Things to see and do in Florida

Attractions in Florida

Busch Gardens: Experience wild encounters

Venture to Busch Gardens (www.buschgardens.com), a huge amusement park in Tampa Bay featuring African wildlife. Giraffes, zebras and antelope roam freely through the park's 24-hectare (60-acre) 'Serengeti Plain', near to thrilling rides such as the Kumba and Montu rollercoasters.

Daytona International Speedway: Embrace your need for speed

Thrill to the sounds of thunder at Daytona International Speedway (www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com) which hosts the famous Daytona 500 race and the Winston Cup series each year as well as some races in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.

Explore Marco Island

Explore Marco Island (www.marco-island-florida.com), an area of stunning beauty and a retreat for the wealthy on the Gulf Coast. The exclusive island is nearly nestled among the Ten Thousand Islands, a maze of mangrove isles that stretch from the city of Naples to the Florida Keys.

Fishing venues: Cast out your line

Located in the northern Gulf Coast, Destin is considered as being the 'World's Luckiest Fishing Village'. In Destin, you can find the best selection of deep-sea finishing excursions. For some of the best fishing off America's coast, join anglers and spotfishermen in the Florida Keys (www.fla-keys.com). Compete with world records for catches of sailfish, marlin, kingfish, snapper, barracuda and grouper.

Florida Holocaust Museum: Learn about Jewish history

Walk through the Florida Holocaust Museum (www.flholocaustmuseum.org) in St Petersburg, one of the largest museums in the country and dedicated to the memory of millions of innocent Jews who died or suffered in the Holocaust.

Florida Keys: Take a trip down south

For an island getaway, drive south along US route 1 to Florida Keys, an archipelago of coral reef islands off the coast of Florida. Key Largo and Key West are the most well-known and commonly visited islands in the entire chain. Popular activities in the Keys include diving, fishing, eco-tours and birdwatching. For an unforgettable experience, sign on for the Dolphin Camp (www.dolphinsplus.com) to swim with the dolphins in Key Largo.

Fort Lauderdale: Cruise the city's canals

Cruise along Fort Lauderdale's canals or the Intracoastal Waterway past the luxurious homes of the rich and famous. Discover the city's Riverwalk (www.goriverwalk.com), a linear park linking hotels, restaurants and attractions along the banks of the New River.

Golf courses: Take a swing or two

Florida has more golf courses than any other state in the US. With over 1,250 golf courses to choose from, the state is a haven for anyone who loves golf. The Seminole Golf Course and Club (www.seminolegolfcourse.com), located in Tallahassee, has been ranked as one of the top golf courses in the state of Florida.

Kennedy Space Center: Take a trip outta this world

Visit the Kennedy Space Center (www.kennedyspacecenter.com), located in Merritt Island, where you can see one of NASA's space shuttle launches, astronaut training centres, exhibits and much more. 

Lincoln Road and Ocean Drive: Go for a spin

In Miami's South Beach, take a drive down Lincoln Road and Ocean Drive where you can see over 800 candy-coloured art deco buildings in the Art Deco Historic District (www.visitsouthbeachonline.com).

Miami Beach: Take the plunge

Hire a lounge chair, put your feet up and relax on Miami Beach (www.miamiandbeaches.com). For something more adventurous, take part in the different watersports offered, which include windsurfing, boogie boarding, scuba diving and kayaking.

Naples: Experience a luxury seaside getaway

Located along the Gulf Coast in southwest Florida, Naples is a charming city of understated elegance (www.naples-florida.com). It is home to cosy beach cottages, 5-star resorts, pristine shoreline and an abundance of wildlife.

National parks: Go on an adventure

Take a boat ride through mangroves and islands and out to tropical coral reefs rising 8m (25ft) in Biscayne National Park (www.nps.gov/bisc).

In Everglades National Park (www.nps.gov/ever), venture into the tangled wilderness and sweeping sawgrass prairies via nature trails, safari vans, or airboat tours.

New Smyrna Beach and Fort Myers Beach

If you are looking for backwater fishing, fresh seafood, historical sitres, and long seasons of sunshine, visit New Smyrna Beach (www.nsbfla.com) in the Atlantic Coast. Alternatively, Fort Myers Beach (www.fortmyersbeach.org) is ideal for family holidays due to the endless activities available and gently sloping shoreline.

St. Augustine: Hit the heritage trail

Take a tour of the oldest city in the continental US, St. Augustine (www.floridashistoriccoast.com). Having been originally settled by the Spanish in 1565, the town is a time capsule capturing over 450 years of fascinating history

The Ringling and Salvador Dalí Museum: Admire stunning masterpieces

Situated in Sarasote, the Ringling Museum of Art (www.ringling.org) is a major attraction with stunning masterpieces, classical sculptures and a fine contemporary art collection. The Salvador Dalí Museum (www.salvador-dali.org), located in St. Petersburg, contains the world's largest collection of works by famous Spanish surrealist Salvador Dalí.

Universal Orlando Resort: Experience something magical

Experience thilling themed rides at Universal Orlando Resort (www.universalorlando.com) such as Revenge of the Mummy and The Simpsons Ride. Go on a magical adventure in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Walt Disney World Resort

Located in Orlando, pay a visit to the largest amusement park in the world, Walt Disney World Resort (www.disneyworld.disney.go.com). The park itself consists of four theme parks, including Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom. Thus, there certainly is something for everyone depending on which park you choose to visit.

Wings Over Miami: The sky’s the limit

Those interested in aviation should visit Wings Over Miami (www.wingsovermiami.com). The museum has an extensive collection of classic and military aircraft on display.

Tourist offices

Florida Tourism Office

Mon-Fri 0800-1700.

Florida Tourism Office UK