6 Vacation Spots in Florida for Your New Year’s Resolutions

It’s that time of year when the weather is soggy and drab and people are trudging along, struggling to keep their ill-fated resolutions. But all you can think about is where to get away in a balmy paradise without using up all of your paid time off. New Year’s means it’s resolution time for most, but you’ve decided to skip making empty promises to yourself and actually accomplish something–taking a much-needed vacation. You’ve cleared out your calendar and got your coworker to cover for you. You’ve done your shopping, digging through the bargain bins in the department store to find that swimsuit. You’ve stocked up on sunscreen, beach towels, and flip-flops, but now the next decision is where you actually end up. Not everyone can afford a tropical vacation to Hawaii, so Florida is the next best thing. With miles of beaches and coastlines and an endless supply of activities and exploration, the most challenging part of your vacation should be where you choose to travel.

Tampa, FL

Florida is filled with a diverse ecosystem and wildlife habitats. This is because of miles of coastline and lots of sea creatures. One can never run out of experiences in the Sunshine State. Tampa, Florida is the city along Tampa Bay, on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Tampa is a modern city that hosts some of the most prominent attractions in the state. This includes Busch Gardens, a theme park with thrill rides and animal enclosures for visitors to the park to enjoy.

Daytona Beach, FL

You may recognize this city for hosting the NASCAR Daytona 500 race. However, though that is its main attraction, Daytona Beach, Florida has so much more to offer its visitors. With its world-famous beaches and a classic boardwalk and pier, families young and old will always have something to explore. Get your thrills from Ponce Inlet with its various watersports including paddle boarding, kayaking, boat tours, and more.

Pensacola, FL

There are a lot of old and historic cities in the state of Florida, but one popular destination for families is the city of Pensacola. This city is the official home of the Blue Angels, which frequently put on airshow demonstrations and practices throughout the year. Pensacola is world-renowned for its white, sandy beaches and historic Perdido Key, a sanctuary island for both people and wildlife. Step into the past by visiting Pensacola’s storied downtown filled with interactive museums.

Destin, FL

Destin, Florida is a popular beach town for tourists to the state. It’s the classic Florida vacation with powdery, white sand on its beaches and turquoise waters brimming with sea life. Spot huge sand dunes at Henderson State Park, sip on cocktails and swim around at Crab Island. Between the waterparks and maritime museums, there is so much to do indoors as well as outdoors.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL

With lots of canals for tourists to explore, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida is often called the “Venice of America.” It is the hub for all outdoor water and land adventures. The Strip is a promenade that runs along the shore, with tons of outdoor restaurants and bars. Hop onto the unique “Water Taxi,” which makes several stops along the waterways with sharing a detailed history of the area. Check out the International Swimming Hall of Fame with decades of history and memorabilia.

Florida Keys

The Florida Keys consist of a spattering of islands along the southern tip of the state. An archipelago made up of a series of islands, the Keys are home to the famous Key West, Key Largo, the Lower Keys, and more. The Keys maintain crystal-clear water and are home to one of the only remaining living barrier coral reefs in the continental United States. The main attractions of these 120 miles of island chain include snorkeling and scuba diving. However, there are plenty of activities for the whole family, including charter fishing and boat tours. No matter what part of the state you choose to vacation in, the sun shines all year round, making it the perfect tropical getaway for individuals and families. The new year comes with new stresses and worries, so cheat the system and make things easier on yourself. Why not make a resolution you know you can–and want to–accomplish?