5 ways to Vacation Better in Florida
From the glamorous beaches of Miami to the world-famous theme parks of Orlando, Florida is the perfect destination for both a weeklong adventure or a quick getaway. Read on for our five favourite ways to Vacation Better in Florida.
Meet Winter the dolphin in St. Pete/Clearwater
If you have seen the film Dolphin Tale (2011) you’ll know the heartwarming story of Winter the dolphin, who was rescued from the ocean and given a prosthetic tail in Clearwater, Florida. Winter still calls the Clearwater Marine Aquarium home, where you can visit her and other marine species like stingrays, dolphins, otters, sea turtles, sharks and more. When you’re not at the aquarium, you can check out the live music and street performs at Sunsets at Pier 60 in Clearwater or shop in the high-end boutiques of chic Naples.
Where to Stay: Sirata Beach Resort and Conference Center is nestled on a private stretch of white-sand beach and provides the perfect home base for exploring St. Pete/Clearwater. After a day spent at the aquarium or exploring quaint St. Petersburg, enjoy apps and drinks by the fire pits at the hotel’s beach bar.
Ride along the shore in Daytona Beach
Located on Florida’s eastern coast, Daytona Beach is positioned on a sprawling stretch of beach with plenty of dining, sport and entertainment options. Hop in your car or your bike and ride along the car-friendly stretches of Daytona Beach. Bring a blanket and some snacks with you and find the perfect spot on the beach to watch the sunset! You can also stroll along the legendary Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier, with thrilling amusement park rides, seaside cafés and the Daytona Lagoon water park – we recommend trying out the Blackbeard’s Revenge and Adventure Mountain water slides. Race lovers and car enthusiasts can visit the Daytona International Speedway, which hosts the popular Daytona 500.
Where to Stay: Located within walking distance to the shops, attractions and restaurants of the Boardwalk and Pier is the family-friendly Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Boardwalk by day, then return to the resort to relax by one of the two pools in the afternoon.
Discover the magic of the parks in Orlando
You can’t mention Florida without the legendary theme parks of Orlando coming to mind. Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, there’s a theme park for every age and interest, whether you want to cast spells with wizards, meet your favourite princes and princesses or test your wits on daredevil roller coasters. We recommend booking a resort with early access or complimentary transportation to the parks to make your adventures all the easier! When you’re not exploring the parks, you can tee off at one of the area’s championship golf courses.
Where to Stay: There are lots of resorts to choose from across Orlando for all tastes and budgets. Holiday Inn Orlando Disney Springs Area is in the Walt Disney World Property within walking distance of Disney Springs with a variety of dining, shopping and entertainment options (including live concerts!) Plus, you can take the hotel’s free shuttle every 30 minutes to all four Disney parks.
Go celebrity spotting at South Beach in Miami
Looking for a beach vacation full of glitz and glamour? There’s no better place than Miami. The city is known for its trendy nightlife, sophisticated arts scene and – of course – the beautiful shores of South Beach. Start the morning with a Café Cubano from Miami’s Little Havana, then head to the chic boutiques of fashionable Coconut Grove before staking out a spot by the beach in South Beach. Work on your tan, take a long walk along the shore or grab a drink at one of the quaint oceanside grills!
Where to Stay: Experience Miami’s Art Deco era at its finest with a stay at The Confidante Miami Beach. Originally built in the 1940s, the hotel exudes glitz and glamour with elegant suites, colourful poolside cabanas and an on-site restaurant with a menu curated by celebrity chef Richard Hales. You can lounge on a beachside lounger or walk to nearby South Beach.
Set sail on a cruise on board Norwegian Bliss
Why choose between a Florida vacation and a cruise when you can do both? Visit Florida and set sail on a cruise with a Cruise and Stay package. Choose from several ships setting sail from PortMiami, including the brand-new Norwegian Bliss. The ship offers activities and entertainment for all ages including the largest racetrack at sea (located on the top deck), galactic laser tag and two water slides – including the Ocean Loop slide where the floor drops out from under you and takes you around the side of the ship.
Where to Stay: Spend a couple days before or after your cruise exploring Fort Lauderdale with Cruise and Stay packages. The recently-renovated B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale is located right on the beach and is one of the only hotels in the area that offers lavish beachside wait service, so you can focus on relaxing and unwinding.
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