Cheap Florida Holidays

Home to The Incredible Hulk Coaster and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Studios Florida is one of the world’s best and most popular theme parks. With everything from rollercoasters to shows with your favourite characters, this place truly is fun for all the family. Plenty of themed dining and shopping options are available along with state of the art rides, and plan in advance to take advantage of some of the special events on offer such as Mardi Gras in August.

White sand and clear blue waters abound on Florida beaches. Whether you prefer watersports, fun and games or the lure of a quiet, secluded space of your own, Florida beaches have it all. Great facilities help visitors enjoy the picturesque Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean waters, and Panama City Beach is recommended as a great place for families, being located near amusement parks.

Sea World Orlando perfectly combines an educational experience with the all the fun of theme park rides. Exhibits, tours and rides sit alongside great restaurants and shops, and look out for events such as a turtle trek, and ‘Bands, Beer and Barbeque’. If you prefer to stay on dry land try Legoland Florida, with a waterpark as well as variety of shops and places to eat , both kids and adults will have a great day. You can stay at the amazing Worldgate Resort for a taste of luxury.

Florida beach bars are a notable attraction, especially for the novelty they offer to foreigners. Jimmy B’s Beach Bar on Gulf Boulevard, St. Petersburg Beach, comes recommended, as does its speciality drink ‘Wet Spot’. Live music is usually available to enjoy from the rustic wooden decks, and it is situated in a highly attractive location of the grounds of the Beachcomber Hotel.

Florida’s great ethnic diversity is reflected in the music available to hear and see. Florida Music Festival is located in the heart of Downtown Orlando and showcases the best of established as well as up and coming acts that are tipped for the top. It offers a chance to screen your music related documentaries among those of professional film makers, and even invites submissions from unknown musical artists who could end up playing the festival.

Florida is full of impressive complexes and luxurious hotels to stay in. However, for a one off experience, try the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando. Rooms are exceptionally well equipped with MP3 docking station, HD television, internet access and special Kid’s Suites available. A very large selection of restuarants include the Palm Restaurant and of course a Hard Rock Café, and with a pool, spa, fitness centre, rock shop and golf you won’t get bored on your Florida holiday.

Although not the typical place to imagine a lot of museums, the Florida Association of Museums helps to provide cultural, historic and scientific resources. The Museum of Florida History is ideal for finding out more about where you are visiting and its significance through time, and they host ‘Third Thursday’parties from 5-8pm on the third Thursday of every month where live music, local artists and cultural events make learning fun with a different theme each time, as well as a discounted meal at a local restaurant thrown in. More museums include the Apalachicola Maritime Museum and the Art and Culture Centre of Hollywood.

Or, explore the Florida Everglades are a naturally beautiful area of rugged waterlands, showing a different side to Florida. There are a plethora of companies offering boat tours of the Everglades, which is probably the best way to get the most out of the variety of wildlife on display. They combine natural heritage and recreational values, and encompass galleries and museums displaying wildlife photography and of course there are plenty of places to eat, with around thirteen café and restaurants.

The Marineland Dolphin Adventure, the world’s first oceanarium, offers a wide range of dolphin habitats and dolphin encountering programs. Choose from a kayak tour, touch and feed, summer camp or trainer for a day, among others. Discovery Cove in Orlando, Florida is a slightly wilder experience with the chance to get close to sharks as well as exotic birds, a barrier reef and dolphins, and all food and drink is even included in you Discovery Cove ticket.

Florida offers the ultimate in golfing holidays, with over 1,100 golf courses to explore. Whatever your level, ability or budget, the diverse range means everyone can have a go and enjoy golfing. Sample one of the golf courses designed by Florida resident and Golf Hall of Fame inductee, Raymond Floyd, some of which are Rapture Bay Golf Club, Mote Carlo Country Club, Old Palm Golf Club and The Turnberry Isle Resort and Club, Florida boasts some of the very best golf instruction in the country, and even golf hotels.