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
The Everglades is a must see for anyone visiting Florida, as one of the largest wetlands in the world. A myriad of swamps, canals, springs and rivers, this National Park and its inhabitants are best explored via the water. Whether you decide to dip in and out of the creeks on an airboat, glide on a hovercraft through 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.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 the most popular and most southern points in Florida Keys, if you like water-based activities, 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. 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. With narrow streets and craftmakers on every corner, history buffs will be in their element exploring the quaint and charming old town. Florida has excellent transport options, so getting around and seeing the famous sights is easy. Visit the Bridge of Lions, the Old City Gates, the St Augustine Lighthouse, and the Fountain of Youth. From horse drawn carriages and Old Town trolley tours to glitzy helicopter rides over the city, expect the views to be breathtaking from any and every angle.
Kennedy Space Center
Beam me up, Scotty! (Or should we say Kennedy?)? If you want something to make your Florida holiday out of this world, 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 pretty easy to see why. The only place where spectators can bear witness to real-life space shuttle launches, you can also enjoy a completely simulated experience where you get to try out the sights and sounds of heading into space for yourself. Add to this lunch with an astronaut learning all about past and present flights into space, and you’ll be over the moon.