The Sunshine State has been popular with the Brits for years, but apart from the heat and the sun, is there enough to make sure your holiday here is worth missing some other US cities?
Florida, known as the sunshine state, is a popular holiday destination. It seems to truly have it all-amazing beaches, some of the world’s best known theme parks, Universal Studios, Kennedy space centre, and the jungles of the Everglades and of course the beautiful Florida Keys. Rather than asking why you would go to Florida, the question should maybe be, why wouldn’t you? Florida holidays 2017 have never been quicker or simpler to organise online.
The name sunshine state really gives the game away. Florida has mild winters with the average temperature in the winter 20 degrees c. springtime is warm with summers being long and hot with temperatures reaching 30-35 degrees c in June, July and August. Do remember though that rainfall is also common, in fact the state has the highest number of thunderstorms in the US. Florida is popular all year round but particularly so in the winter and spring. Do bear in mind that the hurricane season officially runs from 1st June to 30th November.
With about 1,200 miles of coastline Florida offers really gorgeous beaches. If it’s white sands you are looking for check out Destin which is also very popular with families. For peace and quiet check out Sanibel Island, or for the golfing enthusiast then Naples may be better for you. Or there’s Key West with its festivals and great bars. Then there’s Daytona which offers 23 miles of soft sandy beach and finally there’s Miami Beach itself, a great beach and also all the nightlife you could wish for. In summary Florida beaches are simply amazing, with something for everyone whether it’s a quiet family beach you are looking for or something near a large city, Florida has it all.
Don’t think these are just for children, adults will love them too. Florida is really the capital of the theme park and here’s why. Orlando is the centre of theme parks in Florida. The Magic Kingdom is the centre of Disney world with rides, shopping, dining and of course the night-time parades. After the Magic Kingdom there’s Epcot, great if you want to learn more about the planets and stars. For those who want animals then there’s the Animal Kingdom with a safari and even rides based around different animals. For speed thrill enthusiasts then head to Universals Island of Adventure with roller coasters and of course for Harry Potter lovers there is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Universal Studios will introduce you to how some of the world’s greatest movies were made and of course there’s Sea World where you can meet orcas, whales, dolphins, seals and sea otters.
Florida boasts more golf courses than any other state. There are simply world class courses all over the state. Let’s start with the Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. This is viewed as the 5th major on the US tour as it boasts the iconic par 3 17th island green. Pristine fairways and water features will give you the round of your life. This course is situated in Ponte Vedra Beach, Jacksonville, and two hours from Orlando. Then there’s the Trump national Doral a 5* resort in Miami. This is an 800 acre resort, with a spa, amazing hotel, swimming pool and for families a children’s golf course. This is where you will find the famous 18 whole Blue Monster course. Again you will find it in Miami.
The Keys is the name given to the island chain at the southern tip of Florida, offering an average daily temperature of 25.5 degrees c. They are often referred to as Americas Caribbean. The islands are surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. For those of you who love the outdoors you can visit North Americas only living coral barrier reef and world famous fishing. Key places to stay or visit include Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key and of course Key West. Key Largo is the largest Key and is only a stone’s throw from the mainland and the Everglades National Park. On the Keys you can literally come face to face with tropical fish on a snorkel trip. You also have to try the great Key Lime Pie while you are here. Key West is also where you will find the house where Ernest Hemingway lived from 1931-1961.
Miami is one of the most popular places to visit in Florida. There are great beaches and nightlife, great shopping but also deep sea fishing, golf and tennis. For beaches check out South beach, 10 miles of beach set in what can only be described as a carnival atmosphere. Miami beach, a great city beach, full of beautiful people. The Everglades National park is also easily accessible from Miami. In the Everglades you will see alligators, crocodiles and also dolphins, manatees, eagles and ospreys. Miami’s other key highlights include Biscayne National Park one of the top scuba diving areas in the US, the Art deco district and of course Little Havana.
Official Visit Florida - www.visitflorida.com
My Florida - www.myflorida.com
Lonely Planet Florida - www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/florida