Planning a getaway to the Sunshine State? Before you pack your bags, here are a few things to know to make your trip smoother – and more memorable. From the Gulf Coast’s turquoise waters to Orlando’s theme parks, Florida has something for every kind of vacation.

Beaches not to miss

Florida has unforgettable beaches. Visit Florida highlights some favorite beaches, including South Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Panama City Beach, and Bahia Honda. The latter is a more peaceful spot, although still popular with visitors for the sun and a beautiful, long stretch of sand. The turquoise water is just 4-6 feet deep and perfect for a serene day kayaking or snorkelling.

If you’re more into surfing and don’t mind the hubbub of tourists, try South Beach, where you can have a surf lesson. (While you’re there, visit the Art Deco Welcome Center if you’re interested in Art Deco architecture.)

You can get more than a tan at the beach: time in nature is proven to reduce stress. A study from the University of Michigan showed that just 20-30 minutes in nature efficiently lowers cortisol levels. You don’t even have to get moving – the study showed both sitting and walking in nature were effective.

Social activities 

There are more than a couple of ways to enjoy the sun, of course. Try volleyball if you’d like an active vacation. The sport is particularly popular on the Gulf Coast. Clearwater Beach has several volleyball courts. If you’re so taken by Florida, you end up relocating, you could join a league in the SSOVA – the Sunshine State Outdoor Volleyball Association. 

Paddle boarding, kayaking, and beach yoga classes are great ways to meet people and get moving. In areas like Miami and Tampa, there are group bike rides, outdoor dance classes, and roller-skating meetups.

Or if you’re more of an indoor person, you could visit a casino with a group of friends. For a mix of outdoor and indoor, you could play a sport or two in the sun, then go back to your hotel and play casino games online. Sweepstakes such as those found at Casino.org are legal to play in Florida. Sweepstake daily bonus casinos, such as Stake, often offer 250,000-550,000 gold coins.

When to visit

Florida’s weather is famously hot. If you prefer milder weather, visit between December and April. It’s still not cold, so it can be a good escape if you’re coming from a harsher climate. 

If you enjoy the heat, visit from June to August when it’s hot, humid, and rainy. (If you hate the rain, visit outside the summer.) Hurricane season runs from June to the end of November. There won’t always be major storms, but it’s worth checking the forecasts.

Getting around

Renting a car is a good way to explore Florida, especially if you’re planning on venturing beyond the major cities. Public transportation is good in places like Miami and Orlando, but can be limited elsewhere. If you’re sticking to the cities, you might prefer using Uber or Lyft. For more scenic travel, try boat tours. These are available in coastal towns, the Everglades, and on city canals.

If you prioritize environmentally-friendly travel, you could rent a bike or e-scooter, which are widely available in places like Miami Beach and Gainesville. Prices for e-scooters will be around $30 to $50 per day.

Theme parks

For family trips, Walt Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando are two of the most popular attractions. There are slightly quieter alternatives like LEGOLAND, NASA Kennedy Space Center (where you can learn about space pioneers and kids can enjoy the Planet Play area), and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, an Africa-themed animal theme park.

Staying cool – and safe

Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and be cautious with wildlife. Florida’s famous for alligators – make sure that anywhere you’re swimming is a designated swimming area. The subtropical and tropical climates (depending on where you are in the state) mean high humidity and intense sunshine for much of the year. Temperatures often reach the high 80s and mid-90s. When combined with high humidity, it can feel even hotter. Even in winter, South Florida often remains in the 70s or low 80s.

You can see why staying hydrated is so important. Always carry a reusable bottle and keep your water topped up. If you’re spending long days on the beaches, this is particularly pertinent. Dehydration can sneak up on you when it’s humid out, even when you don’t feel thirsty.

Seek some shade during the peak sunny hours (usually between 11am and 3pm). Wear a wide-brimmed hat when possible. Beaches and parks often have shaded picnic areas where you can cool off.

Also, keep an eye on flag warnings at the beach. Search ‘Florida Beach Warning Flag Program’ for details on the warning system. A single red flag is a High Hazard warning, indicating high surf and/or strong currents. A double red flag means the water is closed to the public.

Last word

A trip to Florida offers an amazing break from your routine. It’s a great chance to connect with nature, explore a different culture, and maybe meet a few new friends on the beach.Â