EXPERIENCE FLORIDA LIKE A LOCAL (2024)

 The best time to visit Florida depends on your priorities and interests. Here's a breakdown by season: 

Winter (December - February)

• Pros: Pleasant temperatures, little to no humidity, minimal rainfall, less crowded than peak seasons, ideal for outdoor activities like hiking & biking.
• Cons: Holiday crowds (specific to holiday breaks), higher prices due to holiday travel, and the potential for occasional cold fronts.
• Best for: Those seeking comfortable weather, smaller crowds, little to no humidity, and festive holiday celebrations.

Spring (March - May)

• Pros: Beautiful weather, numerous festivals and events, ideal for swimming and water sports.
• Cons: Higher prices, spring break crowds, occasional rain showers.
• Best for: Those seeking warm weather, enjoying outdoor activities, and participating in festivals and events.

 Summer (June - August)

• Pros: Hottest weather, longest daylight hours, ideal for beach vacations and water activities.
• Cons: Very hot and humid, highest prices, most crowded time to visit, potential for afternoon thunderstorms, & the beginning of hurricane season.
• Best for: Those seeking hot weather, enjoying water activities, and maximizing daylight hours.

Fall (September - November):

• Pros: Warm weather, less crowded than summer, temperatures & rain showers start to slow
• Cons: Hurricane season, occasional rain showers, and slightly unpredictable weather.
• Best for: Those seeking comfortable weather, smaller crowds, and enjoying outdoor activities without the intense summer heat.

Additional factors to consider:

• Specific destinations: Different parts of Florida have their own unique weather patterns and peak seasons.
• Events and festivals: Plan your trip around specific events to maximize your experience.
• Personal preferences: Consider your tolerance for heat, crowds, and humidity.

From the captivating theme parks of Orlando to the pristine beaches of Miami and the vibrant & clear water of the Keys, Florida attracts millions of visitors each year. But with such a vast and diverse array of attractions, where do I begin? Here are some of the most popular destinations in Florida:

• Orlando: Witness the magic come alive at Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld, or explore the wonders of world-class museums and captivating natural landscapes.

• Miami: Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of South Beach, explore the Art Deco district, and indulge in the city's renowned nightlife and culinary scene. Here is a great blog for further insight from a Miami local.

• Clearwater Beach: Where pristine shore meets endless adventure! Beyond sunbathing and swimming, Clearwater Beach boasts an array of thrilling water activities, from jet skiing and sailing, to jumping aboard a Dolphin tour boat or ending your day with a sunset cruise.

• West Palm Beach: Unwind in beachfront resorts, explore the Norton Museum of Art and the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, and experience the refined atmosphere of this coastal gem.

• Naples: Bask in the sunshine on pristine Gulf Coast beaches, indulge in world-class golf courses, and discover the luxury of this affluent city. Also be sure to check out our favorite little city called Marco Island, which is less than 20 miles south!

• Key West: Escape to the southernmost tip of Florida, immerse yourself in the island's laid-back charm, explore colorful architecture, and discover historical treasures like the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Also be sure to check out our favorite ocean activity at Alligator Reef Lighthouse off Islamorada.

That's a tough question! We have so many favorites, and for different reasons. Here are our top 5    hidden gems in Florida:

• Alligator Reef Lighthouse - click here to see a quick video
• Kings Landing - click here to see a quick video
• Clearwater Beach - click here to see a quick video
• Silver Springs - click here to see a quick video
• Rocket Launch - click here to see the BEST place to watch a rocket launch

Even though we have lived in Florida for over 10 years, we still have multiple locations to check off our bucket list! Here is a list of hidden gems in Florida, that we have yet to experience:

• Dry Tortugas National Park
• Madison Blue Springs
• Destin Florida 
• Devil's Den
• SS Copenhagen Shipwreck
• Enchanted Oaks Farm
• Royal Springs
• Solomon's Castle
• Myakka Elephant Ranch
• Cape Florida Lighthouse
• Christ Of The Deep

Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Florida's diverse culture at these captivating off-the-beaten-path events:

• Art Basel in Miami
• The Gasparilla Pirate Festival in Tampa
• Biketober Fest In Daytona Beach
• The South Beach Wine & Food Festival in Miami Beach
• The Calle Ocho Festival in Miami
• The Key West Fantasy Fest in Key West
• Epcot International Food & Wine Fest