Are you tired of swimming at the beach or in the pool of your vacation home? Then you should head for the Sunsplash Family Waterpark. With its exciting slides and child-friendly attractions, the park is perfectly suited for visitors of all ages. Sunsplash is located in central Cape Coral, right next to State Road 78. Guests based in Fort Myers can reach the park in just 20 minutes by car.

SUNSPLASH FAMILY WATERPARK: ATTRACTIONS

With an area of 14 acres, Sunsplash is Southwest Florida’s biggest waterpark. A wide variety of attractions will keep you and your kids busy for hours. For a little warm-up, start with the relatively tame X-Celerator and the Drop Slides. Afterwards, it is time to brace yourself for the 30 feet tall Cape Fear where guests plunge down in total darkness. If you dare, try out the aptly named Terror Tube: Here, thrill-seekers slide down a dark tunnel before being dropped almost vertically into the water. 30 seconds of exciting fun and fast turns await you at the Electric Slide, one of Florida’s longest waterslides.

Children can test their balancing skills at the Sand Dollar Walk, an obstacle course with swimming platforms. If you want to relax, just float around in the lazy river, go for a swim in the pool or enjoy a gentle shower under the Rain Tree. Sunsplash also features a Family Pool complete with fine sand and beach chairs.

The park’s newest addition is Pirate’s Cove, a play area with slides, fountains and water guns for the little guests. Young children can train for the big slides at the Pro Racers, and if you want to stay fit during your vacation, the beach volleyball fields are perfect for you.

Safety standards can only be described as excellent. Life Guards patrol every part of the park – no wonder that Sunsplash has received the highest rating from Starfish Aquatics Institute, an independent auditor of waterparks. And even if you stub your toe on a slide – the park houses four first aid stations.

If you want to see the slides of Sunsplash Family Waterpark in action, watch this video:

SUNSPLASH FAMILY WATERPARK: DINING AND SHOPPING OPPORTUNITIES

The food stalls at Sunsplash Family Waterpark sell fast food, ice cream, Mexican wraps and Caesar Chicken Salad. Soft drinks are available for the little guest, and parents can buy beer, wine and Pina Colada.

Forgot something at home? No problem. The park features a gift shop with swimwear, towels, sunglasses and toys.

SUNSPLASH FAMILY WATERPARK: TICKETS AND EVENTS

Tickets cost 15 USD for children (2-12 years) and senior citizens (60+ years). Guests 13 years or older are charged 17 USD, and non-residents pay 3 USD more. If you want to save money, you should look out for special events: Every Saturday from 5 to 8:30 pm, the Saturday Night Slide attracts guests with discount tickets and atmospheric lights. On Marvelous Mondays, parents and grandparents enter the park for 10 USD. For more events and coupons, visit the park’s official Facebook page.

If you want to host your kid’s birthday party, Sunsplash Family Waterpark will provide you with your own party area, gift bags for your guests, ice-cream vouchers and other surprises. The more people you bring, the less you pay at the entrance.

SUNSPLASH FAMILY WATERPARK – MAP UND ROUTE – PLAN YOUR TRIP NOW

Calculate your route to Sunsplash Family Waterpark

Type in this address: 400 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33991, USA

Families in Daytona who cannot decide between theme park and waterpark should visit the Daytona Lagoon near the boardwalk. Here, attractions like water slides, go-karts, laser tag and minigolf will keep little adventurers busy for hours.

ATTRACTIONS AT DAYTONA LAGOON

THE WATERPARK

Of course, little tadpoles will want to head for the Lagoon´s waterpark. Here, 5 exciting slides await you, each with their unique features:

• Blackbeard´s Revenge: On this fast-paced slide full of turns, up to 3 people race down on inflatable boats.
• Poseidon´s Pass: This one-person slide will send you twisting and turning through partially enclosed pipes.
• Kraken´s Revenge: Rush towards the water head-first on your colorful mat racer.
• Adventure Mountain: The park´s tallest slide features 2 enclosed pipes that will send you down almost vertically.
• Shaka Half Pipe: Ride your inflatable boat straight up, then backwards again – just like in a skateboarding halfpipe.

If you want to relax, just float around on the lazy river Pelican´s Drift. In addition to thrilling rides, the park offers many attractions for little guests: Children can splash around on the water playground Castaway with its 4 miniature slides, water pistols and jungle gym. The giant refillable bucket with 1000 gallons of water provides a refreshing shower every 2 minutes. Old and young visitors will love the ups and downs in the wave pool Treasure Lagoon.

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER

The Daytona Lagoon is not merely a waterpark. The fun continues at the Mega Arcade with more than 70 exciting games for all ages. Do you like fast-paced duels in the dark? Then the laser tag is perfect for you. For some vertical fun, try the Sky Maze parcours or the Rock Wall. No theme park in the “Motorsports Capital” would be complete without go-karts. Even the youngest racing fans can join the ride while their parents are driving. The free-fall tower Island Hopper will drop you down 23 feet, so be prepared to scream. And if you are looking for some laid-back fun, you should try out the minigolf course.

TICKETS AND SPECIAL OFFERS AT THE DAYTONA LAGOON

Guests at the Daytona Lagoon can choose between different tickets. Visiting the waterpark costs 31 USD for adults. Children between 32″ and 48″ and seniors aged 62+ pay 22 USD. Children under 32″ visit the waterpark for free.

At the Family Entertainment Center, the choice is yours: If you want, you can pay separately for every attraction. A game of laser tag, for instance, costs 8 USD. Or you buy a wristband that allows you to play all games for a limited time. Wristbands are priced between 24–29 USD. You can also purchase one day passes: These cost 40 USD for the Family Entertainment Center and 53 USD for both parks – all attractions included.

In addition, the following discount tickets are available:

• Matinee Admission: 17 USD for tickets to the waterpark after 3 pm, except on Wednesdays
• Pooldaze: limited selection of waterpark attractions for 16.50 USD. Different opening hours apply, depending on the season.
• Family Night Wednesdays: 15 USD for entrance to the waterpark on Wednesdays, starting at 4 pm.

As is the norm in Florida, you can save a lot of money with coupons. For discounts and special offers, check out websites like groupon.com, dealscove.com or offers.com.

EVENTS AT DAYTONA LAGOON

Every Friday from 5 pm, the Gokart Night attracts racing fans with discount prices. If you like pizza, you should also visit the park for the Food and Fun Special on Friday: Then, you will get pizza, soft drinks and a 10 USD arcade voucher for 20 USD. A similar offer is the Dine and Play Special that includes hot meals for only 14 USD. At the Daytona Lagoon, New Year´s Eve is celebrated with balloons, fun games, a DJ and discount tickets.

In addition, you can also host your own event at the Daytona Lagoon. The park is perfect for birthday parties, complete with designated party area, pizza, soft drinks, gift bags for the guests and vouchers for the birthday child.

DIRECTIONS TO DAYTONA LAGOON

The Daytona Lagoon is situated in close proximity to Daytona Beach and can be reached in 15–20 minutes from almost every part of the city.

The supermarket chain Publix has been serving customers for almost 100 years, making it one of the main shopping institutions in the Southern US. A whopping 831 stores are located in Florida alone, among them branches in Miami Beach, Miami, Naples and of course, Cape Coral. The small town on the Gulf Coast houses seven Publix stores, so many vacationers in Cape Coral end up there to buy groceries. The chain is not only omnipresent, but also highly popular: When the Market Force Information institute conducted a survey on customer satisfaction, Publix took a more than honorable second place. With so many happy shoppers, it is time to highlight the reasons behind the success story of Publix.

THE RANGE OF PRODUCTS AT PUBLIX

Florida’s Publix markets are your perfect choice for all types of food: from fresh meat, seafood, fruits and vegetables to baked goods. Transparency is key at Publix, so customers can easily check whether or not a product contains artificial preservatives and is suited for pregnant women. With GreenWise, a line of organic products, Publix caters to the needs of an increasingly aware customer base.

Gourmands will love the stores´ own delis with their freshly made sandwiches, as well as the sushi bars. Many sorts of beer and wine are available, and next to the main building you will find a liquor store. Publix not only offers food products and drinks, but also household items, beauty products and flowers. What is more, every branch comes with its own pharmacy where you can get certain medicine like antibiotics for free if you have a prescription.

PUBLIX – CUSTOMER SERVICE ON ANOTHER LEVEL

“Where Shopping is a Pleasure” – this is the philosophy embodied by Publix. And while many other companies are striving to achieve the same standards, Publix goes the extra mile to guarantee a particularly helpful and friendly service. For example, Publix staff will not only explain where you can find a product, but take you there themselves. They also direct you to the shortest checkout line. And of course, the cashiers will pack your items for you. If you want, you can even have the groceries brought to your car.

While many supermarkets are revolving doors for poorly trained, disposable employees that are hired and fired in a heartbeat, Publix motivates their staff with health insurance and many educational programs. Publix is “employee owned”, meaning that shares are held by its workers. This creates a sense of belonging and loyalty to the company – no wonder that Forbes Magazine has declared Publix one of the best employers in the USA.

The friendly customer service is complemented by a comfortable shopping experience. Before you step into your car, you can check the availability of a product on the official website publix.com. Thanks to the Publix smartphone app, locating an item at the store is easier than ever, making time-consuming searches a thing of the past.

What is more, Publix lets you return any item even if you have already opened it. Of course, nobody will want to return an open can of tuna – but it is reassuring that you can.

PRICES AND DISCOUNTS AT PUBLIX

Of course, high quality and excellent customer service have their price, which shows at the supermarket checkout. Publix ranks among the more expensive chains in Florida. On average, their customers pay 6% more than at Trader Joe’s and 25% more than at discount giant Walmart. Kroger, Target and ALDI are slightly cheaper as well.

Nonetheless, there are amazing discounts at Publix. The chain is known for its generous coupon policy, letting customers use multiple vouchers for one product. This also applies to third-party coupons, provided Publix sells the same item. What is more, the company offers “Buy one, get one free” deals as well as huge discounts on baby products. To sum sup: With a little bit of planning, you can easily save up to 80% when shopping at Publix.

Tampa’s Waterfront has undergone a remarkable transformation, from run-down warehouses in the 1970s to today’s modern, pedestrian-friendly boardwalk. The Riverwalk is not only perfect for a stroll by the water. It also connects Tampa’s most popular attractions, idyllic parks and top-rated restaurants. Whether you want to see marine animals at the Florida Aquarium, taste Caribbean flavors at the Columbia Cafe or cross beautifully illuminated bridges after dark – you can easily spend the whole day on the Riverwalk without feeling bored.

ATTRACTIONS ON THE TAMPA RIVERWALK

Tampa’s famous boardwalk measures a whole 2.5 miles in length – no wonder that there is so much to see here. Your perfect starting point is the Tampa Convention Center in the South. From here, you can walk your way up north and take a look at the Amalie Arena. This impressive stadium can seat more than 20.000 people and is home to the ice hockey team Tampa Bay Lightning.

If you want to learn more about the city’s past, you should visit the adjacent Tampa Bay History Center. This museum features exhibitions about Florida’s native people and the first pioneers in the Sunshine State, while also showing a cigar store from the year 1920. Thanks to interactive exhibits, the History Center is perfectly suited for children.

Speaking of little visitors: The Glazer Children’s Museum offers child-friendly infotainment and experiments showcasing the different branches of science. Equally popular with families is Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park with its extensive green spaces and playgrounds. Canine companions run around freely at the dog park, while their owners unwind with a beautiful view of Tampa’s skyline.

By the way: If you want to see Tampa’s Riverwalk from the water, you should go paddleboarding on the Hillsborough River. Kayaks are available for rent at the Tampa Convention Center.

More attractions on the Tampa Riverwalk include:

• Florida Aquarium: home to more than 20.000 marine animals, among them sharks, turtles and penguins
• Florida Museum of Photographic Arts: art center with countless works by American and international photographers.
• American Victory: original battleship from World War II, open to the public
• Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park: large recreational area with playgrounds and a Splash Zone – perfect on hot days
• David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts: Tampa’s hotspot for musicals, operas and classical performances.

Visitors arriving by car can park their vehicle at parking garages near the Riverwalk. Parking north of Kennedy Boulevard is free on the weekends and after 6 pm on weekdays.

RESTAURANTS ON THE TAMPA RIVERWALK

Hungry guests have come to the right place: The boardwalk is full of culinary choices – from pizza, steaks and Caribbean dishes to American comfort food.

Florida’s cuisine has been strongly influenced by Spanish and Caribbean flavors. A perfect place to try “Floribbean” specialties is the Columbia Cafe, a true Tampa original since 1905. This upscale restaurant serves Cuban Sandwiches, tender suckling pig and Mahi Mahi filet in lavish surroundings that are reminiscent of Tampa’s Golden Age.

Fresh seafood in all varieties grace the menu at Harpoon Harry’s Crab House, and the Malio´s is known for its prime steaks. For the perfect start to your day, have a seat at the First Watch, a breakfast restaurant serving sweet waffles and pancakes. Looking for a healthy option? Then, the Tampa Salad Company is your ideal choice.

In Tampa, you cannot only dine on land, but also go on a Food Cruise with the Starship Yacht. This floating restaurant serves gourmand dishes and is perfect for birthday parties, weddings and big corporate events.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS ON THE TAMPA RIVERWALK

If you want to see all attractions the boardwalk has to offer, you should spend a whole day here. Thankfully, there is no reason to drive back on the same day: Tampa’s Riverwalk offers enough accommodation options for every taste and budget.

Not only visitors of the Tampa Convention Center love to stay at the Marriott Waterside Hotel. In addition to 700 rooms, this 4-star-hotel features a rooftop pool, a spa and fitness center and 3 restaurants. The numerous awards speak for themselves: If you want to reside in style on the Riverwalk, this is the perfect place for you.

For a particularly nice view of the Hillsborough River, book a night at the brand-new Aloft Tampa Hotel with its pool terrace. This waterfront hotel also amazes guests with its modern and spacious rooms.

At the Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk, theater fans can stay close to the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts. And if you want to stay fit during your vacation, the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk with its gym is worth a closer look. This 3-star-hotel is also known for its barbecue restaurant by the water.

Visitors who want to stay longer should check out the apartments overlooking the boardwalk on the other side of the river. The Manor Riverwalk Luxury Apartments, for example, combine the privacy of your own home with the amenities of a luxury resort.

EVENTS ON THE TAMPA RIVERWALK

No matter the season – there is always something going on at Tampa’s Riverwalk. A definite highlight is the Tampa Riverfest in May with its culinary treats, family-friendly activities and live concerts. At the same time, the Taco Fest celebrates the diverse flavors of Mexico, and the Wiener Dog Derby takes place at Curtis Hixon Waterfront.

On Halloween, little visitors fill their pockets with candy before having a meet and greet with cute monsters and superheroes. Snow is rare in Tampa, but if you want to get into festive mood, you should visit the 36 feet Christmas Tree during Holiday Harbour in December. Another feast for the eye awaits visitors at the Lighted Boat Parade when beautifully decorated boats race against each other on the Hillsborough River. On July 4 Tampa’s Riverwalk is illuminated by a 20 minute long display of fireworks.

Miami Beach has no shortage of attractions – from glamorous Ocean Drive and the soft, powdery sand of South Beach to the Art Deco houses of the Historic District. But hardly any tourist knows South Pointe Park at the southern end of this coastal city. Opened in the 1980s, the park underwent a 22 Million Dollar facelift in 2009 and presents itself more beautiful today than ever before. Locals love to come here for jogging, boat watching, fishing on the pier and soaking up the South Florida sun. With so many things to do, it is high time to take a closer look at South Pointe Park.

SOUTH POINTE PARK – INFORMATION FOR VISITORS

South Pointe Park is one of those places people fall in love with at first sight – no wonder thanks to the lush palm trees and grassy hills against the backdrop of turquoise Atlantic waters. The 17 acres area provides ample opportunities for walking, jogging, cycling and rollerblading. Other visitors spread their yoga mats on the well-maintained lawn. The park is still a hidden gem and far from being overcrowded. This is apparent in the laid-back atmosphere. Tall trees provide shade, and on a stroll along the coast you can watch the ocean liners on their way to exotic destinations.

In South Pointe Park you find pavilions in the shade, water dispensers and toilets, as well as barbecue and picnic areas. The observation deck with sun chairs and splendid ocean views is perfect for relaxing. And do not forget to pack swimsuits for your children, as there is a Wet Playground with fountains to cool off. Dogs are welcome in the park, as long as they walk on the leash. There is also a designated dog park for them to run around freely. On the boardwalk, you can watch some of the most beautiful sunsets that Miami Beach has to offer – only rivaled by the sparkling skyline in the distance.

SOUTH POINTE BEACH & PIER

Just a stone’s throw away lies South Pointe Beach – considered one of the city’s best beaches by many. Powdery sand, excellent cleanliness and crystal clear water awaits you here. South Pointe Beach is equipped with toilets, showers, sun chairs and umbrellas as well as snack bars for hungry beach-goers. Lifeguards are on duty around the clock. Besides relaxing and swimming, you can play beach volleyball or watch the scenery from above while parasailing. Guests who do get enough of strolls on the beach can walk the whole east coast of Miami Beach, make detours to the many restaurants and shops on Ocean Drive, and chill out in green areas like Lummus Park.

Situated at the southern most point of Miami Beach is South Pointe Pier, a popular spot for fishermen. But the water is not only teeming with fish. Sometimes Florida’s iconic manatees visit this coastal area. In the distance you can see the vacation island Key Biscayne. And if you love romantic sunsets, you have one more reason to visit the pier in the evening. The relaxed atmosphere makes South Pointe Pier a perfect place for the free meditation and yoga classes that are held here every week. Another sight awaits visitors who turn their head southward: Fisher Island, America’s most exclusive vacation spot, is home to famous celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Demi Moore and Oprah Winfrey.

Historically, the vicinity of South Pointe Park has been strongly influenced by the Jewish Community of Miami Beach. If you want to broaden your horizon after swimming and sunbathing, you should visit the Jewish Museum of Florida less than 1 mile from the beach. Here you find exhibitions highlighting 200 years of Jewish history in Florida.

RESTAURANTS IN SOUTH POINTE PARK AND THE SURROUNDING AREA

No matter if you prefer local or international cuisine – no visitor has to go hungry in South Beach.

Only one restaurant is located directly in South Pointe Park: the Smith & Wollensky. This restaurant is famous for its fresh seafood and tender steaks. If you want, you can dine outdoors with excellent ocean views. Additionally, the park also houses a café and a snack stand.

The award-winning Lobster Shack at the beginning of Ocean Drive attracts seafood lovers with its lobster creations, fresh shrimps, crabs and oysters.

Other culinary choices in the area include:

• Santorini by Georgis: a tavern serving traditional Greek specialties
• Lilikoi Organic Living: healthy dishes made with organic ingredients
• Big Pink: good old American cuisine in epic servings
• Rossella´s Kitchen: Italian delicacies at reasonable prices
• Sandwich Qbano South Beach: your top pick for Cuban Sandwiches in the area
• Joe´s Stone Crab: a popular sea food restaurant that celebrated its 100th birthday in 2013.

Besides its restaurants, South Miami Beach sports a multitude of cafés, cocktail bars and wineries.

SOUTH POINTE PARK – LOCATION, DIRECTIONS, PARKING AND OPENING TIMES

South Pointe Park is open daily from sunrise to 10 pm. You can access the boardwalk until 2 am, while South Pointe Pier is open from 7.30 am to 6 pm.

You can park your car next to the park for 2 USD/hour during the week. Parking on the weekend is more expensive. So why not leave the car at home and go by bicycle? This is easier than ever before thanks to the Sharing stations of Citi Bike. You can return your rental bicycle at any Citi Bike station you choose. Another popular transportation option is the free South Beach Trolley of Miami Beach.

West of Miami’s Downtown, just a 15 minutes drive from the ocean, lies the Little Havana district. Many exiled Cubans settled here in the 1960s, bringing with them their culture, music and culinary treats. Most descendents of those immigrants have left now. Nonetheless, Little Havana with its scenic parks, authentic restaurants, street art and live music is still the perfect place to immerse yourself in the Cuban way of life.

SIGHTS IN LITTLE HAVANA

Every trip to Little Havana should start on Calle Ocho. The “8^th street” that runs through the district from east to west is lined with art galleries, bars and quaint little cigar shops. Calle Ocho also connects many sights – among them the Walkway of Stars, Little Havana’s answer to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. Since 1988 the most famous Latin American celebrities have been immortalized here.

Domino Park is a popular place to meet and hang out. It is here that mostly older Cubans enjoy themselves playing domino, drinking espresso and chattering with their friends. The park is perfect if you want to soak up the Cuban flair – even though you will hardly understand a word if you do not speak Spanish.

Another institution of Little Havana is the Tower Theater, a historic cinema in the Art Deco style. Since the 1920s is has been the district’s top pick to watch movies in Spanish. Art lovers should visit the Cuban Memorial Boulevard with its statues by José Martí and Antonio Maceo. Nearby stands the Tall Ceiba Tree – a sacred place for Santeria worshippers who lay down offerings like chicken bones. In the nearby Santeria botanicas you can purchase all kinds of jewelry, talismans and ointments, and even have your future told.

If you are interested in Cuba’s most famous product (after Havana Rum) you should visit the Havana Cigar Factory. As we all know, it is illegal to buy Cuban cigars. However, connoisseurs confirm that the hand-rolled cigars at this Factory are second best to the original.

MORE ATTRACTIONS IN LITTLE HAVANA INCLUDE:

• Little Havana Welcome Center: visitor center offering brochures about the history and sights of the district
• Jose Marti Park: a shaded waterside park with playgrounds, picnic tables and basketball courts
• Bay of Pigs Museum: an exhibition about the failed invasion of Cuba planned by the US.
• Viventa Candles: a shop that sells handmade candles made from soy wax
• Havana to Go: a gift shop selling jewelry and Cuban garments

RESTAURANTS IN LITTLE HAVANA

One of the main reasons to visit Little Havana is the authentic Latin American cuisine.

Tourists and locals alike love Mi Rinconcito Mexicano, an old-school taqueria. Here, the tacos filled with minced meat, lamb, chicken, onions and hot sauce taste like in the motherland, and prices are more than fair.

A top spot to try Cuban Sandwiches, now a popular dish in Florida, is Sanguich de Miami. Only homemade ingredients like smoked bacon, tender pork and pickles are stuffed between to crispy breads in this traditional restaurant. And if you want to taste the “Cubano” in a truly glamorous atmosphere, you should visit the Versailles. Dubbed “the most famous Cuban restaurant in the world”, it is also perfect for having breakfast and coffee.

Known for its fish delicacies is La Camaronera – a seafood restaurant that even featured on the TV channel Food Network. Little Havana abounds with Old World specialties, too, which you can see and taste at the top-reviewed Spanish Restaurant El Rincon Asturiano.

The Cubaocho can best be described as a mix between bar, museum and performing arts center. Here guests sample Miami’s biggest rum collection before dancing Salsa to live music. Alternatively, you can always just grab a quick Mojito to go.

Located directly opposite the Tower Theater is the Azucar Ice Cream Company, a family business that creates ice cream out of fresh, regional ingredients. The variety is astonishing and even includes exotic choices like pumpkin, avocado and egg liqueur.

EVENTS IN LITTLE HAVANA

On the last Friday of every month, Little Havana hosts the Viernes Culturales. Then, the streets along Calle Ocho are filled with art exhibitions, live music, stages with Latin dancers and vendors selling handmade jewelry.

Calle Ocho Festival, one of the biggest carnivals worldwide, forms the highlight of the year. Not only Cubans, but dancers from all over Latin America proudly present their colorful costumes and make the crowd go wild with live music. Visitors might find themselves in a Conga Line, swept away by irresistible rhythms. This carnival is also perfect if you want to try a wide variety of Latin specialties.

Speaking of specialties: Little Havana houses so many restaurants that it can be hard to find the true gems. Therefore, it pays to join one of the food tours that bring you to the district’s well-kept culinary secrets – perfect if you want to taste them all.

ACCOMMODATION IN LITTLE HAVANA

If you want to spend more time soaking in the vibes of Little Havana, you can choose between many accommodation options for every taste and budget.

There is hardly a hotel in the heart of Little Miami that can match the Caribbean vibes of the Life House. Elegant furniture and traditional fabrics grace its interior, while the Parcela Café is ripe with nostalgic Havana flair. Ernest Hemmingway would have loved it here. The tropical lounge on the rooftop provides the perfect backdrop for some rest and relaxation.

Situated north of Jose Marti Park is the Casa Florida Hotel that attracts guests with its plantation style architecture, lush gardens, outdoor pool and cocktail bar. Visitors who also want to take a trip to the nearby beach feel right at home at the Aloft Miami, a laid-back 3 star hotel offering spacious rooms. And if you want to rent an apartment complete with living room, bedroom, kitchen, veranda and pool, look no further than the Little Havana Paradise.

The My Sweet Havana Hotel offers budget-friendly rooms just a few minutes away from Calle Ocho. This hostel features an extensive common area to hang out, a kitchen for guests to use, and clean dorms with 4 or 6 beds.

Kennedy Space Center is widely regarded as the most important place in US space history. The first astronauts began their missions here, and even today 17.000 people are working on rockets that are shot into orbit from Cape Canaveral.

Kennedy Space Center is also the perfect place for vacationers in Florida who want to delve into the world of cosmic exploration. Gigantic Space Shuttles, space capsules, flight simulators and fascinating films draw in guests from far and wide.

SIGHTS & AREAS: THINGS TO SEE AT KENNEDY SPACE CENTER

Rockets of every generation and interactive exhibitions await visitors at Kennedy Space Center. The following attractions are particularly popular:

VISITOR CENTER

Your first stop should be the KSC Visitor Complex, an area big enough to keep you busy for hours. The complex is separated into different “missions” – in chronological order, so you can relive space history from its beginnings to today. Among the highlights of the visitor center are:

• a true to scale replica of the Hubble Telescope
• the 121 feet long Space Shuttle Atlantis that you can behold from all sides; visitors can even take a peek inside.
• Real space toilets and sleeping chambers for astronauts
• the Astronaut Hall of Fame, where space heroes like Neil Armstrong are immortalized
• Forever Remembered, a memorial honoring the astronauts who died in the Columbia Incident of 2003
• Nasa Now, an exhibition of modern satellites and space capsules developed by NASA and their partners
• the Lunar Theatre, where original footage and lifelike models of the first moon landing are displayed.
• Rocket Garden, a collection of seven towering rockets from the early days of NASA missions
• a five story IMAX cinema with realistic 3D movies
• Space Shop, the world’s biggest gift store for NASA memorabilia.

JOURNEY TO MARS: EXPLORERS WANTED

Colonizing the Red Planet has long been mankind’s dream, and Journey to Mars lets visitors be a part of this endeavor. The exhibition not only displays vehicles that were already present on Mars, but also a space capsule and futuristic constructions like the ATHLETE vehicle that resembles a giant spider and can move on any terrain. What is more, all the information is updated in real time. This way, guests always get the latest news on the progress of NASA´s Mars missions.

APOLLO/SATURN V CENTER

A bus tour takes visitors to this extensive area where everything revolves around NASA´s Apollo missions. Before you gaze at the rockets, it is time to visit the command center used to control the flights from the ground. An original Saturn V rocket forms the center of the exhibition. Due to a length of 360 feet it takes a while before you have seen every part of this vehicle. Exhibits from inside the rocket show what life for the astronauts was like. And if you always wanted to touch a real moon rock, you can do so at the Apollo/Saturn V Center.

SHUTTLE LAUNCH EXPERIENCE

Have you ever wondered what the start of a Space Shuttle must be like for the astronauts inside? Then experience these moments for yourself at the Shuttle Launch Experience. 60 million USD and six years of development were necessary to build this futuristic flight simulator. After an introduction by shuttle commander Charles F. Bolden, 44 people take the journey to space. After the ride a hatch will open, and you will see our blue planet in all its glory.

CHILDREN’S PLAY DOME

At Kennedy Space Center little explorers find a plethora of things to see and do, but no attraction gets them excited like the Children’s Play Dome, a space-themed indoor playground. Here, future astronauts can go for a climb, have fun with the slides, squeeze through narrow tunnels and take space shuttles on fantasy trips to the galaxy, while the grownups enjoy a well-deserved break at the picnic tables.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER – OPENING TIMES AND PRICES

Kennedy Space Center is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.

1 Day Tickets cost 57 USD for adults and 47 USD for children aged 3–11. Included in the price are all attractions in and around the Visitor Complex, as well as a bus tour to the Apollo/Saturn V Center.

If you do not manage to see everything in one day – a real possibility given the sheer number of exhibitions – you can get the Multiday Admission for 82 USD (67 USD for children). This allows you to visit the Center as often as you like for one year. The following enhancements can be booked in addition to your ticket:

• KSC Explorer Tour: For 25 USD (19 USD for children) visitors can tour the restricted areas of the Space Center, including the giant Vehicle Assembly Building.
• Cape Canaveral Early Space Tour: This 3 hour tour includes the historic launch sites at Cape Canaveral as well as the Air Force & Missile Museum. The tour costs 25 USD (19 USD for children).
• Launch Director Tour of Space Shuttle Atlantis: For 65 USD guests are shown the Space Shuttle Atlantis on an exclusive tour led by launch director Mike Leinbach.
• Dine With an Astronaut: Having lunch with a real astronaut gives you the chance to hear space stories first-hand and ask the questions you have always wanted to ask. This enhancement costs 30 USD (16 USD for children).
• Astronaut Training Experience: If you want to know what it is like to be an astronaut in training, the Space Center has multiple programs for you: from a simulation of the atmosphere on Mars for 40 USD to training used by real NASA astronauts before they go on space missions (costs: 175 USD).

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER – AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE

Seeing a rocket launch at nearby Cape Canaveral is an unforgettable experience – and one that is free if you watch the launch from the Visitor Complex. Additionally, there are tours to special visitor galleries costing 19 or 48 USD. If you want to stay updated on rocket starts, you can visit the official website kennedyspacecenter.com.

A PREVIEW OF WHAT AWAITS YOU IN THE KENNEDY SPACE CENTER

In this clip you can catch a glimpse how the Kennedy Space Center looks like.

DIRECTIONS TO KENNEDY SPACE CENTER

Kennedy Space Center is located on Merritt Island off Florida’s east coast, only a one hour drive away from Orlando. It takes roughly 4 hours by car to get there from Cape Coral. Flights to Orlando´s International Airport are considerably faster. Once in the city, you will have no problem booking a bus tour to Kennedy Space Center.

Calculate your route to Kenney Space Center

Address for your navigation system: Florida 32899, USA

DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY IN A NUTSHELL

The Daytona International Speedway was opened in 1959, making it one of the true pioneers of American motorsports. NASCAR-founder Bill France was personally responsible for creating this permanent racetrack. Since its opening, the Speedway has been home to the Daytona 500, one of the most important and prestigious races in the USA. But high-powered sports cars are not the only stars here. At this stadium with a capacity of more than 100.000 people, you can also watch pick-up truck and superbike competitions. Even triathlons are held here.

The Daytona Speedway not only amazes with its 2.5 miles of tracks. Thanks to a 400 million USD overhaul, it also ranks among the most modern race tracks in the world. A state-of-the-art entrance system leads visitors to their zone in no time, the number of toilets has been doubled, and the seats are now more comfortable than ever. Tickets come in many different forms and price categories.

EVENTS AT DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY

No matter what kind of vehicles you want to see: at the Daytona International Speedway you are guaranteed to find the right event for you. Here is a short selection:

• Daytona 500: THE classic American NASCAR race
• Historic Sportscar Racing: four day event featuring legendary antique cars
• Rolex 24: 24 hour sports car race
• Bike Week: 10 days of exciting events for motorcycle fans
• Daytona Supercross: dirt bike race with daring stunts
• Challenge Daytona: three day triathlon.

Fans of American sports events already know: The warm-up to the race is as important as the event itself. At the Daytona Speedway, the fun begins when you enter the so-called injectors. These are more than just simple entrances to the ranks. Walking through the 4 injectors, you can admire high-powered cars by Toyota and Chevrolet, test your skills at the driving simulator and browse through tons of merchandise. In addition to the stands, the Speedway also features numerous fan areas and lounges, complete with air-con, TVs and catering.

TICKETS AND OFFERS AT THE DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY

If you want to experience events like the Daytona 500, you can choose from a wide range of tickets. The price is largely determined by one factor: How close to the action do you want to be? Tickets for the lower ranks, far away from the start/finish line and the pit road, are available for 98 USD. But if you want to sit on the highest ranks with a direct view of the starting line, expect to pay up to 700 USD.

In addition to basic tickets, there are special offers available at the Speedway:

UNOH FANZONE / PRE RACE ACCESS

The Fanzone in the center of the race track is nothing short of a sacred place for NASCAR enthusiasts. Here you can watch the teams refuel and change tires on the Pit Road, take a peak into the garages and get close to famous drivers on the Main Stage. Prior to the race, music bands get the fans in the right mood, and afterwards, you will experience the victory ceremony on Gatorade Victory Lane. Expect to pay 98 USD a day for this privilege.

CAMPING

It might seem strange to non-motorsports fans, but camping is a favorite pastime at the Daytona Speedway. For seasoned veterans, there is only one place to be: the Infield. During races, this area inside the tracks turns into a sea of RVs and caravans. Just put up your camping chair on the roof, grab your beer and snacks, and watch the cars fly by. This is the true NASCAR spirit! Unfortunately, it is also expensive, and spots sell fast. Camping at nearby sites in Daytona Beach and taking the free shuttle to the race tracks is by far the cheaper option.

ACTIVITIES AT DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY

Even when there is no race, the Daytona International Speedway offers many exciting activities for motorsports fans.

SPEEDWAY TOUR

On a ride with the open-air tram, you will learn everything about the history of the “World´s first Speedway”. Afterwards, you can take a photo on the podium before admiring the winning car of this year’s Daytona 500 – with all the bumps and scratches it sustained in the race. Renowned trophies and race cars from 60 years of motorsports history are displayed at the Hall of Fame. In addition, the museum showcases drag cars, motorcycles, antique cars and even power boats.

The Speedway Tour takes 30 minutes and costs 19 USD for adults.

ALL-ACCESS TOUR

This tour takes an additional 60 minutes and also includes a trip to the start/finish line. Guests can walk the 31-degree high banks and take a look into the pit stalls and the press room. From the ranks, you will enjoy unmatched views of the race tracks. The All-Access Tour costs 26 USD.

VIP TOUR

If you are looking for the ultimate fan experience, you should book this 3 hour tour. With a small group, you will ride the air-conditioned tour bus across the Speedway. At the ISC´s Archives and the Research Center you can gaze at the most valuable trophies in NASCAR history, Sir Malcom Campbell´s famous “Bluebird” and a life-like replica of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr´s office. Of course, non-motorsports fans will hardly appreciate all the little details. For seasoned fans, however, this tour is a must. Included in the 55 USD ticket is a trip to the Press Box, plus all the activities of the Speedway and All-Access Tours.

ONE DAYTONA

Being a true motorsports city, the Daytona International Speedway offers many opportunities for shopping and dining. But guests who only expect merchandise shops for racing fanatics will be surprised. The One Daytona is a Lifestyle & Entertainment Center complete with 12 stores – from fishing shop Bass Pro and sweets-store It´Sugar to sportswear, sunglasses and guitars. The center also houses 16 restaurants. Here you can enjoy burgers, steaks, Italian and Mexican specialties, ice-cream, smoothies, coffee and much more. The newest blockbusters are presented at the Cobb Luxury Theatre, and “Painting with a Twist” offers creative arts and crafts workshops. In addition, you can get fit at Gold´s Gym and have your nails done at the Venetian Spa. Last but not least, the One Daytona also features 2 hotels for guests who want to stay close to the race tracks.

WHAT AWAITS YOU ON A TOUR AT THE DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY?

Check out this video and see what makes a day at the Daytona International Speedway so exciting.

MORE INFORMATION

To find out more about events, important dates and tour details, visit the official website www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com. Here you can buy tickets from the online shop, find an interactive map of the race tracks and stay up to date on the latest motorsports news.

If you have enough of scenic beaches and NASCAR races at the Daytona International Speedway, you should visit Tanger Outlets, one of the best malls Daytona Beach has to offer: This open-air shopping arcade catches the eye with lush palm trees, beautiful mosaics and fountains. The variety of shops and special sales leaves nothing to be desired, either. In addition, the outlet is home to many restaurants, provides entertainment for little customers and serves as a venue for events all year round.

Tanger Outlet Offers – Essential for Bargain Hunters!

Visit the official website www.tangeroutlet.com to stay up to date on deals and offers. With discounts of up to 70%, American holidays and Black Friday are a particularly good time for bargain hunters. In addition, the mall’s restaurants attract customers with happy hours and reduced prices. For 5 USD you can purchase the coupon book that gives you a 90 day access to amazing bargains. If you want to save money, it also pays to check out websites like retailmenot, coupons.com and offers.com.

Looking for a birthday present? Then why not buy a Tanger Outlets gift card – either in printed or electronic form, valid for all 38 branches of the mall chain. Customers who frequently shop at the outlet and join the Tangerclub get rewarded with exclusive discounts.

Tanger Outlets Events

The holiday sales are not the only highlight of the outlet’s event calendar. In April, the Spring Family Fun Festival attracts customers with its family-friendly carnival atmosphere, exciting rides, games and Easter Sales. Live concerts and art fairs are held on Memorial Day in May, and the Rodeo Round Up in June features fun arts and crafts workshops as well as a petting zoo. At the Cars & Coffee Series that is held multiple times per year, Tanger Outlets turns into a haven for motorsports enthusiasts: Then, high-powered sports cars, muscle cars and classic American limousines are displayed in the mall’s parking lot.

Halloween is celebrated with trick or treating, balloon animals and face painting for children. Come November, the mall’s Christmas tree gets customers in the right mood fort the festive season. And of course, Santa Claus stops by for a meet and greet with his little fans.

Tanger Outlets – Location, Directions and Hours

Tanger Outlets is situated in northern Daytona Beach. Thanks to its location at Highway 95, the outlet can be reached quickly from most areas in the city.

The outlet is open at the following times:

• Monday to Saturday: 10 am–8 pm
• Sunday: 11 am–7 pm.

On holidays, different opening hours apply.

Contact Informations

Route planner

Calculate your Route to the Tanger Outlets Daytona Beach

Overview of travel times from other cities

• Cape Coral – 4 hours
• Captiva Island – 4,5 hours
• Fisher Island – 4 hours
• Fort Lauderdale – 3,5 hours
• Fort Myers – 3,5 hours
• Key West – 6,5 hours
• Miami – 4 hours
• Naples – 4 hours
• Palm Beach – 2,75 hours
• Pine Island – 4 hours
• Sanibel Island – 4,25 hours
• Venice – 3 hours

Tanger Outlets FAQ – frequently asked questions

Sunrise City might only have 100.000 citizens, but it houses Florida’s second-largest mall. The shopping complex Sawgrass Mills takes up an area the size of 55 acres or 31 football fields, making it the 11^th biggest mall in the United States. However, size is not everything, and shoppers in the Miami metropolitan area are demanding. It takes more than just a few discounts to attract loyal customers and play in the big league of American malls.

The designers of Sawgrass Mills were aware of this: The architecture alone, with its Mediterranean flair and lush palm trees, provides the perfect backdrop for shopping trips. Everything here is geared towards a comfortable customer experience: Parking on the extensive parking lot is free, all information is written in multiple languages, and guests enjoy complementary WIFI in the whole complex. So if you ask: “Is one of America’s biggest outlet malls worth a shopping trip?”, the answer is a wholehearted “Yes”.

Sawgrass Mills Offers – Essential for Bargain Hunters!

Even though Sawgrass Mills is not an outlet in the strict sense, amazing bargains can be struck here. Almost every store promotes discounts of up to 70% off certain items, and many shops offer deals for customers who subscribe to the mall’s newsletter. Pay special attention to signs saying “clearance”: These indicate that everything has to go, which means products are amazingly cheap.

Coupon Book and Voucher for free

If you are looking for particular items or shops, you should get the Sawgrass Mills Coupon Book. This booklet normally costs 19 USD, but thanks to the Vacation-in-Florida.net Voucher, you have the opportunity to get the coupon book for free. Just print out our voucher and show it at the information desk.

By the way: Clicking on Deals & Offers will reveal more information on sales, deals, offers of the day, special opening times and additional discounts. Just save the page on your phone or print it out.

Events

“Black Friday” is a nation-wide shopping holiday that originated in the USA. Today, companies around the globe use this date to promote special discounts. The “Black” Friday after Thanksgiving marks the time when many stores start their Christmas sales, as well as the beginning of the number one shopping season for outlet centers. There are many other days with special sales at Sawgrass Mills, among them:

Sawgrass Mills Directions – Learn how to get the Mall the easy way

Sawgrass Mills is open daily from 10 am to 9.30 pm. On Sundays the mall opens at 11 am and closes at 8 pm. Visitors driving to Sawgrass Mills from Fort Lauderdale only need 15 minutes by car. Driving there from Miami and Palm Beach takes 35 minutes. If you are coming from Cape Coral, you will need approximately 2 hours, so staying overnight is a good option: The Sunrise Hotel is situated next to the mall, directly at the city’s beautiful canal. Read below how long it takes to get to the mall from different places in Florida:

Contact Informations

Route planner

Overview of travel times from other cities

• Cape Coral – 2 hours
• Captiva Island – 2,5 hours
• Daytona Beach – 3,5 hours
• Fisher Island – 0,75 hours
• Fort Lauderdale – 0,25 hours
• Fort Myers – 1,75 hours
• Key West – 3,5 hours
• Miami – 0,5 hours
• Naples – 1,5 hours
• Palm Beach – 1 hours
• Pine Island – 2,5 hours
• Sanibel Island – 2,25 hours
• Venice – 2,75 hours

Parking

Important advice on parking at the mall: There are more than enough free sparking spots available at the Sawgrass Mills Outlet. However, you should remember the entrance you are using. Due to thousands of parking spots taking the wrong exit can lead to a time-consuming search for your vehicle.

Sawgrass Mills closed for days after bad weather!

Shuttles

Note: Due to Covid-19 there are currently no shuttle transfers to and from Sawgrass Mills Mall. For current information on the shuttle offer, please click here.

Tip: If you don’t want to drive your own car or rental car from Miami, book the convenient and affordable Sawgrass Mills Shuttle!

Sawgrass Mills FAQ – Frequently asked questions

South Florida is not only known for beautiful beaches, but also for its world-class shopping opportunities. A popular place for bargain hunters is Sanibel Outlets. Thousands of positive reviews speak for themselves: This shopping complex near Fort Myers is one of the best outlets Southwest Florida has to offer. Guests who expect an anonymous concrete block are in for a surprise: At Sanibel Outlets, rows of beautifully designed shops stretch under lush palm trees – the perfect backdrop to purchase beachwear or souvenirs for your loved ones at home. Unlike many malls in the Sunshine State, Sanibel Outlets is rarely overcrowded and offers a pleasantly relaxed shopping experience. Free parking and WiFi are part of the customer service, as well as the exciting playground for young shoppers.

Sanibel Outlets Offers – Essential for Bargain Hunters!

Today, the name “outlet” is no guarantee for outlet prices anymore. Fortunately, this shopping paradise is an exception to the rule. At Sanibel Outlets, you can still strike amazing bargains. The stores offer discounts of up to 70%, in addition to weekly specials as well as summer and winter sales. If you want to stay up to date on deals and offers, you should join the VIP Club on the official website www.sanibeloutlets.com. And if you really want to save money, get the free Coupon Book at the Mall Office and enjoy additional discounts of 10–20%.

Sanibel Outlets – Location, Directions, Parking and Hours

Vacationers in Cape Coral are quite lucky: They can reach Sanibel Outlets in just 15 minutes via the Cape Coral Bridge. For guests based in Fort Myers, the ride is even shorter. Sanibel Outlets is also a perfect stopover if you want to go shopping on your way to the scenic islands of Sanibel and Captiva. The outlet is open Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 9 pm. On Sundays, it opens at 10 am and closes at 6 pm.

Contact Informations

Route planner

Calculate your Route to Sanibel Outlets

Overview of travel times from other cities

• Cape Coral – 0,25 hours
• Captiva Island – 0,5 hours
• Daytona Beach – 4 hours
• Fisher Island – 3 hours
• Fort Lauderdale – 2 hours
• Key West – 5 hours
• Miami – 2,5 hours
• Naples – 0,75 hours
• Palm Beach – 3 hours
• Pine Island – 0,5 hours
• Sanibel Island – 0,25 hours
• Venice – 1,25 hours

Sanibel Outlets FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

The Miromar Outlets in Estero, Florida, is perfect if you want to go shopping under lush palm trees and reap in discounts of up to 70%. No wonder that this shopping center is so popular with customers and has even been awarded the title “Best Factory Outlet Mall” in Southwest Florida. Thanks to a wide variety of shops, you can easily spend 5 hours here without feeling bored.

Miromar Outlets Offers – Essential for Bargain Hunters!

In addition to seasonal and weekly promotions, the outlet also offers discounts on holidays and during special events like Super Bowl. The mall rewards customers who make big purchases. Spend more than 200 USD at Brooks Brothers, for instance, and you will receive a 20% discount. Additionally, the outlet’s restaurants often have low-price menus. If you want to keep track of all the discounts, you should get the coupon book at the visitor information center. This way, you can easily check which store is offering bargain prices at the moment.

Many shops require you to present a coupon to benefit from special discounts. If you combine these coupons with sales advertised on the official website, you can often save twice as much. Pro tip: Shopping at Miromar Outlets is cheapest on Black Friday. This Friday after Thanksgiving draws in customers with discounts of up to 50%, so it pays to get to the mall early.

Miromar Outlets – Location, Directions, Parking and Hours

Miromar Outlets is situated at the Interstate 75. It only takes 35 minutes by car to get there from Cape Coral. The trip from Fort Myers and Naples is even shorter. On-site parking is free, and thanks to a bus stop, the mall can also be reached easily with public transport. If you want to plan your shopping trip ahead, you will find an interactive map and a directory of all stores on the official website. The mall is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm (11 am to 6 pm on Sundays).

Contact Informations

Route planner

Calculate your Route to Miromar Outlets

Overview of travel times from other cities

• Cape Coral – 0,5 hours
• Captiva Island – 1 hours
• Daytona Beach – 4 hours
• Fisher Island – 2,5 hours
• Fort Lauderdale – 1,75 hours
• Fort Myers – 0,5 hours
• Key West – 5 hours
• Miami – 2 hours
• Naples – 0,5 hours
• Palm Beach – 2,5 hours
• Pine Island – 0,75 hours
• Sanibel Island – 0,5 hours
• Venice – 1,25 hours

Miromar Outlets FAQ – Frequently asked questions