Brand USA - The Great Outdoors: tropical landscapes from Tampa to New Orleans

A city primarily dedicated to business, Tampa has several attractions even for those who visit for more recreational purposes. There are two main areas: the Riverwalk, the city's green area, where you can find the beautiful Florida Aquarium, museums, galleries, and local establishments; and Ybor City, a neighborhood that keeps alive its Spanish heritage from the past and Cuban influence today. Ybor City was established in the 19th century and is characterized by cobblestone streets, brick houses with wrought-iron balconies, ethnic food restaurants, and cigar shops.

The one between Clearwater and St Pete Beach is a single, long, beautiful 45 km beach, with hotels and activities at every step, suitable for couples and families, where there are no shortage of wild islands like Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island, uninhabited, but easily accessible by car or ferry. Some of the most beautiful beaches in the continental United States can be found here.

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.

Pensacola is located in Florida, but only 30 minutes from the Alabama border. It directly faces the Gulf of Mexico and is famous for the US Navy base, as well as its magnificent white beaches and emerald-colored waters.

The coast of Alabama is less than 100 km long, but in such a short stretch it offers wide beaches with white sand, backed by wild dunes and overlooking an emerald green sea. There are two main towns, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, which offer visitors typical shops, malls, local breweries, and excellent restaurants.

Biloxi is located along the approximately 150 km of Gulf Coast in Mississippi. The curiosity of this part of the coast is the number of large Las Vegas-style casinos that coexist with quiet and sleepy fishing villages, which have always been the basis of the local economy. The casinos in Biloxi were rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina, while other areas, such as the nearby town of Gulfport, have not fully recovered yet. For those with more cultural interests, a visit to the historic residence of Beauvoir, the Biloxi Lighthouse, and the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum should not be missed.

Inhabited by the creole aristocracy descended from Spanish and French settlers, New Orleans embraces a bend in the Mississippi River. At the center of it all is the French Quarter, decadent but still alive, with narrow bustling streets and hidden courtyards. Stop for a few days to soak up the atmosphere, taste the beignets & café au lait at Café du Monde, discover Bourbon Street at night, excessive, raucous, infamous, with music pouring out of every window; board the St Charles streetcar to reach the seductive Garden District and stroll among elegant homes and majestic trees. Exploring the surrounding area, with an airboat tour in a nearby swamp or a visit to a historic plantation, completes the vision of a nostalgic and fascinating South.