Florida at a Glance
Miles of white, sandy beaches, a pleasant year-round climate and the undisputed theme park capital of the world – it’s a small wonder that the fabulous state of Florida is America’s number one holiday destination. Don’t think that Florida is all about sandcastles and rollercoasters, get off the beaten track and discover a hidden side to the state for a truly rewarding holiday. Contrast the laid-back beach resorts with fashionable Fort Lauderdale and the vibrant Latino-influenced city of Miami, or head down to the beautiful Florida Keys, where the lifestyle is as horizontal as the landscape. You might just need it after a week of Orlando excitement with Mickey and his friends!
Best time to visit
Florida, known as the ‘Sunshine State’, offers year-round temperatures in the low 20°C range during winter, and the low 30°C range in the summer. You can expect short, sharp showers in the afternoons. Hurricanes can form between June and October.
Ultimate experience
On the Gulf Coast of Florida there is some incredible sealife, but perhaps the most amazing is the manatee. You have a good chance of seeing one around the Crystal River area.
Great journey
Drive down the Florida Keys, stopping at tiny islands and passing over huge bridges that link these sub-tropical idylls.
Fort Myers & Captiva Island at a glance
The beaches of Fort Myers, Sanibel and its smaller sister island Captiva, in Southwest Florida, are made up of more than 100 islands strung along the Gulf of Mexico. The area is renowned for its laid-back, barefoot holiday destinations. Choose from 50 miles of sun-soaked coastline where you can try your hand at one of the many watersports, enjoy live music at the beach bars and cafés, and discover delicious, fresh seafood right off the fishing boats.
Where to go for adventure
The Everglades National Park is one of the largest national parks in the USA. It is an incredible wilderness, filled with the ubiquitous Florida alligator.
Naples, Marco Island & The Everglades at a glance
Naples is the crown jewel of Southwest Florida. Nestled on the sun drenched Gulf of Mexico, it’s known for fabulous sunsets, world-class shopping, dining and challenging golf courses. Plus, right on its doorstep is the tropical wilderness of the Everglades and the seclusion of Marco Island.
Best beaches
Florida has too many amazing beaches to count, with Clearwater Beach named as America’s best beach by TripAdvisor for 2019.
St. Petersburg, Clearwater & Dunedin at a glance
The beaches of St. Pete and Clearwater are only 90 minutes from Orlando, making this the perfect location for a twin-centre holiday. The area is home to 35 miles of award-winning beaches and also offers a thriving culture, as well as great dining and nightlife. If you want some excitement, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is just a short drive away, offering up-close animal encounters and some fantastic rollercoaster thrills.
Sarasota, Tampa & Anna Maria Island at a glance
Experience the charm of Sarasota and the beautiful white-sand beaches that make this the perfect place for a relaxing holiday. The beaches stretch along the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay, but there is so much more to the area than just warm sands. The area offers superb upmarket shopping, golfing, fishing, diving and some amazing restaurants.
Water paradise
Florida has one of the largest reefs in the world – take a boat or catamaran trip to snorkel there.
Dates for the diary
Got a white beard? If so, head to the Ernest Hemingway Look- A-Like Competition at Sloppy Joe’s (Hemingway’s favourite bar) in Key West.
Best for kids
Where do we start? With theme parks that include Seaworld®, Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando – is the family entertainment capital of the world. Take a look at our Disney Resorts guide here.
Orlando at a glance
The holiday playground of Orlando is vibrant, fun and colourful, and offers a dazzling array of theme parks and attractions, as well as a superb choice of dining, shopping and entertainment. There is a diverse range of accommodation to choose from, including themed hotels within Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, all-suite hotels, luxury resorts, and private homes with pools – with the magic of Orlando always easily accessible. There is quite simply nowhere else like it on Earth.
Fine cuisine
If you’re in the Keys, you have to try a slice of Key Lime Pie.
Splash out
An icon of Miami Beach, The Fontainebleau Hotel has played host to Presidents, the Rat Pack and even James Bond. A $1 billion refurbishment has brought this bastion of 50’s style into the 21st Century.
Live like a local
Miami has a huge Cuban population. Head into Little Havana and see the locals playing dominoes in the shade.
Miami at a glance
Multi-cultural Miami offers white sands, year-round sunshine and the largest concentration of Art Déco buildings in the world. Sample the excellent restaurants and hip night life in South Beach, designer shopping in Bal Harbour or sit back and relax at one of Ocean Drive’s many outdoor cafés.
Fancy that? Call now our friendly Florida experts on 0800 707 6229 and head on a dreamy Florida holiday.
Alternatively, browse our carefully picked selection of Florida holidays here or download our new Florida brochure here.
