Our guide to Florida and why it is a vacation destination for everyone | Daily Mail Online

2021-11-22 05:58:23 By : Mr. Davis Zhou

British Airways and visit to Florida advertising features

Author: Carol Driver for MailOnline

Published: November 11, 2021 11:41 ET | Updated: November 19, 2021 04:11 ET

Florida has incredible wildlife, breathtaking scenery, lively art and food scenes, and expansive sugar white sand beaches, making it the resort of your dreams.

Florida may be famous for its exciting theme parks, but there are more places to visit and explore in this incredible state.

From palm-lined beaches and sparkling turquoise waters, to live music and vibrant cities, Florida has it all.

And now that the holidays have begun again, you can fly to the United States on a British Airways flight with confidence and enjoy all that Florida has to offer.

View the clear waters of Ginny Springs spanning 200 acres

Rafting in the breathtaking blue waters of Madison

Whether you like hiking, horse riding, biking, boating or swimming, you can visit more than 175 postcard-like national and state parks in Florida.

They are a must-visit place for thrill seekers and nature lovers. Ride a kayak, stand-up paddle board or motorboat for a quiet day for thrill seekers.

Canoe or kayak on the beautiful Lake Louise, 30 minutes from Orlando in central Florida; along the underground cave trails of Mariana Florida Caves State Park west of Tallahassee in northern Florida; or Fakahatchee in southern Florida Walk through dense forests in Strand Preserve State Park.

Florida also has 1,000 beautiful natural springs. Check out the clear waters of Ginnie Springs, which spans 200 acres, a two-hour drive north of Orlando.

An hour further north, you can jump from the diving platform to Madison Blue Springs; or more centrally, revitalize at 29C Wenquan Spring Park in North Harbor, Sarasota County.

See majestic manatees in the natural habitat of Crystal River

At Three Sisters Springs in the charming western coastal city of Crystal River, 90 minutes north of Tampa, you can see majestic manatees in their natural habitat.

As part of a responsible travel plan, swim, paddle, snorkel or dive with these gentle giants for a lifetime.

Visit the paradise island of Caladesi, away from the crowds

Want to spend a lazy time in an idyllic hidden cove and enjoy the beautiful scenery? Or do you prefer a beach full of water sports, shops and restaurants?

With 30 miles of award-winning pristine beaches and adjacent to the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico, it’s easy to see how the Paradise Coast in southwestern Florida got its name.

Take a boat to the nearby Keewaydin Island, really far away from all this; while Marco Island is a seaside resort near the waves.

Head to northwest Florida and admire the stunning three miles of white sand beaches in the off-travel Topsail Hill Preserve State Park at Santa Rosa Beach in South Walton. Bring a picnic, because this hidden gem is very hidden for those who want to stay away from everything.

From there, drive south along the coast for an hour and you will find the vast 20-mile Panama City Beach, which is really suitable for everyone.

Explore restaurants and bars, as well as the beach area full of party atmosphere, or stroll to find a calm beach, creating a peaceful atmosphere that suits your mood.

Feeling movement? Miami’s South Florida beaches are for you. Rent a seaplane on Virginia Island; Hobby Beach is a great place for windsurfing or sailing; or try volleyball in Crandon Park.

Drive 125 miles from Miami to Naples on the Gulf of Mexico, passing through the subtropical wilderness of the Everglades National Park

Discover some of the 1.3 million alligators that call Florida home during your journey

The best way to experience the best things in Florida is to take an unforgettable road trip.

Ride in a cool convertible from Avis or a comfortable family salon, drive along charming coastal roads, pine-lined forest routes, and long distances with magnificent views and feel the wind in your hair.

Starting from the bright lights of Orlando, this is a 260-mile journey to the idyllic beaches of Naples, passing by Tampa, St. Pete Beach and Bradenton, and then along the coast through Sarasota, Venice, and Port Charlotte And Fort Myers.

Make sure to have your camera ready so that the scenery along the way is beautiful.

Want to travel across states? Drive 125 miles from Miami to the charming city of Naples on the Gulf of Mexico, passing through the subtropical wilderness of the Everglades National Park-where you can see some of the 1.3 million alligators home to Florida.

Immerse yourself in the Mediterranean style of The Village Shops in Venice Bay; enjoy a round of golf in an incredible environment and spend time on some of the best beaches in Florida.

Stop at Bradenton Beach on the road trip from Orlando to Fort Myers

At the luxurious Naples Grand Beach Resort, you can indulge in well-deserved pampering in the wonderful spa.

Driving from Orlando to the spectacular Clearwater Beach is also a great choice for road trips.

Spend a few nights in the beautiful city, take part in a spectacular parade or sports competition at the Ramada Plaza Resort and Suites International Drive in the center, and then embark on a 106-mile journey.

When you arrive in Clearwater, play in the sparkling ocean, spot dolphins, relax on the soft sand, and then stroll through Pier 60 and enjoy live music during the sunset festival every day.

Worth a visit!

The Florida Seafood Festival is enough to get you to the Sunshine State!

There are many restaurants in every city in Florida—from elegant outdoor cuisine and farms that support locally produced ingredients to table places to street food trucks selling handmade delicacies.

Taste legendary Cuban sandwiches in Miami’s Little Havana-or try the traditional "ropa vieja" beef shredded, while blending into the culture of the area and strolling along the "Hollywood-style" Walk of Fame.

To really get close to the food history of Florida, book a food tour, cooking class or wine tasting, and you will also learn about the fascinating history and culture of the area. 

Art (and music!) heaven

The Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg houses more than 2,400 works by Salvador Dalí, which is unparalleled

Tap your toes while singing the blues, dance salsa at night, or enjoy world-class ballet in the theater-Florida music runs through all genres!

If you are looking for live performances, then you are in the right position-whether you like country music, jazz, hip hop or reggae music.

Tallahassee in northern Florida has the only Florida stop on the legendary Mississippi Blues Trail-the Bradfordville Blues Club-where top musicians perform intimate performances. For blues enthusiasts, this is a real must.

Enjoy the incredible sounds of the South Florida Symphony Orchestra in Fort Lauderdale, where the Tortuga Music Festival is held, attracting the country's biggest stars. Further south, in Miami, you can dance to hip-hop, Latin dance and rap festivals at night.

In central Florida, Orlando has a vibrant music scene, from blues and jazz to pop and dance. Drive west for two hours to Ybor City in Tampa and enjoy some of the best alternative rock, blues and alternative country bands from all over the country.

From museums and magnificent gardens suitable for children, to historic theaters and world-class concerts, the influence of the Greek, Spanish, Cuban and Native Americans of the Sunshine State has created a truly diverse music, architecture and art scene .

Head to the center of St. Peter to admire the impressive street art

You can see the works of internationally renowned artists on Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. Further south, Miami’s Design District and Wynwood Arts District are popular for its eclectic galleries and murals.

Not to mention the stunning Dalí Museum on the west coast of St. Petersburg, which houses an unparalleled collection of more than 2,400 Salvador Dalí works, or the impressive ones found in the nearby center of St. Peter’s Street art.

When it comes to health holidays, Florida is leading the way, offering outdoor massages, head-to-toe care, fitness retreats and beach yoga.

The spa in the state is one of the best in the world and will make you feel rejuvenated immediately.

The beach on Anna Maria Island is an ideal place to practice yoga-or simply sit back and enjoy the view 

Head to Anna Maria Island, a 7-mile stretch of pure white coast, a beautiful barrier island between the Gulf of Mexico and the Florida Peninsula.

With magnificent views and picturesque sunsets, it is an ideal place for exhilarating yoga classes on the beach to practice down dog pose.

If you want a touch of charm in your health, head to Miami, where there are some very sensational spas.

Stay in a very stylish five-star Fontainebleau hotel-just a stone's throw away from South Beach. Its luxurious spa offers excellent treatments, mineral pools, massage jet showers and eucalyptus steam baths.

The incredible holiday is over!

Thanks to British Airways’ "Book with confidence" policy, you can change the date or destination as needed.

Fly to one of Florida's three airports-Orlando, Miami and Tampa for an incredible holiday.

All holidays are protected by ATOL and you can use the 24-hour holiday hotline.

You only need to pay a low deposit, and there is a baggage allowance of 23 kg per person.

By taking protective measures on the ground and in the air, your safety is always at the core of everything British Airways does. 

Florida flight for 7 nights hotel, starting from £499 per person. 

Terms and conditions apply* Book now through ba.com/florida

*Subject to availability. The prices listed are per person based on a shared price for 2 adults, including all airport taxes and charges, including round-trip economy (World Traveller) flights from London Heathrow Airport to Orlando Airport and 3* for a minimum of 7 nights in Orlando Accommodation for selected dates between January 1, 2022 and January 31, 2022 (inclusive). Book before December 5, 2021. Amendment and cancellation fees are listed at the time of booking. Full terms and conditions on ba.com/florida. British Airways Holidays reserves the right to modify or withdraw this offer at any time. British Airways Holidays Ltd’s package holidays are protected by ATOL (No. 5985). British Airways Holidays standard terms and conditions and conditions of carriage apply. All information is correct at the time of publication, except for errors and omissions (E&OE). 

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