The ultimate Florida road trips

The lowdown: Begin your adventure in the Venice of Florida. Immerse your senses in a city of waterways and balmy beach days. Meander along the Riverwalk promenade, savour al fresco dining or catch the Atlantic surf before you unwind on sweeping golden beaches. Discover the urban Las Olas Boulevard, a lively area bursting with thriving bars, a cluster of appetising restaurants and stylish shops.

Where to stay: Admire passing boats (and their creative names) at Gallery One, which sits just next to the Intercoastal Waterway. Explore the area, hit the beach, then sip on delicious drinks at the Vue bar as you ponder what you would name your own yacht...

Otherwise, B Ocean Resort offers an idyllic sanctuary with a powder-sand beach on your doorstep – pure bliss for beachside lounging. Experience the world-famous Wreck Bar and catch a mermaid performance through the porthole windows.

The lowdown: Drive north to the glitz and glamour of Palm Beaches. Roll through a manicured landscape dotted with exquisite condos. Explore the luscious (and exclusive) area of Worth Avenue, dine like royalty or enjoy window shopping with a scoop of frozen yogurt in hand.

Where to stay: For an eclectic stay, The Colony is a beautiful hotel in a brilliant location with live entertainment and cabaret shows.

Want a stay right on the beach? Look no further than the picturesque Eau Palm Beach Resort, which is surrounded by tropical gardens. Unwind in a private oceanfront cabana on the Florida Gold Coast, then indulge in the Eau Spa.

Book a stay at Eau Palm Beach

The lowdown: Head across state to glossy Naples on the Gulf Coast, passing through the Everglades en route. Arrive to the pretty city, well-known for its affluence and natural beauty. Soak up the Mediterranean style of The Village Shops on Venetian Bay as you explore its many shops and flavourful bistro cuisine. Tune in to nature when you tee off from one of many golfing greens or embrace the serenity of tranquil mangroves and satin beaches.

Where to stay: Stay on fifth Avenue at The Inn on Fifth to be in the centre of the action. Savour the rooftop oasis with a pool, hot tub and loungers during an enchanting evening under the stars.

Or enjoy a mosaic of beachside luxury at Naples Grande Beach Resort. Relax in the spa, play at the beach and sip your morning coffee (or sundowner cocktail) at the Sunset Veranda.

The lowdown: Cruise a little further south for nonchalant island days. Marco Island is the perfect final stop for a road trip, where you can hang foot loose and fancy-free. Kick back on South Marco Beach and immerse yourself in the warmth of the shallow waters. Skim over the glistening waters on a boat ride to Keewaydin Island and watch as dolphins playfully chase the surf. Cool down with an ice-cream from a boat vendor and spend days lounging in the sun.

Where to stay: JW Marco Island Resort & Spa provides an award-winning resort stay with a perfect three mile stretch of pristine beach for family-fun days or romantic sunset strolls.

The lowdown: Satisfy your adrenaline needs at Tampa’s Busch Gardens. Zoom around on tumbling and swivelling rollercoasters, encounter animals and explore the destination themed elements of the park from the Congo to Egypt. If parks aren’t for you – no problem. Discover the lively Ybor City for a dose of Cuban culture. Then stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk and find al fresco dining spots for brunch. Stop for a taco dinner and margarita mixers and see lights flicker across the glistening waters at night-time.

Where to stay: The Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, close to Downtown Tampa and Tampa’s beaches, makes a brilliant base. Savour a location where you can catch a glowing sunset over the bay, unwind by a firepit and head to the bar for a tasty nightcap.

The lowdown: Make tracks south to Sarasota, for a fusion of old and new. Soak up the cultural scenes of Downtown Sarasota in its mellow coffee shops and brewery hangouts. Immerse yourself in the shopping at St Armand’s Circle and marvel at the European architecture. Next stop? The beautiful beaches. Siesta Key Beach is a USA favourite with ivory-white sands, a sunbathing haven and a gorgeous shoreline for sunset walks. Get closer to nature with a bike ride along the Legacy Trail or venture through Myakka River State Park to see gators in the wild.

Where to stay: For beachside opulence, The Ritz Carlton Sarasota is dripping in style. Savour a tropical sanctuary with a sparkling pool beneath palm trees and a private beach with its own Members Club for guests.

Or for barefoot luxury, The Resort at Longboat Beach Club, offers golf and tennis clinics, if you can summon the energy to rise from your poolside lounge chair.

The lowdown: Venture further south to miles of palm-lined white sandy beaches of Fort Myers to unwind at your final road trip destination. Relax on the shores of Bowditch Point Park or take to the waters on rented kayaks and paddleboards. Find a spot on Lynn Hall Memorial Park beach to sun-bathe, play volleyball and enjoy leisurely lunches. Find a slice of history at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates and admire the velvety gardens.

Where to stay: On an island of wonders, Captiva Island’s South Seas Resort provides lounge-worthy euphoric beaches. Cycle with the family, hop on a jet-ski just for two, play some golf, then sip sundowner cocktails on the beach amidst live music.

The lowdown: Arrive in the hot mix of Miami for a couple of nights and spend at least one evening in the uber-cool vibes of Miami Beach. Pack your flip-flops for beach days and bring your glad rags for hot nights out in Miami’s sizzling ambience. Catch a glimpse of the Versace mansion and wander around the colourful Wynwood District. Cecconi’s is one of the most upmarket Italian restaurants in the city, set in the exclusive Soho Beach House.

Hang out on South Beach, stroll along the boardwalk and work out like a local. When dusk arrives, people flock to the Broken Shaker for unreal cocktails before partying the night away at the always on-point LIV nightclub.

Where to stay: Stay in the heart of the action at the boutique Hotel Victor for serious style on Ocean Drive in the Art Deco District.

Or for a quieter stay in the heart of Miami Beach, book into The Plymouth, a quaint and sleek retreat. Both hotels provide valet parking.

Book a stay at Hotel Victor

The lowdown: Journey south and cross bridges over sweeping stretches of glistening ocean to reach the Florida Keys. Drive to Key Largo, the dive capital of the world for a chance to see dolphins in the wild. Or simply swing beachside in a hammock at sunset.

Where to stay: Baker's Cay Resort – Check in here for days beneath palm tree shade, surrounded by glistening waters in a tropical landscape.

The lowdown: Make tracks to Islamorada for a dash of natural beauty – a scuba diving and snorkelling haven. If you’d rather stay on land, ride a bicycle through the thriving island. Dine in quirky tiki-bars, tuck into mouth-watering seafood and stop at The Beach Café in Morada Bay for a blushing sunset with zesty dishes.

Where to stay: Casa Morada. Relax in a blissful adults-only boutique with peaceful suites and a chic style. Take part in morning oceanside yoga, paddleboard over endless waves and toast with sundowner bevvies at the end of the day.

The lowdown: Venture around Duck Key by charter boat or canoe. Stop off for a picnic in the sun or pitch up for a BBQ on a sandbar. Dive underwater to discover reefs with mottled marine life, then catch a bird’s eye view of the islands as you hover in the sky beneath a massive parasail.

Where to stay: Families can head to Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key for the best of both worlds, a balance of activities and relaxation.

The lowdown: Drive down to your final destination, unique Key West – a tropical island and party town. Take a tour of Ernest Hemmingway’s house, join a snorkel boat trip, dine on fresh seafood and catch a glowing sunset. Discover the fabulous Duvall Street, where nights can get wild and bars stay open until the early morning hours.

Where to stay: The Reach A Waldorf Astoria Resort is a beautiful sanctuary with a private beach, just a 5-minute walk away from the iconic Southernmost Point buoy marker.

The lowdown: Calling all thrill-seekers – a visit to the capital of theme parks is a must. Orlando is bursting with rapid rollercoasters, whirling rides, colossal slides and water park drops. Make your way around the excitement of Walt Disney World, then enjoy the exhilaration of Universal Studios Florida™. Make tracks to International Drive for a shopping outlet utopia, bustling bars and roaring restaurants. Looking for something more recreational? Go-kart on a multi-level track, take your best swing on a golf course or simply putt in a round of crazy golf.

Where to stay: What better way to experience Orlando than with a twin stay? Spend a few nights at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort for a tropical stay on the doorstep to theme park adventures. Make the most of complimentary shuttles to three theme parks and early admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and Universal’s Volcano Bay™ with valid tickets.

Then move along to the Ramada Plaza Inn and Suites for a couple of nights on I-Drive. Enjoy free parking and hop on the I-Ride Trolley to explore. Upgrade to club level for use of the rooftop bar and pool with complimentary selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

If a villa retreat is more your cup of tea, pair your theme park resort stay with Disney Area Executive Homes. Just a half hour drive from the theme parks, stay in Kissimmee – a gateway to the Everglades. Luxuriate in a self-catering, spacious villa with your own pool.

The lowdown: Drive west to the sparkle of the Gulf Coast. Soak up the sun in Clearwater, one of the USA’s favourite beaches. With powder-white sands and shallow turquoise waters, it’s a playground for all. Meander along the picturesque beachside promenade and shop in the revitalised downtown area. Make a splash with water sports and keep an eye out for dolphins dancing along the coast. Come sunset, stroll to Pier 60 for the daily Sunset Festival to watch artists and musicians before the sky lights up in fiery hues.

Where to stay: Opposite the dazzling ocean, the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa is set in the heart of the action. Stay here for a short stride to the beach; the hotel is also walking distance to the Clearwater Marina and Pier 60. When you want to unwind, bask under a poolside cabana or relax in the lavish spa. All rooms here have kitchenettes, which makes it a great choice for families with young children to enjoy lazy breakfasts and make picnics.

Book a stay at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort