With consistently pleasant weather, beaches for days and outdoor activities aplenty, Florida holidays are always a good idea. You can flee to Florida during dreary winter days or round up the family for fun in the summer sun. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush at theme parks, a secluded island getaway or a low-key road trip, you’re bound for a memorable break when you visit Florida. This guide will help you decide what to do in Florida to make the most of your time in the Sunshine State.
Visit Thrilling Theme Parks
Orlando reigns as the theme park capital of the world, so it’s no wonder that Walt Disney World and Universal Studios are the most-frequented Florida attractions. Fulfil your childhood Disney dreams – and watch the magic bloom in front of your children as they meet their animated movie idols. For an extra special souvenir, carry an autograph book through the park to collect signatures from their favourite furry friends. With thrilling super-sized rides, dazzling performances and over-the-top (yet incredibly realistic) sets, a trip to the theme parks will transform into a treasured family memory. And if you’re worried about interminable queues – fast passes have changed the game. They’re the best Muggle alternative to Hermione’s time turner. To maximise your fun at each theme park, check that fast passes are included in the package when you book your Florida attraction tickets.
Join the enthusiastic countdown to lift off, and keep your eyes on the sky until the rocket’s fiery trailing plume disappears. Rocket launches occur sparsely throughout the year, so check the launch schedule before you arrive.
Enjoy the Everglades
Continue your ‘happily ever after’ as you drive from Cinderella’s iconic blue-roofed castle to Everglades National Park. Designated as both an International Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site, this sprawling subtropical wilderness famously houses an abundance of alligators – and the endangered American crocodile. You can discern alligators from their large reptilian brethren by their characteristically wide, u-shaped snout. The area is great for birdwatching; and if you are lucky, you may spot Florida panthers, bobcats or white-tailed deer. Make sure to visit during the dry season from December to April; and set up camp in a tent or RV if one day in the glades isn’t enough.
-
Pure magic
Maximise your fun in Orlando's theme parks with fast passes for the family. They’re the best Muggle alternative to Hermione’s magical time turner.
Book tickets
Island Hop the Florida Keys
There’s no easier place to island hop than the Florida Keys because you don’t even need a boat. With cheap car hire in Florida, it’s a lovely drive from Miami to Key West. Once you reach Key Largo, the expansive ocean views on either side of the bridge will soothe your soul as you continue further south. The six islands of Isla Morada make for a great pit stop… Tumble out of the car. Use the toilet. Then why not stay and snorkel the reefs in search of vibrant marine life? Scuba charters are also available. After you hit the road again, you’ll eventually arrive at the slightly kitschy, but also endearing Key West, Florida. The very artsy and pro-LGBTQ community creates a welcoming atmosphere for you to explore the Southernmost Point of the continental USA, the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and the spirited bars that line Duval Street. When in Key West, congregate at Mallory Square for nightly sunset celebrations that commemorate yet another beautiful day in paradise. Arrive early to see the varied acts of zany street performers.
Mix it Up in Miami with Cuban Culture & Beach Life
Make your way to Miami to experience Havana’s heritage without leaving the States – in Little Havana. Hundreds of thousands of Cubans settled in Miami, and their culture is most apparent on Calle Ocho (aka: SW 8th Street). Pick up a Cuban sandwich, which is heavy on pig with ham and roast pork, and seek celebrities featured on the ‘Hollywood-esque’ Walkway of Stars. Weave in between the large, uniquely painted chicken statues and check out some serious gaming by determined retirees at the Maximo Gomez Park Domino Club. If you’ve not maxed out on pork, scout out the Cuban national dish ‘ropa vieja’; and spend evenings puffing premium hand-rolled Cuban cigars. For a change of pace, drive off the mainland to Miami Beach Florida. Spend nights sipping frozen Miami Vice cocktails or boozy Cuba Libres in the upscale clubs, representative of glam South Beach. You’ll be salsa dancing before you know it.
Witness a Rocket Launch
While there are plenty of places to visit in Florida with abundant natural beauty, take your holiday out of this world at the Kennedy Space Centre in Cape Canaveral. Although the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has discontinued the Space Shuttle programme, you can still witness rockets shoot into space at tremendous speeds on site. Join the enthusiastic countdown to lift off, and keep your eyes on the sky until the rocket’s fiery trailing plume disappears. Rocket launches occur sparsely throughout the year, so check the launch schedule before you arrive. When you book, you can choose from four different viewing areas. Unfortunately, even scheduled launches are dependent on weather conditions, but there’s always plenty to see at the space centre. Peruse the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, explore the International Space Station via virtual reality and experience astronaut training. Stellar.
-
Key West directions
Although this signpost gives directions to other unique destinations, you will be more than content to hang out in cool Key West.
Book a stay -
3, 2, 1 … Lift off!
Rocket launches are rare, so check the launch schedule before you arrive to participate in the epic countdown to lift off.
Book tickets -
Paddle along
Keep your eyes peeled for fish, crustaceans and marine birds as you glide through an enchanting maze of mangrove forests.
Book a fly-drive
Celebrate Sand Art
Channel your inner architect to construct a fabulous sand castle on the best beaches in Florida – and attend one of the Sunshine State’s sand sculpting competitions for inspiration. The entire family will enjoy roaming these laid-back art galleries on the beach with an ice cream cone in hand. If you attend on one of the first days, you can see the sculptures take form as artists scoop and file the compacted sand with a variety of tools. At the festivals you can also pick up sculpting techniques during workshops and watch miniature pieces evolve during speed sand demonstrations. Quite a few Florida beaches host sand sculpting competitions. The American Sand Sculpting takes place in Fort Myers Beach, the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival pops up in Clearwater Beach, and the ‘Sanding Ovations’ Sand Sculpting Championship takes over Treasure Island.
Admire Manatees Up Close
Dolphins playfully leap behind large boat wakes, but gentle manatees are more difficult to spot. These mammoth herbivorous mammals belong to the order Sirenia and were occasionally mistaken for mythical mermaids and Sirens by seafarers… But they must have been spotted from afar because these creatures can weigh in up to 600 kilograms and their snouts look more alien than human. Although these mammals travel around the south eastern coast of Florida state for nearly half the year, it is easiest to encounter this threatened species at their favourite hangouts: Blue Spring State Park, Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Centre and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. If you prefer to observe manatees from a kayak, check out Three Sisters Springs or Lee County Manatee Park. But remember, it is illegal to feed and touch manatees, so don’t be tempted.
Kayak through Mangroves
Like most beach destinations, Florida offers a variety of water sports: jet-skiing, parasailing, kitesurfing and even futuristic jetpack-like flyboarding. Although not high speed, kayaking through the mangroves proves a more memorable aquatic activity. Slip over glasslike water, surrounded by the serene mangrove forest as you watch for fish, birds and crustaceans. There is plenty of wildlife to spy, so place your smartphone in a waterproof pouch around your neck for easy camera access. The mangrove forests and swamps are easily distinguished by their tree roots that rise above the water’s surface. It may be difficult for children to paddle through the narrow waterways, but families can rent tandem kayaks. An aquatic excursion through the shaded mazes of these ‘walking trees’ is ideal when you need a break from the sun – but be sure to bring a cap, shades and sunscreen on board to explore the open waters around rookery islands.
