Places To Gamble In Florida While On Vacation

Florida may be popular for its hot summers, white sandy beaches and Disney. This is what vacationers would come to expect while holidaying in Florida. However, Florida is more than just a kiddies playground. Some of the best hotels in Orlando for adults also offer casino gambling opportunities for vacationers.

So if you are looking for places to gamble in Florida, you may not need to look too hard. Whether you want to make a quick buck playing slot machines or you are interested in a game of poker. You can be sure to find fun hotels in Orlando for adults. For places to gamble in Florida, you can try out these three hotels and casinos.

1. The Miccosukee Resort And Gaming

If you are a newlywed looking to spend your honeymoon in Florida, then one of the best hotels in Miami for couples is the Miccosukee Resort and Gaming. What makes the Miccosukee special is it’s a sort mentioned of entertainment, health and leisure amenities. The Miccosukee meets all your vacationing needs and more. Below is a list of its facilities;

• 302 fully furnished and equipped rooms
• Large swimming pool
• Fitness center and spa
• Variety of dining options to make your honeymoon a pleasurable and memorable one.
• Miccosukee comes with a golf club and a casino that is open 24 hours a day and for every day.

The casino in Miccosukee Resort and Gaming is equipped with a total of 1,700 casino gambling machines comprising of slot machines. The poker tables in this casino are 32 in number and there is also a chance for you to put your money where your mouth is and play a high-stakes game or two of bingo.

Miccosukee also comes with a high-stakes gaming zone which is exclusively for anyone wishing to place pretty high bets on a casino gambling game of choice. Miccosukee Resort and Gaming is one of the best fun hotel Orlando has to offer.

While it is popular for its casino games, the Miccosukee Indian Village which is adjacent to the Resort is famous for its Everglades airboat rides. Miccosukee Indian Village is also known for its live wild alligator displays.

If you are not a newly wedded couple, but a family with kids, one of the best Miami resorts for families especially when you have children under the age of 12 years is the Club Egret. Let your kids spend the whole day playing under a safe, secure and fun environment while you get busy in the casinos of Miccosukee Resort and Gaming.

2. The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel And Casino In Hollywood, Florida

The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is located in Hollywood a coastal city in Florida. This is one of the fun hotels in the Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale area for adults as it comes with a very large casino gambling hall. Some of the features of this hotel include the following;

• A large number of hotel rooms and luxurious suites.
• A large swimming pool.
• A Spa and fitness facility.
• Various dining options.
• A series of nightclubs.
• A variety of bars.

The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino also has a casino that operates round the clock daily. In the casino there are more than 2,000 casino gambling slot machines as well as 100 high-stakes table games. If you are not a cigarette smoker there is a smoke-free zone within the casino where you can enjoy playing your favorite casino games without the fear of inhaling secondhand smoke.

If you are actively in the military or a member of the AAA, you are entitled to great discounts on room rates, not only in Seminole Hard Rock, but also in 5 star hotels in Hollywood, Florida  only 3 hours from Disney World.

There are also special packages and offers available for lucky vacationers, so pay a visit to the official website of the hotel for more information.

3. The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino In Tampa, Florida

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel And Casino is also available in the Tampa area of Florida. Just like the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, this is one of the best hotels in Tampa  for adults. The facilities in the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tampa is quite similar to that in Hollywood. The noticeable difference in this hotel is that it has no swimming pool. However, you have a lot of fun and entertaining amenities on offer in this hotel. Some of the facilities to look out for in this hotel when you come visiting on a vacation include;

• A large number of restaurants including the Hard Rock Cafe.
• The Rock Spa and Salon.

You also have a casino gambling hall with has as many as 800 slot games and a total of 5 blackjack live tables functioning on a 24/7 timeline. Similar to the Hollywood casino, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Tampa has a non-smokers zone within the casino hall.

There are also a lot of live entertainment events that take place regularly like magic shows, standup comedy and musical performances. Vacationers can get very nice promotional offers including discounted rates for the hotel rooms and suites. You can also get some really grand 5 star hotels in Orlando, Florida near Disney Worldespecially if you go on holiday with your kids.

Florida Gambling Sector Debate

Over the years there has been a lot of debate on the gambling laws in operation in the state of Florida. Officials in Florida had been strongly critical of the existing gambling laws and sort to have amendments made. However, there was a poll conducted recently to know if the decision to approve any long-term gambling expansion laws should be exclusively that of these officials or of voters.

It’s no secret that the state of Florida has experienced its fair share of casino gambling options being touted by both officials and voters alike. In this present time there are more than 80 casinos owned by Native Americans and fully functional in the state of Florida. Vacationers can visit the best Orlando resorts for families and also take a cruise on cruise ships in the coastal area of Florida while taking full advantage of their casino gambling facilities as well.

Apart from regular slot machines and table games, vacationers can engage in dog and horse racing gambling. However, this form of gambling has also been debated and there has even been a motion passed in support of the prohibition of greyhound racing in Florida. Another motion is that in support of ending the gambling agreement between the state of Florida and the Seminole Tribe in order to create a more open and competitive gambling sector in the state.

Passing of Amendment 3

The just concluded mid-term elections in the month of November (held on the 6th) witnessed a vote in favor of the passing of Amendment 3. In the passing of Amendment 3, voters would now have the sole responsibility of deciding on the long-term direction of Florida gambling law.

No longer would the expansion of the Florida gambling law be left solely to politicians and officials of the state. The passing of Amendment 3 was precipitated by a minimum of 60% vote, but a 64.4% vote was realized at the end.

This suggests a large consensus for voter determined gambling law expansion in the state of Florida. The passing of Amendment 3 would make it really difficult for the introduction of any new changes that would lead to an expansion of Florida’s gambling laws.

One form of entertainment and betting that would be affected by the passing of Amendment 3 is the implementation of sports gambling. Sports gambling is a popular choice for vacationers looking for places to gamble in Florida.

These vacationers would have to seek alternative gambling options to satisfy their need for sport gambling. It is interesting to note that Amendment 3 received the support of both Disney Worldwide Services and the Seminole Tribe. Disney Worldwide Services made a telling contribution in excess of $15m to politically motivated campaigns aimed at seeing the Amendment 3 motion been passed.

The Seminole Tribe had entered into a mutually beneficial agreement with the state of Florida. The various casinos owned by the Seminole Tribe is jealously guarded by the Native Americans and in order to ensure that their firm grip of the casino operations is guaranteed, they made contributions of over $12m towards the passing of the amendment.

As mentioned before, the reason why Amendment 3 was firmly supported by the Seminole Tribe was to ensure that they are in full control of their chain of casinos operating in Florida such as the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casinos.

On the other hand Disney Worldwide Services were in favor of the voters determined gambling law expansion because they perceived that a rise in gambling in the state of Florida would adversely affect their revenues.

The League of Women Voters, the Voters in Charge Group and the Florida Chamber of Commerce also openly showed their support for the passing of the amendment in preliminary polls which were held between the 19th and 24th of September, 2018.

The poll had a total of 622 voters and early signs of the motion being passed were witnessed in the result of the poll which had over 60% of the 622 voters in support of the passing of Amendment 3.

However, there were other groups that were not in favor of the Amendment 3. These included teams from the National Football League (NFL). Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Miami Dolphins expressed their displeasure before the passing of the amendment. Tampa Bay Buccaneers even made a financial contribution of $500,000 towards the opposition of the amendment while Miami Dolphins were active on twitter where they expressed their opposition to the motion being passed.

The Sports Betting Dilemma

The passing of Amendment 3 is seen as a big blow to sports betting in the state of Florida. It is worth noting that in May, 2018 the Supreme Court had brought the Federal prohibition of sports betting to an end. This has led to the passing of sports betting bills by a large number of states in the U.S.

However, with the passing of Amendment 3 in the state of Florida, sports betting is likely to be the first casualty of the bill. While at the best hotels in Orlando for couples looking for a good time, this amendment will limit the expansion of gambling in the state and could also hinder vacationers from having access to their preferred form of gambling in the future.

888 Sport A Welcomed Sport Betting Alternative

Holiday seekers can still seek out what the best fun hotel Orlando, Florida has to offer while still engaging in various forms of casino gambling. 888 Casino offers several gaming and gambling options such as 888 Backgammon, 888 Poker, 888 Bingo and 888 Sport.

Vacationers can hook up to 888 Sport to play their preferred live sport gambling game. By simply signing up with 888 Casino and opening a gaming account, you can have access to all their associated casino gambling sites including 888 Sport.

You can also visit 888 Sport to register and choose from the array of sports’ betting options available. You have Basketball, Baseball, Ice Hockey, Cricket, Motorsport, Volleyball, Cycling, Snooker, Horse and Greyhounds racing betting options available amongst many others.

As you visit the best Orlando resorts for families, you can also indulge a little in sports betting from the comfort of your hotel room. You can make use of your laptop or mobile device to both gamble and catch up on betting results. The 888 Sport user interface is dynamic, simplistic and compatible on mobile devices including those using Android or iOS operating systems.

When it comes to security your private data and financial details are protected by advanced firewall and SSL encryption based technology. Furthermore, the outcomes of online sports betting is proven to be completely fair as a result of the periodic audits that independent auditing companies carry out on all the casino gambling games including sports betting.

888 Sport is under the license of the Gambling Commission as well as the laws of Gibraltar. Payments under this online sports betting platform is reliable, quick and efficient. Under 888 Sport you can make use of the following payment methods; AstroPay, Visa, Mastercard, Neteller, EntroPay, Skrill and PayPal. 888 Sport is fully designed for mobile compatibility and in 2017 they were an EGR Awards Winner. They were winners of the Operator marketing and innovation awards for 2017, mobile marketing campaign.

Amendment 3 may lead to the sluggish expansion of gambling laws in the state of Florida while gambling in other states in the U.S thrive. However, with 888 Sport vacationers have an online casino gambling alternative. Vacationers looking to engage in other casino gambling options other than just regular slot machines, table and card games can log on to 888 Sport.

What to Expect

Mobile Sport Betting Experience

Even as you relax in one of the 5 star hotels in Orlando, Florida near Disney World with your family. You can still make out time to engage in online sport betting right from your mobile device. 888 Sport offers a very flexible user interface which is compatible on a variety of screen sizes for smartphones and tablets.

What’s more, users of iOS, Android or Windows OS mobile devices can fully access the site. The online sport betting platform is user friendly, easy to navigate and comes with multiple language options. So while your kids are out visiting Disney World, you can be busy placing bets on a myriad of sporting events right from your mobile phone.

888 Sport Offers Secure Payment

As you decide on which bets you want to place, you can be sure that your financial information is protected under the platform. 888 Sport uses highly advanced SSL encryption and firewall technology to ensure that every registered member places their bets without the fear of their financial details being compromised.

There are several payment options available once an account has been opened with the sport betting site. You can use PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, EntroPay, Visa, Mastercard or AstroPay to make payments in your gaming account. Withdrawal of funds is also easy and can be made through highlighted modes of payment.

Bonus Offers

• Welcome Bonus Offer

As a first timer, 888 Sport offers a welcome bonus worth $30 in free bets. To qualify for this welcome bonus offer all you need to do is to register with 888 Sport and then login to your gaming account and make an initial deposit of just $10 using the promo code (30fb).

• Free Bet Weekend Offer

While holidaying in one of the best Orlando resorts for families on a weekend. You can log on to 888 Sport and take advantage of the free bet offer. There is more than $10,000 up for grabs in the 888 Sport weekly Title Races. 888 Sport are giving much more to winners of soccer bets and the free weekend bet offer is just one incentive.

You can choose to take part in any of the leagues on offer and whenever you gain a weekend bet win, there are points that you will earn. The points you earn will rise in relation to the size of your weekend bet win.

To register for the free bet weekend, you just need to log in to your respective gaming account with 888 Sport, go to your registered name on the top right-hand corner, click on it to reveal “My account”. With this option you can now register to participate in the competition.

• Refund When American Acca Is Unsuccessful By 1

888 Sport will give a refund if your American Acca is unsuccessful by just one result. If you place a bet on a minimum of five American sports market such as MLS, MFB, NBA, NFL and NHL, you will receive a refund of as much as $25 if any one of your bets comes up short. The refund can be staked back in form of a free bet to get you playing without delay.

24/7 Support

Whenever you and your significant other are out in one of the best hotels in Orlando for couples a trip to a casino room at night may not go well with your spouse. You do not have to leave your spouse alone while you indulge in some sport betting. All you have to do is log on to 888 Sport and place your bets on a variety of live sporting events. If you have any complaints, suggestions or enquiries, 888 Sport has a very active support team that will be on hand to attend to your needs.

They offer 24/7 customers service support, so you don’t have to worry about not being able to get through to their customer support. There are several ways to reach 888 Sport support, you can send an email and get a quick response or you can generate a ticket when you make use of the 888 Sport Support Center. Here you can provide a detailed description of the issue. You can also visit the FAQs section to find answers to those nagging questions you may have.

On A Final Note

It will be interesting to see how the passing of Amendment 3 will affect the expansion of gambling laws in Florida in the near and distant future. In the meantime, if you are planning on vacationing in Florida, you can visit the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casinos in both Tampa and Hollywood. You can get to play different slot machines, card and table games in these places. However, if slot machines, card and table games do not satisfy your needs, then you can register with 888 Sport for a chance to place your bets on a number of live sport betting events.

This local festival is named after Jose Gaspar, a mythical Spanish pirate. The festivities begin with an “invasion” of Tampa Bay by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla and a flotilla of smaller boats, where the Gasparilla confronts the mayor of Tampa and demands the key to the city.

The parade is a vibrant procession of floats, marching bands, and marauders dressed as pirates and wenches. Observers stand anxiously on each side, vying for colorful strands of beads, which are thrown into the crowds.

As a Tampa native who has watched the Gasparilla parade on many occasions, I’d like to share some insider tips with anyone who is considering checking it out.

Pirate Invasion in Tampa, Photo Courtesy of https://www.visittampabay.com

Where to Watch

The majority of the parade takes place on Bayshore Boulevard and the bulk of excited onlookers tend to crowd onto this strip.

Unless you like being cramped in small spaces with hordes of people, I recommend you enjoy the parade from downtown Tampa where there’s less rowdiness and you’ll actually find a place to stand (or sit if you bring a folding chair). Parking is more accessible and less expensive here too.

My favorite place to enjoy the Parade is on Ashley Drive, right at the point where the parade comes over the bridge from Bayshore and turns into downtown.

Where to Park

If you decide to watch the parade on the Bayshore side, it’s worth knowing ahead of time that the fee to park is astronomical. With a little exploring you can find parking on the street in the adjacent neighborhoods but this will involve walking a good 6-8 blocks (if you’re lucky).

The best parking is in downtown because there are several city parking garages to choose from where you are charged an hourly rate and you won’t have to walk more than 3-4 blocks, if that.

Photo Courtesy of https://www.visittampabay.com

What to Bring

If you’re into catching beads it’s a good idea to come up with a creative sign or something that will catch the pirates’ attention.  Essentials for the parade include a windbreaker or jacket, as the parade route can get quite breezy (it’s right along the Hillsborough river and Tampa Bay), comfortable shoes, and water to keep hydrated.

It’s wise to check out the weather beforehand.  An umbrella may come in handy.  Don’t forget sunblock. The Florida winter sun can still burn!

I highly recommend bringing folding chairs because the parade lasts a good while.  If you’re looking to save pennies, make sure to bring some snacks.  You will find vendors everywhere but the food and drink can be pricey, and the the lines are sometimes long. You might want to consider a small grill or stove, if you do that make sure you get there hours ahead of time to find a suitable spot!

A rolling cooler to tote your own drinks is a wise option. Open containers (adult beverages) are permitted.

Those visitors with children may wonder if Gasparilla is appropriate for whole family.  There is a parade for the kids which takes place on a separate weekend, but I’ve taken my daughter to the main parade on Ashley and have never had a problem.

Downtown Tampa has some great restaurants and bars downtown where you might consider popping in, either before or after the parade.

Here are a few I would recommend that are within walking distance:

Hattricks Tavern is an Irish pub/sports bar that’s a couple of blocks from Ashley Drive.  They service typical bar food. 102 S. Franklin Street.

Anise Global Gastrobar, situated by Curtis Hixon Park, is a cafe with hand-crafted cocktails and small plates of international fusion-type cuisine. 777 N. Ashley Drive.

Holy Hog is also close by. This joint serves real southern barbeque. 302 E Kennedy Blvd.

Whether you plan a trip to Tampa to participate in the revelry of Gasparilla, or if your trip simply coincides with the the parade and its activities, a little preparation will guarantee you a great time!

There is much more to do than the Mickey.

When we think of Orlando, Florida the first think that comes to mind is Disney. True, Walt so to speak  put Orlando on the map.

Ever since the early 1960s, when Walt Disney chose Central Florida as the location for his most extensive theme park, Walt Disney World, Orlando has been synonymous with mouse ears, thrill rides and daily parades. But most locals readily divulge that fantasy fulfillment has little to do with the real life of urban Orlando. From the downtown region heading north to well-to-do Winter Park, the city is a checkerboard of intriguing neighborhoods filled with historic bungalows, interesting galleries and cafes catering to the creative class

Before Disney, Orlando was a vast greenery of orange groves and lush outdoors. While not too many people notice this, the New York Times  we need to give credit to for showing us there is plenty to do here.

Friday

Again Outdoors, Exercise is Great in Orlando. Work up a sweat and get a drink.

Saturday

I have been here many times, and it is amaaazing.

Sunday

Let’s plan a trip to Orlando and spend 3 days and discover that there is life besides fantasy that will enthrall all who care to partake. However, if  you need a Disney fix  we have you covered as well!

Be warned and you will be fine.

You do not want to go near these creatures.

“Pretty blue balloons with nasty stinging tentacles have washed up on South Florida’s beaches, with the arrival of Portuguese man-of-war season.

Lifeguard stands across the region are flying purple sea pest flags, as ocean winds blow these unwelcome visitors toward shore. On Sunday alone, lifeguards in Hollywood treated 204 people for stings.

Winter is the season for their arrival, and no one is claiming that the numbers are unusual for this time of year.

“They’re washing up on the beach, but nothing crazy,” said Bob Lemons, spokesman for Boca Raton Fire Rescue Services.

A smart tourist is a safe tourist

The majority of victims appear to be tourists, said Sandra King, spokeswoman for Pompano Beach. On Friday, for example, a child from out-of-town picked one up and popped the balloon, ending up with severe stings.

“Within 15 minutes, my son got hit on legs with the tentacles of a small blue meanie, then my husband’s feet,” she said in an email. “My dog came out of the water yelping. He immediately started licking his underside. He was also very curious about the huge ones on shore, and we had to keep pulling him away from them since we know you can still get stung.”

So what do you do?  Here is some advice.

She rinsed off the stings and gave everyone ice in the car.

“Once home, our dog jumped into the cold water of our pool and sat on the top step for a long time,” she said. “I believe the cold water made the stings feel better.”

They’ve been common on the beach since the winds shifted inland about a week ago.

Like related species such as jellyfish, corals and sea anemones, Portuguese men-of-war use tentacles with stinging capsules to capture prey, ranging from plankton to small fish. They typically live in the Gulf Stream and don’t want to come near shore any more than we want them there, but they drift at the mercy of wind-driven ocean currents.

Although the stings are rarely dangerous, they can be extremely painful.

Lifeguards typically provide pain medication at the scene. The danger comes if a victim has an allergic reaction, with those allergic to bee stings usually at risk of an allergic reaction to a Portuguese man-of-war.

The professional advice  to do if you get stung and how NOT to get stung!

— Stay clear of them. Their tentacles can extend up to 30 feet. Remember, a beached man-of-war can still sting.

— Contact a lifeguard.

— Rinse the affected area with seawater to remove any stinging barbs.

–Don’t try to remove the tentacle with your bare hands. Use a towel and gently unwrap it away from your skin,

— Treat with vinegar or hot water, not cold water. Later, use ice to ease the pain.

— Use Benadryl oral or topical cream

]]> https://www.florida.com/blog/disney-world-raises-ticket-prices-announces-new-park-openings/ Tue, 13 Feb 2018 17:26:36 +0000 http://www.florida.com/?p=1920 Disney World Raises Ticket Prices

The popular Orlando, Florida vacation destination  announced ticket prices will go up this week. Anywhere from $2 to $5 per day. Also Florida resident tickets are on the rise. While that may be disturbing, Disney has announced new rides and park openings like Toy Story Land this year and in 2019 Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

St. Johns River

There are a few piers on the St. Johns River where anglers are able to catch some large game fish. One of the most common and sought after fish that can be caught are redfish. Redfish are frequently caught weighing over 20 pounds during the months of September and October. You can also catch snook, flounder and bluegill as well.

Banana River Lagoon

The Banana River is the home to quite a few varieties of game fish, including flounder, mangrove snapper, bluefish, redfish, spanish mackerel, and lady fish. These are just a few of the varieties of fish that anglers can catch here. The Banana River is Florida at its finest, it is still pristine and untouched by development.

Florida Keys

The Florida Keys run from Key Largo in the North to Key West 100 miles south. This is what makes this location such an incredible hot spot for fishing. This is especially true in the outer-curve of the area, where the Gulf Stream and Atlantic Ocean meet. You can find swordfish, sailfish, and white and blue marlin. If you are looking for large gamefish, this is the place to go.

Sunglow Fishing Pier

The Sunglow Pier is in the Daytona Beach area and is a very popular location for anglers looking to catch whiting, pompano, flounder, trout or sheep’s head. You also have to pay to fish here and if you don’t have your own gear, rod and reel rentals are available. There is a bait shack along with attendants who can offer advice on fishing the pier.

Big Bend Fishing

Located on the Gulf Coast area of Florida, anglers travel here because it is known for as being an excellent location for redfish. You can also catch trophy sized tarpon here. Depending on the time of year, you can also see Manatees here.

Apalachicola Bay

You may not be familiar with this area for fishing but it is truly a hidden gem for those looking for an incredible but not-so well-known fishing spot for great fishing. For the most part, anglers come to this area for redfish, but this is not the only species that you can find here.

You will also find bluefish, ladyfish, and flounder. They best way to fish the river is in a kayak so you can access all the best spots!

Cocoa Beach Pier

The Cocoa Beach Pier is an historic location that offers some of the best fishing in Florida. You will have to pay to fish here but it is well worth the money as you are almost guaranteed to catch fish.

A wide variety of species are plentiful, including bluefish, redfish, snapper, pompano, flounder, and grouper. If you are a beginner, there are attendents that have decades of experience that are more than happy to help you out.

Florida offers plenty of excellent fishing and these spots are just a sample of places to go but these are some of the best Florida has to offer! While your at it, even if you don’t catch some fish, why not enjoy the beaches?

According to Travel and Leisure Miami now ranks number 1 as the rudest city in the USA. Last year it was a runner up.   They say it is hard to imagine it is so bad with the weather and beaches, which by the way Miami ranks as one of the best  beach getaways.

So what is the deal Miami? What is bugging you guys so much that people think you are not nice? Are you too sunburned, not tan enough or what? This writer has grown up in South Florida. From Miami Beach where I went to high school, to Surfside and Aventura to Boca Raton. There is almost no other place I would rather live.

Miami is a bustling place, multicultural with a plethora of things to do and see. Miami proper or Miami Beach or just South Florida, it is just not that bad.

The finest restaurants, night life, best choice of great hotels with people from all walks of life enjoying themselves.  Whether you live here or visit the experience is world renown for the good, and not rudeness.

I have seen rudeness

Anywhere we go we do experience….jerks. I have posted in our rant rave section, things that tick me off. Here is my short list of rudeness, but can you tell me if it is just here or have you seen this anywhere?

• Driving and you put on your blinker to change lanes. The other driver does one of 2 things, speeds up or makes pretend he doesnt see you. Then if you try to squeeze you get a horn blast or a hand gesture.
• The dish at the restaurant was just not that good. I tell the owner, and she says since I ate too much of it (in my face spraying me with saliva) says too bad. That place didn’t stay open long.
• The service dog deal here. Anyone can bring a dog into almost any place in Florida, as long as they register it as a “service” dog. This includes little bitty animals that are really lap dogs, to bigger ones that I have seen laying in a main aisle in an Apple store, and people had to walk around.

However, I would venture to say people have seen this anywhere.

Miami is not so bad at all. It is actually pretty darn good! Come down and enjoy yourself! It will be awesome.

Here we take a look at the top 3 biggest biker events that draw riders and enthusiasts from all over Florida – and from all over the world each year.   

Daytona Bike Week Rally

Topping our list of course is the Daytona Bike Week Rally. This amazing bike rally is known all over for its long standing history, major events, and huge crowd. Over 500,000 and sometimes many more bike enthusiasts arrive in the Daytona area for a week full of fun, food and frolicking.

Every year there is an official “Daytona Bike” given away, and for a $50 ticket you can win a Harley Davidson custom Ultra Class. They do limit the amount of tickets they sell, so if this is something you are interested in, it is a good idea to get on this as early as possible.

Another big draw to this event is the beach. With its hard packed sand, vehicles are allowed on the beach. There’s nothing like sporting your hot rod along the sunny Atlantic shoreline.

At Daytona you will see bikes from all over the world, a ton of motorcycle shows, There are concerts, fashion shows, free Bar-B-Ques and a ton of things to plan for.

It is without a doubt a seriously major event. And it isn’t a bad idea to bring your winter motorcycle gear just in case the weather tends to lean to the cool side.

There are so many thing to do in this area or within a close driving distance, even if you wanted to wander a little off from this rally for a short while, you will always find something to do. Daytona Bike Week is this areas major event, you just must go.

Biketoberfest

Drawing more than 100,000 motorcycle fans each year for the past 25 years, is Biketoberfest. Also held in Daytona Beach, the fall weather in this busy spot is a nice time to get on your bikes, and put your knees to the breeze.

With many major sponsors, tons of vendors, plenty of fantastic food choices and consumer goods, Biketoberfest is definitely a destination you want to seek out.

There are exciting motorcycle racing events, as well as live shows from some top musical acts too. If you want to plan to start your trip a little ahead of this event to catch the Blues Festival and get your accommodations all set up that wouldn’t be a bad idea either.

Florida Motorcycle Expo and Bike Builder Invitational

For a great time on Florida’s West Coast, head over to the city of Clearwater for the Florida Motorcycle Expo and Bike Builder Invitational. You will want to plan well, as there are many events including live bands all weekend, bikini contests and cash giveaways every hour.

Tons of great food and of course you have the beauty of the panhandles geography and history as well. There is a $20,000.00 Bike Builder Invitational, tons of vendors and food to choose from and even a Ride In Bike Show.

This rally is one that will not disappoint.There are lots of things to do in the areas outside of here as well. You can guarantee yourself a great vacation on the West Coast of Florida with this expo and the fantastic area in which it’s held.

Note: Florida has no mandatory helmet laws. But if you’re interested in the latest technology and comfort in helmets check out OutsidePursuits.

If you’re really into riding off road, there are plenty of incredible trails to choose from that are sure to make you appreciate just how beautiful Florida is.

Santos

Specifically for you trails bikers, Santos is known as one of the absolute best places for offroad biking anywhere in the state, period. It’s well loved by residents and tourists come to appreciate it quickly enough as well, thanks to the more than eighty thousands acres of off-road biking action it offers. The terrain is rough, be sure to wear a helmet at all times.

It’s called Santos because the main trailhead is located in a small town of that name, but the point is that over eighty thousand acres of trails is a lot of trails. No matter what kind of biking trail you are looking for, you can probably find it at Santos.

Alafia River State Park

Alafia River State Park is one of those prime examples of Florida versatility. This park not only has biking and hiking trails of all levels, from beginner to advanced, but it’s also equipped with plenty of restrooms, bicycle rinsing stations, a playground and even a volleyball net.

There’s just a lot to do here, so even outside of the versatile options you get in choosing your ideal biking or hiking trail, there are still ways to relax and have fun after you’ve finished riding. There are a few trails where you can ride at night if you want to try something new, be sure to have a bright bike light so you can see the trails.

Balm Boyette Scrub Preserve

Ironically, Balm Boyette Scrub Preserve is a location that lives forever in the shadow of the previously mentioned Alafia River State Park. That said, it definitely has its merits, it’s just that not as many people know about those merits because they hear so much about Alafia. It probably doesn’t help that it is hard to find at the same time.

Still, Balm Boyette is definitely a hidden gem. It has a continuous twelve mile loop trail that is a beautiful ride under pines and oaks. Being a loop, it’s a great place because you don’t have to worry about getting lost and can enjoy the beauty of nature.

It also has a handful of intermediate challenges for bikers and hikers alike, and lots of interesting side paths to explore on the side. Needless to say, there’s a lot to do here and it’s pretty isolated if you like to relax.

These are just a few of the trails and tracks in Florida for you to enjoy. However, these are some of the best and you’d do well to give them a shot if you plan on riding offroad. Florida is a glorious, beautiful state, full of paths and trails that allow you to enjoy its natural beauty.

Lake Tarpon

Located in Tampa Bay area, this is a very well-known destination for largemouth bass fishing . It is a quiet location that has consistently produced trophy sized fished for decades. On average, the championship fish weigh around 20 pounds. You can visit the website to learn more about this popular location.

Lake George

This is the second largest freshwater lake in Florida. It covers around 46,000 acres and has average depth of 8 feet. While this is a freshwater lake, there is some salt content to the water which allows for some saltwater species of plants and animals to thrive in this location as well as freshwater fish. This is another lake that is well-known for its trophy sized bass.

Everglades

Here you will take in a gorgeous water adventure, not only is the bass fishing world class the scenery is classic Florida. It is a relaxing location where you can catch a wide variety of fish while boating through this stunning area. The Everglades is a known location for anglers of all skill levels. There is not much shore fishing here, a kayak is one of the best ways to find the best fishing spots.

Lake Tohopekaliga

Also known as simply “Lake Toho”, Lake Tohopekaliga is located in Kissimmee. Some would argue that this lake is the top destination for fishing bass in the entire world. The cooler weather in this location is credited for the large production of bass in this area. Recently, an angler caught a 38 pound bass here during the Toho Open. In order to have the best chance of catching  trophy sized fish in this location, it is recommended that you get out on the lake as soon as the sun rises.

Lake Okeechobee

Lake Okeechobee is the largest freshwater lake in Florida and it is also the most famous lake for bass fishing in Florida. It is not only known for the sheer quantity of bass that you can catch here but also because of the size of the fish. Many bass fishing guides list this as on the best bass fishing lakes in the country.

Lake Ocklawaha

If you are looking for a quiet place to fish, this could very well be the best place for you to go. Boating here can be dangerous so it is not recommended, best to fish from shore. Don’t let that deter you, there are plenty of places to fish. The largemouth bass here can be trophy sized, so you should definitely check out this lake at least once.