Hunting. Fishing. Nature walks. Horseback riding. If these all sound like activities you enjoy, it's time to pack up and head to Kansas.

Surrounded by the beautiful Kansas Flint Hills, the Box Lazy A Ranch is the perfect destination for families and individuals who enjoy the comforts of nature. This is a true working ranch, with more than 3,000 acres of beautiful rural land and plenty of activities to keep you occupied.

Although you are not confined to the ranch during your stay at the Box Lazy A, there is also no reason you would have to leave. Perfect for the outdoorsman, this beautiful retreat offers more than enough to do. Go hunting in the woods, fish at Spring Creek, ride horses along winding trails and sit on the porch of your cabin while you watch the sun set in the evening.

Not only is this the quintessential vacation for the outdoorsy type, but it is also an educational experience. If you're from the big city, or if you've never been exposed to outdoor recreation, now is the best time to learn. The guides at the Box Lazy A can show you how to hunt, fish and ride while you enjoy all the benefits of the ranch.

During horseback riding lessons, for example, you can learn how to handle your horse on the trail or even learn how to barrel race. Instructors are kind, proficient and available to answer all your questions. This might also be the perfect opportunity to bag your first deer or catch your first trout.

The Box Lazy A Ranch offers lodging, as well, in the form of remote private cabins that look like they've been pulled directly from a painting. Meals are provided, and each of the cabins is fully furnished.

If you're going to take a vacation at the Box Lazy A Ranch, make sure you bring along a pair of comfortable mules for lounging around the cabin and sitting out on your front porch. The Yellow Box Brooke, for example, are perfect regardless of your evening activities and can be worn both inside and around the ranch.

When most of us want to enjoy the great outdoors, we spend the majority of our vacations in the car. Driving to and from the destination, driving from recreation site to recreation site, it seems like there is no time for relaxation or the enjoyment of nature.

But now you can lock the car doors and leave your automobile behind for the river instead. The Connecticut River, which runs through Vermont and New Hampshire, is a great way to see lots of beautiful sites on one magnificent vacation. Rather than driving to each small town, you can get there by way of water instead.

The Connecticut River is 500 miles long, but you only have to travel the portion you actually want to see. There are dozens of small towns with waypoints along the way, which means you can stop and spend the night in an historic B&B or antique shop when you're tired of being in the boat. There are 17 state parks that line the Connecticut River, giving you plenty of opportunities to enjoy wildlife on the mainland.

Not only is traveling the Connecticut River a great opportunity to test your boating skills, but it is also a fascinating lesson in history. Visit railroads, Pony Express depots, working farms and plenty of agri-tourism destinations. Learn about the history of New England in a way that few others have done.

If you're going to be boating the Connecticut River, you'll need to pack efficient luggage that gives you direct access to the things you need, like snacks and your trusty camera. A backpack is the perfect solution such as the Master Backpack from Forum. It gives you plenty of room to store your gear with an outside pocket for your water and comfortable straps that won't get in your way should you decide to take a long hike through the park.

Many people choose to visit the Connecticut River during the fall, which is when many of the area's festivals and celebrations take place. Treasure hunts, fall trade shows, farmer's markets and more attractions draw several thousand visitors each month to various stops along the Connecticut River, and you can enjoy it all in one long vacation.

Death Valley is a turnoff for many outdoor vacationers, and who could blame them? Miles of undeveloped desert, scalding heat and more than a few ways to injure yourself. Nevertheless, thousands of people travel to Death Valley National Park every year, so there must be something worth seeing.

In reality, Death Valley isn't much different from any other national park. It has campsites, inns, recreation, food and plenty of other ways to spend your days. The difference, of course, is that this outdoor vacation can be dangerous.

The main things you have to worry about in Death Valley are heat, dehydration, wildlife and flash floods. All four of these dangers can be avoided by simply staying smart and avoiding anything that could potentially get you killed. Don't touch the animals, bring plenty of drinking water, know your threshold for heat and stay away from arroyos and lowlands where flooding could potentially trap you.

When you visit Death Valley, you'll notice that just about every outdoor activity is different from anything you've ever seen or done before. The Golden Canyon is absolutely beautiful when the sun shines on the sand, reflecting individual particles and providing a hiker's dream. The half-mile Natural Bridge, a natural span of rock that crosses another beautiful canyon, is also exciting.

Photographers will definitely want to snap a few pictures of the sand dunes, where swirls in the sand mean every photograph is different. You'll also want to tour Scotty's Castle, visit the 700-foot Eureka Dunes and hike the Keane Wonder Mine Trail.

Before you go, however, make sure you have a detailed map of Death Valley for reference just in case you get lost. Bring a hydro pack rather than a regular backpack, such as the Outside Baby Hydro Pack, which comes with a 1.5-liter drinking system for constant hydration. This way, you won't be worried about replenishing bottles of water throughout your trip to Death Valley.

When planning a vacation in Death Valley, try to remember that the summer heat is unbearable for most people. The best times to visit are in autumn and winter, when the desert is moderately chilly and more conducive to exploration. The spring is also more pleasant than the summer, but ends before the start of May.

Many of us are looking for the biggest and the boldest in our vacations, something that our friends haven't done or that will make for great stories when we get home. One option is Lake Okeechobee in Florida, which is the largest lake in the U.S. after Lake Michigan.

Lake Okeechobee is 750 square miles of beautiful water and sandy beaches. With nine islands and divided into five counties, you could spend three weeks here and never do everything available in the area. In fact, many Florida families (and people from all over the U.S.) spend their summers here.

One of the most attractive things about Lake Okeechobee is the wildlife. If you suffer from a debilitating fear of alligators, for example, this probably isn't the vacation spot for you. It is also home to a wide range of birds, fish, insects, plants and rodents. If you enjoy taking pictures of animals, you'd better bring your favorite camera.

Called the "Big O" by locals, Lake Okeechobee serves several small towns and villages where fishing is the largest attraction for tourists. From speckled perch to catfish, there is always something on the end of the fishing line, and camp grounds offer numerous outdoor fire pits on which to grill your catch.

You should also take time to visit the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, which celebrates the Seminole American Indian tribe through ancient artifacts and finds. They have plenty of hands-on events, including a nature walk through the swamp, and kids will enjoy it just as much as their parents.

When you visit Lake Okeechobee, make sure to pack a pair of high-quality hiking shoes, such as the Timberland Sandowns, which come with Gore-Tex membranes for dry, comfortable feet while walking. You'll also want to bring jeans or long pants for hiking through tall grasses.

Make sure that your visit to Lake Okeechobee includes plenty of boat rides across the water, a few hours of lounging by the shore with a good book, and at least a day of antique shopping in Clewiston, one of the most popular lakeside towns. The best times to visit are in fall and spring, when the weather is mild, though many of the villages surrounding Lake Okeechobee have beautiful Christmas decorations in December.

When hunting season is underway, you might be tempted to trek out to new territory and spend a few nights in the great outdoors. A hunting expedition can put your endurance, stamina and concentration to the test, and roughing it during inclement weather requires packing up some survival gear essentials so you can track down your prey like a pro.

Whether you're hunting game in the forest or tracking down deer in the country, you'll need some basic gear to get through the night safe and sound. Here's what you need for a successful hunt:

Keep those feet well-prepared for hunting mode with a pair of insulated boots. Rugged, lace-up boots are designed with several layers of insulation and extra protection for almost any type of weather. You'll need the extra layers of insulation for snowy days in the forest or country roads, so toughen up with a pair of rugged shoes and thick socks as you trek along your trail.

You'll also need to layer up with fleece and insulated outerwear to ward off those cooler temperatures, day and night. Make sure you're decked out in at least one thick fleece jacket, heavy fatigue pants and a puffy jacket that will give you an extra layer of warmth when temperatures hit rock bottom.

When it's time to call it a day and hit the campsite for a good night's rest, a thermal sleeping bag will help you get through the night with ease. Look for 'chrysalis'-style bags designed with a super-tight construction and extra padding to help seal in the heat. These sleeping bags will keep you warm and toasty on any fall or winter evening and shield you from bugs and insects that might be lurking around your camping territory.

Finally, you'll need a basic sport utility kit filled with some basic tools and a first aid kit for unforeseen emergencies. The Gerber Sport Utility Kit is a lightweight and versatile kit filled with a flashlight, back pack ax, a compact folding spade and first-aid basics; when you're spending a few days and nights in the great outdoors, you'll need these by your side to handle minor cuts and scrapes.

Known to the rest of the world as "America's First Resort," Hot Springs, AR, is one of the most relaxing outdoor vacations you will ever experience.

Of course, this city is named after the 147-degree, natural, thermal water generated by the 47 different springs of the Hot Springs Mountain. However, there is more to do than lounge in bathhouses and take hot springs tours. In fact, there are plenty of outdoor tourist activities to engage your attention.

Kids, for example, will enjoy water games and swimming at Magic Springs and Crystal Falls or a scenic drive through Hot Springs National Park. Young couples in love can take the Belle of Hot Springs Riverboat across beautiful Lake Hamilton or take a stroll through Garvan Woodland Gardens.

If you're into buried treasure, you might want to spend an afternoon hunting for quartz crystals (yes, you get to keep your finds), and hikers will love the hiking trails of the Ouachita Mountain Range. Fishing is also popular in Hot Springs, and nearby lakes and streams offer crappie, bass, walleye, stripers and trout.

There are also several stables in Hot Springs, each of which offers hours of horseback riding adventures. If you prefer to see the world from the back of a horse, give the local barn a call. If you like to see horses but stay off their backs, spend a day at the Oaklawn Jockey Club and place your bets.

Depending on when you visit Hot Springs, you'll need to pay careful attention to the weather. The summers feature highs in the upper 80s and lows in the 60s and 70s, so you'll be able to get away with a fairly light wardrobe. However, if you take your Hot Springs vacation in the winter, prepare for lows below freezing and afternoons in the 40s and 50s.

For cold-weather travels, men will need a comfortable and heat-retaining coat such as the Ground Gage Jacket. Zippered pockets will allow you to tour Hot Springs without worrying about losing your wallet, and the waist-length cut leaves you free to move around. Women who want to stay warm should check out the goose-down Ariat Alta.

While hiking trips in the Rockies and overnight stays at nature trails in the Midwest offer plenty of opportunity to bond with the outdoors, the colder climate calls for padding up with layers and staying inside the tent for most of the trip.

Camping in an exotic rainforest offers a completely new experience for the avid nature lover: a chance to trek over rough terrain, catch a glimpse of indigenous species and take in a breath of very humid air. Rainforest camping survival is no easy affair, but you can make it through those hot and humid days with the right gear.

Get a head start on the trail with a lightweight and versatile backpack. The CamelBak H.O.S.S. is an expandable pack that can hold several water bottles, a change of clothes, your food stash and other essentials for your trip. This pack is also designed with a reservoir that has an extra-large mouth opening; you can fill it up with that much-needed H2O and haul it along on that multi-hour trek across the rainforest.

In addition to packing extra water bottles and storing water in your pack, you'll need a cooling reservoir to replenish water levels after a day or two of chugging down your stock. The Katadyn Hiker Pro Microfilter lets you fill up on water fresh from the rainforest without worrying about your health; the lightweight filter can process up to 300 gallons of water and generate nearly a quart of fresh water per minute. Taking along a water filter is an absolute necessity for desert trekking and multi-day rainforest hikes, and most filters can adapt to all types of water bottles for easy refilling.

Getting a good night's sleep inside a sleeping bag seems like "Mission Impossible" when temperatures continue to stay around record-high levels after sunset. However, a lightweight sleeping pad can help you keep your cool during those hot and muggy, air-conditioning-free nights. The Big Agnes Air Core pad is a lightweight pad that can be inflated within minutes. The pad provides a layer of comfort and relaxation after a hard day of trekking.

Heading off on a rainforest oasis trail can be an exciting adventure, but you need to take along the basic survival gear to get through that tropical climate like a pro.

There are few places in this world that successfully combine raw, rustic living with five-star accommodations. One such rarity is Devil's Thumb Ranch, which boasts "5,000 acres of raw Colorado".

My wife visited this beautiful ranch about three years ago for a writer's conference and retreat. She came home gushing, not about the speakers or the opportunity to write, but about the beauty of the land and the hospitality of the staff.

Devil's Thumb Ranch is located west of Denver in the Rocky Mountains and offers a host of outdoor activities for your enjoyment. From fly fishing to horseback riding, from snowshoeing to mountain biking, from skiing to swimming, this place has everything you could possibly want in an invigorating vacation.

And after you've spent the day taxing your muscles and taking in the scenery, you can enjoy a massage or body wrap in the ranch's private spa.

They have 16 cabins and a lodge onsite for guests who wish to stay a while, and you'll find that the accommodations are more than suitable for a relaxing vacation. Each room features exposed-beam architecture, soothing colors and quaint, yet elegant furniture.

For those of you who are interested in green living, you'll be happy to know that Devil's Thumb Ranch is committed to eco-friendly practices. Their buildings are heated geothermally to cut down on energy usage, and all meals served on the property come from organic meat and produce.

After you've worked up an appetite, you can get a bite to eat in the Ranch House Restaurant or the Saloon, and you are always free to select a bottle from hundreds of vintages in the wine cellar. All in all, this is an amazing place to spend your next vacation, whether you plan to travel in the summer or in the winter.

When visiting a ranch of this size, it's fair to say that you'll do a considerably amount of hiking. Make sure to pack a pair of sturdy hiking boots with solid ankle support, such as the Oakley All Mountain LTs for men or the Keen Targhee II Mids for women.

Wind in your hair. Dust billowing on all sides. Open road or deserted wilderness ahead. ATV vacations are some of the most exciting adventures in the world, particularly if you want to see as much beautiful land as possible without emptying your bank account.

Outfitters like Kauai ATV offer all the glory and freedom of all terrain vehicles (ATVs) without having to purchase the machine yourself. Plus, you can try out different makes and models at your leisure, all the while enjoying thousands of acres of lush vegetation.

Splash through ponds, race across fields, zip around ATV tracks and slosh through mud puddles, all in the same vacation. In some cases, such as with Kauai ATV, snacks, beverages and even lunch can be included in a tour, and clothes are usually available for rental or included in the price.

There are also a few ATV outfitters who offer accommodations for overnight stays. These are usually guest ranches and other facilities that offer more than just ATV rides, but it is always a good idea to go with tour guides who specialize in ATVs. The exact experience will depend on the facility you choose, but most are likely to feature trails, fields, tracks and water.

If you'd like to try an ATV vacation, make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen and bug spray, plus a towel to clean off with after you've been riding through mud and dirt. Many outfitters also have water on their property, which means that you are likely to get wet. Aqua shoes such as the Keen Roatans for women, which come in several color options, are advisable for these facilities.

When looking for the perfect ATV vacation, make a list of the things you want included in the package you purchase. Some of these facilities have swimming pools, gift shops, horseback riding, hiking, motorcycles, go-carts and even snowmobile rentals in addition to ATV activities. If you want a little variety in your next outdoor vacation, make sure they've got everything you need.

Also, you'll need to decide if you want to stay overnight. If you're just looking for a day vacation close to your home, proximity will be the deciding factor. However, if you'll be staying a few days, it might be cheaper to go with an outfitter who has onsite accommodations. Otherwise, you'll need to research nearby hotels or cabins.

There are few mountains in America for which entire towns have been centered, and Pikes Peak is one of the most popular. Located just ten miles from Colorado Springs, Colorado, Pikes Peak is a popular vacation destination during all times of the year. Of course, unless you're fond of freezing temperatures, late spring and summer are the best times to visit.

According to PikesPeak.com, this is the most-visited mountain in all of North America, partially because it is so visible from the Colorado plains. There are three ways to reach the beautiful (oxygen-deprived) summit of the mountain: the Pikes Peak Highway, the Pikes Peak Cog Railway and the Barr Trail.

I recommend taking the railway if you have the cash ($30.50 per adult), because you'll be better able to focus on the beautiful view. Driving is difficult because you run the risk of overheating your engine, and if you aren't experienced in driving on mountain roads, it can be dangerous. The trail, of course, is most popular with active hikers and mountain climbers who desire a challenge.

Once you summit Pikes Peak, make sure you venture over to the north face, which drops precipitously into what they call the "bottomless pit." You can also get something to eat and drink at the summit (you'll need it if you've hiked the whole way), and be sure to bring your camera to capture this adventure on film.

Of course, Pikes Peak isn't the only thing to do in Colorado Springs, especially if you're taking a vacation during the winter. You can go skiing, snowboarding, horseback riding, rafting or kayaking, and there are more than enough shops in town to keep you busy for weeks.

If you're visiting Pikes Peak and Colorado Springs during the winter months, make sure you bring warm clothes. A few years ago, it was quite a shock to my family when we traveled from hot and humid Houston, Texas, to the snowy climate of Colorado. We wound up buying new jackets and long underwear after we arrived.

Shoes, in particular, are important. I am personally fond of the Ugg boots, which come in both men's and women's sizes, because of their warmth and flexibility. You can find them in all colors and styles, but my favorites are the Beacons, which are very lightweight.

When talking about Africa, most people immediately think of safaris which involve hunters going after lions, tigers and other big game animals. That doesn't mean, however, that those who live for sport fishing should pass up a chance to visit this beautiful continent, especially the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba.

Part of the United Republic of Tanzania, the waters between Zanzibar and Pemba present anglers with a variety of year-round fishing opportunities, including the barracuda, the speedy Wahoo and the giant Travally. Catching any one of these beauties means a great trophy to hang on your wall back home.

If you schedule a vacation between August and October, that's the perfect time to drop a line and catch some Yellowfin Tuna. If you are fortunate enough to hook one of these strong fish, they make excellent trophies and an even better meal.

You can't make the long journey to Africa without trying to land some of the billfish that hang around Pemba Island. If you schedule your fishing expedition for the months between November and March, test your skills against the Black, Blue and Striped Marlins.

Many fishing enthusiasts agree that the Broadbill requires quite a bit of strength and skill once you have one on the line. Although they bear little resemblance to Australian actor Russell Crowe, this fighting fish has earned the nickname "Gladiator of the Sea." When going up against this "Gladiator," make sure to wear a durable pair of Sperry Top-Siders.

Zanzibar also attracts many undersea divers each year, and if you head below the surface, you may catch a glimpse of whales, humpback dolphins and other marine life.

Getting to Zanzibar requires a little coordination, however. One recommended method is booking an international flight into the Dar es Salaam region and a connecting flight to the islands. You also can catch a ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar after you land.

With tropical scenery and sea creatures that put up a real fight, pack your passport and gear and head to Zanzibar. It's one place where you won't mind picking up the bill, especially if it's attached to a fish.

Sources:

http://www.rasnungwi.com/fishing/deep_sea_fishing/
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/fishwatch/species/pac_yellowfin_tuna.htm
http://www.zanzibar.net/

When you think about taking a beach vacation with the family, a number of destinations probably pop into your head: Palm Springs, Destin, Miami, Myrtle Beach, and the list goes on. The problem, of course, is that these well-known tourist magnets are as expensive as they are popular, which can really ruin a vacation if you're looking to have some fun.

A few years ago, my wife and I decided to take our first vacation in about ten years, and instead of running toward one of these famous beach vacation spots, we opted instead for the beautiful beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama. Most people don't think of the Yellowhammer State for its white sand and clear blue waters, but that is exactly what we found.

One of the most exciting things to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama, is snorkeling. The water is so clear that you can see all the way to the bottom if you're anywhere near the shore, and you'll find that the best shells are actually in the water rather than on the beach.

You can also go kayaking, whale-watching, hiking, beach walking and participate in tons of other adventures that you'd find in any other beach-front community. Best of all, however, Gulf Shores is much cheaper than Palm Springs or Miami, and you get the same glorious views with about a quarter of the tourists. Just make sure you bring plenty of sun block and treat yourself to a new pair of Crocs for the occasion.

The best time to visit Gulf Shores is in the late summer when the meager tourist season dies out almost completely. You can score a beautiful condo on the beach for less than $900 for an entire week.

Since this local isn't as populated or popular as some of the other beach destinations in the U.S., there are fewer restaurants and businesses. However, if you rent a condo or beach house for your stay, you can use the full kitchen provided and cook your own meals to eat on the beach.

Gulf Shores, Alabama might not seem as exciting or exotic as some of the other beach vacation spots, but it's certainly just as much fun. And, if you find you can't keep busy enough, Florida is literally a few miles away, so you can always escape to more populated areas.

Some people are simply more comfortable on the water than on dry land and feel pulled toward oceanic adventures, like a paper clip to a magnet. This is why, when looking for outdoor vacation ideas, it's important to consider destinations that include open water.

For example, whale watching is one of the most popular sea-faring adventures in the United States. Rather than challenging your physical strengths, it instead fulfills a sense of wonder and may even inspire a career in marine biology. Whenever I'm visiting friends on the east or west coast, this is an activity I try to fit into my schedule.

The best thing about whale watching is that no two trips are ever exactly the same. You might see six blue whales on one trip, and then see nothing but pods of dolphins on your next. Of course, there might be times when no sightings occur, but many whale-watching outfitters will give you free tickets for a future excursion if this happens.

The types of whales you see when whale watching will depend on which part of the country you are in. Blue whales, for example, are common off the west coast, while dolphins often make an appearance in Galveston Harbor.

Of course, you'll need to dress appropriately before you head out on a boat, whether it's a cruise ship or a dinghy. Even if the sun is hot on the beach, oceanic winds can leave you wishing you'd brought a jacket for your trip.

You'll also need a heavy-duty bag that won't be ruined if you have to set it on a wet boat deck. The Timbuk 2 Metro has a padded shoulder straps and a waterproof vinyl interior, which make it perfect for lugging around that expensive camera you bought for your whale-watching trip.

Whale-watching outfitters vary significantly in both price and amenities. Make sure you do your research before heading out on the water. If the boat crew provides champagne and snacks while you're aboard, you'll probably pay a steep price for those luxuries. Look for whale-watching trips where you can have fun looking at the marine life without blowing your entire vacation budget.

When writing this blog, I usually try to find obscure outdoor vacations that people wouldn't usually consider, but this week I'm going with an old favorite: The Grand Canyon. What would a blog about vacations be without mentioning this famous site?

This is one of my favorite places to go because, no matter my mood when I arrive, I always leave feeling humbled. It's nearly impossible to stand in front of a natural formation so massive and not feel inspired to greatness, and it's also a prime opportunity to get some physical exercise and commune with nature.

Before you go, make sure you pack a backpack large enough to carry at least three liters of water, such as the Oakley Flak backpack. You'll want to stay hydrated for your entire trip, and this backpack will leave you enough room for a camera, some snacks and maybe a spare pair of socks.

While you're there, make sure you check out some of the amazing programs offered by the Grand Canyon National Park rangers, such as the geological talks and the nature walks through the North Rim Visitor's Center. They even have ranger introduction programs for kids, which makes the Grand Canyon a perfect outdoor vacation for families.

For the more adventurous vacationers, you might also want to sign up for one of the three major river trips offered at the Grand Canyon. You'll get to see a few whitewater rapids while you observe some really amazing wildlife, and they usually last the full day.

If you plan to stay for a few days, and I recommend you do, there are plenty of places to stay at the Grand Canyon that won't break the bank. The Bright Angel Lodge, for example, is located on the South Rim, and is very affordable for the level of accommodations provided. Rooms start around $49, and private cabins will only cost you a little more than $100 per night.

The Grand Canyon might sound like a cliché, a boring way to spend your outdoor vacation, but I've been more times than I can count, and each trip is a new experience. So grab a few friends or pack up the minivan and head to Arizona.

During the 1960s and '70s, Cocoa Beach became permanently associated with NASA and the United States Space Program, both in real life and fiction. The John F. Kennedy Space Center is just miles away from this Florida town, which also served as the television home for Astronaut Tony Nelson (Larry Hagman) on "I Dream of Jeannie."

Located on a stretch of the Atlantic Ocean that has become known as the "Space Coast," Cocoa Beach may not have beautiful blondes in harem pants, but it does offer plenty of fishing opportunities for mere mortals, many of which can be challenging.

Take, for instance, the redfish that like to hang out in the shallow water off the coast. For an inshore fish, these beauties do have plenty of fight in them and landing one is a real accomplishment.

If you love trout, Cocoa Beach has plenty to choose from, including the spotted and speckled trout. The appropriately named Gator Trout also has a mouth and teeth that make it resemble a small alligator. It definitely is not a real beauty, but the Gator Trout is a fun fish to find.

Though inshore fishing offers some real thrills, if you are in the mood for some serious fighting, head offshore in search of the amberjack. With an average weight of 142 pounds, you may want to strap yourself into the fighting chair before dropping a line, though.

With its ideal location on the Space Coast, Cocoa Beach also lets you combine your love for fishing with a family vacation. Some of Florida's most notable attractions, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, are within easy driving distance, but they also are far enough away from the good fishing spots.

Because this is a popular tourist destination, Cocoa Beach does have plenty of resorts and chain motels plus restaurants of all shapes and sizes. If you can't land the fish of your choice, you can take revenge by having one cooked up for dinner at a local eatery.

No matter if you head down to Florida to watch a space shuttle launch, hang out with Mickey Mouse or go man-to-fish with an aggressive amberjack, Cocoa Beach has plenty to keep you happy.

Resources:
http://www.cocoa-beach-fishing.com/fish-species.php
City of Cocoa Beach: http://www.cityofcocoabeach.com/FlashHomePages/visitors_home.html
Florida's Space Coast: http://www.space-coast.com/