Florida is a veritable sportsperson's vacation paradise. The warm summers and mild winters make this an ideal state for boating, camping, diving, snorkeling, fishing, jetskiing, golfing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, surfing, skiing (water skiing that is!), beach combing, swimming, parasailing or just plain sunning!
Generally the east coast has higher surf than the west coast. For activities involving surf such as surf boarding, body surfing and wave boarding the east coast is a better choice. Where calmer waters are preferred the west coast, panhandle and keys are a good choice. The water along the west coast is warmer than that of the Atlantic coast. Here the water remains at a comfortable swimming temperature longer into the fall and winter where a beach vacation can be enjoyed far into the season.
Excellent
snorkeling and diving can be found in the keys. he water clarity
and color rivals that of many Caribbean islands. The sea life is abundant
and beautiful.
Golfing is very popular in here. There are more golf courses in Florida
than in any other state. It is estimated
that there are over 1,000 public, private and semiprivate courses. In some areas
more than a dozen courses are within a short driving distance. Many
plan their vacations around golfing.
Florida
offers a phenomenal range of fishing. At times the action is nothing less than spectacular. With its thousands of lakes, numerous
rivers, hundreds of miles of coastline, the Gulf of Mexico and the
Atlantic Ocean an angler has many choices. Whether
its from the shore of a quiet lake, a spring-fed river, along
the Gulf or Atlantic coast, casting into the surf, from a pier or
bridge, on a boat near shore, or deep sea offshore, one can
certainly find the type of fishing that suites their tastes. About
the only kind of fishing not offered is ice fishing! Find
the latest regulations at Saltwater Fishing Regulations .
Inland
fishing can bring bass, perch, bluegill and shad. Largemouth bass
are particularly sought after and range among the largest in the
country. Near shore along the coasts may bring trout, sea
bass, mackerel,
redfish, pompano and snook. Offshore
deep sea fishing can be especially exciting when engaging sail fish,
tarpon, kingfish, dolphin, snapper, grouper, wahoo, marlin, barracuda
and shark. Many locations offer half and full day "party boat" trips
as well as more private charter boats with prices that range from
$35 to $250 per person depending on type of fishing, distance offshore
and duration.
Freshwater Regulations
Both fresh and saltwater fishing require licenses. Generally this is provided for on commercial charter vessels. Current information concerning regulations and rates can be found at the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission web site. Licenses can be purchased online, at many tackle shops, sports and recreation stores, and discount department stores such as Kmart, Walmart and Target.
Florida is also well known for its motorsports. Numerous auto and motorcycle racing events are held at various times of the year. One of the most celebrated of these is the Daytona 500.
For those who prefer spectator sports, there are many professional sports venues in a number of major metropolitan areas.
Professional Sports
Team | Sport/League | City | Venue |
Jacksonville Jaguars | Football/NFL | Jacksonville | ALLTEL Stadium |
Miami Dolphins | Football/NFL | Miami | Pro Player Stadium |
Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Football/NFL | Tampa | Raymond James Stadium |
Florida Marlins | Baseball/MLB | Miami | Pro Player Stadium |
Tampa Bay Rays | Baseball/MLB | St. Petersburg | Tropicana Field |
Florida Panthers | Hockey/NHL | Sunrise | National Car Rental Center |
Tampa Bay Lightning | Hockey/NHL | Tampa | Ice Palace Arena |
Miami Heat | Basketball/NBA | Miami | American Airlines Arena |
Orlando Magic | Basketball/NBA | Orlando | TD Waterhouse Centre |