Florida vacations - Central East

Cocoa Beach - Sebastian - Fort Pierce - Sebastian Inlet - Kennedy Space Center - Cape Canaveral

The Florida Treasure Coast

 This Florida region encompasses two holiday areas, one being  known and promoted as the "Treasure Coast" and centered around Sebastian and Fort Pierce, and the the other is the "Space Coast" which is centered on Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral further to the north. Holiday makers will find plenty of highlights throughout the area.

The Florida Treasure Coast area takes its name from a number of shipwrecks that date back over 300 years, the most famous of which was a fleet of treasure laden Spanish galleons blown ashore on the coast of Hutchinson Island by a violent hurricane in 1715. Many a treasure hunt has taken place in these waters over the years.

Visitors to this part of Florida should take the opportunity to see the local wildlife such as loggerhead and leatherback turtles, tropical fish, alligators, deer, exotic birds and especially the endangered manatee. For sports enthusiasts, there is golf, tennis, polo, the Los Angeles Dodgers spring training exhibition games and the best of  freshwater fishing.

In recent years the Treasure Coast towns have experienced growth and revitalization as new residents are attracted by the laid back, unhurried lifestyle and the natural appeal of the region. The result is a growth in available holiday accommodation, restaurants and shops.

At the southern end of the Treasure Coast is Hobe Sound. With its direct access to the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, pristine beaches, canopied streets, antique shops and galleries it has become an elite address with million-dollar residences lining the shores.

The Florida Space Coast

The Florida Space Coast  is centered around Cape Canaveral. It's quite and solitude were rudely interrupted by the arrival of the NASA space program with its spectacular satellite and shuttle launches. The development of the Kennedy Space Center has seen the amalgamation of high tech science and tourism and the area now sees hundreds of thousands tourists who come to see the technology and marvel at what has been achieved.

But the area is not all about high tech wizardry, rockets, astronauts and moon landings. There are 72 miles (115 km) of beaches, excellent fishing, surfing, and of course, plenty of Florida golf.  These are the closest beaches to Orlando Florida and appeal to those wanting a change from the non-stop frenetic activity of Walt  Disney World and the entertainment parks.

This area is also a great destination for nature lovers. Land surplus to NASA's requirements was turned over to the Canaveral National Seashore and the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which have preserved these areas in their pristine natural states.

The man-made Port Canaveral is now the home port for several Caribbean-bound Florida cruise ships.  The south side of the port is lined with seafood restaurants and marinas and is the hub for many of the local events.  The port also serves as home port  for off-shore floating casinos and the area's deep-sea charter and group fishing boats.

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