Further south is Florida's central-east region, encompassing Daytona's world-famous beach and speedway, the Kennedy Space Centre, fertile fishing grounds, and several beachside state parks. The Indian River is the site for a zany annual raft race, and it is a fine spot for house boating and other water sports.

Inland, central Florida presents worlds of entertainment: circus clowns, water ski shows, performing killer whales, and massive theme parks. But this region is also home to Thoroughbred horse farms and rolling hills ribbed by groves of citrus. Tours of citrus-processing plants and horse farm country are offered.

The state's central west coast is a region of contrasts, from its posh hotels to some of the best tarpon fishing in the state. Visitors enjoy the docile manatee at Crystal River Springs and the boat cruises of Tampa Bay , as well as Sarasota 's Ringling Museum and Gulf Coast beachcombing.

Last stop on a Florida discovery tour is the state's southwest coast, a myriad of natural beauty with 10,000 islands surrounded by gulf beaches. Featured here are Sanibel and Captiva Islands , the Thomas Edison winter home, and the Everglades National Park .