Known universally as the Sunshine State, Florida enjoys blissfully warm weather all year round, so whether you’re basking on MIami Beach or visiting famous Florida Keys, you’re guaranteed to stay warm. 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 historical discoveries to hovercraft adventures, it’s easy to see why Florida is such a haven for holidaymakers, ex-pats and A-listers.
Everglades
The Everglades is one of the largest wetlands in the world and is a must see for any visitor to Florida. A maze of swamps, springs, rivers and canals, this National Park and its aquatic inhabitants are 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 to know the pond life on a canoe outing, you’ll be spoilt for choice with ways to travel around the 1.5 million acres of marshes. And, if you’d prefer not to get your hands dirty (or should we say feet wet), you can opt for a drier experience and discover the park via tram, bike or foot.
Key West
Key West is one of Florida Keys’ most popular and most southern points, and is a big hit with water sports enthusiasts. Try snorkelling, sailing or deep sea fishing, or if you fancy something a bit more up close and personal, get an unforgettable experience swimming with Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins. Golfing enthusiasts will love the impressive Key West Golf Club, and literature fans will delight in the famous works of Ernest Hemingway at his home in the Old Town, which doubles up as a museum. Then, as the day draws to a close, watch the sunset from the decks of a Liberty Clipper ship as you’re wined and dined in the bays there.
Miami Beach
In his hit single, Miami, Will Smith sang about “partying in the city where the heat is on, all night on the beach ’til the break of dawn”, and quite frankly, we 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. South Beach is undoubtedly the most fashionable, with its crystal clear waters, golden sands, trendy cocktail bars and designer outlets. If, however, you’re looking to escape the flashing lights of the parties and accompanying paparazi, there is an art deco area nearby, dotted with museums, which is a great place to stretch the legs and work the brain cells.
St Augustine
The oldest European city established in America, turn back time with a stop-off at St Augustine. The Old Town is quaint and charming, and a real paradise for culture buffs who delight in its narrow streets and craftmakers. There are plenty of transport options, making it easy to make the most of your time-warp trip and visit such famous sights as the St Augustine Lighthouse, completed in 1874, 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 we say Kennedy?)? For an experience that’s truly out of this world, NASA’s launch headquarters is just the ticket. A stone’s throw from Orlando’s plethora of world famous theme parks, the Kennedy Space Center attracts millions of visitors each year. And it’s not difficult to see why. The only place on earth where you can bear witness to real life space shuttle launches, it also offers a simulated experience, during which you get to experience the sights and sounds of heading into space for 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.