Summer in the Southeast: Five Great Family Vacation Destinations

Discover the enchanted lands of Disney’s Magic Kingdom . . . Hike along solitary trails through the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains . . . Stroll through the restored capital of colonial Virginia . . . . Tee off on any of the more than 120 championship golf courses along the Grand Strand . . . Relax on the white-sand beaches of Miami Beach . . . Choose from one of these premiere vacation destinations and experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for your whole family this summer!

Orlando, Florida: Experience Big Thrills at the “Theme Park Capital of the World”
Enjoy a magical vacation with the entire family in beautiful Orlando, Florida, “The Theme Park Capital of the World,” which boasts warm weather year round, world-class theme parks, water parks, unique attractions, outdoor recreation, first-class accommodations, fine dining, lively nightlife, great shopping opportunities and championship golf courses. Experience the magic of Walt Disney World Resort – Discover the enchanted lands of Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park, blast off into the future at Epcot, journey through the fascinating history of Hollywood movies at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and take a fun-filled safari expedition at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Don’t miss the thrilling rides of Universal Orlando’s two amazing theme parks – Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, as well as the up-close animal encounters of SeaWorld Orlando.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee: Explore the Scenic Great Smoky Mountains
A picturesque mountain town full of fun-filled adventures, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, also boasts fine art and antiques, mountain crafts, family-friendly dining establishments, live entertainment, whitewater rafting and excellent lodging choices. One of the premiere year-round vacation destinations in the United States, Gatlinburg provides spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and serves as the principal gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the largest national park East of the Rocky Mountains. Established in 1934, the park boasts more than 800 miles of scenic hiking trails, as well as historic sites, scenic waterfalls, museums and picnic areas. Must-see Gatlinburg attractions include Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, as well as Dollywood theme park in neighboring Pigeon Forge.

Williamsburg, Virginia: Step Back in Time at Colonial Williamsburg
A multitude of attractions await the entire family in Williamsburg, Virginia, which is home to Colonial Williamsburg, the restored 18 th-century capital of colonial Virginia and the largest living history museum in the United States. Colonial Williamsburg lies within Virginia’s Historic Triangle, which includes Jamestown Settlement, site of the first permanent English-speaking colony in North America, and Historic Yorktown, site of the last major battle of the American Revolution. The Williamsburg area also boasts fun-filled theme parks such as Busch Gardens Europe and Water Country USA, championship golf, fine dining and more than 150 factory and designer outlet stores, as well as abundant accommodation choices that range from luxurious resorts and full-service hotels to budget motels and charming bed & breakfast inns. Don’t miss the opportunity to tour the beautiful campus of The College of William and Mary (founded in 1693), which is considered one of the best small public universities in the United States.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Tee Off at the “Seaside Golf Capital of the World”
From its humble beginnings, Myrtle Beach has evolved into one of the top vacation destinations on the East Coast – with more than 50,000 guestrooms available, from modest cottages to all-inclusive oceanfront resorts, and approximately 1,800 restaurants, many of which specialize in fresh seafood and Lowcountry specialties. A golfer’s paradise, the Myrtle Beach area offers more than 120 championship courses designed on former rice plantations by some of the world’s top course designers, including Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones, Tom Fazio, Pete Dye, Greg Norman and Arnold Palmer. Myrtle Beach also features miles of white sandy beaches, lively amusement parks, race tracks, water parks, fishing piers, boat charters, nightclubs, miniature golf courses, old plantation gardens, historic homes, outdoor recreation and massive shopping, dining and entertainment complexes such as Barefoot Landing and Broadway at the Beach.

Miami Beach, Florida: Relax on White-Sand Beaches in a Tropical Paradise
A world-class vacation destination, Miami Beach encompasses 12 miles of endless recreational and entertainment opportunities that include sunbathing, swimming, sightseeing, boating, fishing, golfing, tennis, world-class dining, shopping and nonstop nightlife. If you’re seeking excitement, head to South Beach, the Southernmost 3-mile stretch of Miami Beach, which offers a wealth of specialty shops, trendy restaurants and cafes, many of which can be found along bustling Ocean Drive. Tour the Art Deco Historic District with its vibrant colors and uniquely stylized architecture. Other Miami Beach attractions include the pedestrian-friendly Lincoln Road Mall, Art Center of South Florida, Jackie Gleason Theater of Performing Arts, Holocaust Memorial, Bass Museum of Art, Bal Harbour Shops and Espanola Way shopping district.

Each of the popular vacation destinations above makes for the perfect summer vacation destination. And by purchasing discount vacation packages, hotels and attraction tickets online, you and you family can enjoy substantial savings on your summer getaway.

Orlando, Florida Guide, the most comprehensive online guide to Disney World, offers discount Disney World tickets, discount Universal Orlando tickets and discount SeaWorld Orlando tickets, as well as discount Orlando hotels and individually tailored Orlando vacation packages.