Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to one side and the Gulf of Mexico to the other and with a wealth of natural attractions in between, Florida has much to offer, and that’s before you even start to think about the theme parks. It’s no surprise that Florida is the most visited state in the USA. Whether you’re looking for glorious beaches, adrenaline-filled thrills and spills or a combination of the two, Florida has it all.
Orlando
For many Orlando epitomises Florida in one perfect snapshot. Best known for its exciting theme parks, sunny weather and sheer abundance of entertainment, Orlando offers endless possibilities. The Walt Disney World Resort® is undoubtedly the best known of all the parks and you could spend weeks here and not see it all. Must-see parks include Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Disney’s Animal Kingdom plus the watery thrills and spills of Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. At Universal Studios Florida you can indulge in all your favourite films. Journey with Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts™, board the Hogwarts™ Express to Hogsmeade, or join Gru and his rabble-raising minions on Despicable Me Minion Mayhem™.
The Gulf Coast
On Florida’s western edge lies the beautiful Gulf Coast. This is a coastline of magnificent white sand beaches, pristine nature reserves and friendly towns including St Pete/Clearwater, Naples, Fort Myers Marco Island, plus the enchanting offshore islands of Sanibel and Captiva. Expect excellent golf courses and a wide selection of options when it comes to looking for somewhere to stay. Much of the Gulf Coast is also within a 2-3 hour drive from Orlando, making it the perfect multi-centre beach addition.
Miami
Oh-so-cool Miami is a vibrant, fun, and exciting city. A fusion of cultures which come together in spectacular fashion. This is where you’ll find a glorious beach, outstanding dining and entertainment standing side by side with some of the finest Art Deco architecture in the world. South Beach or SoBE is everything that Miami is known for and more, it can be lively and glamorous, but equally has a more relaxed side too. Miami’s southerly location means it is also just a short hop from the Everglades National Park, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach.
Florida Keys
Head south from Miami along State Highway One and the pace of life slows. The beautiful Florida Keys offer a taste of escapism and the drive alone is worth the effort. A chain of sand-bar islands lazily drifting south from the mainland. From Key Largo in the north, Islamorada and down to Key West at the very tip, each island offers a different experience. Key West is the most eccentric and colourful, the vibe is definitely bohemian, but that’s all part of its charm.
The Space Coast
Explore beyond the theme parks and discover Florida’s Space Coast. The Kennedy Space Centre is an incredible place to visit, where you can walk in the footsteps of the first men and women who were enthralled by space travel. It’s a place so familiar to us from the TV footage of rocket launches, to see it up close and personal is something quite extraordinary. It’s only an hour’s drive from Orlando but could be a world away.
Getting Here and Getting Around
Getting to Florida is easy with direct flights from most major UK airports to Orlando, Miami, and Tampa. Flying into one and out of another creates the perfect tailor-made itinerary that makes the most of your time. The best way to get around is by car and a multi-centre itinerary allows you to explore the many different side to the sunshine state.
Where to Stay
When it comes to places to stay, Florida has something to suit all budgets. Whether you’re looking for a self-catering apartment or condo, a 5* star hotel with everything you could need at your fingertips, or a villa with a private pool, the options are endless.
More From The Expert – Catherine Blackburn
Visit my website at Catherine Blackburn Travel, follow me on Facebook, or give me a call on 01295 231525
Further Reading From Catherine
- Canada
- Eastern Canada
- Atlantic Canada
- Canada: Gold Rush Pioneers
- Australia
- Scandinavia
- New Zealand
- South Africa & Safari
- Caribbean
- Alaska The Last Frontier
- Escape the Winter
- The Evolving Landscape of Travel in 2024: Exploring New Horizons, Sustainability, and Adventure
- California
- Christmas in Lapland
- East Coast Cities of the USA
