Florida

Gulf Coast Beach Resorts

Sun, sand and water sports, the Gulf coast has it all. The sandy stretches of tiny St. Pete frequently rank in the top 5 of American beaches, while Clearwater Beach is a firm contender for the number one title. The barrier island of St Pete is home to the longest undeveloped beach in Florida, Pass-a-Grille, where you can enjoy a limitless choice of water sports or simply watch the bottleneck dolphins frolicking along the coast. Clearwater is also rich in natural attractions. You can admire sea life at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, stroll lush public gardens, or explore the pristine Honeymoon and Caladesi Island state parks. In terms of culture, St. Petersburg is where you’ll find the most renowned galleries and museums in the area, including the Dali Museum and the Morean Art Center. The affluent communities of Marco Island and Naples, on the other hand, have created luxe, laid-back retreats for families and mature visitors seeking the finer things in life. This part of the Gulf Coast is your best stop for upscale spas, dining and shopping.

Gold Coast Beach Resorts:

Daytona Beach, the heart of the Gold Coast, is world famous for its premiere International Speedway, which hosts regular NASCAR events. Beyond the race track, this lively metropolitan area offers dozens of shopping centres, lively nightlife and numerous family-friendly attractions. The Daytona Lagoon waterpark and the Daytona boardwalk, with its amusement rides, eateries and live entertainment, are firm favourites of families with kids. Daytona also has a 23-mile-long beach with hard-packed sand perfect for jogging, cycling, and even night time drives.

A wealthy enclave since the early 20th century, Palm Beach provides slightly more sophisticated shopping and dining experiences. The area also boasts more golf courses per capita than anywhere else in Florida, along with museums, art galleries and Gilded Age mansions. Another popular stop on a multicentre holiday is the historic St. Augustine, which is one of the oldest towns in America. Its early Colonial-era architecture, the 17th-century fortress and the cobbled alleys, lined with cosy restaurants and shops, make it one of the most charming towns along the coast.

North West Florida:

Nicknamed the Panhandle, the north west of Florida is famed for sugar-white beaches and crystal clear waters ideal for diving, surfing and a range of other activities. At Destin’s harbour boardwalk you can book sightseeing tours and fishing charters, or you can hire water sports equipment. From here, for a fun day out on the water, head to Crab Island and the East Jetties, or to escape the crowds completely, venture further afield into Henderson Beach State Park. Also famous for its seafood, Destin is densely packed with restaurants serving fresh catch, and once a year its seafood festival showcases the best of local produce.

With its historic houses, art galleries, museums, and the annual, family-friendly Mardi Gras festival, Pensacola is a good place to visit for a dose of cultural entertainment. If nightlife is your thing, head to the party capital of the Panhandle, Panama City, which is home to the largest nightclub in the entire USA. Parties here are laid-back and informal, but be prepared for the Spring Break crowds of college students, who make the area a tad too raucous for some.

South Florida & The Keys:

World-class shopping, multi-ethnic dining, fantastic beaches and a nightlife to die for – Miami has it all. Famous for its Art deco architecture, bars, nightclubs, restaurants and boutiques, South Beach is a favourite hangout of celebs. It is also the best place in all of Florida for round-the-clock partying. If you prefer calm streets and uncrowded beaches, however, better opt for more tranquil and less glitzy Mid-Beach Miami. Away from the shore, you can check out the Downtown museums and galleries, or browse the ateliers of the Jewellery District.

A self-drive holiday through South Florida also gives you freedom to explore the Everglades National Park, a pristine stretch of nature unspoilt by civilization. The southernmost part of Florida, the Keys archipelago, are more Latin American in flavour than any other part of North America. Subtropical weather, pastel-coloured gingerbread houses and a vibrant creative community make the Keys the most laid-back choice for a holiday in the Sunshine State.

When to Go: Hurricane season lasts from June until November, and the weather is at its hottest and most humid from June till August. The US Spring Break in March is a time of wild parties and crowded beaches, and Panama City is a favourite spot for the college crowd.