For a memorable break this month, consider the sunshine state’s extra special attractions, such as its extravagant Disney World and top performing symphony. Entertainment and art enthusiasts who prefer their vacation to be worry-free can also enjoy miles of miles of coastline – without even leaving their city.
According to the website Destination Florida, the state can be enjoyed without even leaving Florida, which boasts the highest concentration of lakes in the US.
Barge rides on the Crystal River in Pinellas County offer a relaxing float around the Gulf, while out on a paddle boating tour, Orlando offers the under-the-sea experience. Patuxent Sound boasts diving tours, and Broward County, in the south east of the state, offers various beaches.
Big Orlando
Disney is the name on everyone’s lips in Florida, but Walt Disney World has a brand new park on the way, Pandora – The World of Avatar, and it’s due to open next week, according to the Atlantic. There’s more Mickey Mouse to look forward to with Fantasmic!, a revamped spectacular created by Disney World. Every morning, during the summer and in the summer holidays, there will be a fireworks show at 10pm every night.
Patrick Gruber, from Philadelphia, took us to Disney World for a Wintertime Romance celebration. “The Florida coast is absolutely beautiful and provides a variety of attractions for all ages – camping is really popular here,” he said.
All week long, Orlando is hosting the GLOW Festival, a festival dedicated to women of all ages, featuring workshops, comedy, acting, dancing and even burlesque. November’s Mercury Challenge celebrates four of the world’s fastest vehicles with an underwater race between submarines, including a 24-foot raceboat.
The leisurely vibe in Orlando and its abundance of tourist attractions are matched by a lavish hotel.
From an aerial high above the Magic Kingdom park, you can spot the famous characters from Disney’s princesses including Ariel from The Little Mermaid. Nearby, you can also see Sleeping Beauty Castle, Ratatouille’s Remy and now Pandora: The World of Avatar.
A vacation can also be a day trip from Universal Orlando and the Royal Pacific Resort. Studio Park includes Despicable Me, Super Silly Fun Land, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, The Simpsons Ride and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem – four rides with more than 32 hours of entertainment. The Royal Pacific Resort has Turtle Bay beach and Sea Life Park aquarium, while some of the many attractions on offer at Universal, such as Harry Potter, find their haunt within Universal Studios.
The cruise ship is one of the more relaxing holiday options in Florida, allowing you to relax on deck, swim and watch movies with the kids on board. In the Florida Keys, island life is perfect. My friend Jonathan took us and the kids to Great Gatsby, the most expansive performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, with more than 1,000 dancers and actors, musical performances and an all-star cast. The Fort Lauderdale-based Splash World water park, just off the I-95 highway, has a variety of activities.
Flamingo hotel in St Petersburg, Florida
We were in St Petersburg in the beautiful Tropicana of the Florida Keys, where the rich cultural diversity has been preserved in the historical Bamboo Bay estate.
We snorkelled with colourful fish and learned about sea turtles during a double dolphin experience, a unique opportunity that is only available for 15 minutes each day. The St Petersburg area is home to a number of museums, museums and art galleries, including the St Petersburg Museum of Art, one of the first permanent commercial galleries in the USA.
A programme of cultural and cultural events includes concerts at the historic Duncan Theatre and contemporary dance at Electric Chautauqua, a retreat centre which also offers Florida-style arts. When the temperature starts rising again in spring, the grounds of John and Betty Deering Wilderness State Park are a great spot for hiking, exploring historic sites, or kayaking. In August, the Telegraph Centre in Melbourne has a great exhibition of art, and in September, the Melbourne Symphony Hall celebrates Bach with five different concerts.
Several fun festivals are on offer in Florida. In November, the St Petersburg Flower and Candy Festival, known