Florida: Family Fun

Orlando is a city of fun. It owes its fame to DisneyWorld and its theme parks (EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom), SeaWorld and Universal Studios with its fantastic Wizarding World of Harry Potter and countless other exciting attractions.

Crystal River, a source of surprisingly clear turquoise waters, is the gem of the so-called Nature Coast. During the colder months (from November to March), dozens of manatees hibernate in the crystal-clear waters of Three Sisters Spring and King's Bay, creating an impressive spectacle. Visitors can observe them through boat or kayak excursions and even swim with them, accompanied by experienced instructors.

In front of Sarasota, a string of barrier islands with incredibly white beaches stretches for tens of kilometers. The city is not lacking in non-marine attractions, such as the aquarium, the spectacular museum founded by magnate John Ringling and rich in world-renowned artworks, the unique Circus Museum, and the Ca' d'Zan, a residence in Venetian Gothic style. For shopping, there is the large St Armands Circle mall.

Fort Myers is a lively seaside resort, ideal for lovers of water sports activities. Worth visiting are the residences of two famous figures from the 20th century, inventor Edison and automotive industry magnate Henry Ford, as well as Edison's botanical laboratory. The homes have remained unchanged since 1929.

Turquoise waters, boundless shores, round-the-clock fun: this is Miami, a city where design, arts, and visionary architecture have more than one moment in the sun. Occupying the southernmost three miles of Miami Beach is gorgeous South Beach, with its hundreds of dazzling pastel-coloured 1920s and 1930s Art Deco buildings. By night, Ocean Drive becomes one of the liveliest stretches in Miami. If this is too much for you, head a block west of the beach to Collins Avenue or to Washington Avenue, with fashion shops and cool coffee bars. For more shops, restaurants and cafés, head for the Lincoln Road Mall (between Alton Rd and Washington Ave), a pedestrianized zone where you can stroll and graze. North of downtown the Design District, hemmed in by 36th and 41st streets between Miami Avenue and Biscayne Boulevard, is also worth a visit, crammed with hip restaurants. Miami does Cuban food best, and it’s not limited to the traditional haunts in Little Havana. You’ll also want to try Cuban coffee. Cuban cooking is complemented by sushi bars and American home-style diners, as well as Haitian, Italian and new Floridian restaurants, among a handful of other ethnic cuisines. Coral Gables, South Beach and the Design District are best for upmarket cafés and restaurants. Seafood is abundant. Stone­crab claws (served Oct–May), are another South Florida speciality.

St Augustine's Spanish colonial heritage, the oldest European settlement in North America, can be seen and felt in its historic district. A Mediterranean atmosphere pervades the pedestrian area, just a short walk away from a beautiful beach.