Travel Guides: All Countries / North America / USA / Florida
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| | | The Sunshine State |  | Why go on holiday to Florida?
It's world famous for its beaches and theme parks, but there's more to Florida than Disney World and Miami's South Beach.
Take to the road and find a wealth of fascinating natural landscapes, wildlife and history - plus some great shopping.
How much does it cost?
There are some incredible bargains to be had in the winter months (November to February). A two-week fly-drive Miami holiday can cost from £250 per person.
In the summer months (June to September) prices rise considerably. A two-week holiday on the Gold Coast and Keys for a family of four in a four-star hotel is likely to cost from £1,800. Car hire costs from around £9 a day.
When should I go?
Florida is subtropical and enjoys warm weather all year, though it can go down to 10C/50F in the depths of winter. May is a great month to visit, when some spectacular trees blossom for a short time - including the bright red Royal Ponciana.
June to November is hurricane season, but don't let that stop you. Hurricane warnings are given well in advance and Floridians are well used to battening down the hatches.
It's best to miss the Easter period (school spring break) and July and August as prices go through the roof; ditto the temperatures for the latter (up to 32C/90F). The high humidity (up to 95%) can make it very uncomfortable.
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| | | Theme park thrillers |  | What should I do when I'm there?
If it's theme parks you're after, head to Orlando for Walt Disney World and Sea World. Busch Gardens on the Gulf coast is also great fun and has fewer queues. On the east coast, be amazed by space travel at the Kennedy Space Centre.
Where are the best beaches?
The Gulf coast (Clearwater is great for kids with wide, clean, safe sands) or the Keys offer some of the best beaches. In Miami the main beach is good, but it's quieter down at Crandon Park, just over the Rickenbacker Causeway, and worth the small fee.
With so much water, the opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, canoeing, sea fishing and jetskiing are almost unparalleled.
Where can I be close to nature?
Experience the Everglades National Park where you'll find alligators and pelicans and maybe a glimpse of the rare Florida panther. Speed across the rivers of grass on an exhilarating airboat ride.
Take a sunrise canoe ride through Sanibel Island's Ding Darling wildlife park to see bird life, alligators and racoons. See the endangered, graceful manatees at Homosassa Springs state wildlife park in south-west Florida.
Where can I soak up some history?
Check out the beautiful oceanfront mansion of Vizcaya in Miami, visit Thomas Edison's home and laboratory in Fort Myers plus Henry Ford's winter home next door!
Visit St Augustine, first settled in 1565, with its cobbled streets and Spanish colonial flair. Down at Key West, see Ernest Hemingway's house.
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| | | Fun, sun and shopping | | Where's good for nightlife?
Miami is the place to go for nightlife, where the beach area buzzes. Larger clubs have an entry fee between £7 to £9. Vast cinema complexes are located in shopping malls and prices are cheap, between £3 and £5.
If you are staying near the theme parks in Orlando you'll find all the entertainment you need. Theatre buffs will find decent shows in chic Fort Lauderdale.
What's the food like?
Florida is a smorgasbord of multicultural cuisine and portions are invariably huge.
It's a mixture of Cuban, Spanish, Caribbean, African and European. Seafood is great - especially snapper, grouper and dolphin (the fish, not the mammal).
Don't miss genuine Key Lime pie (best in the Keys). Whatever you fancy eating, you'll be able to satisfy your taste buds.
What should I buy?
Many goods are cheaper than the UK; a pair of Levi's starts as low as £15 and the latest CDs cost from £8. If your idea of shopping is vast malls then you're in luck as the corner shop is hard to find - this is when a car comes into its own.
Factory outlets abound - try Sawgrass Mills in south-east Florida (off I-95). For more relaxed shopping with a view, try Bayside in Miami. Islands like Sanibel and Captiva in the Gulf have charming small galleries and craft stores.
What is there for children to do?
The Sunshine State is very kid-friendly. In Orlando there are museums specifically targeted for them - and then there are the theme parks. Discovery Zone is a chain of indoor playgrounds that the whole family can enjoy.
The Lion Country Safari in West Palm Beach is definitely a fun stop, and in Miami Parrot Jungle is a must.
Tourist Office
Visit Florida Tourism maintains phone lines in the UK. Tel 01737 644882 for a free information pack (normal call rate) or 0900 1600555 for information hotline (recorded message, call rate 60p per minute).
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| | Available rental properties in Florida |
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| |  | | MC Villa at Liberty Village Kissimmee FL
A Beautiful Lake Fronted Home.
Accommodation: Villa
*5 Bedrooms - 2 King, 1 Queen, 4 Single, 1 Sofabed (Sleeps 12)
*3 Baths
Kissimmee, Central Florida (FL), USA
Near Disney
|  | | Liberty Village
Liberty Village is only 10-15 Minutes drive from the main Disney theme parks, just off the 192 where there is an abundance of Shops. Bars. Restaurants. and the Old Town.
|  | | Liberty Village 2
Liberty Village is Located only 10-15 Minutes from
Disney World Also perfectly Situated
for all other Major attactions.And is well placed for Shops. Bars. Resaurants. and the Old Town.
|  | | Regal Palms Resort & Spa
A perfect choice for families wanting to relax in a resort atmosphere, while still being close to Orlando's great attractions.
|  | | Lake Berkley Resort Villa
Relax at this luxury 7 bedroom villa, Pool,Spa,Games Room Gated Community,Pool Bar and ideally located within 10 min to Disney close to Theme Parks
| | Click here for more properties... |
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