Florida Ranks Tops For Summer Vacation This Year

Despite last year's devastating hurricane season, Florida ranks tops for summer vacation this year. At least when it comes to domestic destinations. The latest report on summer destinations is from Gambling.com which ranks Florida #2 in the nation for summer vacation.

Researches considered five criteria to come up with the ranking. Hotel accommodations was a big one. So was the number of attractions, landmarks, parks and such. Florida is the undisputed king when it comes to theme parks. Also important to note was weather. The average amount of sunlight in each state was also calculated and taken into account. After all, Florida IS nick named The Sunshine State.

So what state ranks above Florida? It's Virginia. It edged out Florida in the crime category as well has hotel room affordability.  Illinois came in at number three, Georgia is number four and rounding out the top five is Ohio. Vacationing in Ohio? Surprisingly, California ranked 110 on the list. If you want the most affordable accommodations, consider a trip to North Dakota. Kansas and Iowa rank number two and three respectively.

If you are still trying to figure out where to go and what to do for your summer vacation, perhaps a staycation of sorts is in order. When was the last time you explored all that Florida has to offer? There is a lot to see and do in The Sunshine State.

Travel and Leisure recently published a report that details 10 of the most stunning bodies of water in country. From sunny ocean spots, to lakes, to waterfalls these locations are simply breathtaking. Included in the list were two Florida locations that have the bluest water in America.

This is one of the most unique spots in the country. Dry Tortugas National Park lies west of Key West, Florida in the Gulf of Mexico. It is made up of seven small islands and that are surrounded by coral reef. The park enclosed is roughly 47,000 acres. To arrive here, you must either take a boat or a seaplane. Therefore, it is not accessible by car.

Describing its blue waters, Travel and Leisure says, "Most of it is placid, turquoise, and filled with colorful marine life, making for some of the best snorkeling in the Sunshine State."

Another destination recognized in the report was Devil's Den. This spring is situated in Willston, about 20 miles south of Gainesville. It is a natural cave that is privately owned. The water has been known to consistently register around 72 degrees regardless of season. One of its main attractions is scuba diving. In fact, it is also a scuba training center where diving is available seven days a week. However, you must have proper certification as it the water has a maximum depth of 54 feet. Their are four lodging cabins at Devil's Den. The property contains 120 feet of surface diameter.

Also mentioned on Travel and Leisure's list was Crater Lake in Oregon, Jenny Lake in Wyoming, and Tenaya Lake and Lake Tahoe in California. Havasu Falls in Arizona was the spotlighted waterfall. Finally, as for beaches with the brightest blues, Flamenco Beach in Puerto Rico and Lanikai Beach in Hawaii were among the best.

These two Florida locations that have the bluest water in America were the only east coast spots to make this feature.

This home of Fort Jefferson offers swimming, fishing, and camping. Furthermore, it also has a wide array of bird life. You can bring your own boat up to the park, which offers various tours throughout the day. Or perhaps you'd prefer to hop in a kayak or on a paddleboard and simply explore the turquoise blue waters, that's an option as well.

Devil's Den has a dive platform in the middle due to its high level of Scuba and snorkel attraction. In addition, you must be 18 years of age or accompanied by an adult to visit. Their website explains the history by detailing, "On cold winter mornings you can see steam, like smoke, rising from the chimney opening. Thus, the early settlers gave the name Devil's Den."