Florida

Perfect for holidays year-round, for families, couples and groups alike, the ‘Sunshine State’ is known for its excellent theme parks, especially those at Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando® Resort, and is a very visitor-friendly destination. Venture away from the thrills of Orlando and you’ll discover Florida has a plethora of things to offer – amazing sunsets and an almost Caribbean atmosphere in the Florida Keys, cosmopolitan cities such as Miami, beaches to relax on along the length of both the Gulf Coast and the Gold Coast; and some amazing natural sites.
Venture away from the thrills of Orlando and you’ll discover Florida has a plethora of things to offer

• Amazing sunsets and an almost Caribbean atmosphere in the Florida Keys
• Opulent mansions in Boca Raton;
• Exclusive yachts and miles of waterways in Fort Lauderdale;
• Cosmopolitan cities such as Miami;
• Beaches covered with shells on Sanibel Island;
• Beaches to relax on along the length of both the Gulf Coast and the Gold Coast;
• Amazing natural sites (including the Everglades, a primeval haven for unusual flora and fauna).

Expect warm weather in the north and a subtropical climate in the south – with sunny, blue skies throughout the year, you’ll need to pack sun cream, hats and sunglasses wherever you stay. Winter is the best time to visit as temperatures are more bearable and humidity is low.

Must do drives

Roughly the size of England and Wales combined, Florida is one of the country’s more compact states and is easy to explore by car. Joining some wonderful beaches along the length of the Atlantic coast from beyond Palm Valley in the north to Miami Beach, Highway A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway passes places of interest such as St Augustine (the oldest permanent settlement in the United States) and affords the occasional tantalising peek at the ocean and is a real must. From Miami, follow US-1 south all the way to Key West, the most southerly city on America’s mainland. Originally part of the Dixie Highway, the route is dotted with markers counting the miles to Key West in reverse order. A drive along the Gulf Coast gives access to the white sand beaches of islands such as Sanibel and Captiva, places of historic interest like Thomas Edison’s winter home, and the swamps of the everglades.

Where to stay?


Orlando

With its economy now fuelled by theme parks and fun rather than oranges and cattle, the once sleepy town of Orlando is the place to go for Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando® Resort, SeaWorld® Orlando and a host of other attractions.

Beyond Orlando

Florida may be best known for its theme parks, but the areas beyond Orlando have plenty to offer, including beaches, wildlife, cities, towns and swamps.

Gulf Coast

Stretching along the Gulf of Mexico, Florida’s west coast offers miles of beaches and lovely towns that are definitely worth a stop, including Naples. Inland, explore the waterlogged ecosystems of the Everglades and keep your eyes open for alligators!

Atlantic/Gold Coast

Florida’s Atlantic coast is home to multimillionaires, palm trees, unspoiled beaches, the Kennedy Space Center, the scenic Highway A1A and the city of Miami with its world famous South Beach.

Florida Keys

A little taste of the Caribbean in Florida. Linked to one another and the rest of Florida by the Overseas Highway (US-1), the Florida Keys stretch for 100 miles towards Cuba. As well as the sun and sea, expect plenty of snorkeling, scuba-diving and fishing.