Famed for its subtropical climate, vibrant cities, family friendly theme parks, and abundance of nature, sunshine, and seemingly endless beaches, it’s no surprise that the USA’s southernmost state of Florida is such a popular holiday destination for American and international travellers alike.
If you’re a first-time visitor to this state or you feel that you need a little change from your usual Floridian getaway, then let us inspire with our luxury guide to enjoying the best of the best across this expansive state.
Where will you go?
With inviting cities and towns like Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Panama City Beach, St. Petersburg, West Palm Beach, Cape Canaveral, Key West, and the Everglades National Park offering everything from diverse food, great art experiences, history, natural experiences, space exploration, theme parks and more, it’s safe to say that there’s somewhere to suit every type of traveller seeking out any type of dream vacation.
You will likely have an idea of where you wish to head to, but don’t let this stop you from travelling around and exploring a selection of destinations in this state. It’s America, after all, so expect big and bold experiences with a great deal of Latin-American and Caribbean cultural influences, especially in the south along with plenty of opportunities to relax amid stunning scenery, too.
What to do?
Get out on the water
Florida is undoubtedly known for its expanse of coastline providing visitors and locals with an abundance of opportunities to get out and explore. With the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the Atlantic to the east, the Bahamas and Cuba both a short trip away, look to the seas and you’ll find a whole host of places to discover and activities to partake in.
One of the best places to start your voyage from has to be Miami, as from here you can go fishing, explore the surrounding area, stop off at a beach or two, enjoy water sports, or simply relax on board your chosen vessel. If you’re looking to rent a boat in Miami you’ll be spoilt for choice in terms of where you can go, what you can do on board, while there will be a range of luxurious vessels to choose from for your adventures on the water.
Enjoy a round of golf
Any golfer knows that good weather provides the backbone for an enjoyable round of golf and so it makes perfect sense that the Sunshine State provides many an opportunity to dust off your clubs and head out onto the course to test your abilities. The state boasts more golf courses than any other in the U.S, with notable courses including TPC Sawgrass, Stadium Course in Jacksonville; Bay Hill in Orlando; Copperhead Course at Innisbrook in Tampa; and Champion Course at PGA National in Miami. The Palm Beaches is the county with the most courses making it the capital of golf in Florida, so head here for an abundance of options.
Have fun at the theme parks
Universal Studios Orlando, Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Legoland, Seaworld and so many more wondrous places to entertain, enthral and excite are ready and waiting. Whether you’re a fan of the movies, a lover of animals, a Disney fanatic, rollercoaster enthusiast or other, you’re sure to be wowed at any of these theme parks.
Beautiful beaches
Florida is known for its stunning coastline and so it’s only right that you should spend some time upon its white sands. it depends on which part of the state you’re looking to visit, but more popular areas that visitors love to spend time bathing at include Daytona Beach, Clearwater Beach, Cocoa Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Destin, Key West, Miami Beach, South Beach and Panama City Beach.
Splendid cities
Miami is most certainly known for its nightlife and beaches, with its luxurious shopping malls, lavish hotels and Art Deco architecture making for worthy visits, too. Dine out on delicious cuisine here at the likes of two-Michelin Starred L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, one-starred Boia De, Hidden, The Den at Sushi Azabu and The Surf Club Restaurant.
Naples is the perfect place to base yourself if you’re looking to combine world-class arts and culture with wonderful wildlife. The city, which sits on the Gulf of Mexico, is just an hour away from an abundance of state parks, wildlife refuges and reserves and the city holds an impressive 125 plus art studios, museums and galleries to get your culture fix.
Jacksonville, in northeast Florida, offers an exciting blend of activities to partake in and sights to see. The largest city in the state boasts the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, Ritz Theatre and Museum, Huguenot Memorial Park, Jacksonville Beach, plenty of shopping opportunities, art walks, and historic districts to keep visitors busy.
Where to stay?
Wherever you travel to in the world, you’ll want to know that you will be well looked after when it comes time to rest at the end of a busy day spent exploring, and Florida is no different. From luxury villas with pools and other great amenities to opulent five-star hotels that offer the very best in fine dining, super service and fanciful facilities, you’re sure to find somewhere to suit your style of stay in this seductive state.
If you’re looking to stay in the very top hotels in the state, then the likes of Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental are very reliable options if you’re seeking out five-star accommodation with everything you’ll need for a deluxe stay. Ritz-Carlton has luxury properties in Sarasota, Naples, Key Biscayne, Amelia Island, Coconut Grove, Bal Harbour and Orlando, while Four Seasons have highly rated resorts and hotels in Palm Beach, Miami, Surfside Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, and The Breakers Palm Beach are all great place to start your search for a stylish place to stay.
