Florida: The Sunshine State

Florida has long been known as the sunshine state, and for good reason. Despite the occasional hurricane, Florida experiences almost year-round sunshine and warm weather making it an ideal holiday destination for visitors from all over the globe. Every year millions of visitors flock to this Southern state to escape the winter blues, breathe in the ocean air, and to recharge their batteries with a little rest and relaxation.

Welcome to Florida the Sunshine State

Florida is as diverse as it is beautiful. Not just a bustling Mecca of entertainment, Florida is home to beautiful beaches, historical cities and lively coastal towns, which can make choosing where to go first a challenging task. With over 800 miles of sandy beaches, the world's best theme parks, award-winning golf courses, and some of the most amazing natural wonders the world has to offer, your biggest problem might just be deciding what part of the state to visit first.

When the subject of Florida comes up, many people think of Orlando. And it's no wonder. With its world-famous theme parks, Orlando is a no-brainer for visiting families. Guests young and old will be charmed and delighted with the magic of Orlando's theme parks. But even if theme parks aren't your thing, Orlando has enough attractions and activities to please even the most hard to impress visitors. World-class shopping, museums and galleries, spas and golf courses, and exciting nightlife; they're all waiting for you in Orlando, Florida.

Beyond Orlando's southern city limit lies the town of Kissimmee, which clings proudly to its cowboy past with weekly rodeos, and offers some of Central Florida's most affordable accommodation.

The Gulf Coast of Florida is an ideal holiday spot for anyone wanting to relax. Cities such as Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Fort Myers (just to name a few), contain beautiful shell-filled shorelines that kiss the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Magnificent sunsets and astounding views await visitors to this area. But holidays to the Gulf Coast aren't just limited to the beaches; the days can be filled with visits to the numerous parks, museums, historical sites, and charming towns. Perhaps the only place that can compare is Florida's Atlantic Coast.

Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal, beach in the background

The Atlantic Coast of Florida is one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, and there's no shortage of places to visit. Whether you're looking for the glitz and glamour of exciting areas like West Palm Beach, Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale or Miami Beach; or you're more interested in the calm and quiet lifestyle of Amelia Island, Jupiter Island, or Vero Beach; everyone can find what they're looking for on Florida's Atlantic Coast. Like the Gulf Coast, the Atlantic Coast boasts miles of sandy beaches, stunning views, and an unending selection of things to do.

Visitors wanting to experience the natural wonders and tropical climate of the south can head down to the southern most tip of the state and visit The Keys, a chain of more than 1700 tropical islands and islets, stretching from Key Largo next to the mainland to Key West. A road links the the line of islands, crossing the turquoise water on a series of bridges. A trip to the south also wouldn't be complete without a visit to Everglades National Park; one of the most unique and fascinating National Parks in the United States. With abundant wildlife (such as deer, alligators, and thousands of birds), mystical swamps, and a huge variety of plant life (including rare species of wild orchids), it's like no other place on Earth. It's wild, it's beautiful, and it's like nothing you've ever seen before.

When visiting Florida you can choose from deluxe hotels, quaint bed and breakfasts, or more private condos and villas. You can visit remote little towns and villages, or big cities and thriving metropolises. You can devour fresh seafood, caught right in front of you, and then work off the calories by bicycling, golfing, or deep sea diving. The holiday activities range far and wide, from theme parks and attractions, to boating, swimming, camping, shopping, golfing, partying, and so much more. When it comes to planning a trip to Florida the only difficult decision you'll have to make is what to do and where to go first.