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Sometimes it seems like all of Florida is sparkling, sunny beachfront. That's not exactly true--one of the most popular vacation destinations, Orlando, is inland. But the state does have 800 miles of mostly white sand beaches.
That's because Florida borders the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Gulf of Mexico on the west. On the east coast side there's Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, and Miami. On the southern tip, there are the Florida Keys.
Then there's the Panhandle on the Gulf Coast side, a seemingly uninterrupted stretch of beach from Perdido Bay to St. George Island that includes Pensacola. Further down the Gulf Coast side are Sarasota, St. Petersburg, and Fort Meyers. Trying to choose the best beach from such a bounty of potential destinations is a ridiculous task.
No wonder Florida is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country. There are possibly more vacation homes here than in any other state. Renting a condo, villa, or home directly from the owner can be a real advantage.
Not only do you save on rental agent commissions, but you have a chance to ask questions of someone who really knows the area. An owner can give you the straight stuff on the weather (not always sunny!), cheap or fun places to eat, things to see, tourist traps to avoid, and other little priceless tips you don't get from a guidebook or hotel staff.
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