral formations without Keys-size crowds; boat trips offered weekend mornings only. South Florida, 9700 S.W. 328th St.; 305-230-1100; www.nps.gov/bisc
wildlife | adventure | scuba

Castillo de San Marcos This massive 17th-century limestone fort – the oldest of its kind in North America – anchors St. Augustine, the nation's first city. Northeast Florida, One S. Castillo Dr.; 904-824-6506; www.nps.gov/casa
architecture | national park | history

Collins Avenue South Beach's stylish Art Deco enclave still packs an evening wallop. Dress to impress and sashay among the high-end hotel bars (Delano, Shore Club) before hitting the clubs. Miami Beach, Collins between 16th and 20th Sts.
architecture | trendy | nightlife

Everglades National Park Infiltrate the largest subtropical wilderness in the country via tram tour, airboat tour, canoe trail, or footpath for natural encounters with alligators, American crocodiles, and 16 species of wading birds. South Florida; 305-242-7700; www.nps.gov/ever
family | national park | wildlife

Explore St. Petersburg Six museums – including a celebrated collection of Salvador Dali works – 20 galleries, and frequent festivals give the sun-drenched bayside city center an artsy edge. Tampa Bay Area; www.floridasbeach.com
family | museum | art

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Explore a kaleidoscope of tropical fish and coral in warm, protected waters. Dive Key West leads scuba trips to local wrecks and reefs; certification courses are also available. 800-426-0707; www.divekeywest.com
wildlife | adventure | scuba

The Breakers Follow in the footsteps of Vanderbilts and Rockefellers with dinner, a spa day, or an overnight stay at Florida's legendary century-old luxury resort, set on 140 acres of prime oceanfront. South Florida, One S. Country Rd.; 888-273-2537; www.thebreakers.com
luxury | spas | smart splurge

The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass The country's largest outlet mall now boasts this high-end, open-air shopping plaza with a growing number of designer discount houses; think Burberry, Kate Spade, and Neiman Marcus. South Florida, 12801 W. Sunrise Blvd.; 954-846-2300; www.sawgrassmillsmall.com
shopping | designer | clothing

Walt Disney World Indulge in fantasy at Magic Kingdom, globetrotting flair at Epcot Center, wildlife encounters at Animal Kingdom, cinematic themes at Disney-MGM Studios, and aquatic thrills at WDW's two water parks. Lake Buena Vista; 407-939-6244; www.disneyworld.com
family | theme park