Villas in Florida 2023

Things to do in Florida

Thrills are all the rage in Orlando, where stomach-flipping rides and splashtastic slides bring beloved franchises to life. Alongside the big-hitters, Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, you can also sneak in some science at the Kennedy Space Centre. Beyond the movie sets and rides, this sultry southern state is full of natural wonders, draped in miles of untamed wilderness. The wetlands of Everglades National Park are full of steamy swamps and tangled mangroves, whilst the Florida Keys perch alongside a vibrant coral barrier reef. Bordered by two coastlines peppered with white-sand beaches, catch a wave on a surfboard at Cocoa Beach or swim in calmer seas along the Gulf Coast.

Florida even has its fair share of culture, with Latino tradition flowing through Miami making it a powerhouse of art and architecture. It doesn’t stop here; the streets of St. Augustine in the north echo the states rich colonial history, while the Gulf Coast relishes in its artsy, laid-back spirit. Take a swing on the greens and fairways, with hundreds of golf courses to choose from to score a holiday hole in one. There’s plenty of fun after the sun goes down, simply follow the buzz towards the rooftop bars, trendy nightclubs and lively spots. No villa holiday to Florida would be complete without adding to towards a new wardrobe, with everything from label-filled shopping malls to bargain flea markets.

Beaches in Florida

With a coastline that stretches over 815 miles, basking on a beautiful beach is a local past-time in the Sunshine State. Imagine endless white-sand beaches, warm emerald waters, dolphins and turtles galore – all back by rolling dunes and swaying palms. Shelving gently into the Gulf Coast, the shiny swathes at St. Pete’s, Fort Lauderdale, and Clearwater are among the best in the country. With silky white sand of postcard fame, you won’t find a massive surf on this stretch of Florida’s coastline – which makes it the perfect conditions for swimming, snorkelling and paddleboarding. Head west from Orlando for a sandy contrast, with white sand beaches backed by crashing waves rolling with surfers. Cocoa Beach is known as the surf capital of Florida, and there are plenty of water sports schools to get stuck in the waves. For some escape from the crowds, the untouched sandy strips at Canaveral National Seashore are a peaceful reprieve, while the bustling boardwalk-lined shores of New Smyrna and Daytona Beach are bursting with life.

Nightlife in Florida

With the tropical sunshine, scenic beaches, and palm trees getting all the love, Florida nightlife doesn’t get the attention it deserves. After the sun sets, the streets come alive with the sounds of live music, buoyant clubs, and swanky comedy lounges. The Gulf Coast is crowded with beach bars, where you can dip your toes in the sand and stare out at the shiny waves while sipping a frozen cocktail. The tiki bars in Clearwater that flank the powdery white snow inspire selfies, while the rooftop lounges in St. Petersburg are swathed in coastal panoramas. And let’s not forget about the theme parks, which offer their own magical twist on the normal nightlife scene. Universal Studios is an explosion of colour with a nightly light show, while the Electric Light Parade illuminates Walt Disney World with a dazzling display of floats and performers. In downtown Orlando, music events spill out onto the streets on the weekends, and sing-a-longs go late into the night at International Drive. Cool off from the Florida heat in the Ice Bar, billed as the largest in the world, with its sub-zero temperature, chilled drinks, and impressive ice sculptures. Kissimmee takes a more relaxed approach, with cosy bars flanking its historic streets and serving up craft beers with games of pool.

Food and Drink in Florida

In Florida, every bite tells a story. With such a diverse culinary scene, it’s a melting pot of cultures and flavours with a blend of Cuban, Caribbean, and Southern foods that bring personality to each plate. Expect fresh tropical fruits, seafood straight from the Gulf, and boozy frozen concoctions. Dining here can range from snacking on fish sandwiches on the waterside, fruity cocktails at a beach bar, and multi-course feasts in Michelin-starred restaurants. Seafood is the star of the show in these parts, with the taste freshly grilled grouper, succulent shrimp and mouth-watering snappers. Swathed in such a tropical climate, punchy fruits and exotic vegetables are added into dishes in creative ways – salads and juices come alive from the juicy oranges, tangy grapefruits, and plump tomatoes. Sweeten your day with a slice of the iconic Key lime pie, creamy goodness with a crunchy cracker crust and tongue-tinglingly tart from freshly squeezed Key limes. Cool down from the heat with a chilled cocktail, with frozen daiquiris, margaritas, and piña colada being crowd favourites. Delve into Florida’s booming craft beer scene, with more than 200 breweries that have fizzed across the state.

Family-fun activities

If you’re travelling with kids – or you’re just a big kid yourself – Florida is the perfect destination. Our villas in Orlando are on the doorstep of Walt Disney World, where you can hurtle through hair-raising rides, gaze at awe-inspiring shows, and meet much-loved heroes and princesses. For some movie magic, battle against the dark side at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge or hit up Universal Studios and walk in the footsteps of your favourite characters at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. After all those rollercoasters, don’t forget to pack your swimsuit and cool off at Universal’s Volcano Bay or ride the tropical flumes at Disney’s Blizzard Beach.

The kids can get up close and personal with nature at Discovery Cove in Orlando, where you can swim alongside dolphins and snorkel with tropical fish and rays. Little inquisitive minds will love WonderWorks – bursting to life with science games, simulators and laser tag. If you feel like an activity that is out of this world, head to Florida’s Space Coast to the Kennedy Space Centre, where you can meet astronauts, walk alongside towering rockets, and look at interactive exhibits. If you’re extra lucky, you might get to watch a space launch!

Shopping

Florida shopping can be as simple as buying a souvenir: a seashell bracelet from the beach, a pair of Mickey ears from the parks, or astronaut memorabilia from the Kennedy Space Centre. But beyond buying that holiday keepsake, there’s a vibrant shopping scene spread throughout the Sunshine State. You’ll get your share of retail therapy in Orlando, with more than 250 stores to browse through at Florida Mall, or taste some luxury at the mall at Millenia, stacked with high-end brands and jewellery stores. Bargain hunters will find paradise at the outlet malls, scoring deals on everything designer and more. With its candy-floss sunsets and dreamlike beaches, Florida has inspired countless artists who proudly sell and display their work in galleries and markets. Stock up on some Disney merchandise at Downtown Disney, where you can buy souvenirs from a galaxy far, far away to wands that unlock surprising secrets. Soak up the laid-back way of life at a farmers’ market or authentic street fair, full of trinkets from handmade crafts, unique souvenirs, and fresh homegrown produce.

Natural wonders

From canyons to coral reefs, Mother Nature certainly delivered when painting this dramatic landscape. It doesn’t take much to get hooked on the beauty, with cypress trees shooting through wetlands, eagles soaring above smooth lakes, and rainbow-coloured coral reefs. With the third-largest barrier reef on the planet, grab a pair of flippers and glide through the water, passing vibrant marine life and beautiful coral formations. Famous for its unique geology, the state is spotted with towering limestone structures, deep sinkholes, freshwater springs, and underwater caves. Get lost in the wilderness of the Everglades National Park, coated with wetlands, mangrove forests, and sawgrass marshes. Jurassic-era alligators prowl the waterways, spoonbills paddle through ponds, and manatees bob through the shallows.

Golf

The golf capital of the world, the Sunshine State, has over 1,100 courses just waiting to challenge players under the sun. No two golf courses are the same, whether you tee off amidst swaying palms and crystal-clear waters on the Gulf Coast or navigate rolling hills and moss-draped oaks in Orlando. Test your skills at one of the world’s hardest courses, TPC Sawgrass, or take a beginner’s swing backed by breath-taking views at the top-ranked Streamsong Resort. How about conquering the water? Head to the exciting par-5 hole at Waldorf Astoria Golf Club in Orlando and shoot over the gleaming lake. Orlando takes golf to another level, with courses designed by iconic international players and renowned architects. Take the Bay Hill Club for example, designed by Arnold Palmer it’s a true marvel with rolling hills and sparkling lakes where golfers come from all over to test their mettle. If you are a true golf lover, learn about the history of the game through exhibits and interactive displays at the World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine.