A ROAD TRIP is a great way to see the UK’s favourite US state, giving you the chance to explore beyond the world-class theme parks and dive head-first into more of Florida.
Flying Ezeshine State deserves to be properly explored – so for your next Florida holiday, why not get behind the wheel and weave in your choice of beaches, shopping, culture, attractions and fabulous food?
When you book a fly-drive break with British Airways Holidays all mandatory charges are included, and you’ll benefit from roadside assistance and 24 hour customer support, helping you to relax for your Florida adventure.
Feast of the east
Thrill-packed parks and art deco delights could fill your whole holiday in Orlando and Miami.
But Florida’s east coast reveals further adventures when you turn your trip into a road trip.
Hit the road and you might discover St Augustine, North America’s oldest continuously inhabited city – founded by Spanish conquistadors in 1565.
Stroll among its colonial buildings and take a detour to outlet stores before heading south to Daytona Beach: home of NASCAR motor racing, and with a lively resort atmosphere.
Further south again lies Florida’s Space Coast, where the attractions include sleepy Melbourne and its miles of unspoilt beach.
A highlight is Cape Canaveral’s pristine National Seashore, with wildlife spanning the species from sea turtles to ospreys and manatees, all in their natural habitat.
And, of course, don’t miss the Kennedy Space Center, where you can ride a shuttle launch simulator and even meet a veteran astronaut.
Things get fancy, as they say here, when you reach West Palm Beach, north of Miami, which offers spas, golf, upmarket hotels and MacArthur Beach State Park, one of the region’s best sandy stretches.
Make the most of this sophisticated seaside city by splashing some cash in palm-lined Worth Avenue’s designer stores.
Heart of the matter
Experiences here aren’t limited to the coast. Cruise along the Black Bear Scenic Byway – a 60-mile network of roads that provides some of the best views in the state – to get a taste of Florida’s lush and varied ecosystems.
Driving along the byway will take you to the serene landscape of the Ocala National Forest and its harbour – a not-to-be-missed surprise.
Florida is known for its crystal-clear natural springs, and there are fine examples scattered around this protected area.
Silver Glen, Juniper, Alexander and Salt springs are the ones to seek out for snorkelling, swimming or an inflatable ride.
Further west, be sure to stop at Weeki Wachee – stand by to be amazed at the mermaid show in the underwater theatre.
Sunset shores
Over on the west coast, the Gulf’s white-sand beaches are very different from the golden shores of the east. Take your road trip up a gear by cruising along the palm tree-laden streets of Florida’s coastal cities.
The big names here are Sarasota and St Pete-Clearwater: beach resorts with soft sands, resort-style hotels and stacks of facilities, from jet ski rentals and paddleboards to dolphin spotting boat trips.
For something wilder, Caladesi Island and Honeymoon Key offer untamed beauty and a chance to kayak through “tunnels”; carved into the tidal mangrove forests.
For something more urban, try downtown Sarasota or St Pete for boutique shopping, world-class art museums and cultural performances.
Lower down the peninsula lie Naples and Marco Island, the last developed areas along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Here you’ll find golf, luxury dining, premium shopping and a pleasant, small-town ambience. You’ll also enjoy access to the Ten Thousand Islands and Everglades National Park.
Take to the water by kayak or boat and look out for local wildlife such as American crocodiles, alligators and soft-pink roseate spoonbills.
These birds’ bright colours are only surpassed by those of the sky at the end of each day.
So settle back and enjoy a phenomenal sunset anywhere on this coast – and take an easy return drive to Tampa for your flight home with British Airways.
Plan your Florida holiday at ba.com/florida
