Best things to do in Florida

St Petersburg

A picturesque peninsula located on Florida's west coast and bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the west, St Petersburg is the fourth largest city in the state of Florida and is commonly referred to as 'St Pete' by locals. It offers up 35 miles (56km) of beaches on eight major barrier islands and is home to some of America's award winning beaches, such as Caladesi Beach. With an average of 360 days of sunshine each year, it has earned the nickname 'The Sunshine City' and is a popular tourist and retirement destination. This area is diverse and comprises many communities, ranging from the Greek influence in Tarpon Springs to the Scottish heritage of Dunedin. St Petersburg's unique melting pot culture has resulted in some eclectic eateries, museums, galleries, and boutiques, all with their own unique charm. Some of the many attractions in St Petersburg include the Salvador Dali Museum and the mazes of the Sunken Gardens. The Pier offers a concentration of shops, boutiques, restaurants and bars, a large food court and bayside observation deck.

Everglades National Park

The vast Everglades National Park that spans the tip of the Florida peninsula lies 35 miles (56km) southwest of Miami, and is a 40-mile-wide (64km) slow-moving river of grass, interspersed with shallow wetlands. It's the only subtropical preserve in North America and contains both temperate and tropical plants. It's also the home of dozens of endangered species, such as the swallowtail butterfly, American crocodile, leatherback turtle, southern bald eagle and West Indian manatee. The best way to explore the park is by canoe, though private operators also run rapid airboat tours, which are popular with thrill-seekers. The park has been accorded several honours including its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve, and a Wetland of International Importance.

Website www.nps.gov/ever

Walt Disney World

Orlando's most familiar landmark is undoubtedly the turreted Cinderella Castle that stands in the centre of the original Disney Florida theme park, the Magic Kingdom. Walt Disney World opened in 1971 and has been making dreams come true ever since. Today it's just one of four Disney parks that cover more than 28,000 acres of Orange and Osceola counties in central Florida, with accompanying resorts, shopping complexes, hotels, and waterparks. Apart from the Magic Kingdom, Disney World now includes the Epcot centre, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. It also contains two water parks; Disney's Blizzard Beach and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon. The Magic Kingdom is where the most famous Disney attractions are located. Little girls can visit the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique to receive princess makeovers, while boys can become ferocious swashbucklers at the Pirates League. Rides at the Magic Kingdom include classic favourites such as Space Mountain, the Haunted Mansion, and It's a Small World. Disney's Hollywood Studios gives visitors a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the workings of the glitz and glamour of the movie industry, while Animal Kingdom wildlife park is home to more than 1,700 animals from 250 species.

Website www.disneyworld.com

Universal Studios Florida

It takes at least two days to fully appreciate the many delights on offer at the ever-popular Universal Orlando entertainment complex. Travellers who visit will find three theme parks, and they're all absolutely unmissable.

Universal Studios is the original, and was designed in consultation with legendary filmmaker, Stephen Spielberg. This movie-themed park has thrilling, innovative rides, production studios, and film sets, where visitors can go behind the scenes and see the tricks used to create movie magic.

Islands of Adventure has eight uniquely themed zones that are each dedicated to a hit film franchise. These include Seuss Island, The Lost Continent, Toon Lagoon, Jurassic Park, Skull Island: Reign of Kong, and Marvel Superhero Island.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter runs between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, and remains true to the magical world created by J.K. Rowling. The third theme park, Volcano Bay, is centred around Krakatau, which is a 200-foot-tall (60m), hyper-realistic volcano that houses four different water slides.

Website www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/theme-parks/universal-studios-florida

Palm Beach

Palm trees arrived at Palm Beach in 1878, when a ship laden with Cuban coconuts was wrecked on the offshore barrier island that is only 14 miles (23km) long and half a mile (1km) wide. Palm Beach has long been the traditional winter holiday home of America's aristocracy, such as the Kennedys, Rockefellers and other society names filling the Gatsby-era mansions on the island. Henry Morrison Flagler put Palm Beach on the map in 1894 when he opened the Royal Poinciana Hotel on the island and promoted Palm Beach as America's premier winter resort. The mansion Whitehall, which he built in 1901 for his wife, is now the Flagler Museum dedicated to his memory. Today there are many more hotels in Palm Beach, and hundreds of restaurants, some of which rank among the finest in the world.

Tallahassee

The capital city of Florida, Tallahassee, is located 191 miles (308km) east of Pensacola on the 'Big Bend', close to the border with Georgia, which is 14 miles (23km) to the north. More reminiscent of the Deep South than sunny Florida, with its fragrant magnolia trees, and old plantation houses, Tallahassee is home to Florida State University and the state's new Capitol Building, which towers 22 storeys above the downtown area. The city's five Canopy Roads, where trees form tunnels, are lined with sites such as plantations, ancient Native American settlements and mounds, gorgeous gardens, and scenic picnic spots. There's also a Museum of Natural History and Science combined with a natural habitat zoo of indigenous wildlife.

Kennedy Space Center

The John F. Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, 46 miles (74km) southeast of Orlando on Florida's east coast, is one place in the state where fact is just as entertaining as fiction. Visitors to the centre follow the story of NASA's exploration of space through interactive exhibits, movies, and tours. Guests can tour a full-size replica of the space shuttle 'Explorer', walk through a giant model of the International Space Station module, and view films about Mars and the Pathfinder exploration. They can also explore historic authentic rockets, such as the craft piloted by pioneer astronaut John Glenn, and marvel at the Apollo-Saturn Centre, which houses all the artefacts from the historic moon landing. The Space Center requires several hours to fully appreciate. On the same site is the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, established on the land NASA did not require for its space operations. The 220-square-mile (570 sq km) refuge contains more endangered species than any other wildlife refuge in the US, including the southern bald eagle and Atlantic loggerhead turtle. Visitors should not skip the US Astronaut Hall of Fame as they leave the area.

Website www.kennedyspacecenter.com

South Beach

Once known for its high crime rates and 'cocaine cowboys', South Beach is now celebrated for its thriving nightlife, beautiful beach, and art deco architecture. Miami's most popular beach is a hive of activity, and has rented lawn chairs, volleyball games and night-time beach parties galore. Visitors can also enjoy fine oceanside dining or explore the boutiques showcasing South Beach's flourishing fashion industry. The eclectic neighbourhood is as diverse as its inhabitants, offering varied entertainment for all. Espanola Way, the historic Spanish Village, with its authentic pink stucco buildings and side walk cafes, is the perfect escape from the bustle of Washington Avenue. A popular way to explore the area is by bicycle. Visitors can rent bikes at the Lincoln Road Mall and buy some South Beach essentials such as jewel-studded Havaianas and designer sarongs on the way. Those in search of some evening entertainment have plenty of options, which range from dance clubs to cocktail lounges and dive bars.

Naples

The sophisticated city of Naples lies on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. The central area preserves its old world charm, while the modern section to the north bristles with high-rise luxury hotels and resorts. Visitors flock here during the winter months to enjoy the magnificent Gulf beaches, world-class shopping and dining, and the challenging golf courses. Naples is also near Florida's top natural attractions, including the tropical wilderness of the Everglades National Park. An upmarket destination it may be, but Naples exudes easy-going friendliness along with its wealthy opulence.

Panama City

Panama City lies near Pensacola on the Gulf Coast of the Florida Panhandle, and is a popular travel destination. Set along 27 miles (43km) of white sand beaches, the town is a great place for families on holiday in Florida as there are plenty of outdoor activities available in St Andrews State Park and Pine Log State Forest, and there are interesting city attractions such as the Panama City Center for the Arts and Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum. Panama City is usually a fairly quiet town, but it comes alive each spring as thousands of students flock to the town for Spring Break. Concerts, parades, and other events are regular occurrences during this period. Travellers looking for peace and quiet should remember to avoid Panama City at this time.

Website www.visitpanamacitybeach.com

Fort Myers

Billed as Florida's tropical island getaway, Fort Myers Beach is a haven for visitors seeking a relaxing family holiday. While it offers endless sport and recreational activities such as the destinations of the east coast, this beautiful resort town on the Gulf of Mexico remains affordable, relaxed, friendly, and casual. The prime attraction and centre of activity at Fort Myers Beach is the seven-mile (11km) shoreline, which has gained a reputation as the world's safest beach, with no undertow and shallow water ideal for swimming. Popular are the numerous water sports offered all along the beachfront, from jet-skiing to sailing a skiff. The village area clusters along a tree-lined walkway at the north end of the beach, offering shops and restaurants. The south is where numerous beachfront resorts with condominiums and hotels have sprung up around Lovers Key State Park. Between these, the beach is lined with parks, recreation areas, and marinas offering fishing and boating charters, sightseeing trips, dining and dancing cruises, and even offshore gambling jaunts. On the opposite side of the narrow Estero Island, is the Matanzas Pass Wilderness Preserve, which has acres of mangrove swamps, live oak hammocks, and local wildlife to explore from elevated boardwalks.

Sanibel and Captiva

Those who are searching for the tranquillity of the beach will delight in the Florida Gulf coast resort island of Sanibel, and its smaller sister, Captiva. The slow pace of island life rarely heats up where the main event is the magnificent sunset. The families and romantics who holiday here come to enjoy beaches strewn with seashells, the warm Gulf waters, the huge variety of wildlife and the fabulous fresh seafood. These islands have no high-rises or honking horns and, instead, offer all the amenities to make for a comfortable and relaxing holiday. There are art galleries, award-winning restaurants, live theatre, and the occasional musical performances. The more exclusive of the twin islands is Captiva, which is connected to Sanibel by a bridge. Captiva is the smaller and is characterised by wealth and quiet charm, and topped off at its northern end by the luxurious all-inclusive South Seas Resort.

Pompano Beach

Situated midway between Palm Beach and Miami, the holiday resort town of Pompano Beach is the heart of the Gold Coast. Anglers are understandably drawn to the long municipal fishing pier, hoping to land a big one from the plethora of fish swimming offshore. The resort town is historically a fishing community, named for the area's popular ocean fish species, the Florida Pompano. While the anglers have their fun there's plenty for the rest of the family to do. The beachfront promenade offers playgrounds, grill sites, and picnic tables, while the town contains numerous parks with sports facilities. Golfing enthusiasts will delight in the dozens of top-flight courses within a half-hour of the resort. Then, of course, there are the three and a half miles (6km) of golden sands, local attractions, fine dining, and shopping opportunities. The town has a full calendar of special events, including a holiday boat parade, seafood festival, and fishing rodeo.

Florida

Attractions

St Petersburg

Everglades National Park

Walt Disney World

Universal Studios Florida

Palm Beach

Tallahassee

Kennedy Space Center

South Beach

Naples

Panama City

Fort Myers

Sanibel and Captiva

Pompano Beach

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St Petersburg

Everglades National Park

Walt Disney World

Universal Studios Florida

Palm Beach

Tallahassee

Kennedy Space Center

South Beach

Naples

Panama City

Fort Myers

Sanibel and Captiva

Pompano Beach