Florida

Introduction

Tropical, steamy and exciting enough to qualify as the world’s number one holiday destination, Florida is a heady mix of sandy beaches, swaying palms and Mickey Mouse few can resist. Miami – easily reached from Heathrow by daily non-stop flights with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic – is a lively coastal city with oceans of Latin charm. Don’t miss the ultra-trendy, artsy South Beach area with its restored Art Deco buildings and savour the very best of international cuisine from Cuban and Haitian to Italian. Alternatively, disappear to the beaches of Key Biscayne and Sunny Isles, or head northwards to lively Fort Lauderdale.

Palm Beach is the epitome of East Coast refinement, where Gatsby-era architecture rubs shoulders with glitzy designer shopping and golf vies with watersports to be the number one recreation. Naples, on the other hand, is the very essence of West Coast charm. Nicknamed ‘Golf Capital of America,’ it nestles between the glistening waters of the Gulf and the Everglades, offering miles of uncrowded, white-sand beaches.

The Keys mixes a touch of the tropics with history, eccentricity and lush island charm. Tiny islands float in a world of their own on blue-green waters and fishing villages and seafood restaurants abound. Or head for the excitement of Orlando, ‘Amusement City’, which is served by daily nonstop flights from Gatwick with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. World-famous attractions include Walt Disney World, incorporating Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot and MGM Studios, plus Sea World and the legendary movie rides at Universal Studios.

Whatever your interests you’ll never be bored in
Florida – the state which really does have something for everyone.

Regional Info

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discovery Cove, Orlando
  Not a traditional theme park, Discovery Cove is a recreation of a Caribbean Island, where guests have the one-in-a-lifetime experience of swimming with the resident bottlenose dolphins.
• Kennedy Space Centre
  Located just east of Orlando, this family-friendly space complex offers guests and opportunity to experience the past, present and future of space exploration.
• Universal Islands of Adventure
  Universal's newer theme park has cranked up the dare-factor with more wild 'Thrill Rides'. Perfect for teens, 'tweens' and the young at heart.
• Worth Avenue, Palm Beach
  Palm Beach County boasts world-renowned shopping, including the elegant boutiques, jewellery stores and art galleries of Worth Avenue.
• Fort Lauderdale
  23 miles of sun-kissed beaches have ensured that Fort Lauderdale remains an exceptionally popular destination and its now one of the coolest places around. Sidewalk cafes, chic boutiques and trendy restaurants are everywhere.
• South Beach, Miami
  Home to legendary Ocean Drive, South Beach has an exotic Latin ambience, fascinating historic Art Deco architecture and year-round events including art and film exhibitions.
• The Everglades National Park
  A huge swamp area of subtropical wetland famous for its alligators and countless species of birds. Take an exciting airboat tour.
• Golf, Naples
  Southwest Florida has more golf holes per capita than any other destination in the USA. For those seeking to improve their swing, Naples offers three premiere teaching programmes, including the Golf Academy at Tiburon at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples.
• Fishing, The Keys
  The Keys boast more sportfishing world records than any other fishing destination in the world
  

EVENTS

• Nov | Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival
• Dec | Art Basel, Miami - International Art Fair
• Feb | Miami International Boatshow
• Feb | Miami Film Festival
• Mar/Apri | Sony Ericsson Open, Miami
  Tennis tournament
• May | 2008 Air and Sea Show
  World class military and civilian air performances, water activities and entertainment
• Oct | Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
  The largest boat show in the world
  

TRAVEL TIPS

CLIMATE
Consistently warm, semi-tropical climate. Summers are very hot and often humid with showers most likely. Winter is the prime season, although the summer months are a lot warmer morning and night with longer daytime hours.

STATE CAPITAL
Tallahassee

TIME DIFFERENCE
GMT -5 hours

FLYING TIME
MIAMI: 9 hours 15 mins
ORLANDO: 9 hours

City Breaks

Designer Chic

Families

Golf

Gourmet Dining

Honeymoons & Weddings

Island Escapes

Spa

Map