There's no other city in the United States - the world, even - that celebrates the spirit of childhood quite like Orlando, Florida. The feeling that you get when you catch the light off EPCOT's Spaceship Earth (found in Walt Disney World Resort, of course); or from your first sip of Butterbeer in Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley (located inside Universal Orlando Resort); or when you witness the soaring heights of Shamu's aerobatics (during the Orca Encounter water show at SeaWorld Orlando) - all prove that being a kid is about your state of mind, not age. The notion that only young ones will enjoy this city's charms is just that - a notion. In reality, Orlando has a little of this and a little of that to appeal to all ages and there's more to do here than visit theme parks. The subtropical climate is great for golfing and the downtown city landscape is too attractive not to explore. Plus Shopping at Florida Mall, and eating out to cement that American experience, are all must do's.
This picturesque barrier island off the coast of Sarasota is a prime vacation spot for relaxation-seeking travellers. Spend your getaway lounging on Siesta Beach, often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and enjoy powdery white sands and a bevy of family-friendly amenities including beach volleyball, a playground and concession stands. Or, head to quieter Turtle Beach for shelling and kayaking. In the evening, catch some live music in Siesta Key Village.
Clearwater Beach's beautiful white sand, crystal clear water and small-town vibe make it an ideal destination for a family Holidays on the Gulf Coast. Spend the day getting a snapshot of the city during a Segway tour or visit Caladesi Island State Park (only accessible by boat) for its untouched natural splendor. Also save time for a visit to one of the area's biggest attractions, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where the dolphins that inspired the "Dolphin Tale" movies were rehabilitated. Later, head to Pier 60 to catch a sunset, purchase locally made crafts and watch various street performances.
Florida is almost as famous for its alligators as it is for its beaches and theme parks, and one of the best places to see them is in Everglades National Park. As the largest subtropical wilderness in the country, the park is the world's only environment where alligators and crocodiles coexist. It's also home to rare species like manatees and panthers. The Everglades offers several hiking trails and guided tours for navigating its vast 1.5 million acres. Be sure to visit between November and April (the park's dry season) to enjoy lower temperatures, fewer mosquitos and increased chances of spotting wildlife. Although don't go walking alone across this area, or you might be snapped up!
Miami Beach is where a mix of cultures, residents and travellers mingle. A wide variety of people - including Instagram models, amateur architecture critics, distinguished seniors and sun-seeking families - enjoy the renowned shores of "the Beach," as locals call it. North Beach is where you'll find the kid-friendliest beaches, the tranquil greenspace of North Shore Oceanside Park, and the most affordable restaurants and hotels. Less than 10 miles away on the mainland are the galleries, museums and theatre's of Greater Miami.
And then there's South Beach. This popular southernmost neighbourhood proves that Miami Beach is more like two cities - a family-friendly vacation when the sun is shining and a super-chic metropolis come nightfall. If want to keep up with the Joneses, you'll have to exercise your credit card at the high-end stores, indulge at the cutting-edge fusion restaurants, dance at the energetic nightclubs and relax poolside at the art deco-style hotels. But the rich and famous aren't the only ones who will enjoy their time here. More laid-back travellers can relax along the sands of Lummus Park, learn a little more about architecture on an art deco tour or even try their hand at fishing off of the South Pointe Pier. Another must-do? Window-shopping and strolling along the Lincoln Road Mall. And you can't leave Miami Beach without bottomless brunch or chowing down on tasty small plates and enjoying cocktails at a rooftop bar.
Everyone knows that Tampa is the place for families. And for animal lovers. And for conventioneers. But possibly - even if you don't fit into any of those demographics - Tampa is for you, too? This balmy city by the bay still has plenty of charms away from the amusement park, the aquarium and the convention center (although Busch Gardens and the Florida Aquarium are still great ways to spend a day). There's lots of history here. For example, Theodore Roosevelt and his Rough Riders stopped here on their way to Cuba during the Spanish-American War. And you'll also find a few choice museums, including the Museum of Science & Industry. And then there are the sports - this is the home of the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning. It's the namesake city of the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team, and the spring training home base for several other major league teams. And when you've exhausted all that Tampa has to offer, you can drive just 25 miles south to St. Petersburg for some sophisticated dining or to Clearwater for its gorgeous sugar sand beach.
St Petersburg
Holding the Guinness World Record for the most consecutive days of sunshine, St. Petersburg is appropriately nicknamed "The Sunshine City." The city provides visitors with a unique blend of traditional beach getaway and urban flavor. The white, sandy beaches offer views of spectacular sunsets and the 137 parks invite travelers to enjoy a host of activities, including hiking, camping and kayaking. An ongoing creative renaissance also promises an extensive cultural experience, whether it's through the world-class Dalí Museum or the Museum of Fine Arts.
And every year, more than 1,000 events are held in the city - everything from St. Anthony's Triathlon to Florida's largest Pride celebration. With all that it has to offer, the sunshine-infused city is a popular destination for visitors all ages: families will love the relaxing outdoors and teeming wildlife, and the younger set will find plenty to do downtown, including the lively nightlife.
To the citizens of Fort Lauderdale, their home offers quintessential Florida - beaches, palm trees, shopping and relaxation - without the see-and-be-seen attitude of the state's other beachside cities. You can judge if they're right, but certainly expect a different atmosphere than their close rival Miami Beach. Fort Lauderdale's wide stretches of white sand surpass those of its southern neighbour and, to some, are the best shores state wide. And when you consider its fantastic scenery, great dining options and range of things to do, Fort Lauderdale is also somewhat affordable compared to similar vacation spots. The "Venice of America," nicknamed for its 165 miles of waterways and canals, is slowly but surely climbing the ranks of top beach destinations to the cheer of its residents.
Cocoa Beach appeals to everyone from space enthusiasts to surfers. The nearby Kennedy Space Centre offers a first-hand look at NASA's shuttles and launch pads. In the northern part of Cocoa Beach, visitors will find one of the best places in Florida to surf and the flagship Ron Jon Surf Shop, the largest surf shop in the world. Here, you'll also find the Florida Surf Museum, where you can learn more about the history of Florida surfing. Vacationers can also sign up for bioluminescent kayaking tours of the area's waterways or play beach volleyball next to the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier.
Port Canaveral is a world-class cruise and cargo port located 45 minutes east of Orlando. Voted as the Best North American Homeport by Cruise Critic, Port Canaveral is the fastest growing cruise port in Florida and is a homeport to the industry's top cruise lines. Port Canaveral also has fishing charters and one-of-a-kind, waterfront dining that serves some of the freshest seafood in Florida.
In Key Largo, relaxation is the name of the game. The closest of the Keys to mainland Florida, this laid-back haven is a swift departure from the party atmosphere of Key West. Here, those seeking some rest and recuperation can spend their days picnicking on the beach, admiring resident manatees from the docks of their holiday homes or taking a slow canal cruise on the African Queen. Outdoorsy types will be equally happy here, as the expansive, activity-filled wetlands of Everglades National Park are just a short drive away. Even closer is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, where travellers can snorkel and scuba dive among a diverse underwater ecosystem. In fact, as the self-proclaimed "Dive Capital of the World," Key Largo offers a number of intricate sites that attract divers year-round. But no matter how you choose to spend your days, it would be a shame not to end them with as many fresh lobster dinners and killer Key Largo sunsets as possible.
Known for warm beaches and eccentric residents with a live-in-the-moment philosophy, Key West offers a relaxed yet unexpected seaside adventure. Do as the residents (known as Conchs) do and see where that free spirit might take you (possibly on a guided tour or a snorkelling trip). Perhaps you'll end up at a Duval Street bar, in a Mallory Square shop or even touring Ernest Hemingway's old home.
Key West once threatened to go rogue (in 1982 with a mock secessionist movement to create "The Conch Republic"), so this is definitely the place to throw a firm itinerary out the window. Take a stroll, sip a margarita, spy a six-toed cat and set your own pace. While hurricanes have impacted the area in recent years, Key West remains open for business as a bustling vacation destination.
Named after the coastal Italian city, Naples, Florida, is known for its laid-back ambiance, quiet luxury and world-class golf. Though Florida's version doesn't have the history, sights or artwork of its namesake, its extravagance mimics that of European waterholes along the Mediterranean. Instead of archaeological treasures and divine Italian food, you'll find high-end restaurants and first-class hotels awaiting those who retreat from the shore. With gently lapping waves on the white-sand beaches of southern Florida's Gulf Coast, America's Napoli qualifies as one of the most relaxing and romantic beach destinations in the States. That said, party animals and young families will probably want to seek another beach because Naples doesn't have the distractions (oops, we mean attractions) they are looking for. Relaxation is the name of the game here, so leave the tots with your parents, pick up your special someone, and venture down to Florida's city of love.
