Brand USA: Florida Complete with Sun, Fun and Fantasy

The so-called American Venice with its inspiring canals and yachts moored at the docks is a peaceful town offering white-sand beaches and open-air restaurants. Now the perfect holiday spot for families, Fort Lauderdale is strikingly different from a few years ago, when it was the destination of choice for hordes of rowdy college students on Spring Break.. In Fort Lauderdale, you can't miss the pristine beaches and a relaxed and elegant community. All the numerous beaches in the area are worth a visit, but Deerfield and Dania are often the least crowded. Explore the city by water taxi or take a boat tour to admire the oceanfront mansions on "Millionaire's Row". Visit all the most interesting places, including Los Olas Riverfront, which offers high-end shopping and dining. Not far from the beach, look for "The Galleria" mall, a two-story shopping center with luxury brands, but don't miss out on some good deals at the Sawgrass Mills outlet in Sunrise, about 13 km north.,

Less than an hour north of Fort Lauderdale awaits Delray Beach, a peaceful coastal community rich in culture with a skyline-free view of the Atlantic Ocean. Here, visit the Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens, exploring six intricate green spaces inspired by famous Japanese gardens, or venture into the wilds of Florida by reaching Wakodahatchee Wetland.. The style of Palm Beach contrasts sharply with that of Delray Beach. Here, you can go shopping in the exclusive shops of Worth Avenue, shaded by palm trees, or visit the Flagler Museum, a building dating back to the Gilded Age with exhibitions of art and antique furniture, or climb to the top of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.,

Continuing along the Space Coast, Cocoa Beach is a charming surfer town with a nostalgic atmosphere, close to numerous points of interest. Take surf lessons on the beach, but not before purchasing the necessary equipment at the famous Ron Jon Surf Shop.. At Cape Canaveral, visit the Kennedy Space Center, which is located not far from the coast in Titusville; here you will find fascinating exhibits, NASA missiles, spacecraft, and you can have truly unforgettable experiences. The center is located on Merritt Island, an island that is home to a national wildlife refuge, bordering to the north with the Canaveral National Seashore. To discover pristine Florida, explore the park on foot or by boat and come into contact with the rich wildlife.,

For many visitors, the Orlando area, with over a dozen theme parks, needs no introduction. In fact, most tourists, especially families with children, are familiar with its major parks, namely the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando, and the water theme parks SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, and Discovery Cove. Here, families can have fun with exciting shows and attractions, meet fairy tale characters, enjoy parades and fireworks. Nearby, Old Town Kissimmee offers old-fashioned carnival parades, many amusements, and shops.,

Less than an hour southwest of Orlando, in Winter Haven, LEGOLAND offers another opportunity for fun and will be especially appreciated by children. After visiting the main attractions, you will notice the many shopping opportunities, for example at the Orlando International Premium Outlets and Mall at Millenia (luxury fashion), and at souvenir shops along International Drive. Also on International Drive, you will discover restaurants, mini-golf courses, go-kart tracks, helicopter tours, and many other options. To fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this destination, you will need at least two nights, or maybe even more.,

Daytona Beach, with the Daytona International Speedway and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, is an ideal destination for friends, families, and racing enthusiasts. Come during the Daytona 500 to enjoy a short spring vacation with your family, but also at any other time of the year. You will find over 37 km of beaches perfect for swimming and surfing. In some areas, they are famously reserved for beach car racing. Don't miss the Daytona Beach Bandshell, made of coquina shells, at the northern end of the boardwalk, to listen to some live music. Don't forget to visit the Daytona Beach Pier, a historic attraction that recently reopened after a $5 million restoration. Nearby, you will find roller coasters, the Daytona Lagoon water park, and other attractions in the amusement area along the boardwalk.. St. Augustine, a city founded by Europeans, is known as the "oldest city in the country" for being the longest inhabited city in the United States. Travel through over four centuries of a history rich in the influence of Spaniards, English, Greeks, Native Americans, and African Americans. Stroll along the narrow streets, visit the many museums, and explore the main attractions, such as the Castillo de San Marcos, Ponce de Leon's "Fountain of Youth," and the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse. St. Augustine is the ideal place for history lovers and all visitors.,

On the journey from St Augustine to Tampa / St Petersburg, you can make several interesting stops. Ocala is the equestrian center of Florida with miles and miles of trails lined with oak trees covered in lichen. Outdoor activities include canoeing along crystal-clear streams and walks in pristine landscapes, places made famous by the numerous Hollywood films shot in these areas. Continuing towards the Gulf Coast, stop at Silver Springs, a natural park and one of Florida's original attractions. In Tarpon Springs, famous for the fish swimming in its waters and its Greek roots, don't miss the tour of the "world sponge capital". Take a stroll through its Historic District to discover antique shops and galleries housed in buildings dating back to the early 19th century.,

Make a stop in Sarasota if you want to admire its cultural side in addition to the beaches and excellent shopping. At the Ringling, an art museum founded by the circus magnate John Ringling and rich in world-renowned artworks, let yourself be fascinated by the Circus Museum and don't miss the tour of the Ca' d'Zan, a residence in Venetian Gothic style. Continue south to Fort Myers, the ideal place if you are looking for an active and sporty beach experience. For a more relaxed atmosphere, the beautiful shell-rich beaches of Sanibel and Captiva islands are the perfect destination. You can swim in the warm waters or try kayaking in the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge in Sanibel to observe alligators, birds, and other wildlife.,

A bridge connects the mainland to Sanibel Island, witness of a bygone era, before mass tourism and skyscrapers: the vegetation here is luxuriant, the streets are quiet, with no traffic lights, and beautiful seashells keep washing up on the island's pristine beaches.,

Head south towards Naples, famous for its art galleries, elegant boutiques, good food, and beaches. Continue on to Everglades National Park, a marshy habitat and refuge for numerous rare and endangered species, such as the American crocodile and the Florida panther. Try a kayak or canoe tour, or take a "swamp walk" to admire manatees, alligators, white-tailed deer, and dozens of species of wild birds. If you have limited time, operators outside the park offer airboat tours on the wild marsh waters. A short drive away, you will find Key Largo, the first island in the Florida Keys chain, which is home to the world's largest artificial coral reef, the wreckage of the USS Spiegel Grove, John Pennekamp Coral Reef Underwater State Park, and the famous "African Queen" boat used in the film of the same name starring Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn. The crystal-clear waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary offer an unparalleled experience for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts, as well as glass-bottom boat tours for the less adventurous. Alternatively, you can simply enjoy a cocktail while admiring the spectacular sunsets. Take a few extra days to relax and admire the beauty of the ocean.,

A short distance from Key Largo is Islamorada, a paradise island with sparkling blue waters, fabulous restaurants with sea views, and unparalleled fresh seafood. The island is a perfect stop on the way to Key West, the southernmost point of the United States, famous for its lively nightlife, water sports, and the home of Ernest Hemingway. The best way to explore the island is on foot. On Duval Street, let yourself be tempted by the lively atmosphere of shops, bars, and cafes. Gardens and courtyards surround the charming architecture that makes Key West a unique destination. Don't forget to visit The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum or read the whimsical inscriptions engraved on the gravestones of the Key West cemetery.,

Return to Miami to explore the neighborhood of Little Havana, savor traditional Cuban dishes, sip on "café con leche," and watch a fun game of dominoes in one of the public parks. Head towards the famous South Beach to meet trendy characters, take a tour of the Art Deco monuments, and dive into the nightlife, one of the best in the United States.,

The Miami coastline includes pristine parks, such as Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, and beach areas with services and activities to meet every need. If you love shopping, visit the boutiques of luxury designers on Lincoln Road, in the Design District, and at the Bal Harbor Shops, or take advantage of the deals at Doral's Dolphin Mall. The numerous museums, such as the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and the Wynwood Walls, as well as the lush botanical gardens Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, are also great reasons to visit the city.,

End of the tour.,