A well-balanced fusion of celebrity chefs, cutting-edge newcomers and classic masters give South Florida a true advantage among diners seeking the ultimate culinary experience.

With more golf courses than any other state in the country, Florida is known as the golf capital of the world. The sheer number of golf options and the undisputed quality of the courses, with many designed by award-winning architects and legends, have put South Florida at the top of the game when it comes to golfing. Enjoy the ultimate golf game as a novice or a pro.

The climate has always been one of Florida’s most important natural resources and is reflected in its official nickname, the “Sunshine State.” South Florida has a tropical climate and is known around the world for its balmy weather. Summers throughout the state are long, warm, and fairly humid with a defined rainy season from June through September. Winters are mild with periodic cool spells due to occasional cold fronts that push through.

Florida’s population (2012) is 19,552,860, ranking behind only California, Texas and New York. Florida has 1,800 miles of coastline and more than 11,000 miles of rivers, streams and waterways. Florida has approximately 4,500 islands larger than ten acres (only Alaska claims more in the U.S). Lake Okeechobee, which covers 700 square miles, is the second largest freshwater lake in the United States. There are more than 1,250 golf courses in Florida (more than any other state). Palm Beach County has more than any other county in the country and is also Florida’s largest county.

It is no idle boast: Florida is the boating capital of the world. There are more registered boats in Florida than any other U.S. state and at least 100,000 out-of-state boats are on Florida waters on any given day. Whether you cruise the Intracoastal Waterway, head out through an inlet to the Atlantic Ocean, breeze across the Florida Everglades on a propeller-powered airboat or find a quiet lake to cut bait, South Florida is a boater’s paradise. There are numerous marinas and boat launching sites, as well as rental, charter, and cruising opportunities.