A holiday in Florida ticks all the boxes. From theme parks to National Parks, wildlife encounters to wild nights out and a choice of experiences ranging from city breaks to beach days and outdoor adventures, the scope of things to see and do in the Sunshine State seems endless. To make the most of Florida, a well-planned self-drive itinerary gives you the flexibility and freedom to piece together the best of what the state has to offer.
Fly with British Airways to any of three Florida gateways and you have a wonderful choice of start and end points, with interesting experiences en route. It couldn’t be easier to book your car hire with British Airways Holidays car partner, Avis. And with no one-way drop-off fees in Florida, you could pick up a car in Orlando and leave it in Miami or Tampa, giving you free rein to put pedal to the metal and explore without needing to retrace your steps. So, grab your sunglasses and roll down the window: there’s nowhere better than Florida for hitting the open road.
A flexible fly-drive is hard to beat if it’s the real Florida you want to see, says James Litston
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Splashing about: Kayaking under the Sunshine Skyway bridge, which crosses over to St Petersburg
Florida has the advantage of two gorgeous coastlines – the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico – so you owe it to yourself to check out both. Start your coast-to-coast adventure on Atlantic shores, in Miami, with a full-on immersion into sizzling South Beach. Discover its art deco seafront, Cuban cuisine and lively late-night bars, or set a more sedate cultural pace by catching an orchestral performance or museum exhibition.
When it’s time to move on, head west across the Everglades via Alligator Alley, perhaps stopping in Big Cypress to take a spin on an airboat, or visit the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum to learn about the indigenous Seminole people. On the far side of the Everglades, urban cool returns in Naples, an upmarket beach town with the whitest of sand and sophisticated shopping and dining. It’s the perfect spot for relaxing beach days with a little activity stirred in, such as kayaking in Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
Moving on from Naples, follow the Gulf Coast northwards to the Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel, which has a hundred islands to its name. Take your pick from bustling Estero to sleepier Sanibel or wild Cabbage Key. Explore the miles of peaceful waterways, or wander shorelines for seashells that wash up here in drifts. Stick with the slower pace and take a birdwatching outing to J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, where the stars of the show are pretty-in-pink roseate spoonbills.
Further north again, the highway lives up to its name as it crosses the Sunshine Skyway, a bridge that’s lofty enough to allow giant cruise ships to pass underneath. On the other side of it, you’ll find yourself in St. Petersburg, whose highlights include the Dali Museum, which houses an unparalleled collection of Salvador Dali’s artworks. Nearby St. Pete Beach is an excellent choice for a few more days of relaxation; or, for a livelier stay, keep going until you reach Clearwater Beach. Its seafront has miniature golf and all sorts of other amusements, but its dining options reveal Clearwater has a classy side, too.
Round off your road trip by crossing the tranquil waters of Tampa Bay, perhaps stopping for lunch at Oystercatchers to soak up the waterfront views from its terrace. Then it's just a short hop to Tampa airport for your British Airways flight, perhaps with a final pit stop at the International Plaza and Bay Street shopping mall.
Open road to open water: touring the Sunshine State
Soak it up: Miami Beach draws crowds to its art deco seafront and Cuban cuisine
Surreal adventure: the Dali Museum, in St Petersburg, houses an unparalleled collection of the artist’s works
Look to the skies: the daring Blue Angels strut their stuff over at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola
Waterway to relax: tour the Everglades in an airboat
Friendly flipper: go
dolphin spotting off the coast of Big Pine Key
The big one: coast-to-coast combo
If Florida has a signature road trip, it’s the one that takes you through the Florida Keys on the Overseas Highway. Start this island-hopping extravaganza with a Miami or Fort Lauderdale beach break, then pick up a rental car and head south along the Atlantic Coast.
From Key Largo, the road travels for 113 miles to Key West across 42 bridges, including Seven Mile Bridge, which was one of the longest in the world when it was built. Break up the journey with stops in Marathon, Islamorada, Big Pine Key and other islands, each with its own personality and choice of things to do such as dolphin spotting, big game fishing or camping. Round off a perfect day in Key West at Mallory Square, which hosts a nightly sunset celebration – and be sure to sample the key lime pie, Florida's favourite dessert.
The breathtaking one: to the Keys
Ever wanted to see a manatee? You're in with a chance on this road trip. Starting in Tampa, head north to the crystal-clear waters of Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park; or try nearby Crystal River, where you can swim with manatees on a snorkelling excursion. Following the Gulf Coast, make a detour to scenic Cedar Key, then crack on along the Panhandle courtesy of the Gulf Islands National Seashore.
There's a strong sense of Deep South charm here on the Emerald Coast (so-called because its vibrant green waters are set against sugar-white beaches). Stop into Panama City, Destin and Fort Walton Beach on the way to Pensacola, where aerial displays by the Blue Angels (a squadron of daredevil pilots) make the National Naval Aviation Museum an absolute must-see. From here, loop back to Orlando through central Florida's cowboy country and discover a whole other story about the Sunshine State. There's no end to the possibilities on a flexible Florida fly-drive.
The nature loving one: potter to the Panhandle
TRAVEL WITH BRITISH AIRWAYS TO THE SUNSHINE STATE
For a Florida road trip to remember, book now with British Airways. With direct flights to Miami, Orlando and Tampa, British Airways has the state covered. Book your British Airways flights and car hire together with Avis and you’ll benefit from the best rates, as well as full ATOL protection. All mandatory charges are included, as well as roadside assistance and 24-hour customer support. You also only need to pay a low deposit to secure your fly-drive holiday. Book now at ba.com/florida
