If you thought Florida was only famous for Mickey Mouse and family-packed theme parks, think again. Boasting everything from sun-drenched coastal towns, fantastic golf resorts and alligator-ridden wetlands to the uber-hip party hotspot of Miami, the Sunshine State has something on offer for every kind of holiday-goer.

Wildlife lovers:
The Everglades National Park is a must-see attraction for any wildlife lover and so often overshadowed by the Disney-filled theme parks.  As well as dolphins and manatees, the area is probably most famous for its snarling ‘gators’ which lurk within the marshy wetlands and rivers. Check out the boat tours of ‘Gatorland’ where you can see the formidable predators within their natural habitats.

Golf fanatics:
If you’re searching for your next golfing destination, look no further – Florida is inundated with some spectacular courses and resorts. If Miami is on your radar, check into the luxurious Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club, located smack-bam on the vibrant Miami coastline.  For something a little more relaxing, the Gulf coast around Tampa has emerged as a fantastic option, boasting sweeping green lawns and, of course, the gorgeous Florida sunshine. We love the Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club in Palm Harbour.

Families:
It may have become a bit of a cliché, but Orlando’s world-famous Disney theme parks are the reason so many families flock here to the state every year. If, however, you fancy entertaining the kids with something a little less commercialised, try the Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale. The circus at Sarasota is also a must-see, as well as Orlando’s popular ‘Sea World’.

Party-animals:
Miami is a party-lover’s paradise and boasts some of the country’s most sizzling night scene. If you’ve always wanted to join the MTV crowd, head to infamous nightclub, Mansion. For something a little different, take part in the ‘Hemingway bar crawl’ in Key West, complete with charming Cuban themed bars and plenty of live music.

Beach-lovers:
If you like nothing more than soaking up the rays on a sandy beach, you can’t beat Miami’s famous bikini-clad South Beach. Another slice of beach paradise lies in Fort Lauderdale, a chilled out beachy world complete with  plush yachts, alfresco dining, eco-adventure, arts and more. The North Western Gulf Coast also contains a number of beaches well worth exploring – our favourite is Pensacola, which is frequently voted as one of Florida’s best.

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