Florida's Space Coast

As you might expect, the Space Coast of Florida got its name because that's where NASA launched its rockets and shuttles for the last half century or so. But the region has far more to offer than an education on America's space program. It's an area that stretches from Ormond Beach to Vero Beach with a coastline that offers great surfing and spring break locations, big-time auto racing, deep sea fishing and a pretty good golf scene.

And while the last space shuttle launch occurred on July 8, 2011, the Kennedy Space Center remains the region's best known tourist attraction, offering visitors experiences from viewing one of the actual space shuttles (the retired Atlantis) to launch simulations from a mission control room. There's also the Rocket Garden at the visitors' complex, where you can explore historic NASA rockets, visit the Astronaut Hall of Fame or check out the nearby U.S. Space Walk of Fame Museum. Visitors can also enjoy Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, a diverse habitat for migratory birds and natural wildlife.

The Space Coast is also known for a certain stock car race every February -- the Daytona 500. The race dates back to when the cars competed on the hard-packed sands of the beach until Daytona National Speedway was built in 1959. Today it's NASCAR's most prestigious race, drawing tens of thousands of race fans throughout the country. Meanwhile, the 23-mile stretch of beach is home to some of the best resorts in the area.

The beaches stretch some 72 miles and are located just less than an hour from Orlando and its famous theme parks. On this stretch, you'll find some of the best seafood in the country as well as countless hotels, bars and other fun family activities.

As far as golf is concerned, take your pick. In Daytona, you could play the LPGA International Champions Course, a 7,100-yard Rees Jones course, designed to challenge everybody from the novice to the best players in the world. Or head over to Mims for the unique golf experience known as Walkabout Golf Club. Designed by Perry Dye and LPGA legend Jan Stephenson (originally from Australia), the course not only presents and well conditioned collection of 18 holes, but also offers an extra hole, a par 3 with a green shaped like the continent of Australia. There are also venues like Viera East Golf Club, a classic Joe Lee design that winds through Viera's native marshlands or dozens of other quality daily-fee courses, sure to satisfy every level of player and budget.