Here’s just a handful of metropolitan areas and the convenient day trips you can take. This just scratches the surface, so if you have more specific questions, please feel free to ask me or search for the area you have in mind in the search bar at the top of VISITFLORIDA.com.

• Miami: If you head about an hour south of the city, you’ll pass Florida City where CR 905A (Card Sound Road) takes you down a remote two-lane road to the northern edge of Key Largo, home of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – the only underwater state park in America.
• Tampa/St. Pete: This is a huge metro area, but about 40 miles northeast is the town of Dade City, which has some nice antique shops and some very nice restaurants (check out Lunch on Limoges).
• Jacksonville: About 35 miles northeast of Jacksonville and right on the border of Georgia is Amelia Island and its only town, Fernandina Beach. Along with plenty of oceanfront, this area is also home to an active commercial district, a wonderful historical museum and Florida’s oldest saloon.
• Orlando: When it comes to exploring, Orlando’s the hub of the wheel with spokes leading to great places. For real off the beaten path fun, consider renting a canoe and traveling down the Wekiva River at Apopka’s Wekiwa Springs State Park.

As with anywhere you might travel, Florida’s weather is very unpredictable. I would suggest you go to the NOAA website and VISIT FLORIDA’s weather page to check out the average air and water temperatures and rainfall for the areas of the state you’re considering. It will be also helpful to check these pages in advance of your trip for the most up-to-date weather forecasts.

No matter when you choose to visit, I am sure you will find any month you come to sunny Florida a pure delight.

Rentals and other accommodations vary from city to city and county to county. I would suggest using the “Popular Cities” menu at the top of this site for your area of interest. Florida has so much to offer that it could be a hard choice.

If you are looking at Florida's State map, the toll roads will be colored green. The rates vary by location, and you can use this handy toll calculator to check the amounts that will be on your trip. For more information about Florida's Turnpike, visit their website at floridasturnpike.com. 

In advance of your trip, you should also check with your rental car provider to find out more about their toll policies. For more information on recent changes to Florida’s toll roads, check out this article.

Have a safe and happy road trip through Florida!

You can check out VISIT FLORIDA’s guide and map pages to browse available guides, directories and maps online or request that certain guides be sent to you. You can also request eNewsletters that fit your interests, or check out the local Visitor’s Bureau for the areas you’re interested in visiting. If you’re looking for more information, feel free to ask.

For specific area maps and guides, please contact the local Chamber of Commerce or Visitor’s Bureau. If traveling by car, please stop in one of our Official Welcome Centers located just inside the state line on I-10, US 231, I-75 and I-95. Any of these centers can help you find other information regarding the area you desire.

Most theme parks run their own specials, so before you visit, log on to the parks’ websites and click "specials" or "offers." You should always check the theme parks' websites first for any special offers to SeaWorld, Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World Resorts. If you're an out-of-state visitor, check ticket brokers. Mousesavers offers various discounts throughout the year. AAA members can get discounts through AAAsouth.com. Another reliable source is the Official Ticket Center, which offers discount tickets for all the Orlando theme parks, plus dinner shows and other attractions. Also try UnderCover Tourist and Orlando Fun Tickets.

In the UK, one of the biggest ticket brokers is Attraction Tickets Direct and they offer the best deals available on theme park tickets. One of their best selling tickets is the Orlando Freedom Ticket, which provides 14 days entry to all the parks including SeaWorld, Walt Disney World, Busch Gardens, Aquatica and the Universal parks. Visit their website at www.attraction-tickets-direct.co.uk.

As a UK traveler it is advisable to book your theme park tickets before travelling to Orlando, they will be able to offer the best deals possible.

You can also browse the VISIT FLORIDA deals page for specials and packages that you can search by destination or interest.

The best and most efficient way to travel within Florida is by car hire. Other means of transportation are Amtrak, www.amtrak.com, which offers service from Miami to Orlando with stops in between, from Tampa to Jacksonville via Orlando with stops in between and from Jacksonville to Pensacola with stops in between. Amtrak’s Auto-Train runs between Washington, D.C. and Sanford, Florida (north of Orlando). The frequency on Amtrak in Florida is much more limited than the train frequencies in Europe, though some trains offer sleeping compartments and dining cars with waiters. The train stations may or may not always be located in the city center; check Amtrak’s online map and stations list. Greyhound, at www.greyhound.com, offers intercity bus service.

Each airport in Florida offers different transportation services. For example, transport available at Orlando International Airport includes car hire, local bus service, shuttle service and taxis. For further information, go to www.orlandoairports.net. Transport available at both Miami and Fort Lauderdale International airports includes car rentals, local bus service, hotel shuttle service and taxis. For further information, go to www.miami-airport.com/ and www.broward.org/airport.

To learn more about driving in Florida, click here.

Cocoa Beach would be the closest to Orlando. It’s on the Atlantic side and only about 55 minutes away. It's also home to the Kennedy Space Center. Daytona Beach or New Smyrna would be about a 75-minute drive. If you seek Gulf coast beaches, head to St. Petersburg/Clearwater Beach (less than two hours).

VISIT FLORIDA Beaches & Adventure Insider Lauren Tjaden can fill you in on all the details about these Atlantic and Gulf coast favorites.

Florida has great areas to holiday in. I am not sure what section in Florida you wish to go. We have the Atlantic on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. We have state parks like no other and they all offer different adventures within. If white sand, blue water and a great tan is what you are looking for, Florida has it all.

I would suggest you visit the VISIT FLORIDA Insiders' Q&A Center. We will be able to answer any other questions you might have and get you started on planning the perfect holiday.

You can also check out VISIT FLORIDA’s guide page to browse available guides, directories and maps online or request that certain guides be mailed to you. You can also request eNewsletters that fit your interests. Take a look and see what you find of interest and have a great time. Don't forget the sunscreen and camera.

We do have Frequently Asked Questions and “How Do I” articles that are tailored specifically to the UK visitor. Click on the previous links to get your holiday planning started.