Childcare in jacksonville florida: THE Top 10 Daycares in Jacksonville, FL | Affordable Prices
THE Top 10 Daycares in Jacksonville, FL | Affordable Prices
Daycares in Jacksonville, FL
Description:
It is the mission of The Early Learners Village, LLC to provide a safe, developmentally appropriate environment for toddlers, preschool, and school age children. Our focus is to provide a stimulating early careand education experience which promotes each child’s social/emotional, physical and cognitive development. Our goal is to support children’s desire to be life-long learners….
Description:
*FREE VPK.
*State Approved Curriculum.
*Transportation Provided within surrounding community.
*ELC voucher accepted.
*Competitive Rates/ Sibling Discounts.
*Trained and Certified Staff.
*Lic. #CO4DUII23
Description:
God’s Little People Christian is a childcare provider that serves the community of Jacksonville FL. It offers a warm and nurturing environment and provides appropriate activities that enhance children’s socialskills and mental abilities. The center promotes active learning by allowing children to explore, discover, and learn….
Description:
Praise Is What We Do Early Learning Christian AC allows children to build self-confidence and make progress in their social and academic development. The staff works extremely hard to provide a loving,nurturing, and safe learning environment for children ages six weeks to twelve years….
Recent Review:
the best place my daughter first daycare and she going to 2nd grade the techers in school said she learned alot at daycare the team mrs.kim has is the best teachers you have a bless God Bless the daycare
Reviewed by De’MYIRA
Description:
Palmer Large Family Child Care Home in Jacksonville, FL features developmentally appropriate programs and educational experiences that teach the necessary skills. They promote good feelings of self-worth andpositive self-concepts while valuing individual uniqueness. They foster a joy of discovery and learning in a state-licensed and stimulating environment with a maximum capacity of 12 children. …
Description:
Chappell Schools Inc-Kent Campus is an early childhood center in Jacksonville, Florida that offers early care and learning programs for children ages one to four years old. The company uses a structured,center-based curriculum that is dedicated to supporting the holistic development and education of each child. The company also offers after-school care, enrichment programs, and summer camps for children ages five to ten years old….
Description:
Diamond in a Rough Learning Center in Jacksonville, Florida seeks to provide a nurturing, high quality, safe and fun learning environment that is fit for the child’s overall growth and development. It is aChild Care provider that can accommodate up to 34 children from infants to pre-kindergarten….
Successful Kids
4541 Shirley Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32210
Starting at $11/hr
Description:
Gifts from above child development center Inc. is a new 24 hour child care center located on the west side of Jacksonville Fl. We offer fun and exciting curriculum’s, three full meals and snacks, drop in care(day or night) and weekend care. We also accept ELC vouchers and VPK vouchers….
Ward Family Daycare
5610 Kimbrell Dr. S, Jacksonville, FL 32210
Costimate: $151/wk
Description:
This is a center that is very loving and is truly dedicated to helping parents raise strong, independent children. We are open 24 hours and certified in first aid and CPR.
Camp Kateri
1000 Shearer Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32205
Description:
Camp Kateri is a 550-acre facility located in Jacksonville, FL. The camp is owned and operated by the Girl Scouts of the Gateway Council, Inc. It has been offering fun-filled programs for almost 50 years. Theyprovide a safe and fun-loving camp for girls of different ages….
Description:
First Coast Taekwondo located in Jacksonville, FL operates Mondays through Fridays from 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM and specializes in students ages three years and up. The school is a World Taekwondo Federation MartialArts facility that offers Taekwondo classes, After School, and Summer Camp programs….
Description:
St Mark’s Episcopal Day School is an early childhood education provider that offers academic programs for preschool, kindergarten, and school-age children. Located in Jacksonville, Florida, the company admitschildren three years of age up to grade six elementary students. The company also provides a variety of enrichment and after-school programs as well as summer camps….
Description:
Punkin Place Child Development of Jax is an NAEYC-accredited child care facility that offers early learning programs for pre-kindergarten children and tutoring services for kindergarten and school-age children.Located in Jacksonville, Florida, admits children between the ages of six weeks to twelve years old….
Description:
DLC Nurse & Learn is a state-licensed child care center that offers early care and learning programs geared towards children with special needs. Located in Jacksonville, Florida, DL Nurse and Learn admitsinfants to pre-kindergarten children. The company also provides after-school programs for kids of up to twenty-two years of age….
Description:
Tutor Time Child Care in Jacksonville, Florida seeks to provide a nurturing, high quality, safe and fun learning environment that is fit for the child’s overall growth and development. It is a Child Careprovider that can accommodate a certain number of children for preschool….
Description:
West Jacksonville Baptist Church offers full-time child care and early education programs designed for young children. Located at 5634 Normandy Blvd, the company serves the residents of Jacksonville, FL. WestJacksonville Baptist Church has served families since they started operating in 1956….
Description:
Wayman Community Development Corporation in Jacksonville, FL features child learning facilities with a maximum capacity of 128 students. They offer developmentally appropriate experiences for kids from infantsto school-age with staff that meet the early childhood education credentials. They focus on the educational learning, betterment, and well-being of the children from 6 weeks to 9 years old….
Description:
St Stephen is a child care facility in Jacksonville, FL that meets the needs of the academic, social, and emotional development of kids. They instill in children a solid Christian Education with a desire toassist them have a more prosperous and brighter future. This child care facility provides a comprehensive curriculum in a safe, comfortable, and loving atmosphere….
Showing 1 – 20 of 107
FAQs for finding daycares in Jacksonville
In 2022 what type of daycare can I find near me in Jacksonville, FL?
There are a variety of daycares in Jacksonville, FL providing full time and part-time care. Some daycares are facility-based and some are in-home daycares operated out of a person’s home. They can also vary in the degree of education and curriculum they offer. Additionally, some daycares offer bilingual programs for parents that want to immerse their children in multiple languages.
How can I find a daycare near me in Jacksonville, FL?
If you are looking for daycare options near you, start several months in advance of when you need care for your child. Care.com has 107 in Jacksonville, FL as of October 2022 and you can filter daycares by distance from Jacksonville or your zip code. From there, you can then compare daycare rates, parent reviews, view their specific services, see their hours of operation and contact them through the website for further information or to request an appointment.
What questions should I ask a daycare provider before signing up?
As you visit daycare facilities in Jacksonville, FL, you should ask the providers what their hours are so you can be prepared to adjust your schedule for drop-off and pick-up. Ask what items you are responsible for bringing for your child and what items you may be required to provide that will be shared among other children or the daycare staff. Also, make sure to check directly with the business for information about their local licensing and credentials in Jacksonville, FL.
5 Best Child Care in Jacksonville 🥇
Home Jacksonville, FL 5 Best Child Care in Jacksonville 🥇
Below is a list of the top and leading Child Care in Jacksonville. To help you find the best Child Care located near you in Jacksonville, we put together our own list based on this rating points list.
Jacksonville’s Best Child Care:
Rattles to Tassels Learning Center
Kids By the Hour
Childtime of Jacksonville
Palms Preschool and Childcare Center
The top rated Child Care in Jacksonville are:
- Rattles to Tassels Learning Center – has daycare and preschool programs that nurture and care for the children
- Kid by the Hour – has quality teachers that encourage the growth of children through play and discovery
- Childtime of Jacksonville – develops the child’s mind, learning capabilities, and personality through various programs
- Kids World Academy – has high learning standards that regulated by the approved curriculum of educational organizations
- Palms Preschool and Childcare Center – offers programs with an integrated Christian view of God and the world
Rattles to Tassels Learning Center
Rattles to Tassels Learning Center has daycare and preschool programs that nurture and care for the children. They have competitive tuition rates. The children are also exposed to a safe and comfortable learning center. Furthermore, Their learning structure is designed to incorporate fun and play. It revolves around social, physical, and emotional development. They also cater to the special needs of the children. Moreover, they have heightened security and electronic systems for the safety of the children. They also offer nutritious meals and snacks during the child’s stay.
Products/ Services:
child care
LOCATION:
Address: 9701 Anders Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246
Phone: (904) 619-4702
Website: rattlestotassels.com
REVIEWS:
”Quick and easy enrollment process, fair pricing. All of the teachers and students were very friendly. When I have more children I definitely will be sending them here.” – Sincere Blythe
Kids By the Hour
Kid by the Hour has quality teachers that encourage the growth of children through play and discovery. The parents and guardians only pay by the hour that they use. They also have services during nights and weekends. Furthermore, they cater to children ages 12 months to 12 years. There is no need for reservations and the filing of contracts. They aim to have the children reach their peak potential. Moreover, they provide quality care and education to the children under their care. They also offer nutritional meals during the whole stay of the children.
Products/ Services:
child care
LOCATION:
Address: 13947 Beach Blvd # 210, Jacksonville, FL 32224
Phone: (904) 821-0552
Website: kidsbythehour.com
REVIEWS:
”My son who is on the spectrum has been attending this daycare on and off since he was 1yr old and he’s now nine. He loves it there and the staff is like a second family. My friends take their kids there as well and love it. I have nothing but positive thing’s to say about this daycare.Ms.Nichole is my fav. ” – Anon
Childtime of Jacksonville
Childtime of Jacksonville develops the child’s mind, learning capabilities, and personality through various programs. Their programs are inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. Furthermore, they mold the children with secure relationships between them and respectful adults. They help them grow as students and beyond the four corners of the classroom. Moreover, they cater to infants to school-age children. They provide age-appropriate activities and programs. The curriculum is research-based. It is also designed o provide an individualized learning approach.
Products/ Services:
child care
LOCATION:
Address: 9950 Old St Augustine Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32257
Phone: (877) 220-0584
Website: childtime.com/your-local-school/jacksonville-fl-0317
REVIEWS:
“We love this Child Time Center! The staff is excellent and the director is top notch! From day one we felt welcomed. We moved and no longer go there, but I wish we could go back because we are not thrilled with our son’s current center. Our son talks about how he misses Child Time. 🙁 The teachers at Child Time are so caring and really invest their time in education and social skills. They provide regular communication to parents. I can’t sing enough praises for this center! We miss them so much!” – Diana Reisenger
Kids World Academy
Kids World Academy has high learning standards that regulated by the approved curriculum of educational organizations. The infants to 2-year-olds ae given foundations for Success curriculum. Children ages three to four years old are given Early Learning programs. Furthermore, the facility has six classrooms and o common area. her are three playground scoring to age groups. They offer easy parking for parents and guardians. Moreover, the school is located in one of the safest neighborhoods in the area. Their services include before and after school programs. They also provide transportation for the children. There are also offered summer and food programs.
Products/ Services:
child care
LOCATION:
Address: 2597 Oak St, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Phone: (904) 626-7733
Website: kidsworldflorida.com/riverside-jacksonville.html
REVIEWS:
”I love this place! The Teachers are always so friendly, they do lots of fun things with the kids to such as parties, and field trips. The pricing is awesome. The school is kept very clean as well, and the Food Program is approved and healthy. My son loves it here :)” – Lemony Scabs
Palms Preschool and Childcare Center
Palms Preschool and Childcare Center offers programs with an integrated Christian view of God and the world. The curriculum covers the physical, mental, social, spiritual, and cultural growth of the children. Furthermore, they help children to grow and be of service to the church and community. The children are placed in nurturing environment. They also ensure that they feel happy and secure. Moreover, the curriculum is made to be age-appropriate. They also offer extended day programs for school-age children. The children are given nutritious snacks every day.
Products/ Services:
chid care
LOCATION:
Address: 3410 3rd St S, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Phone: (904) 247-0983
Website: palmschurch.org/nurture/preschool
REVIEWS:
”The staff loves the kids and embraces a discipline philosophy around helping littles work through strong new feelings vs punishiment. Lots of outside time. Lots of hands on experiences.” – Rachel Ayres
Jeanie Burford is a reporter for Kev’s Best. After graduating from UCLA, Amy got an internship at a local radio station and worked as a beat reporter and producer. Jeanie has also worked as a columnist for The Brookings Register. Amy covers economy and community events for Kev’s Best.
MOST POPULAR
Load more
People are reading now:
KidsPark Jacksonville, FL | Childcare, Babysitting, Preschool
FAQ
What will my child do at KidsPark?
Short answer: HAVE FUN!
Long answer: Activity areas throughout our centers offers enrichment opportunities and opportunities to socialize. Kids can participate in the area of their choice. Areas include Creation Station, Mountain of Energy, Activity Area, Blue Crew (5 and up), Theater, Sport Court. Each month there are featured activities that include cooking, arts and crafts, sensory exploration or hands-on science. Read more.
Who will care for my kids?
Short answer: Our KidsPark staff are energetic, creative people who enjoy interacting with children and have experience in early childhood education.
Long answer: Our staff provides a safe, fun center for your kids and they are also:
- Certified in First Aid and CPR
- Screened by the Department of Justice
- Trained in Early Childhood Education and Recreation
- Required to attend staff development and skill-building workshops and classes
What COVID-19 safety protocols does KidsPark use?
Short answer: Your children’s health and safety are our top priority. KidsPark follows CDC guidelines. We’ve increased cleaning and disinfection efforts and health screening protocols at check-in.
Long answer: Visit our COVID-19 detailed resource page.
When should I use KidsPark?
Short answer: ANYTIME! KidsPark is a treat, a part of your routine, or your back-up childcare provider.
Long answer: KidsPark is a safe, fun, pay-as-you-play center for kids ages 2-12 (check with your local center for exact ages). Care by the hour, day, or week, we’re here anytime you need us. We’re open days, evenings, and weekends – no reservations needed!
Please keep in mind, especially for young children, it is easier for them to come to a center they know. Don’t wait until an emergency, get your children used to KidsPark now so they are prepared.
Should I bring a meal or snack?
Short answer: Snacks of 100% apple juice or water and crackers are complimentary at 10am, 3pm and 8pm.
Long answer: Lunch and dinner can be brought with you or purchased. See our daily menu on the sidebar. Check your local center for mealtimes. Please, do not pack any products with peanuts. Check with your local center for their detailed meal policy.
Label all items and meals from home with your child’s name.
Are there potty-training requirements?
Short answer: No!
Long answer: Diapers are welcomed. If your child is in diapers, bring a spare. What if my child is potty training? If your child is toilet training, bring extra clothes just in case . . . we do remind them!
Is there a regular nap time?
Short answer: Naps are not scheduled* since children arrive at various times.
Long answer: If a child is tired, they are encouraged to rest in our theater or a quiet area. If you are sure your child will sleep, please bring a pillow or blanket for them.
*Some State regulations require a center-wide quiet time. Please check with your local center.
How can I help my child transition to a new setting?
Short answer: kids thrive at KidsPark and can’t wait to come back.
Long answer: You know your child best and how they react to new experiences. They may be joiners, watchers, explorers, or resisters. We assist each child to make his or her transition easy and positive. Read more.
How did KidsPark start?
Short answer: I am sure you’ve heard, necessity is the mother of invention. Like you, the founder, Debbie Milner, needed hourly care . . . and the rest is history.
Long answer: Read more.
What is the KidsPark Good Citizen pledge?
Short answer: We want all the children in our care to experience a fun, safe time. Consequently, KidsPark is serious about good citizenship. We have zero-tolerance for fighting, bad language, and bullies.
Long answer: If your child acts inappropriately, we may call you to pick up. If this behavior is demonstrated on multiple visits, children may be suspended or expelled. If the transgression poses serious safety concerns, they may be suspended or expelled on the first occurrence.
A good KidsPark Citizen:
- Enters the center calmly and stays in the play area.
- Keeps their hands to themselves.
- Uses toys as they are intended.
- Is friendly and uses kind words and actions.
- Takes turns and shares.
- Is respectful and a good listener
Babysitting, Babysitting, Tutor, Au Pair, Elderly Care, Personal Assistant, Nanny and Housework
- Extended search for desired
- Find trustees by country
- Find caregivers by nationality
- Find trustees by language
- Find childcare
- Find a babysitter
- Find a babysitter
- Find an au pair
- Find Tutor
- Find a housekeeper
- Find a head caregiver
- Find a pet
- Find a personal assistant
- Advanced Job Search
- Find a job by country
- Find a job by nationality
- Find a job by language
- Find a childcare job
- Find a babysitting job
- Find a babysitting job
- Find an Au Pair Job
- Find a job as a tutor
- Find housework
- Find a job caring for the elderly
- Find a babysitting job
- Find a job as a personal assistant
- Founders Video
- Customer video
- Customer Reviews GreatAuPair
- Security Center
- How to find caregivers
- Finding a Career Job
- Interview Questionnaire
- Au Pair program requirements
- Au Pair programs
- J-1 Au Pair visa cost
- Au Pair and Nanny Salary
- Au Pair visa programs
- Au Pair agency
- Guardian and nanny taxes
- Child care tax deduction
- Immigration Services
- Advertisement on GreatAuPair
- Work for GreatAuPair
Downloads
A B C D E |
F G H I J K L M N |
O P R S T V W |
Education for children in Florida, education for a child in Florida: cost, reviews
America is one of the most educated countries in the world – the local government of the states is in charge of education, there are both public and private educational institutions. In Florida, you can get a quality education, as well as enjoy a beach holiday in a sunny state, because it is located on the Pacific coast. There are always a lot of tourists for whom numerous entertainments and a high level of service are provided.
Cities of Florida, where students from around the world can study on international programs and get an education:
- Miami
- Orlando
- Boka Raton
- Fort Loderteil
- Saint-Pitersberg
- Tampa.
American milestones:
- early childhood education
- secondary education
- college education.
Additional types of education:
- pre-university programs
- postgraduate education
- language courses
- summer camps.
Early childhood education is not compulsory in the US, but attending specialty childcare centers improves children’s school readiness. A visit to the centers can be designed for both the whole day and half a day.
Secondary education consists of studying at: Elementary school (5-11 years old), Middle school (11-14 years old), High school (14-18 years old). High School Diploma is a confirmation of secondary education. Additionally, for schoolchildren from 16 to 18 years old, the Advanced Placement program is available, which allows you to study subjects of your choice in more depth – this is an advantage for the student when entering the university.
Higher education is obtained first in undergraduate programs, and already postgraduate education includes master’s, doctoral and MBA programs.
An intermediate stage between school and university can be a college (Community College): for 2 years of study here you can get an Associate degree, which allows you to get a job. Also, after it, students have the opportunity to continue their studies at the university. Pre-university programs are especially relevant for Russians and foreigners: the education system in Russia and America is different, which prevents them from entering an American university immediately after grade 11 in Russia.
Language courses can be taken before enrolling in an educational institution in the United States, or during studies if the language level is not enough to understand the program. There are courses to prepare for language exams: GMAT, GRE, TOEFL / IELTS, CAE, FCE, SAT. Summer camps and schools are relevant in Florida: children spend a lot of time outdoors and attend classes with native English speakers, combining study and recreation, playing sports, creative activities, and traveling.
Jobs for students during and after studies
In accordance with US law, Russians and foreigners are allowed to work 20 hours/week while studying in academic programs (this restriction does not apply to vacations and at this time increases to 40 hours/week). For some jobs, it is not necessary to obtain a bachelor’s degree, 2 years of college education and an Associate degree (professional education) are enough. A student who started college does not lose the opportunity to continue his studies at the university and get a higher education after graduation.
Students who study in academic programs on an F-1 visa have the opportunity to receive an internship in the profession and stay in the US for Optional Practice Training (OPT) for 12 months. In a year, you can find an employer who is ready to be your sponsor to obtain a visa for 3 years. For students studying mathematics, engineering, science or technology, there are special conditions that allow them to stay in the country for 24 months for an internship.
The price for a program can vary greatly from institution to institution depending on the type of school, type of program, intensity of class, school/college/university ranking.
Estimated cost of schooling per year for children:
- elementary school – from $45,000
- middle school – $38500
- high school – $12500.
Prices for preparatory programs available in Florida for Russians and foreigners:
- International Year One – $22250/2 semesters
- University Pathway Program – $300/week.
- undergraduate – from $12,796/semester
- master’s – from $12,045/semester.
Undergraduate and postgraduate education in Florida:
Language courses for children and adults
- GMAT – $ 2375 / 12 weeks
- GRE – $ 2375 / 12 weeks
- AEFL 900 / week 900 $ 340 – $4650/12 weeks
- FCE – $485/week
- academic English – $9000/20 weeks
- general course – $325/week
- business English – $595/week
- individual tuition – $80 /lesson.
Top Schools in Florida:
- Rennert International Miami language school offers a wide range of language courses to improve your English skills all year round, special winter, summer courses and full board accommodation available
- The North Broward Preparatory School in Orlando is in the TOP-50 prestigious private schools in the USA. Here you can take a full school course, from elementary grades to the Advanced Placement program for high school students
- New York Film Academy South Beach in Miami provides higher education in two main areas: film directing and acting. The bachelor’s program is designed for 3 years, the master’s program – for 2 years
- St. Giles Orlando for children from 8 to 17 years old allows not only to improve the level of English, but also to combine this time with relaxation – numerous excursion and entertainment programs are provided for the participants of the summer camp. The camp is located on the territory of the popular Florida Institute of Technology, Orlando.
Free education in the USA: grants, scholarships
In the USA, including Florida, a large number of universities provide grants and scholarships for their students. Commercial and non-profit organizations also provide support, for example:
- The Fulbright Scholarship Program provides a grant for undergraduate students for a master’s degree or graduate students for research work, but participants in the program are required to return to their home country after graduation. The program fully covers the costs of training, flight, education, medical insurance
- Global UGRAD – scholarship allows Russians and foreigners to study one semester at colleges and universities in the United States; participants may be students of the first two years of full-time undergraduate studies. Scholarship program participants are immersed in the American language and culture, have the opportunity to participate in entertainment programs and community service
- Florida International University Scholarship provides students with financial support that can cover part of the cost of studying at the university; It is intended for students with high academic performance.
1 | North Broward Preparatory School |
2 | Phillips Academy Andover |
3 | The Storm King School New York |
4 | Red Bank Catholic High School |
5 | Windermere Preparatory School |
6 | Shattuck St Mary’s School |
7 | Cheshire Academy |
8 | Cate School |
9 | Ross School |
10 | Deerfield Academy |
11 | The Village School |
12 | Amerigo Los Angeles – Bishop Montgomery High School |
13 | Webb Schools |
14 | Kent School USA |
15 | The Winchendon School |
16 | Darlington School |
17 | Marian Catholic High School Amerigo Education |
18 | Grier School |
19 | The MacDuffie School |
20 | CATS Academy Boston |
21 | The Cambridge School of Weston |
22 | Milton Academy |
23 | Amerigo Education Napa Valley |
24 | American Hebrew Academy |
25 | Northfield Mount Hermon School |
26 | Mater Dei Catholic High School San Diego Amerigo Education |
27 | American University Preparatory School Los Angeles |
28 | Webb Schools |
29 | Kent School USA |
30 | Groton School |
31 | Maine Central Institute |
32 | The Lawrenceville School |
33 | Grand River Academy Ohio |
34 | Saint John Paul II Academy |
35 | Chicago North Shore |
1 | Phillips Exeter Academy |
2 | Phillips Academy Andover |
3 | The Putney School |
4 | Church Farm School |
5 | Episcopal High School |
6 | St. Paul’s School |
7 | Asheville School |
8 | Shattuck-St. Mary’s School |
9 | St. Andrew’s School |
10 | The Thacher School |
1 | Phillips Academy Andover |
2 | Phillips Exeter Academy |
3 | The Hotchkiss School |
4 | Choate Rosemary Hall |
5 | The Lawrenceville School |
6 | Groton School |
7 | Noble and Greenough School |
8 | St. Paul’s School |
9 | North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics |
10 | Concord Academy |
1 | The Lawrenceville School |
2 | Phillips Exeter Academy |
3 | Lakeside School |
4 | The Latin School of Chicago |
5 | Albuquerque Academy |
6 | Detroit Country Day School |
7 | Harvard-Westlake School |
8 | The Harker School |
9 | The College Preparatory School |
10 | Polytechnic School |
7 reasons why you should live in Florida
1 It’s always sunny in Florida
The sun shines almost 361 days a year. And in the distant 60s there was not a single cloudy day for 768 days. There are only two seasons in Florida – one when it rains, the other when it doesn’t. But, regardless of the season, it is never cold, even the rain is warm and short. All year round you can wear shorts with a T-shirt and flip-flops, even when it rains like buckets. You can forget about jackets, sweaters and warm tights. True, the locals love to wear boots in winter, but this is so – a whim, just a fashion trend. The air is filled with exotic smells of flowers, herbs and spices. Everything around is literally saturated with water – even the paths near the house seem to be submerged under water, and around the lush greenery of the tropical forest. It is enough to take three steps and you can get lost among the coconut trees densely intertwined with vines, without even getting out into the mangrove forests in the south.
A yacht at sunset
2 Florida is a year-round holiday destination
Millions dream of a holiday in some exotic paradise, but the dream remains a dream. Many find time and money, pack their bags, spend hours in queues at airports, and get to the cherished corners in order to return back in some 10-15 days … The smartest ones simply move to Florida.
Sunset on the Honeymoon
Just imagine the endless beaches with snow-white sand, as fine as loose fine powder, green fluffy palm trees leaning over the water itself and warm gentle waves gently running on the shore. And all this is literally at hand – 10 minutes from home or 5 minutes from work. Lunch can just be spent on the beach, the most important thing is not to forget to return to the office.
The water is turquoise-turquoise, like in a picture overly processed in Photoshop and so warm that you can lose track of time and sit in it all day, and a glass of Rum-Runner – the famous Florida cocktail – allows you to leave all your worries somewhere behind… Especially if there is more than one glass…
Beach near the old Fort Desoto
3 You don’t have to go to the zoo in Florida
As soon as you leave the apartment, numerous representatives of the local as well as migratory fauna are waiting for you.
Share a fish?
The most non-exotic are cheeky raccoons who like to rummage through garbage cans, but do not hesitate to steal the rug lying under the door. Once I watched a couple dragging a neighbor’s rug, which was folded into a neat tube, probably to make it easier to carry … I think it still decorates someone’s mink if they haven’t got a new one.
Sometimes a local alligator may be waiting for you in the yard, peacefully dozing on the shore of a picturesque lake. It only seems that he is sleeping – as soon as you come closer, your eyelid will rise and a small eye will give you an appraising look … If you are not a small dog, then you should not worry, because you definitely do not look like food and the eye will close soon. But I wouldn’t recommend getting too close.
Sleeping Alligator
Turtles just run across roads, it’s hard to believe that they can run so fast if you see it with your own eyes. Hundreds of a wide variety of birds simply become an ordinary part of the landscape, which you don’t pay much attention to. In the parks you can meet a strange creature – an armadillo, whose favorite pose is to bury your nose in the ground in search of something edible.
Caladesi Island Armadillo, Caladesi Island, Florida
4 Fantastic fishing in Florida
I have never seen so many fish restaurants anywhere, especially those where you can order freshly caught fish. Sitting in one of them in Cocoa Beach, I watched the contest for the biggest catch. A special impression was made by tuna, which two healthy fishermen could not lift and were transported on a small cart. The tuna is a giant fish, it was in the special category along with swordfish and marlin, which are also not small at all. More modest catches included a variety of bass, mackerel, flounder and mullet. In numerous rivers and lakes, you can catch carps, catfish, eels, and extreme lovers can even hunt piranhas.
Fishing, Florida
The laziest fishermen do not go far from home, I have seen them on the shore of a small lake near our residential complex more than once. They sat for hours on the shore, drinking beer and slowly exchanging a couple of words with each other. I perceived them as lovers of doing nothing, slipping away from the menacing gaze of their spouses, until one of them caught a huge catfish and proudly carried it home, showing it to everyone along the way.
5 Florida is the land of flowers
When the Spanish navigator Ponce de Leon, a great friend of Christopher Columbus, reached the coast of Florida, he saw such a variety of flowers that he named the entire mainland La Florida, which means flower land. Indeed, it is enough to stick a stick in the ground in Florida and it will bloom, the locals joke. You can forget about the botanical gardens, where exotic plants are collected under a small dome of a greenhouse, which must be taken care of and looked after. Here they grow like weeds just under the fence and are mercilessly pulled out by the gardener. Orchids, like flocks of butterflies, flutter in the wind, Spanish moss hangs in long beards from almost all branches and trunks. Sometimes it’s hard to tell where one plant ends and another begins.
Exotic Tassel, Florida
6 In Florida, you can stay forever young
Mark Twain once noted that “ life would be infinitely happy if we could only be born at the age of 80 and gradually approach 18 “. It is said that Alexander the Great, who conquered most of the known world before he died around 323 BC, may have been looking for a river that would bring back youth. We don’t need the whole world – the fountain of youth is in Florida, at St. Augustine ( St. Augustine ), oldest city US . On the same spot where the indefatigable Ponce de León discovered it in 1513.
Then, for some reason, Johnny Depp and his friends were looking for him in the movie “ Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides “.
Fountain of Youth, Florida
7 Florida is an endless celebration of life
It’s hard to even list all the amusement parks in Florida, and to visit them all and ride all the rides, one lifetime may not be enough. Only the Fountain of Youth can help (see item 6). The most famous park is Disney World ( Disney World® ), here you can participate in the battles “ Pirates of the Caribbean “, fly from space, greet all American presidents, fly with Peter Pan over London or with Harry Potter over Hogwarts.
One of the most entertaining parks is Busch Gardens ( Busch Gardens ), where you can go on a safari, kiss a giraffe, see a lot of exotic African animals, all while drinking bottles of free beer.
Curious Giraffe, Busch Gardens, Florida
Of the not-so-famous mermaid park, Weeki Wachee Springs is worth mentioning. If you think that mermaids are a figment of the imagination of lonely sailors or the hero of the movie National Fishing Features , think again and visit the park. Weeki Wachee is more than just a sign on a road map, it’s an enchanted underwater world of mermaids, manatees, turtles and bubbles.