Florida! What is there to do there...Seriously!!
Events and Holidays
Things To Do
When To Visit
Shopping
Clubs
A day without Florida is like a day without ... fun! Here is a monthly calendar of Florida events and holidays:
January
Top ranked teams fight for collegiate glory in the annual FedEx Orange Bowl Classic at Miami’s Pro Player Stadium.
Some 16,000 runners participate in the Walt Disney World Marathon through the resort area and parks.
Authors and literary aficionados hobnob in Hemmingway’s old hometown during the three-day Key West Literary Seminar.
February
The NASCAR world takes a Florida holiday at the Daytona International Speedway for the Daytona 500 and Speedweeks.
Arrgh, matey! Parading pirates shower street crowds with trinkets and doubloons during Tampa’s century-old Gasparilla Pirate Festival.
Mega-yachts, muscle boats, or teak-decked classics: if it floats, you’ll find it at the Miami International Boat Show.
Stuff yourself silly on gator nuggets, stone crab, and fry bread at Florida City’s three-day Everglades Seafood Festival.
March
Spring break’s Florida events overtake Panama City, Daytona Beach, South Beach, and Key West.
Miami Carnival! The Calle Ocho Festival takes over Little Havana for ten days of hot Florida music, colorful parades, and paella Cubana.
Get your motor runnin’ and head out to the motorcycle races and events at Daytona’s Bike Week.
South Beach hosts Winter Party, a celebration of social and cultural events benefiting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender causes.
April
African-American students from over 100 universities wrap up Spring Break at the Black College Reunion in Daytona Beach.
The granddaddy of senior golf tournaments tees off in Palm Beach Gardens at the PGA Seniors Golf Championship.
May
Over 100 diverse acts contribute to the wildly eclectic Orlando International Fringe Festival.
June
Special gays and lesbians events take place during Gay Days at Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld.
July
Top guns wow the Pensacola Beach crowds with death-and-gravity-defying stunts at the Blue Angels Air Show.
August
Short-boarders hang ten over Labor Day weekend at the National Kidney Foundation’s Pro-Am Surf Festival on Cocoa Beach.
September
Christian music takes center stage in Orlando during Walt Disney World’s Night of Joy and Universal Studio’s Rock the Universe.
Epicures savor the crabmeat puffs and crawfish étouffée at the
Pensacola Seafood Festival in historic Seville Square.
October
Daytona’s autumn motorcycle rally, Biketoberfest, features parades, concerts, and races at the Daytona International Speedway.
Clearwater cools off with the world’s hottest jazz during the four-day Clearwater Jazz Holiday.
Halloween holidays in Florida range from at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World, to the decidedly scary Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios in Orlando, to the seriously hedonistic Fanatasy Fest bacchanal in Key West.
November
Booklovers from around Florida travel to hear free lectures by top-selling authors at the Miami Book Fair International.
Miami’s White Party Week AIDS-charity events feature a dressed-in-white gala at the Villa Vizcay.
Daytime television fanatics mingle with their favorite stars at the ABC Super Soap Weekend at Disney-MGM Studios.
December
The holidays in Florida light up at The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights at Orlando’s Disney-MGM Studios, and Holiday House at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Ft. Myers.
Epcot’s Holidays Around the World features a candlelight parade and fireworks display. Its best to book your Florida holidays early as the best rates get booked up.
When it comes to things to do in Orlando, one might be better off trying to find the things you can’t do in Orlando. There is so much going on here that you might need to schedule repeat vacations just to begin to fulfill the list of things to do see in Orlando.
If you like to golf, then try playing on the same courses as Tiger Woods and the numerous other PGA professionals who have taken up residence in the area. It should not be under-stressed how big golf is in Orlando. For golf aficionados, the opportunities here move to the top of your list of things to do see in Orlando. There may be nowhere else in the world where golf is so prolific as it is here, and in Orlando you’ll get to choose from a ton of great Florida golf courses with some designed by legends of the game, including Palmer, Watson, Nicklaus and Norman. You can even get help with your swing from Annika Sorenstam’s coach at the Annika Academy at the Ginn Reunion Resort. Or get into a different swing with lessons from top tennis instructors and return home with a killer serve that will have your friends begging for a lesson from you.
If you want that rush associated with trying something new and totally different, take an airboat trip through the headwaters of the Florida everglades, or take a look down from above in a Orlando hot air balloon ride or helicopter trip.
You can even take to the skies on your first hangliding experience at Wallaby Ranch Hang Gliding Flight Park. Museum buffs can enjoy the fine exhibits at the Orlando Art Museum. Try some of the free things to do in Orlando Florida as well and give that wallet a bit of a rest.
Between Universal Studios Resort, Walt Disney World Resort and Sea World, the whole family will find non-stop entertainment and attractions you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere else. Everyone is a kid when it comes to these theme-parks, and trying to figure out which ride to ride next, or which show to take in later becomes your only worry. That is unless you eat too much before taking to some of the roller coasters. And at Orlando’s famed theme parks you can see fireworks every night, making for the perfect culmination of another day of family fun. Also, if you are ever in need of some cooling off while wearing a permanent smile, then add one of the area waterparks to your things to do in Orlando list. Try picking up discounted Universal tickets where you’ll get unlimited access to 2 theme parks for just $85.99.
Dining is one of the top things to do in Orlando, and for good reason. Here, you can have great eats for every meal of the day, and in-between. Families can relax at theme restaurants and dine in the company of princesses or animated TV stars. Parents, and family alike, can upscale it a bit for a luxury meal at one of the various celebrity chef restaurants. In Orlando you can try foods from all over the world and stop for an array of treats between meals. And, when you decide you need to take a break from all the action and area attractions, be sure to relax both body and mind at one of Orlando’s 16 destination spas. It’s a good way to make sure you return from your vacation even that much more fresh.
Things to do see in Orlando can start to add up money-wise, but there are some free things to do in Orlando Florida as well. Take a family stroll at Disney’s Boardwalk and enjoy the water views and street entertainers, or go hiking in Ocala National Forest. The terrain is easy and you’ll get a real sense of natural Florida.
One of the free things to do in Orlando Florida is to visit the Harry P. Leu Gardens Mondays from 9 a.m. to noon.
Lake Eola Park is another welcome refuge set on 43 acres where you’ll find a walking path, fountains, and a playground. Kids will enjoy feeding the swans and there are excellent views of the city.
Finally, head to the Disney town of Celebration where you’ll find picturesque homes, an interactive fountain where kids can play, and a lagoon where you can look for alligators and turtles.
These are just some of the possibilities for all the free things to do in Orlando. It truly is a vacation destination most worthy of a visit.
Florida vacations can be great year-round. As a general rule of thumb, though, if it's cold up north, it's peak season in Florida, particularly around winter holidays. Florida travel drops in the hot and humid summer. However, Florida vacations might better be thought of in terms of "North Florida," "South Florida," and "Orlando" seasons.
A North Florida destination like Jacksonville would fall into a generally cooler temperate climate zone, while a South Florida destination like Miami would fall into a subtropical climate zone. Florida vacations to Orlando fall in the non-coastal interior that lacks the moderating effects of ocean breezes. (But unlike other Florida travel, trips to Orlando are often more affected by your children's vacation schedules than by climate.)
Shoulder seasons statewide occur in spring and autumn. Florida travel is great in springtime, except around spring break, usually in March (that is, of course, unless hordes of rowdy college students are the reason you're going).
Discounts and senior specials may be offered in autumn. However, hurricane season runs June-November, so be prepared. Such severe storms can potentially cause cancelled flights, disrupted local services, and even mandatory evacuations.
It may get crowded when traveling to a North Florida destination in summer, especially on the coast, when South Floridians head up to escape the heat. Winter temperatures fluctuate more widely in the North as well. Shoulder season travel is optimal.
When to visit South Florida
South Florida's peak season is October-April, when "snowbird" hotels are full and prices often double. Except for summer, though, the climate averages a pleasant, non-humid 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, ocean breezes and air conditioning can make travel to Florida destinations along the coast a bargain between June and September. Afternoon summer thunderstorms are common, so it's best to plan outdoor Florida tours in the morning, and indoor activities for later in the day. Florida receives more lightning strikes than any other state. A sudden severe lightning storm is no time to be caught on the beach or golf course.
When to visit Orlando
Planning a trip to Orlando depends upon whether or not your travel to Florida is scheduled by children's school holidays. If possible, avoid traditional school vacation times: between Christmas and New Years, Easter week, summer months (particularly holidays), and spring break. Thanksgiving, late May, and late August can be relatively somewhat less crowded.
Parks try to offset peak times with longer hours and increased staff. But if you must travel in peak times, expect to face crowds and long lines. Pack comfy shoes, water bottles, and extra sun block. To avoid disappointment, check online or call to find out if any favorite attractions are scheduled for closure during your visit.
If you travel to Florida in winter, Orlando temperatures can dip to near 50 degrees, so a sweater might be worth the baggage space. In summer, be sure to hydrate and dress accordingly if outdoors - it's a perfect time to hit the water park!
In Florida, even shopping can be a thrill ride. Whether the amusement park atmosphere of an Orlando mall or the ultra-chic boutiques of Palm Beach, Florida shopping offers something for everyone.
Theme Shopping
Can't get enough of the Mouse? Welcome to The World of Disney, the planet's largest Disney character store, in Walt Disney World's Downtown Disney Shops. Nearby, you'll find theme shops for Cirque du Soleil, House of Blues, Planet Hollywood, Harley-Davidson, and the amazing LEGO Imagination Center.
Fort Lauderdale's Los Olas Riverfront might be considered a Florida mall theme park, with its Spanish tile roofs, sunny courtyard concerts, and the adjoining trendy venues along the Riverwalk and Las Olas Boulevard.
At the Shops of Paradise at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, you'll find unique Florida shopping for Native American art and rare exotic seashells.
The Perfect Florida Mall
With flagship retailers, funky boutiques, weekend farmer's markets, and rollerblading beautiful people, the eight-block pedestrian mall on Lincoln Road in South Beach has been the model for half a century for what malls around the world aspire to be: the place to be.
Discount Outlets
Love to see "originally priced at" on a tag? Sawgrass Mills Mall, west of Ft. Laudedale, features discount outlets like Neiman Marcus Last Call, Nordstrom Rack, OFF 5TH Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, and Kenneth Cole.
Near Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores features discount shopping at Old Navy, Eddie Bauer, Nike, Sony, and the Gap outlets.
Haute Boutiques
If you're a regular on Rodeo Drive, you'll feel right at home at Bal Harbour Shops in Miami Beach, a Riviera-style mix of palm trees, fountains, and A-list stores including Cartier, Christian Dior, Escada, Fendi, Hermes, Prada, and Tiffany.
Tuscan ambiance abounds at the Village of Merrick Park in Coral Gables, featuring Artefacto, CH Carolina Herrera, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Roberto Cavalli, and La Perla.
For over half a century, the Palm Beach set has frequented posh Worth Avenue shops, such as Chanel, Giorgio Armani, David Morris Jewelers, Dunville's L'Antiquaire, and Emanuel Ungaro.
Shopping By Design
Miami's 18-square-block Design District has opened the world of interior design to the public, with dozens of leading-edge furnishing showrooms and art galleries, including Holly Hunt, Odegard, and Art Basel. Art Night events are held the second Saturday of each month.
Funky Chic
Everything from kitschy boutiques to mid-century antiques can be found at Miami's still up-and-coming Biscayne Corridor neighborhood, on Biscayne Boulevard between 50th-79th Streets.
Start your eBay empire at Ft. Lauderdale's sprawling Swap Shop, featuring homemade crafts, garage-sale bargains, and a farmers market.
Online shopping
Care to do your Florida shopping before or after your trip? All things Disney can be purchased at www.disney.com. Indian River oranges, tangelos, and ruby red grapefruit can be sent to your door from www.halegroves.com. Select fine Key West cigars from www.thompsoncigar.com. Or try online shopping at a hot South Beach boutique at www.tomasmaier.com.
What’s your Miami nightlife fantasy?
Clubs in Miami range from cool cocktail lounges to trendy dives, techno discos to tropical Latin dance palaces. Miami clubs are as hot as it gets, where the elite meet the street and the nights go on forever.
Glitterati Glamour
If you want in on the A-list scene, fill up the wallet, dress to impress, bring along a sexy entourage, have your concierge get you on the guest list, and beat the midnight rush to the velvet ropes.
Two techno-retrofitted Art Deco theaters top the dance club scene. The world’s best house and hip hop DJs rule at Crobar, featuring three state-of-the-art dance floors. And the strobe-lit colonnades of Mansion are home to some of hottest Miami nightlife events, like Winter Music Conference DJ marathons and glamorous White Party benefits.
Get the green light by signing up on the online guest list to Mynt, where the ultra hip come to chill against a backdrop of sleek space age décor and cool-hued lighting. You’ll reach nightclub nirvana at the exotic Opium Garden, with multi-level dance floors featuring lush Asian themes, and the exclusive Prive lounge.
Party by the Shore Club pool at Skybar. Three theme rooms make up the scene: the sheer Casbah curtains of Rumbar; the barefoot-on-the-beach ambiance of Sandbar; and the lacquered antique glow of Redroom. At the beautiful beachfront Nikki Beach Club, supermodels slip out of teepee cabanas wearing only the bare necessities, and head upstairs to superstar-gaze in the retro orange glow of Pearl.
Unpretentious Cool
Laid-back never looked better than at South Beach Miami clubs. Catch Spring Break fever any time of year at The Clevelander’s outdoor pool on the beach. Pawn your worries at the door of the Pawn Shop Lounge, where the crowd loosens up in themed school bus, airline cabin, and Airstream trailer rooms. And with its chrome-and-leather bar, friendly pool tables, and kick-butt Margaritas, Purdy Lounge proves that Florida night clubs can be “purdy” fine.
Cocktails for Two
If the drink’s the thing, shake it up with your choice of 250 martinis at the M-Bar overlooking the Mandarin Hotel’s infinity-edge pool and Biscayne Bay. Catch a rooftop buzz with one of Wet Willies’ frozen rum and tequila concoctions, or brave the appropriately–named “Call A Cab,” made with 153-proof grain alcohol. Muddle up to a classic minty mojito over happy hour at Mojitos Cuban Cuisine.
La Vida Loca
Florida night clubs feature some of the best Latin dancing in the world. The line dance style of Casino Rueda salsa dominates the Cuban dance clubs. Strut your salsero stuff at Gloria and Emilio Estefan's Bongo’s Cuban Cafe, or at the legendary Miami salsa club La Covacha.
Where the Boys Are
Although there is no “official” gay neighborhood, the South Beach Miami clubs are off the hook. At the frankly named Score, muscled go-go boys dance on the bar, and the Sunday tea dances are classics. Local legend Twist offers hot dancing, great staff, and 2-for-1 drink specials.