Tourism's Past

» Then: Domestic jet service to Florida began Dec. 10, 1958, with a National Airlines flight between Miami and New York. “A two-hour dash to Miami International Airport will make weekends at Miami Beach desirable, practical and routine,” the New York Times reported in its 1958 “Winter Vacation Preview.” Air fare (night coach) in 1959: $38.61 one way, including tax.

» Now: At least 26 non-stop flights depart New York’s three major airports daily for MIA, with round-trip air fare ranging from $168 to $243 this summer. The top domestic air routes in and out of Florida are Fort Lauderdale to New York, 2.51 million passengers, and Atlanta to Orlando, 2.78 million passengers.

In 1962, the Florida Special, operated by the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, was the fastest train between New York and Miami, making the 1,388-mile journey in exactly 24 hours. The round-trip fare was $82.90 for coach or $122.29 first class.

» Then: In 1959, a 13-day “Greyhound Florida” tour package originating in Jacksonville cost $295 and included stops in St. Augustine, Daytona Beach, Palm Beach, four nights in Miami Beach, an airboat ride through the Everglades, as well as visits to Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Cypress Gardens, Lake Wales, Orlando and Silver Springs.

» Now: GotoBus, an internet travel company, offers a six-day, seven-night “Florida Adventure Tour” originating in Miami Beach for $577 per person. The price includes six nights’ accommodations and travel aboard an air-conditioned motor coach to Key West, Everglades National Park, Marco Island, Naples and Orlando.

» Then: In 1961, a tourist could stay at the ritzy Fountainebleau hotel on Collins Avenue for $11 a day per person — and that included two meals.

» Now: Following a recent $1-billion expansion and renovation, a stay at the Fountainebleau can range from $229 a night for a room with two queen beds to $1,141 for a two-bedroom oceanfront suite.