The United States of America is one of the most popular destinations for visitors from all over the world. It’s a massive and diverse country made up of 50 states containing more than 35,000 cities, stunning coastline, majestic mountains, dense forest, sweeping farmland, arid desert, a multitude of lakes, rivers and even swampland.
The variation within the American states is enough to make your head spin. From north to south, east to west and everything in between, almost every spot has it’s own special claim to fame.
For example, California is known for its beautiful beaches, world-class wine, and movie stars. New York state is not only famous for the Big Apple, Broadway musicals but also the natural beauty of Niagara Falls. Texas is home to cowboy boots, country music, and BBQ and Colorado has that Rocky Mountain high.
Then there’s the “sunshine state” of Florida with an abundance of coastline, sunny weather and theme parks including the uber-popular Disney World and Epcot Center.
If you’re planning a vacation in Florida you’ll first want to decide what part of the state you’ll visit. Then you’ll need to choose your accommodation. If it’s a beach getaway you’re looking for then activities in Miami may be your best bet. For a family vacation, you may want to look for the best hotel deals near Universal Orlando and other amazing theme parks. Maybe it’s historic sites you’re interested in? Then St Augustine is a great choice.
Besides theme parks and beaches, Florida also offers outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, and exploring the nature preserves and unique Everglades National Park. Choosing the best option for your stay will also depend on your budget. Whichever Florida destination you choose we always recommend using a search engine like Hotels Combined or Booking.com to check reviews and find the best rates.
Here’s a list of some of the best vacation spots in Florida
Cape Coral
Cape Coral has some of the best Gulf Coast beaches and is home to the Sun Splash Family Waterpark making it a fun and relaxing destination for all ages. This vibrant area is full of grocery shops, restaurants and bars to keep you well-fed and entertained plus there’s an abundance of activities to help burn it all off. You can spend your days golfing, playing tennis, fishing or exploring the 400 miles of canals or just lounge on the beach with a refreshing drink and a good book. Plus if you’re considering a move to this sunny state, Cape Coral is one of the cheapest places to live in Florida.
St. Augustine
The historic city of St Augustine dates back to 1565 making it the oldest in the country. Old Town has charming cobblestone streets lined with beautiful architecture, historic sites and museums to explore as well as fabulous restaurants and atmospheric bars to take a break in. The Colonial Quarter is a fabulous living museum and kids will love the St Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum. There’s also a lovely beach and Anastasia State Park nearby for nature lovers. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway there are plenty of historic hotels, cozy inns and B&B’s to choose.
Daytona Beach
The city of Daytona Beach is popular among locals and foreigners looking for fun. There are 23 miles of sandy beaches to play on and some of them even allow cars. Daytona Beach is well-known for wild spring break parties but most of the year it’s also a fabulous family destination. The massive Daytona Lagoon Waterpark provides hours of fun as do the Boardwalk amusement areas. You’ll also find festivals and entertainment year-round including the famous Daytona 500 car race held at the Daytona International Speedway. Accommodations in Daytona Beach are plentiful and range from basic budget hotels to high-end resorts.
Orlando
A quick Google search will reveal Orlando as one of the best family vacation spots in America with very good reason. It’s probably most famous for the amazing theme parks and world-class kid’s attractions. The hardest part will be deciding which of the more than twelve Orlando theme parks to go to. The biggest names are of course Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and LEGOLAND. These massive entertainment complexes are much more than theme parks though, they also have a myriad of shopping and dining experiences and incredible resorts to stay in. Be sure to check online for package deals which include accommodation and park passes. Whether you stay at one of the theme park resorts of in one of the hundreds of other hotel options in Orlando you’ll always have plenty of options for dining and nightlife.
Key West
Although families also flock to Key West this area definitely has a lot to offer the adult demographic. Key West has a little of everything from watersports to historic sites to lively nightlife. Water lovers spend their days diving, snorkeling, sailing, and fishing while others prefer to explore the downtown on foot or by bike, stopping in at interesting sites like Ernest Hemingway’s home. Evenings are spent enjoying fresh seafood dinners, bar-hopping, listening to live music or dancing the night away. Accommodations in Key West range from small apartments to multi-bedroom condos and luxury hotels. Whether you’re traveling as a group, a couple, or solo you’ll find a perfect place to lay your head.
Which Florida vacation spots are right for you?
Wherever you choose to vacation in Florida you’ll find plenty to see and do plus an abundance of accommodation choices for every taste and budget. As with any vacation we suggest planning a bit in advance by reading articles and blogs and looking at reviews on trusted sites and search engines. Spontaneity is great but a bit of research goes a long way in making the most of your time and budget.
Born in England, Sarah developed her wanderlust at a young age as she traveled around Europe with her parents. As a young adult she spent every penny she could on experiences as opposed to possessions. Eventually she found a way to earn a living doing what she loved: traveling, writing and capturing images of the wondrous world we live in. When not on the go Sarah enjoys time in her “sometimes home” of Vancouver.