Disney-less Destinations in Florida
Whether you’re basking on Miami Beach or visiting world famous Florida Keys, expect blissfully warm weather all year round – it’s easy to see why Florida is nicknamed the Sunshine State. The perfect climate for sightseeing, if real Disney-free Florida holidays are what you’re looking for, then consider these top five alternative attractions instead. From adventures in a hovercraft to historical discoveries, Florida is a haven for A-listers, ex-pats and holidaymakers alike, and it’s easy to see why.
Everglades
One of the largest wetlands in the world, the Everglades is a must-visit for anyone holidaying in Florida. A maze of swamps, springs, rivers and canals, this National Park and its aquatic inhabitants are best explored via the water. Whether you decide to dip in and out of the creeks on an airboat, glide on a hovercraft through Alligator Alley (did we mention the locals?), or get acquainted with the pond life on a canoe trip, you’ll be spoilt for choice on how to travel around the 1.Five million acres of marshes. And, if you’d prefer not to get your hands dirty (or should we say feet wet), you can opt for a drier experience and discover the park via tram, bike or foot.
Key West
Key West is one of Florida Keys’ most popular and most southern points, and is a big hit with water sports enthusiasts. Occupy yourself snorkelling, sailing or fishing, or for something that’s a little more up close and personal, experience swimming with the Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins. Literature fans will delight in the famous works of Ernest Hemingway at his home and museum in the Old Town, while golfers will love the impressive course at Key West Gold Club. Then, at the end of the day, be wined and dined as you watch the sun go down from the decks of one of the Liberty Clipper ships which dock in the bays there.
Miami Beach
In his hit single, Miami, Will Smith sang about “partying in the city where the heat is on, all night on the beach ’til the break of dawn”, and quite frankly, we couldn’t have put it better ourselves. Renowned for providing the backdrop for 80s cop show Miami Vice; trend-setters, party animals and sun worshippers continue to flock here to soak up the sun and A-list atmosphere. South Beach is undoubtedly the area’s most fashionable, with its golden sands and crystal clear waters, which go hand in hand with designer boutiques and cool cocktail bars. If, however, you’re looking to escape the flashing lights of the parties and accompanying paparazi, there is an art deco area nearby, dotted with museums, which is a great place to stretch the legs and work the brain cells.
St Augustine
The oldest European city established in America, turn back time with a stop-off at St Augustine. With its narrow streets, and craftmakers on every corner, the quaint and charming Old Town is a haven for history buffs. Florida has excellent transport options, so getting around and seeing the famous sights is easy. Visit the Bridge of Lions, the Old City Gates, the St Augustine Lighthouse, and the Fountain of Youth. Expect the views from every angle to be truly breathtaking, whether from a horse drawn carriage, an old town trolley tour or a helicopter ride over the city.
Kennedy Space Center
Beam me up, Scotty! (Or should that be Kennedy?)? If you want something to make your Florida holiday out of this world, NASA’s launch headquarters is just the ticket. A stone’s throw from Orlando’s multitude of theme parks, the Kennedy Space Center attracts milions of visitors each year. And it’s easy to see why. The only place on earth where you can bear witness to real life space shuttle launches, it also offers a simulated experience, during which you get to experience the sights and sounds of heading into space for yourself. Add to that the chance to learn about past and present flights into space over lunch with an astronaut, and you’ll be over the moon.
Which states are the most popular in America?
Have you every wondered whereabouts the best places to go on on holiday in America Are? Well you may be considering a holiday to the USA and want to know which states are most popular, so here are the top 3:
Number 3 on our list is California. Receiving about 4 million visitors every year, California offers tourists sun and parties. Depending on what it is you would like to experience, there is even something for you to indulge in from one extreme to another, swimming with dolphins or swimming with sharks. If you have never been to San Fransisco, then it is the one place in America i recommend at the top of your list, and visit the Golden Gate Bridge. This is the beach holiday state, where you can enjoy the sunshine and bikinis, of course it will get a lot of holiday makers visiting every month.
Along comes our Top 2nd this is Florida. The theme park state, there is endless fun for families and couples. It’s hard to describe how dificult it would be to get bored in this state, if you cant find something to do, then there is something very wrong, or your just not in the right pace. Disney, is well, the largest of all the theme parks across the world, and has become an icon, so this helps to bring people to Florida. Universal Studios helps to bring in the third most visitors in the world to its own theme park, and with the introduction of Harry Potter, more people will be arriving.
New York, the number one visited state in America. This won’t come as much of a surprise to anyone really. Do you like Broadway, any theatre show, this is where it is all happening, but there is so much more. Ever been to Tokyo, this is just like that, when it comes to the Super Signs. The super light and bright Times Square is the most popular place in NY, and you are guaranteed to find something you can enjoy doing here. This State receives over 4.Although it varies from time to time, this state will get about four million visitors every year.
So maybe now you have an idea of where you want to go on holiday, is it New York holidays, Florida holidays or California holidays, you decide.