The American state of Florida is also known as the “Sunshine State”. No wonder, because in the southeasternmost of the states, at least 300 days of sunshine per year can be expected. The best conditions for: Choose your desired location, rent a holiday home in Florida and then explore the desired destinations on the 170,000 square kilometre peninsula. Snow-white beaches, fabulous nature and exciting cities alternate. Which destinations are most worthwhile in Florida can be found here.
The Florida Keys: feel like you’re in the Caribbean
South of the Florida peninsula are the Florida Keys: an island chain of over 200 coral islands that stretches over a total length of 290 kilometers. The islands are connected by the Overseas Highway, which includes 42 bridges. The choice of palm-lined sandy beaches here is almost endless. Diving enthusiasts explore the underwater world of the Florida Keys and experience the only living coral barrier reef on the territory of the USA. Dry Tortugas National Park is a great place to dive through old shipwrecks. In addition, around 440 different species of fish cavort here. The Fort Jefferson, which dates back to the 19th century, is worth seeing. By boat or ferry, you can get to the island of Key West , where you can visit the former home of the writer Ernest Hemingway. Key West is also known for its colorful nightlife.
In the metropolis of Miami
Just a few kilometers from the Florida Keys is the metropolis of Miami. The South Beach beach on Ocean Drive is the first highlight: a lot of Hollywood movies have been filmed here. In Little Havana, you almost feel like you’re on the nearby island of Cuba. Sports fans are spoilt for choice in Miami. Both the NBA stars of the Miami Heat and the NFL team of the Miami Dolphins chase their respective balls here. In Miami Beach, you can relax on the beach or wander through the nearby Art Deco district as an architecture lover.
Active holidays in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is the eighth largest city in Florida, and one of the most beautiful. It is nicknamed the “Venice of America”. The city is crisscrossed by canals and invites you to boat and canoe tours. The city is also known for its huge flea markets. Many a treasure can be unearthed here. A visit to the largest drive-in cinema in the world is a special experience. There are 14 canvases to choose from. Culture lovers also get their money’s worth, there are several museums. Among other things, classic cars, modern art, exhibits from the maritime sector or valuable books are on display.
Meet flamingos in Everglades National Park
The tropical marshland, located in the south of Florida, is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but has also been on the red list of endangered World Heritage Sites since 2010. Mahogany trees and swamp cypresses are grouped around a 60-kilometre-wide water vein, which in many places is only a few centimetres deep. Due to the moisture, the Everglades is teeming with mosquitoes, which is why mosquito repellent should be used. Equipped in this way, you can hike through the Shark Valley, where turtles, alligators and cormorants can be observed. In addition, there are the only wild flamingos in the USA and other animal species: for example, pumas, raccoons, pelicans, manatees and black bears.
In the world of amusement parks: Orlando
Orlando is located in the middle of Florida and is home to numerous theme parks. First and foremost Walt Disney World and Magic Kingdom. Here you can meet Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck and visit Disney’s fantasy worlds. Roller coasters provide action, and visitors can swim with dolphins at the Discovery Cove theme park. Orlando itself is also worth a visit. Hardly any other city in the region is greener. The city area has 17 parks. The most beautiful way to walk is through Lake Eola Park. The Orlando Magics, one of the best NBA teams, is based in the city. As a basketball fan, you should definitely attend a game. Those who like to go to the theatre also have a rich selection. For example, the Orlando Shakespeare Theater, the Mad Cow Theater and the Bob Carr Theater.
The city of the pelican: Saint Petersburg
Saint Petersburg, the city with around 250,000 inhabitants, is a port city with a special coat of arms: the pelican. The city is located on the western side of Florida, in Tampa Bay. Here, too, one snow-white beach follows the next. If you want more than just roasting in the sun, you’ll find the best beach bars in all of Florida here. The Pass-A-Grille district is a shopper’s paradise with individual boutiques and shops. It is also home to Saint Petersburg’s most popular restaurants. If you go on an extensive stroll through the city, you will discover a lot of cool graffiti, which has become a kind of folk art here.
In Fort de Soto Park, which has been combined from five small islands, dolphins can be seen. If you want, you can rent a boat there. The Dalí Museum houses the largest collection of Dalí artworks outside of Europe. 1300 graphics, almost 100 oil paintings and just as many drawings by the Spaniard are exhibited here. Sculptures and photographs are added. The Florida Holocaust Museum, which is housed in the Jewish Community Center, is also renowned. The Museum of Fine Arts houses the largest collection of photographs in Florida, with more than 10,000 exhibits.
