Florida Travel Guide

Florida, known as 'The Sunshine State', is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. Orlando is the face of Florida that most people recognise, with its enormous number of theme parks, movie studios, water parks and entertainment facilities.

But there is more to Florida than Walt Disney World, Magic Kingdom Park or Busch Gardens. Winding waterways, freshwater lakes, hills, forests, exciting cities, 13,560km (8,426 miles) of coastline, countless bays, inlets and islands, and a legendary climate make this one of the most popular states in the USA.

Parts of Florida's coastline, unfortunately, are under threat from pollution following the disastrous Gulf of Mexico oil spill this year, the worst in USA history. The state's beaches remain open, whilst strenuous efforts are being made to keep beaches, estuaries and bays oil-free.

Florida is divided into eight geographical regions. Miami and Miami Beach have long been a haunt of the rich and famous. Palm Beach scores equally highly in the glamour stakes. Fort Lauderdale is a popular spot for families, offering sports and recreational activities. To the south, the Florida Keys offers a tropical climate, beautiful beaches and clear blue waters.

The capital of Florida, Tallahassee, is strictly Southern in tone.Tampa and St Petersburg are the main cities in the Central West region. Sarasota is the cultural capital of the region, while Naples in the southwest is a popular seaside retreat.

In the northeastern corner of Florida stands Jacksonville, named after General Andrew Jackson. Nearby St Augustine is known as 'America's Oldest City' while Amelia Island is the only place in the country to have been governed by eight different countries during its history.

Destination :

Miami

Miami is almost more Latin American than simply American - famed for its sunny weather, savoir faire, legendary party scene and super-cool South Beach style.

Miami and its neighbouring city

Miami Beach are cities of emotion, colour and texture. Much of Miami's appeal is due to its diverse neighbourhoods, which range from towering skyscrapers in downtown Miami (the commercial heart of the city) to Little Havana, home to the Cuban community. Meanwhile, the Port of Miami is the world's largest cruise port.

Miami Beach is world-renowned for its 'gold coast' hotel strip, palatial properties and exceptional outdoor recreational facilities. Its glamorous, see-and-be-seen South Beach neighbourhood is instantly recognisable, with its candy-coloured art deco buildings set against a pure South Florida backdrop of cloudless skies, dazzling blue ocean, pale sandy beaches and swaying palm trees.

Thanks to its warm weather year-round, both cities share one ethos: life here is not about work but plenty of play.

Orlando

There is no disguising the fact Orlando is a city built on theme parks - lots of them. Until 1966, there was precious little here in central Florida, but growth has spiralled thanks to a huge influx of tourists following the arrival of Walt Disney World Resort.

From the original Magic Kingdom, which opened in 1971, Disney has added three more theme parks, two water parks and a host of associated development, including hotels, shops and golf courses to make it a true 'World' resort. With Disney setting the example, SeaWorld (three theme parks) and Universal (two) have added to Orlando's reputation as the family entertainment capital of the world. Between them, they draw nearly than 50 million visitors every year, and that has meant a huge growth in associated hotels, restaurants and shops, plus a host of smaller-scale attractions.

However, this young city has also developed its own identity, with a number of high-tech industries relocating here. The downtown area is fast developing yuppie overtones and there are ambitious plans to become a major cultural centre. The city is also America's number two convention location.

Having said that, the main attraction for 99% of visitors remains the theme parks, and the likes of the nearby Kennedy Space Center. And, in order to attract the all-important repeat visitors, Orlando has become adept at re-inventing itself and providing new attractions at regular intervals.