Florida
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Visiting Florida: The Ultimate Guide
The warmth of the sunshine kissing your skin, the tangy flavours dancing with your taste buds, the swish and swirl of crystal-clear waters teasing your eyes… this is the stuff travel dreams are made of! Welcome to Florida, the Sunshine State located in the southeast of the U.S. It’s no surprise that Florida’s world-famous theme parks, miles of dreamy coastline and stunning natural landscapes attract millions of visitors a year. The best time to visit Florida is from mid-October to late May when temperatures sit pleasantly at 20-30°C (or mid 70s- mid 80s°F).
The top things to see and do in Florida
There are so many things to see and do in Florida, but if we had to choose the top 3 must-dos, they would be:
Everglades National Park
About an hour from downtown Miami, this is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. Home to alligators, manatees and rare birds, visiting the Park gives you a unique opportunity to get a close-up look at Florida’s wildlife. You can even take an airboat ride through the wetlands!
Augustine
A must for history buffs, St. Augustine has centuries of history to explore as the U.S.’s oldest city. Take time wandering around the famous St. George Street for shops, restaurants and cute cafés. Explore Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th century fortress, and more of this city’s colonial past.
Florida Keys & Key West
A dreamy tropical paradise located at Florida’s southern-most point. For those of you who love a road trip, the ultimate must-do is to take the overseas highway, which is one of the most awe-inspiring and beautiful drives in the world. Make your way to Key West to experience the lively Duval Street, cute sunset celebrations at Mallory Square, as well as the opportunity to do some amazing diving and snorkelling.
Places to go in Florida
When visiting Florida for the first time, it can be tough to decide on where to go first. To help you get started on your trip planning, our top 3 must-visit places are Orlando, Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Let’s dive deeper into the top things to do in each location.
Things to do in Orlando
Orlando is such a popular place to visit in Florida, which is no surprise considering it is home to world-famous attractions like Disney World, Universal, Epcot, Magic Kingdom and Sea World. But there is so much more to Orlando besides these world-famous theme parks.
With a rental car, you’re the master of your Orlando adventure.
ICON Park & The Wheel
A huge entertainment complex that has something for all ages; from Madame Tussauds Orlando to a huge Aquarium. Go on a ride on the 400-foot observation wheel to take in breathtaking views of panoramic Orlando.
Wekiwa Springs State Park
Take in the beauty at this natural escape located just 30 minutes from Orlando. Go on a paddleboard adventure along Wekiwa River or a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of Wekiwa Springs. And, there are miles of trails just waiting to be explored!
Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex
One of the most iconic attractions by NASA, this is a truly unique must-see. You’ll be able to learn about past and future space missions, get to see the Atlantis Space Shuttle up close, and so much more.
Things to do in Miami
Sun-soaked beaches, Latin vibes and trending bars and restaurants make Miami a must-visit city for millions of travellers a year. The city has an electric atmosphere, with plenty to see and do all year around. The best time to visit Miami is typically between mid-December and April.
Little Havana and Calle Ocho
Visit this vibrant spot in the city to experience Miami’s Cuban culture with authentic flavours, festivals and frequent cultural events.
Boat Tour of Biscayne Bay & Millionaire’s Row
Take the opportunity to have a magnificent experience spotting dolphins in the bay on a boat tour and check out the luxe homes of the rich and famous around Star Island.
The Wynwood Arts District
Miami has an inspiring arts scene and when you wander through this part of the city, you can take in the street art, visit a gallery or sit and relax at a trendy café.
Cruise down Ocean Drive, soak up the sun on South Beach, and discover the hidden gems of Little Havana. Just don’t blame us if you develop a sudden craving for pastelitos.
Things to do in Fort Lauderdale
There is something about Fort Lauderdale that gives Florida a quintessential charm. Known as the Venice of America, the entire city revolves around its intricate network of inland canals and waterways. And much like the rest of Florida, there is no shortage of things to see and do.
Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale’s very own shopping paradise where you can spend all day browsing the boulevard’s vibrant mix of high-end boutiques, art galleries, famous global brands as well as unique independents.
Intracoastal Waterway
Explore Fort Lauderdale’s famous network of canals on a hop-on, hop-off water taxi experience, or after a day of exploring take the most romantic sunset cruise on a private gondola ride.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
A peaceful haven for outdoor adventurers, you can rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the lush lagoon, take in the stunning ocean views on one of the nature trails or simply enjoy a relaxing picnic with your loved ones amongst peaceful surroundings.
Just remember, our cars float about as well as a brick. (Please stick to the roads.)
Must-try foods in Florida
There is a reason why Florida is on the map for foodies across the globe. The cuisine in Florida celebrates a vibrant fusion of Latin, Southern, Caribbean and seafood flavours and ingredients. And there are some dishes that are an absolute must-try on your next visit to Florida.
Key Lime Pie. Florida is famous for its Key Lime Pie – a delicious combination of crispy graham cracker crust, key lime juice, egg yolks and sweetened condensed milk.
Seafood everything. Thanks to its miles and miles of coastline, Florida offers seafood fanatics fresh ingredients to dine on all year around. From conch fritters, a Caribbean-inspired dish, to grouper sandwiches, enjoyed grilled, blackened, or fried, and even deliciously flaky mahi-mahi and snapper.
Florida’s large Cuban, Puerto Rican and Caribbean communities have left a mouth-watering mark on the food scene across the state. On your next visit, you’ll just have to try a Cuban sandwich – a classic especially in Miami, with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard served on yummy Cuban bread. Another Cuban staple to look out for on menus is Ropa Vieja. This is a slow-cooked shredded beef dish in a flavourful tomato sauce. Mofongo is another popular dish, this time Puerto Rican, made with mashed plantains, garlic, pork rinds and broth. If you’re craving a Caribbean burst of flavour, you can’t go wrong with classic spicy and smoky Jamaican Jerk Chicken.
Being a state in the Southern U.S., Florida puts its own spin on classic Southern cuisine. On your next visit, you have to try fried gator bites – where else in the world will you be able to try such a unique Floridian dish? A side dish that’s excellent with the local seafood is hush puppies, or deep-fried cornmeal balls. Or, opt for the classic collard greens and smoked BBQ for some true southern comfort food.
The fresh and bold food, the miles and miles of gorgeous coastline, and the amazing places to visit all make Florida an incredible destination for millions of visitors every year. Whether you’re a foodie looking for your next exciting culinary experience, an outdoor adventurer hunting for your next thrill or a family with youngsters looking to make fond memories together, Florida is your ideal destination.
