*This is a sponsored post*
I went to university in Atlanta, Georgia so I was extremely lucky that popping down to Florida for a long-weekend was reasonably do-able. As students, we tried to go at least once a semester and stayed in varying degrees of comfort – from camping near the beach to staying in a friend’s parent’s swish time-share home.
So here are some of my favourite things to do in Florida:
1. Visit Walt Disney World.
A Florida cliche, but there, I said it. I love Walt Disney World. I only visited once, when I was about 13 with my mom and my brother, but I maintain, to this day that it was my best holiday ever.
My biggest tip: spend a little bit extra to buy the Fast Pass. It’s so, so worth it in the end. And buy multiple day tickets. Look at TravelPlanners Disney Orlando Holidays page to check out some absolute deals that involve staying in the Disney hotels with tickets included.
2. Spend a long weekend in St Augustine.
St Augustine’s historic district is one of the oldest European settlements in Florida, and contains some really beautiful architecture. It is home to the oldest masonry fort in North America, the Castillo de San Marcos, which is well-worth a visit. Make sure you go on a ghost tour whilst you’re there.
3. Visit the Kennedy Space Center.
Since the center opened in 1968, it has been NASA’s primary space flight launch center. If you’re really lucky you can even manage to see a rocket take off. I also dare you to visit and walk around admiring everything in the museum section without saying “Houston we have a problem” at least once.
4. Visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
The park is actually two mini parks, the O.G. in Islands of Adventure and another in Universal Studios, both connected by the Hogwarts Express. I’ve rarely been as jealous as when my brother went without me.
5. Take an eco-friendly tour of the Everglades.
There’s 1.5 million acres of subtropical marshes and swamp. The river here flows from Lake Okeechobee and provides the perfect environment for wildlife such as otters, turtles, crocodiles and even panthers.
6. Visit Amelia Island.
Amelia Island is one of a chain of barrier islands stretching along the east coast of the United States known as the Sea Islands. Though small, Amelia Island has been recognized as one of the top 25 islands in the world for its natural beauty.
7. Spend time in Miami.
No trip to Miami would be complete without a day on the sand at South Beach. This 2 mile stretch is one of the most famous beaches in America, so whilst it may be hard to find a spot, it’s still a sight worth seeing.
After a day at the beach, you can spend so much time in Miami shopping, or eat at some of the best Cuban restaurants in America. Versailles Restaurant in Miami is particularly famous.
8. Relive Spring Break at Panama City Beach.
Or not actually. I’d avoid the area during the March-April, university Spring Break season, but highly recommend visiting PCB at other times. It’s on the Gulf of Mexico, instead of the Atlantic, so it’s warmer and there’s less risk of rain. Plus, it’s a big surfer and diver spot.
9. Visit Dry Tortugas in Key West
The Dry Tortugas are a small island chain 67 miles west of the Florida Keys, and in a prime location between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. They are also the site of hundreds and hundreds of shipwrecks.
Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the Dry Tortugas are considered to be one of America’s most remote and least visited national parks.
10. Take Scuba lessons at Devil’s Den
If you’re a bit braver than I am, you can take scuba lessons at Devil’s Den. It’s a karst window, in which the roof over a subterranean river has collapsed, exposing the water to the open surface. The water stays at a pretty constant 72 degrees F (22 C) all year.
It’s only open to divers and snorklers. No swimmers, casual visitors or children under 6.
For guidance, other than mine with planning a dream Florida holiday, check out TravelPlanners Florida Holidays page.
***This is a sponsored post; however, all opinions are forever my own.***
Have you ever visited Florida? What would be on your list?
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