13 great places to stay in Florida

Crystal River

Credit: Carol Grant

Discover Florida’s soul in Crystal River, where warm Gulf water, spring-fed rivers, great fishing and bountiful lakes await. Swim with manatees, explore lakes and rivers, reel in some of Florida’s best fishing, taste fish-to-fork cuisine, play great golf courses, take a hike through unspoiled forests, dive for scallops, cycle on one of America’s top-rated trails, and discover natural parks and attractions.

Orlando

Orlando is the theme park capital of the world, so it’s no wonder that it’s usually the first city that springs to mind when you think of Florida. After you've enjoyed the rides, you can discover art and culture among the vibrant streets of Downtown, take a scenic boat tour on the city's lakes or indulge your inner explorer in nearby spots such as the Tibet-Butler Preserve.

Daytona Beach

If you’re looking for a blissful beach getaway, explore Daytona Beach on Florida’s Atlantic side. Here you’ll find 37km (23 miles) of sandy beaches and, a little further south you’ll find Ponce Inlet’s beach, boardwalks, nature trails and an impressive lighthouse.

Break up your day by visiting Daytona International Speedway and taking a ride in a NASCAR race car.

St. Petersburg

A vibrant city with world-class art like the acclaimed Dalí Museum, top Florida beaches such as Treasure Island and Clearwater Beach, and a pulsing downtown nightlife, St. Petersburg is the place to be for culture and fun in the sun.

Tallahassee

Florida’s capital city, Tallahassee, is a calm and gracious city full of genuine Southern hospitality. Complete with picturesque gardens, scenic lakes, historical sites and a rich cultural background, it’s a great destination for an active family holiday.

Tampa

With miles of dazzling waterfront, authentic culture, cuisine, and nightlife, Tampa Bay is a holidaymaker’s playground. With its mix of historic architecture and modern landmarks, a culture infused with Cuban and Spanish flavours, vibrant business districts, and beautiful waterways, it's a wonderful place to unwind.

Pensacola

Plane spotters, rejoice! Pensacola is synonymous with aviation. After all, it’s where naval pilots train to get their wings. Better yet, you’ll be able to watch them in the sky while basking on one of the city's glorious white sandy beaches. As the days wind down, head to one of Pensacola’s many vibrant restaurants and cultural venues.

Jacksonville

A luxurious yet affordable holiday destination, Jacksonville is a big city with authentic cuisine, a thriving craft-beer scene and lively nightlife. Here, you can choose to relax on the 35.4km (22 miles) of beach, explore the ten state and national parks, or take part in some world-class fishing.

Naples

Situated on the Gulf Coast, Naples Naples is the perfect holiday destination for families, shopping lovers, beach goers and culture vultures alike. It’s known for its plentiful art galleries, as well as its quirky clothing and interior boutique shops.

Florida Keys

There is no place quite like the Florida Keys. Home to world-class scuba diving, fishing and boating destinations and known for its laidback communities, incredible seafood, and rich history, this famed island chain includes Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, the Lower Keys, and Key West, all connected by the scenic Overseas Highway.

Fort Lauderdale

Dubbed the ‘Venice of America’ thanks to its fascinating system of canals and waterways, and home to beautiful palm-adorned beaches, Fort Lauderdale is a prime destination. Experience world-class shopping or fine dining along the riverwalk, or hike into the nearby Everglades to see amazing wildlife in its natural habitat.

Miami

Miami is one of the state's – and the world’s – most popular holiday spots. There's something for everyone here, from the the trendy nightlife of South Beach to the bejewelled by the eye candy of the Art Deco district. For more bustle, visit Calle Ocho and take in the highly caffeinated energy of Little Havana, or take a moment to relax in the plush hotels of Miami Beach or the historic hideaways of Coral Gables.

St. Augustine

Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the longest continually inhabited European-founded city in the United States – more commonly called the "Nation’s Oldest City."

Stroll the narrow lanes, enter the many museums, and visit historic landmarks such as Castillo de San Marcos, Ponce de Leon's "Fountain of Youth," and the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse. For 21st-century activities, try kayaking an inland waterway, playing golf where the pros play and enjoying the fresh catch of the day at a fine dining restaurant.