Explore Beautiful Captiva Island, FL

Captiva Island is a Florida family destination located between Tampa and Fort Myers with a subtropical climate, the opportunity for non stop activities, and a variety of vacation rentals to choose from. Captiva Island can deliver a great family vacation, no matter what your idea of the perfect trip; from relaxing vacation rentals along the sandy beaches to hotels and resorts near all the major tourist attractions.

Captiva Island is a quiet piece of land that is home to about 500 permanent residents, mostly living in condominium communities or exclusive developments consisting of stucco houses and cottages. Most living on the island contribute to the tourism industry, offering vacation rentals to tourists or running restaurants, gift shops, boat charters and attractions for the thousands of visitors who stay on the island each year.

Captiva Island offers an abundance of outdoor recreation options to let you and your family enjoy the beautiful weather all year round. Known for challenging and scenic golf courses, Captiva Island has over 70 courses to test your skills. If golf isn't your forte, you can rent bikes and enjoy some of the many miles of bike paths, rent kayaks, canoes or power boats and head out into the open seas, or join one of the cruises that set sail several times each day. You can play tennis on Captiva Island, or take a day trip to Naples or Fort Myers for additional attractions- like the Caribbean Gardens Zoo, or the Imaginarium.

Kids of all ages enjoy the abundance of sea shells on Captiva Island! If you stay in one of the many vacation rentals along the beach, you can collect treasures from sun up to sun down. The nearby Sanibel Island features even more seashells because of its location and position of the island, the Gulf of Mexico tosses its shell treasures onto the shores daily. If shell collecting is a hobby of your family, you'll want to take a day trip to Sanibel Island- and join the many people you'll find scouring the beaches with buckets, nets, and bags to bring their treasures home with them.

There is even a one-of-a-kind shell museum offering rare specimens, art and history involving shells, fossil shells and shells collected locally on Sanibel and Captiva Island. Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum is on Sanibel Island, and offers an affordable attraction for the entire family, with children under 7 attending for free, and tickets ranging from $3 to $5.

While you are likely to see a great variety of wildlife from the window of your vacation rentals on Captiva Island, you can enjoy the J.N "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge with miles of hiking, biking and canoe trails that give you the opportunity to see birds, alligators, river otters, turtles and more! You could also enjoy the Everglades Day Safari with trained guides that take you through Florida's Big Cypress preserve and Everglades outback on riverboat, airboat, vans, or by hiking. Like any tourist destination, Captiva Island offers a great variety of shopping opportunities, and charming shops filled with unique, one-of-a-kind souvenirs and artist's offerings.

Weddings and honeymoons are made even more special when you stay in vacation rentals on Captiva Island. If your dream wedding includes a tropical beach wedding, Captiva Island can offer you the perfect location for getting married, having your reception and even staying to enjoy your honeymoon among the romance of the island.

Enjoying your vacation in Captiva Island is as easy as booking one of the many vacation rentals! Spend your days lounging on the beach in the beautiful warm weather, or moving from one attraction to the next in a flurry of non-stop vacation activity!

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AAAHHH! Acapulco Vacationing!

Acapulco is among the most important tourist destinations within Mexico. Mainly a beach resort community with a warm and humid climate, it's located along the Pacific Coast, about 250 miles from Mexico City.

Acapulco vacation rentals are often located along the bay, one of the most enticing aspects of this area of Mexico because of the warm and calm waters of the sea. The majority of Acapulco vacation rentals are situated within perfect distance from the nightlife that is so wild and entertaining that it is often seen as being unbelievable- and unmatched by any other tourist destination!

Staying in Acapulco gives you the perfect opportunity to partake in a variety of activities while enjoying your rest and relaxation. After you've spent enough hours on the beach soaking up the sun's rays and drinking Margarita's, try your hand at scuba diving on Roqueta Island. If you've got an adventurous spirit, you can join the other fearless people that cliff dive off the top of a 115 foot rock in La Quebrada day or night. In the night hours, the grounds around the cliff are illuminated with torches, while people dive into the ocean below. If that's a little more than you've bargained for, you can always enjoy a parasail over the ocean to see the most of the scenic bay area, the Acapulco vacation rentals, and the near by mountains. From such a high vantage point, you'll be absolutely stunned by the breathtaking beauty that makes up Mexico and Acapulco! People who enjoy their Acapulco vacation rentals often love eating traditional Mexican fare. Near Acapulco is Barra Vieja, where you can dine in Mexican restaurants and try some of the most delicious, authentic Mexican seafood dishes you've ever tasted.

More to Acapulco, Mexico than the adult nightlife, your children will enjoy their stay in any of the various Acapulco vacation rentals located near the CICI Acapulco Magico or the Parque Papagayo. The Acapulco Magico offers aquatic entertainment with a wave pool, various water slides and a hot air balloon ride, while the Parque Papagayo offers a roller rink, go-karts and other amusements for kids both young and old. If a large selection of adult nightlife is your ideal vacation, than you won't find a better destination than the Acapulco vacation rentals in Mexico. There are numerous bars and dance clubs along the main tourist strip of Costera Miguel Aleman Avenue. Known as the city that never sleeps, Acapulco offers a Hard Rock Café and a Planet Hollywood, as well as the Disco beach that offers dancing and an ocean view. Electronic music radiates out of the windows of both El Alebrije and Palladium disco hotspots for vacationers that are looking for a place to "get down" and dance the night away!

Your Acapulco vacation rentals might very well offer you a taste of Mexico relaxation! Many hotels have world-class spa's right on site, offering a range of services from herbal steam baths to seaweed body wraps and treatments for skin, body, soul and mind. Mexico is world-renowned for its gorgeous and brightly colored local art pieces. Many shops in Acapulco offer crafts from local artists made from seashells, coconuts, ceramics and even handmade clothing.

Staying in Acapulco vacation rentals allows you to gain the full experience of Mexico and its culture, while enjoying an active nightlife and adventure filled vacation- or alternatively, you could spend your entire vacation lounging along some of the most beautiful beaches of the world.

Vacation is Sweet in Sonoma County

Sonoma County, CA- otherwise known as "wine country" is the perfect vacation destination for a relaxing and scenic trip. For wine lovers, you'll get your fix with the hundreds of wineries in Sonoma County and the neighboring Napa Valley- but wine county vacations are enjoyable even for people who aren't wine aficionados! Enjoy the Sonoma coast, one of the most beautiful seascapes in the country, and take a variety of wine tasting tours in one of the many wineries during your Wine County vacations. Sonoma County vacation rentals are varied and located in close proximity to many of the area's favorite tourist attractions.

Northern California is known worldwide for its wine production- however, staying in Sonoma County vacation rentals means you'll experience so much more than vineyards and wineries. Nature is an abundant resource, with old growth redwoods that seem miles high, gardens and orchards and farm animals making their home in the land of wine county vacations. After you've toured all of the wineries you've ever wanted to see, and tasted as many wines as you can manage, take a San Francisco Bay Area Jeep Tour and see neighborhoods that bus tours are unable to show tourists; Pacific Heights, Lombard Street, Seacliff, Russian Hill and Coit Tower. You'll see the famous Golden Gate Bridge- a must see while staying in Sonoma County.

A National Historic Landmark of California, the Sonoma Square, a central plaza located inside Sonoma State Historic Park, is the largest in the state of California. The Sonoma Square consists of a variety of historic buildings, including the first building constructed in 1823 by Father Jose Altimira during a plan to replace mission establishments in San Francisco and San Rafael. Any wine county vacation should include a visit to the Sonoma Square. If boating and water activities are your pleasure, the very large, man made Lake Sonoma should be on your itinerary.

While you stay in here, you'll be happy to know you'll have no problem finding that perfect gift for family and friends- and yourself! A wide variety of shopping opportunities from the high-end factory outlets offering discounted prices, to exclusive salons to bookstores full of hard-to-find items, art galleries, to one of a kind clothing stores. Enclosed shopping malls with brand name outlet stores make it possible to shop no matter what the weather is. As your enjoying your wine county vacation, travel some of Sonoma County's back roads and small towns for the most quaint of shopping opportunities.

Not quite as well known as wine county vacations is the number of spas located near the majority of Sonoma County vacation rentals. The word "spa" actually means "healing through water", and Sonoma County has many natural thermal springs- making it a natural location for some of the most beautiful and relaxing spas in the country. Sonoma county spas came up with the idea of healthy diets including more than vegetables and fruits with low calorie counts, and "spa cuisine" was born here. The idea of having a glass of wine with dinner was also born in Sonoma county spas. The spas combine traditional techniques with the "wine touch". You can sit in a relaxing whirlpool and view gorgeous scenery while sipping a glass of champagne; cleanse with a grape seed facial; or sit in champagne bubble baths.

You can enjoy a round or two of golf during your stay in the Sonoma County vacation rentals. The PGA Charles Schwab Cup Championship is played in Sonoma County- and there are golf courses for all levels of players and even for players on a budget.

Wine county vacations offer more than wine tastings and tours. Your Sonoma County vacation rentals give you the perfect location to experience all that northern California has to offer.

Please visit VacationMLS.com for great specials on wine country vacation rentals.

Sunriver OR - A Magical Vacation

No Oregon vacation is complete without staying and visiting the beautiful community of Sunriver, Oregon. Sunriver is located in Central Oregon and is bordered along one side by the Deschutes River and by National Forest Land on another. Sunriver, Oregon is extremely unique, in that it is a planned community- the Sunriver Owners Association handles development of Sunriver vacation rentals, single or multi-family residential properties, resort properties and both industrial and commercially zoned properties. You'll find Sunriver vacation rentals scattered throughout the several villages that make up the Sunriver community- there are currently over 2,900 completed homes and over 900 condominiums, with many of the dwellings available for Oregon vacation rentals.

Sunriver is a popular tourist destination and location for Oregon vacation rentals due to the recreational activities available all year round. For the outdoorsy types, you can enjoy the Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory, Horseback riding at one of the many horse stables, and the opportunity to rent kayaks and canoes from the marina. If you enjoy playing sports on your vacation, book a vacation rental near one of the 31 outdoor tennis courts or 45 award winning golf courses in Sunriver. Wherever your Sunriver vacation rentals are located, you can enjoy comfortable bike rides while riding your bike along more than 30 miles of paved biking paths. If the rainy weather is putting a damper on your sports activities, head indoors to the indoor racquet club! Also, Oregon vacation rentals in the Sunriver community are all within short distance of more than 50 restaurants and unique shops, so there is no reason to let less than perfect weather conditions prevent you from enjoying a wonderful vacation.

Northwest Oregon is well known for the famous Cascade Lakes Highway, voted one of the most beautiful highways for sight-seeing within the country. There are lakes with crystal clear waters, rivers and streams visible from the highway. Sunriver vacation rentals are also within close proximity to both the Lava Butte and the Newberry National Monument natural volcanic wonders that were first noticed over 6,000 years ago. If you journey just outside Sunriver, you can even enjoy the result of the activity from the volcanoes that occurred thousands of years ago when you visit the "Lava Caves".

Of course, is complete without enjoying cross-country skiing or downhill skiing at Mt. Bachelor. This mountain is on the top of the list for skiers in the Northwest thanks to its location of just 18 miles of Sunriver, and for it's variety of slopes that are perfect for every skier skill level.

Other popular tourist attractions for those staying in Oregon vacation rentals around the state include casinos, whale watching expeditions along the coastline, and numerous Wineries that kindly offer wine tasting tours and a day of relaxation in Willamette Valley's, "Oregon Wine Country". If winter weather is your idea of a great vacation, Oregon vacation rentals are the perfect destination for you and your family! There are even opportunities for sledding and skiing in the summer months because of the high peaked mountains. From snowmobile riding to downhill skiing and sledding, to sleds pulled by dogs- there is no shortage of activities for the snow bound vacationers in Oregon. You can even try the ever popular snowboarding on in any of the ski resorts.

Staying in Sunriver vacation rentals is a great place to call "home base" during your Oregon vacation. You're in close proximity to many of the tourist's attractions of the state of Oregon, and can enjoy the community of Sunriver as part of your Oregon vacation.

Visit VacationMLS.com for great specials on Sunriver Vacation Rentals.

Outer Banks, NC - A Dream Vacation

Winter, spring, summer or fall- over 100 miles of shoreline that makes up the Outer Banks offers national parks, festivals and attractions, and a landscape created by Mother Nature that's sure to impress even the most discerning traveler. The vacation rentals of the Outer Banks are everywhere you turn, so you can enjoy the vacation of your dreams. Beachfront vacation rentals with breathtaking views of the ocean, hotels in the middle of the action, small cottages and house vacation rentals are scattered throughout Outer Banks, North Carolina. Although the Outer Banks is actually made up of several geographical areas, including the mainland, Nags Head, Roanoke Island, and Portsmouth Island, many people simply refer to all of the Outer Banks as "Nags Head".

Nags Head is an interesting vacation destination. On either side of the land is ocean, with high sand dunes flanking the land that can be seen from miles out in the ocean. It is not certain where Nags Head got its name from, but one possible explanation was that during the 18th century, land pirates would walk horses along the shore at night, each with lights on their heads. From the sea, they would look like boats to other seamen. When the boats would come towards the shore, getting stuck in the high sand dunes, the land pirates would steal their cargoes. Sometime in 1830, Nags Head became a resort community, as it is now- with Jockey's Ridge on the northern part of Nags Head the only remaining remnant of moving sand dunes. Jockey's Ridge is a tourist community with thousands of vacation rentals for the Outer Banks vacationers looking for a relaxing destination.

Roanoke Island, as well as most other regions, offer non-stop activity for the adventure-seeking traveler. If camping in tents is your idea of vacation rentals to die for, you can stay at one of the many campgrounds in the area. Whatever your choice for vacation rentals during your Outer Banks vacation, you'll be able to participate in water activities, enjoy eating in high quality restaurants, or learning about the heritage and history of the Outer Banks at one of the many museums and historical centers.

Popular activities for the vacationer include paddling, either in canoes or kayaks, in order to glimpse some of the many sea creatures and wildlife that inhabit the area. You can go hang gliding in Kitty Hawk. Hiking in various areas of the Outer Banks, and within walking distance from some of the vacation rentals. The Outer Banks caters to any vacationer's idea of "good eats"! They've got the typical beachfront resort community offerings of seafood restaurants, pubs and grills, but they've also got a wide variety of bistro's, café's, and ethnic eateries. If you prefer to cook your own meals, just be sure to select from vacation rentals with kitchens, and have access to the local supermarkets to get your favorite ingredients.

Regardless of the season, whether you stay in Nags Head or another area, you'll find there are many festivals and events happening all over the community. Museums offer a wide variety of exhibits, there is a strong art community within the Outer Banks with art shows open to the public, while the theatre remains a large attraction for both natives and tourists.

Selecting vacation rentals for your stay in the Outer Banks should not be a difficult task, as you can stay in the Northern Outer Banks or the Southern Outer Banks and be guaranteed an enjoyable vacation.


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Vacation Paradise - Galveston, TX

Probably the most popular tourist destination in the state of Texas, the island of Galveston, TX is 32 miles long on the Gulf of Mexico and located only about 50 miles from the state capital, Houston. Thousands of vacation rentals are scattered alongside the miles of sandy beaches that draw beach lovers from all over the country for weekend visits and longer, relaxing vacations. Its close proximity to Houston makes the island a great choice for short breaks from the daily grind.

Galveston, TX offers all of the traditional beach resort vacation amenities, like water sports, sun bathing, and sight seeing. Bring a loaf of bread and feed the seagulls, pelicans and cranes that make their home along the shoreline. Plan ahead or visit during off-season and you can enjoy one of the vacation rentals located within a stones throw of the ocean, maybe even enjoy an ocean view from the comfort of your hotel, cottage or condo.

There's something relaxing about spending time listening to the endless sound of the waves rolling in, the music from the many sea birds as they dive in and out of the water's surface with their catch, and the happiness of all who enjoy the beach. There is plenty to do in Galveston, TX- even if you don't want to spend your entire getaway lounging on the sands and wading in the clear, warm waters of the Gulf. The East End Historic District has several restored historical homes, as well as museums and a variety of other attractions for history buffs and those who enjoy architecture. Bicycling around is enjoyable for locals as well as tourists enjoying a stay in the vacation rentals of the community. Several vendors offer bike rentals, including a four-wheeled version that can seat up to four passengers. What a perfect way to explore the town with your family and make even sightseeing a memorable part of your family vacation!

Some popular tourist attractions in Galveston, TX include:

Moody Gardens (10 story Rainforest Pyramid & Aquarium)
Galveston Island State Park
The Grand 1984 Opera House
Lonestar Flight Museum
Railroad Museum
Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark (an indoor water park for year round enjoyment!)

If you'd like to cruise the ocean sea, there are many boating companies offering boat charters and fishing trips that leave the docks several times each day. Depending on the boat tour you select, you can spend as little as one hour aboard, twelve hours, or a weekend! Dinner or lunch cruises, fishing expeditions, and just casual jaunts about the water can all be enjoyed with a tour from one of the boating organizations in Galveston, TX.

Shopping and eating are favorite activities of tourists to any destination, and Galveston, TX provides you with a wide selection for performing both! Enjoy unique souvenir shops and a large selection of seafood restaurants, the majority conveniently located within walking distance from vacation rentals and beaches. Many people enjoy the ocean view restaurants that allow them to experience fine cuisine with their friends and family while taking in the scenery and beach activity.

No matter your preference for type of vacation rentals: private rental home, small cottage, resort hotel with upscale amenities, or a small motel room- you can find your idea of the perfect beach side vacation on the island of Galveston, TX.




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Myrtle Beach - Golf Vacation Anyone?

If golf vacations are your idea of the perfect vacation getaway, then start looking for your Myrtle Beach vacation rentals now! The "Grand Strand" features over 50 miles of golfing, from the southern tip of North Carolina all the way down through Georgetown, South Carolina. In fact, Myrtle Beach features more golf courses than any other destination in the United States, and nine of the courses on Myrtle Beach's Grand Strand received the 2005-2006 honor of "American's Top 100 Greatest Public Courses" in Golf Digest's list.

Over one million people get vacation rentals each year to serve as "home" during their golf vacations. The same one million visitors play over four million rounds of golf each year! Most local Myrtle Beach vacation rentals feature special golf packages that include accommodations and discounts at the many area golf courses. Some vacation rentals go as far as offering golf lessons and training directors to help make your golf vacations as memorable and enjoyable as possible. During the summer months, Myrtle Beach plays host to a series of single day golf tournaments that are fun for the entire family. The PGA tour rolls through and there are many other tournaments that you can join in for fun or on a professional level.

While you're staying in your Myrtle Beach vacation rentals, you'll be able to enjoy the many restaurants that are located in close proximity to the Grand Strand. Italian, Mexican, American, an abundance of seafood eateries thanks to the oceanfront locale; and the ever-famous, Caddy Shack restaurant founded by Bill Murray and his brothers, Ed, Brian, John and Joel. The Caddy Shack gives discounts to patrons who come in with that day's score card so make sure to save it even if the score isn't that great!

One of the unique features of South Carolina golf vacations is the ability to attend golf school while you are on vacation. Learn better posture, greenside bunker shots and fairway bunker shots. Take advantage of what you can learn during your golf vacations from a personal golf instructor as there are many available in Myrtle Beach for you to work with to improve your game skills. For families with only one golf player, Myrtle Beach is the perfect solution to giving everybody what they want in a vacation. The golfer of the family can enjoy fabulous golf vacations while the rest of the family can take advantage of the beachfront community that has so much to offer!

Beach lovers can enjoy miles of unspoiled sandy beaches, for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, collecting shells, volleyball playing or Frisbee-throwing, and para sailing. Get waterfront Myrtle Beach vacation rentals to enjoy all that the sea has to offer- fishing, boating, windsurfing, and even scuba diving. Sports enthusiasts will find plenty to do in Myrtle Beach- from the 200 tennis courts to the Speedway, to games played by the Myrtle Beach Pelican Class-A baseball team- there is really something for everyone.

Theatres, Amusement Parks, Ripley's Believe it or Not, unique shopping venues and large aquariums make up the tourist attractions. Several indoor and outdoor miniature golf courses give people of all ages some stress-free golf playing action.

Whether you book your Myrtle Beach vacation rentals for a beach holiday or to enjoy golf vacations on one of the 100 quality golf courses- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is a destination for the entire family.

Matthew Kekelis is employed by VacationMLS.com the complete online source for vacation rental condos, villas and homes.