With its golden sands, balmy weather and fantastic selection of fun things to do, it's no wonder that Florida is such a popular destination among holidaymakers. Every year, millions of people flock to the Sunshine State to experience its thrilling attractions, but which are the best?
We spoke to Florida4Less! about getting the most out of your holiday; here are their top suggestions.
Orlando
Set in Florida's heartland, Orlando is the premier destination for holidaymakers wanting to enjoy the best of Florida's theme parks.
Universal Studios Florida features the best of the silver screen, animation and magic fans will marvel at the Walt Disney World Resort, and lesser-known attractions such as Gatorland, WonderWorks, and the wonderfully-bouncy AirHeads Trampoline Arena are sure to enchant. If you don't like snappy, surly beasts, you might want to give Gatorland a miss; the clue's in the name.
Kissimmee
A charming city located to the south of Orlando, Kissimmee is a family-friendly location that, while often serving as a base from which to enjoy the surrounding Floridian attractions, caters to all tastes.
The city itself features the beautiful Lakefront Park, Fun Spot America, and a host of wonderful boat and hot-air balloon tours that allow visitors to marvel at the state's natural treasures.
Walt Disney World Resort
It's a place that has captivated young minds for decades, and as such, any visitor to Florida simply has to visit the spiritual home of this well-loved franchise. Visitors can stay in style at one of the surrounding villas; dine at a variety of restaurants, diners and cafés and spend days, if not weeks, enjoying the enormous number of attractions and water parks that dot the resort.
Lake Buena Vista
A huge resort that serves as home to many visitors experiencing the surrounding area's many theme parks, Lake Buena Vista is a picturesque and holidaymaker-orientated city. Walt Disney World Resort is the order of the day here, and with an amazing number of sights and attractions located nearby, Lake Buena Vista is a perfect base.
Clearwater
With long, sandy beaches and azure seas, Clearwater is Florida's beachcomber paradise, boasting all sorts of sunny thrills and entertainments. Catch a game of America's favourite sport, basketball; set sail on a dolphin-seeking boat tour; or simply kick back and relax on either the amazing Clearwater Beach or Sand Key Park.
But what if you're heading to Florida but you're not keen on Disney?
For those that aren't tempted by vibrant parades and lazy rivers, here are the best attractions that don't take the Mickey. (Apologies).
Bok Tower Gardens
Love nature and wildlife? The Bok Tower Gardens national historical landmark should be at the top of your itinerary. The gardens, created by the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., feature woodlands, vistas, and parklands that are nothing less than spectacular.
Monkey Jungle
Another place for nature fanciers, Monkey Jungle is bursting with animals of the simian variety, featuring 400 primates that are spread across a serene 30-acre reserve. The park's amazing rainforest adventure tour is always a big hitter, and kids love it.
Golfing
Florida boasts a mild climate that perfectly lends itself to the Scottish game, making it the ideal place to test your mettle on the green. 189 courses dot the state, many of which host relaxation and leisure facilities - perfect for when you need to loosen up after a game on the links. Feeling flash? Several clubs have VIP areas for those that really revel in the game.
Scuba diving
With clear, azure seas and temperate waters, Florida's seas are the perfect place to explore the deep. Whichever coastal community you find yourself in, there's likely to be a host of scuba diving operators to choose from, each ready to take nautical explorers on a voyage beneath the waves. You'll get to see reefs, wrecks, and a vibrant variety of underwater life.
Dolphin spotting
Dolphins are perfectly suited to the warm Floridian waters, and visitors can see them by hopping on one of the state's many dolphin spotting tours. You probably won't get to touch them, but the dolphins are known to 'show off' for tourists, so you're pretty much guaranteed a show.
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