Florida offers year-round warm weather, an abundance of activities for both families and adults and hundreds of kilometres of coastline. Add the dozens of private villas in florida that cater to those looking for a slice of luxury, and it’s easy to see why the Sunshine State gets more than 100 million annual tourists. If you want a piece of the action, you’ll find a roundup of the best places to take a holiday in Florida below.
Why Visit Florida?
Let’s start off by explaining what makes the Sunshine State a unique and rewarding destination. First, as the nickname suggests, Florida bathes under the sun for most of the year. This allures sun-worshipers and beach lovers to top up their tan. Several white-sanded beaches stretch around the coastline bursting with both locals and tourists throughout most of the year. Throw in a smattering of art, history and culture, and Florida offers a well-rounded vacationing experience. Miami has some of the southern United States’s best shopping, and their nightlife is second to none. But it’s not just for adults. Millions of families make the trip to Florida for Disney World, theme parks and water parks.
Miami
Miami is the go-to place in Florida for anyone looking for an active getaway in a tropical paradise. Apart from the palm tree-fringed beaches, the city doubles up as the fashion and entertainment center in Florida. Hit the streets and indulge in a bit of retail therapy after lounging around the beach all morning. Then hit some of the hottest nightclubs in the United States where celebrity appearances are more the norm than the exception. Throw in a smattering of museums and art galleries and the city provides everything a tourist could need or want. And to make a trip to Miami even more appealing, the international airport serves flights from hundreds of major destinations around the world. Not only is Miami a playground for tourists, but it’s also one of the easiest to reach from overseas.
Orlando
Orlando usually caters more towards families with kids around the world instantly associating its name with Disney World. With an abundance of hotels and resorts, it’s easy to find a convenient place to stay in the heart of the city. Families can spend their time at the theme parks such as world-famous SeaWorld Orlando. The families with older kids might appreciate dining at one of the 150 restaurants scattered across the city center.
Disney World
Kids around the world dream of meeting their favorite characters at Disney World in Orlando. And almost every parent wants to give their children this experience at least once in their lives. The fairy tale setting promises an unforgettable family vacation to the Sunshine State’s most popular destination. Stay at the onsite resort and take the little ones around the castles to meet princesses, Mickey Mouse and other magical experiences. Before you plan your stay, search on their website to get an idea of the different ticket prices and packages. All families will find something suitable for their needs and interests.
The Florida Keys
The small string of islands forming the Florida Keys increasingly becomes more and more popular with vacationers. Every island has a different feel to the next creating a diverse set of atmospheres and activities. Some offer a more rustic charm such as Key West’s Old Town while others attract anglers. Whether you want to stay and have a private retreat surrounded by lush green scenery or cast the lines out in the hopes of catching a whopper, the Keys are for you. You can also find dozens of family-friendly activities including boat rides, alligator tours and snorkeling.
Anna Maria Island
If you’re looking for a more exclusive getaway, check out the almost secret Anna Maria Island. Unlike some of the other destinations in Florida, this island isn’t on the tourist trail. This means the beaches are practically empty promising more privacy. Many tourists who travel to this island usually appreciate the refreshing lack of crowds, especially after spending time in Miami or Orlando. If you’re visiting in November, check out Symphony on the Sand. This festival is a series of beachside concerts, which is the main event on Anna Maria Island’s calendar.
Captiva Island
Tourists looking for a luxurious vacation in Florida should consider visiting Captiva Island. Several resorts and villas line the sugar white sandy coastlines. Most visitors tend to spend their waking hours on the sun lounger or in the beachside bars. But it’s not just about exclusivity. Dozens of restaurants and a thriving bar scene provide a more entertaining evening. When you arrive on the island, you’ll instantly fall in love with the peace and serenity in an otherwise crowded state.
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay in the Gulf of Mexico has white-sand beaches and gentle waves. Made up of three areas (Tampa, Clearwater and St Petersburg), the region allures beach-lovers. All three offer something slightly different and cater towards a different set of holidaymakers. Head to St Petersburg Pier or spend your time in Tampa’s Busch Gardens. Families can visit The Florida Aquarium while sports fans might catch a game at the Raymond James Stadium.
The Best Places to Visit in Florida
Over 100 million tourists visit Florida each year. Some head to the cities including Miami or Orlando. Families spend their time at Disney World. Throw in the hundreds of islands, secret beaches and endless sunshine. Research the state carefully before planning your trip, and you’re guaranteed to have the best vacation possible.
