Florida Travel
Considering Florida’s unique blend of outdoor recreation, family fun, scenic beaches, cities both sleek and laid back, and the always sought-after Disney World, it’s easy to see why so many vacationers flock to this southern U.S. destination. In this Florida Travel Web Guide, you’ll get in on the Florida action with essentials like flights and hotels, and tips for where to go and what to do, whether you want to lounge in the Keys or join the Miami revelry. Also check out a Spanish-language version of the Guide.
Expand All Guide SectionsFlorida Travel Information
From coast to coast and corner to corner, Florida is freckled with desirable vacation destinations. Learn about Florida’s favorite beaches, islands and cities by browsing the sites in this Florida travel information section.
Insights for Florida Travel Information
- If you’re unfamiliar with Florida’s layout, take a look at this map of Florida regions from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection before you plan an itinerary or begin searching for vacation information online.
- According to the American Society of Travel Agents, Orlando was the most popular U.S. travel destination last summer, along with Las Vegas. If you were thinking of a Disney vacation but want to avoid crowds, consider an off-season visit instead, and then head to a different Florida locale this summer.
Top Sites for Florida Travel Information
For statewide Florida travel …
Visit Florida
is the state’s official tourism site, providing travel resources for cities and attractions, as well as information on Florida activities for families, outdoor and cultural pursuits, and shopping and nightlife.
The New York Times
Travel section presents an overview of tourism opportunities around the state, as well as specific information on cities and attractions of interest via feature articles, photos and resources from Frommer’s.
For the Florida Keys …
The Monroe County Tourist Development Council
Web site presents information on the Florida Keys and puts essential travel planning tools in one attractive, easy-to-browse guide, with things to do, hotels, transportation and great photos.
The New York Times
Travel section's “36 Hours in” series features Key West, providing a good sense of Key West culture, frank insider tips and vivid insight into the people and natural surroundings.
For Fort Lauderdale …
The Official Site of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau
offers free tourism resources including suggested itineraries and a comprehensive “E-Guide” with attractions, restaurants and shopping opportunities. Browse this interactive site to watch video interviews with locals and vacationers that include footage of Fort Lauderdale.
The Travel Channel
has a “Destination Guide” to Fort Lauderdale with a brief description of each attraction, along with contact information, addresses and links to official sites.
For Miami …
Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
is a playful site with tourist information on Miami wildlife, outdoor activities, cruises, museums and historic sites, and state parks. The site is particularly good for traveling families looking for fun, child-friendly activities.
Concierge.com
is the online portal for Condé Nast Traveler, providing a compact, stylish guide to Miami. Although the language and design of this guide leans to trendy and sophisticated, the content is largely applicable to any traveler. Get the scoop on Miami’s thriving restaurant and nightlife scene, and consult the “See + Do” section, featuring the city’s most intriguing art and exciting neighborhoods.
For Orlando …
Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau
is an all-in-one travel resource with advice on attractions and places to stay, as well as specific information for families and luxury travelers.
Fodor’s
guide to Orlando-Disney World is a fun mix of practical information and unique advice like “Best Places to Dine with a Cartoon Character."
For Tampa …
Tampa Bay & Company
provides information on the city’s variety of attractions, including cultural offerings, outdoor activities and natural features, and Tampa’s dining, nightlife and entertainment scene. A calendar of events is also provided.
The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce
site provides quick access to 12 sandy havens in Tampa Bay. Choose a beach from the left sidebar for a description and link to official beach town Web sites.
For Sanibel and Captiva Islands …
The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau
Web site has tons of information and visual resources to aid your trip planning to Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Focus on the menu in the right sidebar, particularly the interactive map and the “Explore, Play & Eat” section.
For Amelia Island …
Amelia Island Tourist Development Council
informs travelers headed for this haven on the northeast corner of Florida. For practical advice, see the “Travel Info” section.
Things to Do in Florida
It might get pegged as a theme park state but in Florida, culture, outdoor sports and historic attractions thrive. Find a number of things to do in Florida with the sites in this section.
Insights for Things to Do in Florida
- For travel advice, planning tools and money-saving tips for your Walt Disney World Orlando vacation, visit the findingDulcinea Disney Vacations Web Guide.
- If all you want is rest and relaxation, Florida is perfect for that, too. Consider the lower Florida Keys, where doing nothing is surprisingly fulfilling, according to The New York Times.
Top Sites for Things to Do in Florida
For Florida theme parks and wildlife …
Busch Gardens Africa
in Tampa has a dynamic, interactive Web site to help you plan a trip. Take advantage of online ticket purchasing, as well as introductions to various tours, such as the Serengeti Safari.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
maintains a Web site about the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge near Tampa. Get practical information for visitors including driving directions, information on the Manatees and the refuge’s history and objectives.
For historic sites in Florida …
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places provides information on historic locations along the Georgia-Florida Coast. Read a brief summary of each place, view the historic sites on a map and get links to more information.
For parks and outdoors activities …
Florida Park Service
site shows where parks are by region, offers photos and presents information on lodging, camping and park fees, with directions to parks. Take a look at the “Things to do” section for park events and activities like cycling in Florida and Florida wildlife viewing.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
provides a map of greenways and trails by region. Click a region on the map or select a region from the dropdown menu to learn where to go for hiking, biking, paddling and more.
GORP
is an outdoor and adventure online travel guide. Find the scoop on national parks and forests in Florida, including favorite attractions like “Florida’s Wildest Beaches." You’ll have to complete a quick, free registration process first.
For golf …
GolfLink
has a comprehensive U.S. golf course directory. Find details on courses in Florida, including ratings, summaries, links to course Web sites, reader reviews and the lowdown on nearby resorts and spas.
For nightlife …
Whatsonwhen
has the scoop on happenings around the globe, with guides to music and nightlife event listings in Miami, as well as in Tampa and Orlando. Browse events in categories such as “Classical Music” and “Kids & Family,” among others.
Concierge.com
has a guide to the sultry city of Miami. Find a section on nightlife with insider details on the best nights to go to certain bars, clubs and lounges, as well as links to Web sites where available.
For dining …
Florida Menu Guide
links diners to restaurants throughout Florida. Use the search tool to find eateries in your area serving your favorite eats. You’ll be directed to restaurant Web sites for more details.
For museums and cultural events …
Kennedy Space Center
has resources for visitors including hours and admission information, directions and information about tours. Don’t miss the site’s visual features, such as videos of shuttle launches and an interactive map.
Florida Association of Museums
maintains a database of more than 400 museums in every region of Florida with essential details for visitors, including programs and collections. Consult the calendar of past, current and upcoming Florida museum events and exhibits.
Concert Association of Florida
has been described as “The Lincoln Center of the South,” hosting numerous classical music and dance performances at venues throughout South Florida. Consult the calendar of events to find concert listings and purchase tickets online.
Travel to Florida
By car, by train or out on the open seas, you’ll travel to Florida however you see fit with advice and practical information provided on the Web sites below.
Insights for Travel to Florida
- Amtrak trains travel to Miami and Tampa twice a day from Charleston and New York (via Washington, D.C.). Amtrak trains also run from Los Angeles (via Virginia) to Orlando. Get schedules and fares to plan your train trip.
- A cruise to Florida is a great option if you want to avoid the hassle of booking transportation and hotels separately. Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean have options passing through and stopping in Florida.
Top Sites for Travel to Florida
For flight search tools …
Farecast
predicts the fluctuation of airline ticket prices by consulting a database of more than a billion airfares. Each listing includes a note as to whether the fare is holding steady or rising, so you'll know how fast to act on a purchase.
For airlines …
JetBlue
offers cheap fares and makes it easy to find, book and track flights. Consult the “Where we jet” section for a map of destination and departure cities, many of which are in Florida.
US Airways
has an interactive map of routes that shows all of its destinations. Download and print a PDF of flight timetables for all cities; the schedule is updated on the first day of every month.
Florida Hotels
For all finds of Florida hotels—a waterfront hotel, a luxe resort or even a Florida rental property—visit the sites in this section. You’ll glean money-saving advice, learn of unique accommodation options and eliminate the hassle of finding and booking a comfortable place to stay.
Insights for Florida Hotels
- Although Florida is full of tourists and stocked with theme parks, there are more personal places to stay that are far from cookie-cutter hotels. Try Superior Small Lodging, created by a Floridian, to find unique bed and breakfasts, inns and hotels.
Top Sites for Florida Hotels
For a hotel search …
Visit Florida
offers accommodation options sortable by type, city, setting and amenities. Listings include photos, amenities and links to Web sites for booking.
For traveler reviews of hotels …
TripAdvisor
provides comprehensive coverage of hotels around the world. Read traveler reviews and view photos to get a good idea of what each property has to offer, and follow the links to other travel sites, like Expedia, to book.
For vacation rentals …
1st Choice Vacation Rentals
offers complete coverage of vacation rental properties in the United States. Find options listed by location, along with photos, amenities, owners’ contact information and dates of availability.
Florida Transportation
Whether you want advice on how to get around in Floridian cities, or need tips for driving your way through the Sunshine State, the Florida transportation Web sites in this section can help.
Insights for Florida Transportation
- Florida doesn’t have a very efficient public transportation system, and the rail and bus lines are difficult to navigate. Florida is also quite expansive, so driving is the best way to get around.
- Use the findingDulcinea Travel Web Guide to discover additional flight search tools and insights to help you save money on your flight.
Top Sites for Florida Transportation
For flights …
Delta Air Lines
has numerous routes within Florida, including flights to Tampa, Orlando and Sarasota. Take advantage of the site’s discounts on “bundles” with flights, hotels and car rentals booked together.
US Airways
has an interactive map of routes that shows all of its destinations. Download and print a PDF of flight timetables for all cities; the schedule is updated on the first day of every month.
For a rental car search …
Hotwire.com
has bargains on car rentals from major companies. Specify the date, time of pickup, location and body type, and they'll find the best deal. Warning: you'll learn which company you're renting from only after you accept the price.
CarRentals.com
compares car rental rates from more than 10 major companies. The search engine is quick and easy to use.
For Florida driving …
Florida Department of Transportation
has a highway mileage calculator to calculate the distance between cities in Florida. Also find information outlining scenic Florida drives, including a downloadable PDF of several picturesque jaunts.
Road Trip USA
features a section on driving the Atlantic Coast and a comprehensive Florida itinerary. Find a list of locales in the left sidebar, including insider tips on eateries and additional stops to make along the way.
© 2009 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
