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Coral Reefs,
welcome to the other side of Florida
caverns &
Culture
James LitsTon
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The Sunshine State is a hot holiday favourite, but there is more to it than beaches and theme parks
f there’s ever a time to aim high, it’s when you’re
deciding where to go on holiday, so choose a
destination that has it all – Florida. With its mix
of big thrills, slow-paced pleasures, hidden gems and
glitzy high life, the Sunshine State is where travel dreams come to life.
Florida is famous for its beaches (825 miles of them) and theme parks, but there’s so much more to do here, such as snorkelling in crystal clear waters, shopping until it’s time for cocktails, swimming with surprisingly graceful manatees or soaking up some of the state’s amazingly varied culture. Getting here is easy too: with nonstop British Airways flights to three Florida gateways, you’ll be within easy reach of stunning experiences no matter where you arrive. So free your imagination and make Florida your next unforgettable escape.
Serene feeling
Get away from it all
at Ginnie Springs
I
Grab a paddle
Florida’s rollercoasters may be exhilarating, but life in the slow lane is just as much fun. Rent a canoe and paddle sedately through freshwater wetlands where otters and alligators thrive; or kayak along tidal tunnels carved through mangrove forests. Wonder at the stars on a beachfront in the Florida Keys, and the charms of the simple thatched roof “chickee” shelters built by the Seminole tribe of Native Americans in the Everglades. You can also cycle across bridges to reach sleepy islands such as Sanibel and Captiva, where searching for seashells on the bone-white sandy beaches is a serene must-do activity.
Under the sea
With the Atlantic Ocean on Florida’s east coast and the Gulf of Mexico on its west coast, there’s plenty of opportunity for dipping below the waves. Snorkel on vibrant coral reefs around Dry Tortugas National Park, or seek out another Florida Keys highlight, Christ of the Abyss: a submerged, nine-foot-tall bronze statue reaching up from Key Largo’s seabed. There are reefs off the Panhandle region too, in the northwest of the state, but here they’re artificial, in the form of sunken barges, freighters, tugboats and even an aircraft carrier. This is Florida’s Shipwreck Trail, one of the best spots for scuba enthusiasts in the United States. Dive on in.
Adrenaline thrills
From diving deep to hitting the skies, there’s no need to stay grounded in Florida. Get up, up and away in a hot-air balloon in Central Florida, or go higher still on a tandem skydive, where you’ll experience some 60 seconds of breathtaking free-fall. For something less lofty, how about zooming across canyons and treetops on a zipline in Ocala, also in Central Florida? Or head to the Panhandle at Florida Caverns State Park for the state’s only underground cave tours.
Into the wild
The more remote reaches of the Everglades are home to panthers and black bears, though you’re more likely to see raccoons, alligators and otters. Sea turtles nest on the Atlantic and Gulf Coast shores, with late summer being the ideal time to spot hatchlings flopping their way down the beach to the water. Winter is better for manatees (also known as sea cows), which gather at spots such as Crystal River. Or head out after dark for a kayak tour on the Space Coast’s Indian River Lagoon to see the water glow with ethereal bioluminescence.
Deco delights
There’s nowhere quite like Miami. Served daily by British Airways, this city’s reputation for glamour and excitement is due in large part to its South Beach district, home to the world’s largest concentration of art deco architecture. Learn about tropical deco (Miami’s unique take on the genre) on a walking tour along Ocean Drive; or go one better by checking into a gorgeous landmark hotel. The silver-domed National is one of the beachfront’s best MiMo (Miami Modern) examples; or try the Ritz-Carlton South Beach for its maritime-inspired interiors and a beachfront bar that’s perfect for afternoon cocktails.
Cultural greats
Beyond its evocative architecture, Miami shines with cultural appeal. South Beach’s New World Center is an avant-garde concert hall that’s home to the New World Symphony orchestral academy. Don’t miss the nearby Wolfsonian: it’s a design-lover’s dream, with its collection of classic furniture, promotional posters and household items from 1850 to the modern day.
Over on the western Gulf Coast, the
city of St Petersburg offers a cultural fix at its museums dedicated to Salvador Dalí and glass-sculptor Dale Chihuly. And in Sarasota, a calendar of events (particularly strong in winter) has led
to the area being dubbed the
Cultural Coast.
Distinctive downtowns
Summer stays in Florida may be all about the beach, but urban areas come into their own when the temperature and humidity dip. Sarasota’s charming downtown is a brilliant bet for boutique shopping; or head further up the Gulf Coast to Tampa, where the Ybor City district has a potent Latin flavour. Tampa's urban core is rapidly regenerating, with new hotels and public spaces connected by a riverfront walkway. Downtown Miami, meanwhile, is great for rooftop bars and edgy art: aim for Wynwood Walls’ colourful murals or the waterfront Pérez Art Museum.
Sensational shopping
With outlet malls, designer boutiques, antique shops and artisan markets, you’re never far from a few souvenirs to take home. For bargain buys, hit Sunrise’s Sawgrass Mills, one of America’s largest malls. Bigger spenders should aim for Miami’s Design District and Bal Harbour Shops; or try Worth Avenue in Palm Beach or Third Street South in upmarket Naples. And when you’re flying with British Airways to Tampa, make the city’s International Plaza your last port of call. It’s conveniently close to the airport, so you won’t have far to carry those extra bags.
TRAVEL WITH BRITISH AIRWAYS TO THE SUNSHINE STATE
With direct flights to Miami, Orlando and Tampa, British Airways has the state covered. All British Airways Holidays packages are ATOL protected, include 23kg baggage allowance per person and offer access to a 24-hour holiday helpline.
You can also secure your holiday with low deposits.
For more information, and to book your Florida holiday, visit ba.com/florida
Splash out
Go on an adventure through mangrove tunnels
Something in the water
Take a closer look at
Christ of the Abyss
Down to the wire
Zip through Ocala
at your own speed
Glow your boat
Bioluminescence at night
on the Indian River Lagoon
Glitz and glamour
The Edison Hotel in
Miami’s art deco district
Keep it surreal
The Salvador Dalí Museum
in St Petersburg
Street heart
Sewing Seeds, a mural by
Taj Tenfold in St Petersburg
Handmade heroes
There are plenty of places to
pick up a locally made souvenir
Florida Keys
Captiva Island
Ocala
Panhandle
Panhandle
Everglades
Crystal River
Indian River Lagoon
Miami
St Petersburg
Tampa
Naples
Florida Keys
