South Florida Travel destinations

West-
beaches - area
Stretching from Martin County in the north, across the Gold Coast of Palm Beach, Broward and Dade counties, and ending in Key West, Southeast Florida's golden sunlight, gilded mansions, sparkling waters and immense wildernesses provide unique Florida travel destinations like no other in the state. A wealth of discounts, seasonal rates and package deals make Florida's remarkable Gold Coast affordable to even the most cost-conscious vacationer.

In Martin County, where nature provides the attractions, visitors will find plenty of waterfront condos and time-shares along sparkling Treasure Coast beaches. But for more economical offerings, head toward downtown Stuart, where affordable rooms are tucked alongside quaint shops and local restaurants. Vacationers can also enjoy popular recreational activities for free, such as fishing from county bridges, swimming off public beaches and beachcombing for treasure.

From April to December, discounts are offered for a variety of Florida travel destinations such as Palm Beach County where hotel packages drop as much as 50 percent and numerous special events, many of which are free. More than 70 participating resorts and hotels throughout the county offer complimentary seventh nights to guests who reserve six consecutive nights. And with the free Summer Golf-A-Round card, available at over 100 participating resorts and hotels, guests can enjoy one round of 18-hole golf daily at a choice of world-class championship courses. Use of the greens is either complimentary or at fees discounted by as much as 50 percent below the regular season rates at participating Florida travel destinations.

Visitors to Fort Lauderdale can enjoy a number of free activities, including jazz concerts the first weekend of each month at Riverwalk and a broad, serpentine pedestrian promenade along Fort Lauderdale's famed beaches. Get into the spirit of the "Venice of America" by hopping aboard a water taxi, which provides an economical and interesting way to tour area historical and cultural locations. In addition, the city's Superior Small Lodging program features a selection of 50-room or less, owner-operated hotels, which offer affordable accommodations in distinctive settings.

Greater Fort Lauderdale also features some of the world's best golf bargains.
During the value season — May through October — green fees range from $15 to $45 a round, while peak-season charges average from $25 to $65 a round. Fees can be trimmed even further by taking advantage of special packages offered by area golf resorts or by working through a discount tee time service such as Next Day Golf, which provides its clients with access to private courses normally closed to the public, at no extra charge.

During Miami's value season — May through October — vacationers can enjoy the exciting nightlife, unique cultural enclaves and a diverse population, which make Miami a world-famous vacation getaway. Summertime is an especially good time to find affordable accommodations, with rooms discounted up to 40 percent off regular rates. Additionally, visitors will be pleasantly surprised to find that car rental rates in Greater Miami are among the lowest in the country.

On Thursday evenings, vacationers can get a magnificent look at the skies above South Florida for free at the Miami Museum of Science and Space Transit Planetarium.

East-
beaches - area
In Southwest Florida, the treasures of the sea are free, and the area attractions aren't much more.
Along the coast, vacationers will find numerous economically-priced beaches and parks available with free admission or only nominal entrance fees.

From Boca Grande to Bonita Springs, Lee Island Coast accommodations are generally 30 to 60 percent lower during its value season from Easter to Christmas. For extra value, the Fort Myers' "Tour Thru Time" package offers five great tours at 35 percent off regular admission rates. The combination ticket includes admission to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Burroughs Home, Fort Myers Historical Museum and Imaginarium Hands-On Museum and Aquarium, as well as narrated tours of the historic downtown area aboard the city's tram.

Visitors to the charming city of Naples and its neighboring communities of Immokalee and Golden Gate will enjoy accommodation rates discounted as much as 50 percent from April through December. And in Marco Island, located off the southernmost tip of Florida's Gulf Coast, vacationers will find rooms discounted up to 60 percent off during sunny, breezy summer months. Area accommodations range from luxury suites nestled among sand dunes to natural campsites created by the vast Everglades wilderness.

Known as the "Golf Capital of the World," the Naples and Marco Island areas feature more than 53 private and public courses. Informed golfers know to visit these world-renowned courses during the summer and fall, when green fees are at their lowest and tee time availability is at its highest.

Whether for accommodations, attractions, touring or dining, Southwest Florida offers seasonal specials to tempt even the most budget-conscious traveler.