Whether you’re basking on Miami Beach or visiting world famous Florida Keys, expect blissfully warm weather all year round – it’s easy to see why Florida is nicknamed the Sunshine State. The perfect climate for sightseeing, if real Disney-free Florida holidays are what you’re looking for, then consider these top five alternative attractions instead. From hovercraft adventures to historic discoveries, you’ll soon see why Florida is such a haven for holiday-makers, ex-pats and A-Listers.
Everglades
An absolute must see for any visitor to Florida, the Everglades is one of the largest wetlands in the world. This national park, a myriad of rivers, canals, springs and swamps, is best explored via the water. Whether you choose to dip in and out of the creeks on an airboat, hop on a hovercraft and head to Alligator Alley (did we mention the locals?), or get acquainted with the pond life on a canoe trip, you’ll be spoilt for choice on how to travel around the 1.Five million acres of marshes. And, should you prefer not to get your feet wet, you can always discover the park by tram, bike or on foot for a drier experience.
Key West
One of Florida Keys’ most popular and most southern points, if you love water sports, you’ll love Key West. Occupy yourself snorkelling, sailing or fishing, or for something that’s a little more up close and personal, experience swimming with the Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins. Literature fans will delight in the famous works of Ernest Hemingway at his home and museum in the Old Town, while golfers will love the impressive course at Key West Gold Club. Then, at the end of the day, be wined and dined as you watch the sun go down from the decks of one of the Liberty Clipper ships which dock in the bays there.
Miami Beach
In his hit single referring to Miami, Hollywood star Will Smith sang of how one could ‘party in the city where the heat is on, all night on the beach ‘til the break of dawn’, and we really couldn’t have put it better ourselves. Renowned for providing the backdrop for 80s cop show Miami Vice; trend-setters, party animals and sun worshippers continue to flock here to soak up the sun and A-list atmosphere. The most fashionable beach is without doubt South Beach, where crystal clear waters and golden sands come hand in hand with cocktail bars and designer outlets. However, if you’d prefer to dodge the flashing lights of the parties and paps, the nearby art deco area is dotted with museums and is a great place to work the brain cells and stretch the legs.
St Augustine
The oldest European city established in America, turn back time with a stop-off at St Augustine. With its narrow streets, and craftmakers on every corner, the quaint and charming Old Town is a haven for history buffs. Florida’s excellent public transport options make visiting its famous sights easy, such as the St Augustine Lighthouse, the Bridge of Lions, the Old City Gates and the Fountain of Youth. From horse-drawn carriages, old town trolley tours to a helicopter ride over the city, expect the views from every angle to be truly breathtaking.
Kennedy Space Center
Beam me up, Scotty, or should that be Kennedy? For an out of this world Florida holiday, NASA’s launch headquarters is just the ticket. Not far from Orlando’s plethora of theme parks, the Kennedy Space Center attracts millions of visitors each year. And it’s not difficult to see why. Not only is it the only place you can witness a real life shuttle launch, it also offers a completely unique simulated experience, so you’ll feel like you’ve been to space yourself. Add to that the opportunity to have lunch with an astronaut and learn about famous flights into space from past and present, and you’ll be over the moon.