Florida hotels

Florida can rightly claim to be the sunshine playground of the southern U.S. After all, it’s home to some of America’s most beautiful beaches, most exciting theme parks, and an exquisite climate. Taken together, they’ve helped make the “Sunshine State” one of the nation’s top vacation and retirement spots. But as well as all that sun, sand, and surf, Florida offers visitors much more—including such wonderful landscapes as the Everglades and the Keys, and such exotic wildlife as the bizarre but beautiful manatee.

Hotels in Florida

With the longest seaboard in the U.S., it’s no surprise that Florida's coastline is home to many of its hotels. Numerous beach hotels in Florida face right onto gorgeous, white coral sands or buzzing sea-front promenades. Expect the ultimate in pampering at spa retreats, or pure indulgence at luxury resorts in Florida—complete with fabulous pools, exclusive marinas, or top-notch golf courses. And as it is something of a capital of conventions, there are plenty of conference hotels in Florida too, perfectly attuned to the needs of the business traveler and event-goer.

Things to see in Florida

Theme parks top the list of attractions in Florida, the most magical being Walt Disney World. The dream-like spires of its iconic fairytale castle stand over 4 different parks, including Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the Magic Kingdom—the world’s most visited theme park. You can wish upon a star of a rather different sort at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. This celebration of the U.S. space adventure includes a simulated ride on the Space Shuttle as well as the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. SeaWorld Orlando brings the wonders of the ocean to 5 million guests a year, while the Universal Orlando Resort dazzles with its movie-themed rides, shops, and restaurants. The natural world provides its own spectacle in the watery expanse of the Everglades National Park, home to turtles, alligators, and pythons. Airboats provide an exciting and eco-friendly way to explore the pools and channels of this unique wilderness.

Where to stay in Florida

Orlando has become the number-1 family-friendly destination in Florida, thanks to both the quality and quantity of its theme park extravaganza. The city is also home to a growing number of museums and its own fully fledged entertainment district. Miami—with its stylish seafront, thriving Cuban, Latino, and Creole communities, and wonderful food scene—offers a perfect backdrop to a romantic break. Across the bay in Miami Beach, you’ll find fantastic beach resorts and a more youthful nightlife vibe. Tampa is a somewhat quieter beach resort on the western coast, while Jacksonville is the preeminent Florida city for business and commerce.

How to get to Florida

There is a wide selection of airports for those planning to travel to Florida by air, with 4 major airports across the state. Orlando Airport makes sense for those visiting Disney World, while Miami Airport not only provides access to the city and its beaches, but to the Everglades as well. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport is another good option for south Florida, while Tampa Airport is best for the west coast area. For those driving in, I-95 from Savannah runs down the east coast cities to Miami. Those looking to head to Tampa and St. Petersburg should take I-75 from the northwest.