Planning a vacation to Florida? With a beautiful climate, stunning beaches and endless attractions, it’s not hard to see why Florida is such a popular holiday destination. With so many things to do and places to see, planning an itinerary can feel a little overwhelming for first-timers. Here are the best things to do and see during your time in the sunshine state…
Spend a day at Universal Studios
It doesn’t matter how old you are, you’re sure to have an absolute blast at Universal Studios in Orlando! It’s where kids run wild, and where adults, well, run wild too. Enjoy endless exhilarating rides from the Revenge of the Mummy to the Amazing Adventures of Spider-man. There’s fun on every corner and plenty of dining options too. For Harry Potter fans, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will transport you to Hogwarts, Diagon Alley and you can even catch a train at Hogsmeade station. Wands at the ready…
The Kennedy Space Center
One of Florida’s most popular attractions is the fantastic Kennedy Space Center. You will need to hire a car to get to the center as it’s a little outside of Orlando, but close enough to warrant a trip. Check here for car hire, before you start your journey.
Interactive, fun and educational, you can enjoy shows, listen to talks, and learn more about space travel. Your mission starts here!
Visit all of the Disney Parks
It wouldn’t be a trip to Florida without visiting Disney World! There are several different Disney parks; Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon and Animal Kingdom. Each park offers a different kind of magic, gaze at Sleeping Beauty’s castle in the Magic Kingdom, go on Safari at the Animal Kingdom and taste foods of the world at Epcot. It’s worth investing in a Disney pass to provide unlimited access to all of the different parks, it can also work out more cost-effective too. After all, you’re going to need some spare cash for a pair of those Mickey Mouse ears.
Spot alligators at Boggy Creek
Are you feeling brave? How about an airboat adventure through a native American village to spy on a few alligators? Whizz through these wetlands at speeds of up to 45mph for a true Everglades experience as you spot various different wildlife including turtles, birds and the gators. It’s a truly unique and also educational experience, and if you’re a fearless individual, you might want to consider a night-time tour…
Lounge around in Tampa
For beautiful white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, look no further than Tampa Bay. Here you’ll find Florida’s best beaches including Clearwater Beach and Fort De Soto Park. Crowned the ‘Best Family Beach’ in America, Fort De Soto is perfect for a day of fun. Enjoy a clean, wide beach with two fishing piers and nearby campsites. There are also various trails you can follow if you fancy stretching your legs and enjoying Tampa’s natural beauty, there’s plenty of it!
Catch a basketball game in Miami
For glitz and glamour, head to Miami for a weekend of great nightlife, impressive shopping, posh restaurants and sports games. Here you’ll find football, basketball, hockey and baseball depending on the time of year. It’s a different experience entirely to the likes of Orlando and Tampa but a must-visit. The art-deco district is particularly interesting with quirky architecture and guided walking tours available.
Nina Smith