Florida is a timeless classic holiday which is incredibly popular with families and a huge delight to children of all ages. Florida is rightly famous for the extraordinary unforgettable fantasy world found around the city of Orlando with the world famous Disney and Universal theme parks. Although, many forget that Florida also offers an astonishing green region of lakes and rivers and the chance to visit both the Atlantic Space Coast and the fabulous white sandy beaches of the western Gulf Coast.
You will have chance to see the famous NASA complex at Cape Canaveral and the city of Miami is bursting with life and culture. It is famous for its fashionable Art deco South Beach and its amazing Nightlife and extraordinary selection of trendy cafes, bars and restaurants.
Things to do
Florida is best known for its world famous theme parks. From Disneyworld and Universal Studios to Seaworld, Cypress Gardens and Busch Gardens, Florida boasts a huge variety of family entertainment for children and adults alike.
Florida has 1,200 miles of coastline so no holiday to Florida is complete without spending time on the many sandy beaches on both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. There are great water sports available, from windsurfing to kitesurfing, jetskiing to scuba diving.
For a more calming day out, there are excellent opportunities for fishing. Southern Florida is great for sport fishing in particular. There are many fishing charters readily available for exciting trips out in search of marlin, barracuda, tuna, tarpon and grouper.
Shopping
Florida has got one of a kind boutiques, outlet centres and flea markets that sell anything and everything. There’s also those rather sleek malls that are so synonymous with the USA.
The biggest mall is Orlando’s Florida Mall which measures up a massive 18,580 square metres. But if you want to spend some serious money, then head to the Mall at Millenia. This city sized Shoppingmall is home to three department store giants – Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s – as well as sizeable stores from Chanel, Cartier and Jimmy Choo. There’s plenty here to splash your cash.
Nightlife
Disney doesn’t fail visitors by day, and it certainly doesn’t by night. Disney is known the world over for its firework displays. Take your pick from Wishes at the Magic Kingdom, illuminations at Epcot and Fantasmic at Hollywood Studios and get ready for a light the sky spectacular.
Even after the theme parks have been put to bed, the rest of the state doesn’t sleep. Downtown Disney and Unversal’s City Walk both have their fair share of nightclubs, bars and entertainment. There are choices ranging from comedy and live music to salsa dancing and Cirque du Soleil. Downtown Orlando has over fifty bars and clubs including Martini bars, live music venues and dance floors. In Florida, fun is 24/7.
Eating out
Florida is renowned for not serving up small portions. Florida is king of the USA’s bigger is better culture. As you’d expect, you’ll see the golden arches and good old Colonel Sanders on every corner. On International Drive, you can take out any food you like – it’s rammed. You’ll also find the biggest McDonalds here at the junction with Sand Lake Road.
Disney and Universal have got all the food bases covered in the parks and hotels. From Chinese and Italian to African and Mexican, there’s something to suit every mood and budget.
In Downtown Orlando, there’s even a Vietnamese district called Little Saigon, where cosy restaurants serve dishes like summer rolls with peanut sauce. And while you won’t find many Michelin stars here, there are a few places that could easily hold their own against the gastro elite.