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Alternative Florida
Naples
This sophisticated resort is famed for its spectacular beaches that seem to be as popular with sea-shells as they are with visitors! Naples offers a very upmarket holiday experience, with excellent cultural attractions, high-end restaurants and some of the best golf options in the whole of the state. A brand new spa at the recently refurbished Naples Grande Beach Resort only adds to the areas distinguished range of available amenities. Naples is also a gateway to the Everglades, the vast river of grass wilderness thats home to alligators, bald eagles and the elusive Florida panther.
superb dining, amazing shopping, scintillating nightlife and wide, sandy beaches adorned with some of the worlds most beautiful bodies. Ocean Drive and its stunning collection of Art Deco hotels is a great place for a stroll, but dont miss pedestrianised Lincoln Road Mall and its great range of shops, bars and restaurants.
Fort Lauderdale
Just up the coast from Miami, this laid-back beach resort is much more low-key than its bigger, brasher neighbour. Following a massive redevelopment programme, the beachfront area has become rather upmarket, with stylish new hotels giving the area a very sophisticated feel. The classy atmosphere continues along Las Olas Boulevard, which is chock-full of wonderful bars, restaurants and shops. For additional shopping, the Galleria Mall is very close to the beach and easily accessible by water taxi; or head inland to Sawgrass Mills, one of the largest outlet malls in the US, where youll find wall-to-wall bargains in its 350+ stores.
Marco Island
As part of an area known as the Ten Thousand Islands, Marco Island is one of the most enchanting beach destinations in the whole of Florida. Its winning mix of pristine beaches, stunning natural ecosystems and fantastic restaurants and other amenities creates a totally unique holiday environment. For a genuine Robinson Cruisoe experience, rent a motor boat and spend a day on one of the uninhabited island beaches; or travel under your own steam along the waymarked Paradise Coast Blueway kayak trail. After all this action, treat yourself to some pampering at the Hilton Marco Island Beach Resorts brand new spa.
Cocoa Beach
One of the closest beaches to the Orlando area, Cocoa Beachs oldfashioned seaside charm is the perfect foil to a week in the theme parks. Activities here are focussed on the beach, where you can try parasailing or even rent a customised beach bike that allows you to paddle through the surf! For further amusements, take a stroll along the Pier to enjoy first-rate dining with a grandstand view. Cocoa Beach is also home to Ron Jons Surf Shop, a 24-hour emporium thats become something of a Florida institution.
Florida Keys
Take the aptly-named Overseas Highway south from Miami and youll find yourself in real island territory. This 127-mile-long road bridge forms a continuous link from mainland Florida all the way along the chain of islands to Key West, Americas southern-most city. Closer to Cuba than any major US city, Key West feels as much Caribbean as it is does American. Each of the islands has its own individual flair, though they all share the supremely laid-back atmosphere and excellent beaches, water sports and nightlife that make the Florida Keys such a popular sunshine destination.
Palm Beach
Definitely the place for an upmarket beach break, Palm Beach simply oozes class. The streets are lined with magnificent mansions, the homes of rock stars, high-flying businesspeople and other wealthy residents. Top-notch shops and restaurants provide plenty of distractions, but expect to do some damage to your credit card! The chic West Palm Beach area is a little livelier, with great nightclubs, bars, restaurants and an enticing menu of street festivals. As elsewhere, the beaches here are simply stunning and none more so than the pristine Macarthur Beach State Park.
Miami
Theres nowhere quite like Miami. With its inherent cosmopolitain style and its own uniqe brand of chic sophistication, Miami is quite simply the coolest city in the USA. Iconic South Beach is at the heart of the action; here, splended Art Deco architecture blends with
Daytona
World famous as the home of NASCAR motor racing, Daytona has evolved in recent years into a lively and varied beach resort. Theres an attractive boardwalk area offering bars, nightclubs and restaurants, plus some excellent golf and shopping options and a wealth of family-friendly attractions like the Daytona Lagoon water park. Water sports are a big draw here, and dont miss the Daytona Trolleyboats amazing amphibious vehicles that take you on a tour of land and water!
Evening Sunset, Charlotte County
St Augustine
Founded by the Spanish in 1565, St Augustine is officially the oldest city in North America. The charming, historic centre is awash with grand colonial buildings and makes for a very pleasant stroll, while the well-preserved fort is also well worth a visit. More modern attractions include excellent golf and water sports facilities, plus cutting-edge restaurants and superb outlet shopping. The Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral is also within easy reach for a unique day trip thats out of this world! St Augustine is around two hours drive from Orlando, making this the perfect place to mix some slightly more refined experiences with your fix of Mickey Mouse.
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