Florida’s sunny state is a wonderfully fascinating spot to spend your vacation. From the heart pumping rides at the states famous theme parks to the outstanding natural beauty of the Gulf Coast, holidays to Florida will certainly live up to expectations, however this east coast gem has so much more to offer than Mickey mouse, all you have to do is look. And what excellent way to explore and discover Florida’s treasures than while on a road trip.
The state’s highways are fantastic to drive along; petrol is cheap in the U.S and if you compare car hire online, you can arrange a fly drive holiday and have your accommodation needs booked along with having your hire car ready and waiting for you at the airport. All you have to do is explore, so here’s a collection of some of the places that are definitely worth a visit while road tripping in Florida, just remember that the driver has to be over 21 and has to have their license with them.
Magic Kingdom Park:
A journey to Florida would be incomplete without a visit to Disney World. Enjoy the company of Mickey Mouse and all his friends. Explore the parks many different lands such as Tommorowland, Frontierland, Liberty Square and Adventureland, where you can enjoy attractions such as Space Mountain and the Haunted Mansion. If you’re looking for the mouse himself, then head to Toontown where Mickey and his friends like to spend most of their time. The Magic Kingdom Park is also the perfect place to see a spectacular fireworks, lights and music displays.
The park is also home to Disney’s Epcot and Animal Kingdom. The Epcot gives you the chance to explore two entertaining worlds of man’s imagination and innovation from the beginning of time through to where we might be taken to in the future.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom allows you to enjoy an African style safari, which includes giraffes, elephants and even lions. Being Disney, you can also enjoy the company of the Lion King characters during the celebration of the Circle of Life.
Universal Studios:
Next stop, Universal Studios, here you can embark on rides from your favourite movies. Immerse in the 4-D experience with Shrek, blast aliens with fellow Men in Black agents and even fly with E.T on a bike. Universal Studios make you feel like you’re part of the movie, and if that wasn’t enough, the park is also home to Universal’s Islands of Adventure and SeaWorld Orlando.
Universal has five islands of adventure, which are home to your favourite cartoon and comic book heroes. Each island has its own theme and collection of thrilling rides, such as the world’s first inverted duel rollercoaster that can be found on Seuss Island, an island based on the famous The Cat in the Hat children’s book.
SeaWorld Orlando is more an adventure park than an aquarium. Here, you can see orcas, dolphins, sea lions, and otters put on amazing shows. The park also features the only floorless rollercoaster in Orlando and the ultimate journey to Atlantis, travelling over high speed rails and drops of over 60 feet. Just be sure to stop in at the dolphin nursery, where you can see the day to day life of a mother with its calf.
Kennedy Space Center:
Situated just east of the theme parks, you’ll find the John F. Kennedy Space Center, NASA’s headquarters, which plans every action of the American Space Program. The Kennedy Space Center is the first place on earth where you can experience spaceflight simulators, roam launch areas and meet veteran astronauts.
Key West via Florida Keys:
Next stop, the paradise island of Key West, and the only driving route to this beautiful island is via the Florida Keys and its collection of 42 bridges. Key West is America’s most southerly city and is always welcoming. Here you can enjoy the islands many restaurants, bars and shops. Explore the Hemmingway Home and Museum and even take part in the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square, the celebration that no trip to Key West should do without.
Miami Beach:
Welcome to Miami Beach. This glorious stretch of sand can be found between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay on a small barrier island, it has been America’s most supreme beach resort for over 100 years. It’s the perfect stop for beach bums and sun worshipers alike.
Everglades City:
For the more natural side of Florida, head to the Everglades. Also known as the “River of Grass” , the Everglades is the proud home to the largest collection of Florida’s flora and fauna. You may enjoy activities such as fishing, nature watching, boating and walking, just keep an eye open for the famous alligators. You’ll also find Shark Valley here, which can be explored via an airboat.
Sarasota:
If you’re looking for the perfect sandy location to enjoy the most breathtaking sunsets, then Sarasota is the place to be. This charming sleepy beach town offers warm waters of the Mexican Gulf and is the best place to just relax and unwind.
Crystal River:
Crystal River is a two hour drive from Tampa and St. Petersburg and is known as as a top spot to see manatee’s in their natural environment. This exceptional waterway has a variety of eco and manatee tours available, as well as the opportunity to enjoy river activities such as boating, fishing and diving. There are some tours available that allow you to dive and swim with the manatees.
Wakulla Springs:
Wakulla Springs has a depth of 185 feet, making it one of the deepest and biggest fresh water springs in the world. It has over 180 species of birds available, as well as possibilities to swim and take glass bottom boat tours. Wakulla Springs is in the same area as the Apalachicola National Forest, which includes over 500,000 acres of Bald Cypress, ideal for hikes and nature watching.
Amelia Island:
The island of Amelia gives you a glimpse of the real Florida; this 200 acre state park has a pristine collection of forests, saltwater swamps, stately Victorian homes and superb beaches. Fishing and horse riding are some of the islands most sought for activities, making Amelia island a beautiful and tranquil destination to visit.
Augustine:
St. Augustine is America’s oldest European colony, which offers its visitors the chance to see the cultural and historical blend of England, American and Spain. The city provides several attractions for tourists, including the National Monument of Castillo de San Marcos and the city’s fortress, the oldest standing European stronghold in America.
