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Plan Your Trip to Florida: Best of Florida Tourism

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Florida

Not just for retirees and theme park enthusiasts, the Sunshine State offers beautiful beaches, pristine diving conditions, and sizzling nightlife. Salsa the night away in a smokin’ hot Miami club, or swing away at one of Kissimmee’s many premium golf courses. An airboat tour of the Everglades is an unforgettable adventure – just look out for alligators! For the risk-averse, a lazy day spent on the soft sands of an Emerald Coast beach is as rejuvenating as a spa treatment.

Essential Florida

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Travel Advice

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  • Absolutely loved it here
    Such a wonderful stay. Every need met. Perfectly kept property. I must acknowledge Martin who went above and beyond for us. Also I must acknowledge Daslin from housekeeping, who is so incredibly...
  • Great activity to try
    This wasn’t the first time for me to go kayak but a first for my friends/companions. Jacob, our guide, was great. He was really friendly and patient with us. Rock springs is beautiful. The water is...
  • Best restaurant of 2022
    Gotta be honest… I didn’t think a restaurant I found randomly in Orlando on a trip for Universal would be the best meal I had in 2022. And in 2022 I was in Vegas, South Africa, Miami and Toronto...
  • Best service ever!!
    Wow! Just amazing service! Felt like a Queen the entire evening. Everything was cooked to perfection . This was not just a meal but an experience. If you are looking for a 5 star restaurant...
  • Josh Groban Concert
    Beautiful performing arts center with phenomenal acoustics. We sat in the middle of the back row & heart every word & note although we are senior citizens! Parking garage even offered...
  • Cheers To Captain Steve
    What a great adventure! Captain Steve made what was a super fun and exciting trip even better. His knowledge of the incredible ecosystem frequented by alligators was impressive. He’s a funny guy...

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Florida Travel Guide

Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Florida

Chris O

You’ll get the best deal on theme park tickets by purchasing them ahead of time.

Chris O

Do not underestimate the Florida sun and the humidity. Take it easy, hydrate, and consider planning your itinerary to be inside (or by the pool) during the mid-afternoon.

Melanie F

Bring an umbrella if you're visiting the Florida Keys during the summer.

Stephen S

Florida is not all Disney; it has much more to offer!

Katherine B

No trip to Central Florida would be complete without a visit to the Magic Kingdom. All the Disney parks are fabulous of course, but this is the best.

JaniceK11

The Everglades have been the highlight of my Florida road trip so far. I have never seen so many alligators. I also saw loads of birds, turtles, snakes and smaller wildlife.

Madison S

Orlando may be known for its theme parks, but it is also one of the best United States destinations for water sports and outdoor fun.

ellycmc7

We had a blast at Universal Studios Florida. Really enjoyed all the rides, especially at HP World, Fast and Furious, Minions, Transformers, and the Horror Make Up Show.

What is the best way to get there?

flying

Florida’s largest airports are Orlando International Airport and Miami International Airport. There’s also the Fort-Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Tampa International Airport, Daytona Beach, and Jacksonville.

train

Amtrak trains have daily connections between New York and Miami, stopping at Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, and other destinations along the way.

Do I need a visa?

If you’re visiting the United States from overseas, use the government’s Visa Wizard to see if you need a visa.

When is the best time to visit?

November-May: Year-round sunshine means there’s no bad time to visit Florida, but temperatures are most pleasant in the south during the winter months. Expect temperatures to reach 77°F (25°C) between November to May; perfect for lounging on Miami’s beaches, visiting Orlando’s theme parks, or cruising around Florida Keys.

Hurricane season lasts from June to November, so heed local weather warnings and expect frequent thunderstorms if visiting during this period.

Get around

car

While it’s easy to get around Miami or Orlando without a car, state-wide travel is most convenient with your own transport. Car and motorcycle rentals are available from airports, cities, and major hotels around the state.

bus

Greyhound buses connect Florida’s principal cities, while local buses will take you to beaches and smaller towns. For timetables and fares, see here.

trains

Amtrak has daily train services between Jacksonville, Orlando, Miami, and Tampa.

ridesharing

Uber and Lyft are available around Florida on your smartphone.

bicycle

Large parts of Florida are flat, and cycling is a popular way to explore; there are numerous long-distance routes including the Florida Coast to Coast Trail. Bike-share systems (such as CitiBike and Lime) are also in place in Orlando and Miami.

On the ground

What is the timezone?

Eastern Daylight Time.

What are the voltage/plug types?

The standard voltage in the United States is 120 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. The plug has two flat parallel pins.

What is the currency?

The U.S. Dollar

Are ATMs readily accessible?

Yes.

Are credit cards widely accepted?

Yes.

How much do I tip?

As in the rest of the United States, tipping is expected.

Restaurant

15-20%

Bartender

$1-2 a drink

Bellman

$1 to 3 per bag

Housekeeper

$2-$3 per night

Taxis/rideshare

15-20%

Shuttle driver

$1-$2 per person

Tour guide

10-20%

Are there local customs I should know?

Drinking

The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 21 years old.

Beach etiquette

Locals take the beach seriously so avoid making faux pas by respecting people’s space on the beach.

Languages

Florida is a diverse state with a large Hispanic population, so expect to hear Spanish spoken as frequently as English, especially around Miami and Orlando.

Spitting

Spitting is considered rude in any public setting.

Find more information about local customs and etiquette in the United States generally here.

Florida travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travelers ask in the forums.

Beach Recommendations

According to forum posts, St. Pete Beach is highly recommended for families, offering hotels with amenities like waterslides and kitchenettes, making it convenient for stays with children. Additionally, Clearwater Beach is noted for its beauty but tends to get crowded during spring break.

Activities and Amenities

Travelers have called out specific locations such as Fort Myers Beach for its family-friendly environment and beach accessibility. Moreover, destinations like Marco Island and Sanibel Island are mentioned for their calm waters and engaging activities suitable for children.

Additional Tips

Some users suggested considering the time of year when planning a visit, as this can significantly affect both pricing and crowd levels at various beaches.

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Scenic Routes Through National Forests

According to forum posts, a scenic route from St. Augustine to Crystal River involves driving through the Ocala National Forest. Travelers have suggested taking Route 207 to Route 19, and then west on Route 40, which provides a drive through lush forest areas.

Coastal Scenic Drives

For those preferring a coastal drive, some users recommended taking A1A south to Route 40, which also passes through the Ocala National Forest. This route offers scenic ocean views before heading west.

Historic and Quaint Towns

Travelers have called out the charm of small towns along Florida's roads. Posts mentioned places like Palatka, with its Ravine Gardens State Park, and Micanopy, known for its historic buildings and the film location for Doc Hollywood.

Everglades Scenic Route

For wildlife enthusiasts, taking the Tamiami Trail (Route 41) through the Everglades has been highlighted. This route is known for its plentiful wildlife sightings, including alligators and birds, and offers a deep dive into Florida's unique wetland ecosystems.

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Driving Options

According to forum posts, some travelers recommended renting a car as the most flexible and fastest way to travel between Miami and Orlando, with a driving time of approximately 3 to 4 hours via I-95 or the Florida Turnpike. This option allows for direct travel without the need for transfers.

Bus Services

For those preferring bus travel, the Red Coach and Megabus services have been mentioned as viable options. These buses tend to have fewer stops compared to others like Greyhound, making them a quicker choice for this route.

Train Travel

Travelers have called out the Brightline train as a potential future option for direct rail service between Miami and Orlando. This high-speed train could offer a comfortable and efficient alternative once operational.

Flight Options

While direct flights between Miami and Orlando are available, they may not be the most time-efficient considering the required early airport arrival and potential for lengthy security lines, as discussed in several posts.

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Popular Theme Parks

According to forum posts, Universal Studios and Disney are among the most popular travel destinations in Orlando. Travelers often plan extensive visits to these parks, highlighting the appeal of movie-themed attractions and character experiences at Disney.

Unique Attractions

Some travelers have mentioned lesser-known attractions like Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales and Spook Hill, which offer unique experiences away from the typical theme park environment.

Historical Sites

St. Augustine, the oldest city in the U.S., was frequently recommended by users as a worthwhile day trip from Orlando. Its rich history and scenic views are a draw for visitors looking for cultural enrichment.

Beach Destinations

Travelers have also expressed interest in beach destinations such as Cocoa Beach and Daytona, which are accessible from Orlando for short trips, offering a mix of relaxation and beach activities.

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Beachfront and Resort Options

According to forum posts, Pink Shell in Ft. Myers Beach and Sirata in St. Pete Beach are recommended for travelers looking for resort accommodations with good pools and beach access. The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood is also suggested for its beachfront location and amenities.

Family-Friendly Accommodations

For families, the Embassy Suites on St. Augustine Beach is mentioned, though it might be over budget during peak times. The Days Inn in Jekyll Island is noted for being a more affordable option with decent facilities, including two pools and oceanfront views.

Elderly-Friendly Options

Some travelers have recommended the Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach and the Ritz in Naples for elderly travelers requiring easy access and quiet environments. These locations offer comfortable accommodations with necessary amenities in peaceful settings.

Cost-Efficient Choices

For those on a budget, posts suggest looking at hotels like the Days Inn on Jekyll Island and various accommodations in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, which offer reasonable prices and essential amenities without compromising location or comfort.

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Everglades Tours

According to forum posts, visitors recommend taking airboat tours in the Everglades. Everglades Nature Tours was specifically mentioned for its engaging one-hour tours, offering close encounters with local wildlife, including birds and alligators. The guides' knowledge and passion were highlighted as enhancing the experience.

Marine and Wildlife Tours

Travelers have called out several marine-related tours as must-dos. These include the Ten Thousand Islands Cruise, known for scenic views and wildlife spotting, and dolphin-watching tours near Marco Island. Additionally, a jet ski eco tour and a mangrove tunnel tour were recommended for those interested in more interactive and adventurous water activities.

Historical and Cultural Tours

For those interested in cultural experiences, some users suggested visiting Ybor City in Tampa for a taste of its unique history and culinary delights, particularly the Cuban sandwiches at Columbia Restaurant. Another recommendation was the historical and picturesque town of St. Augustine, noted for its rich history and accessible via a day trip from Orlando.

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Car Rental Options

According to forum posts, travelers have various car rental options in Florida, including on-site airport rentals and off-site rentals accessible via a shuttle. Some travelers prefer off-site rentals as they can be more cost-effective, despite being slightly inconvenient due to the need for a shuttle transfer.

Car Rental Costs and Tolls

Many users have discussed the importance of considering toll costs when renting a car. Florida has multiple toll roads, especially around major cities and tourist areas. Travelers can use services like SunPass or the Visitor Toll Pass (VTP) to manage toll payments. Some rental companies may include toll transponders in their vehicles, but fees and policies vary widely, so it's advised to review these details beforehand.

Additional Advice

For those considering long-term rentals, like a month-long stay, alternatives like Turo have been mentioned as potentially cost-effective solutions. It's recommended to compare different rental company rates and read the fine print regarding toll policies and other fees.

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Tripadvisor is not responsible for these answers or any opinions in them. Please read full forum posts for more details and information.