Florida – where the sun shines 365 days a year
Florida’s climate is as welcoming as its landscapes. A gentle sea breeze keeps temperatures pleasant year-round, and even summer rain showers are brief and warm. The hottest months run from May to October, peaking around 33°C; the coolest months – December through February – rarely dip below 24°C. Snow is virtually unheard of.
Nature – Three National Parks Worth Every Minute
Florida’s south is home to three extraordinary national parks, each with its own character.
In the Big Cypress National Preserve, you can hike through pristine wilderness and encounter some of Florida’s most magnificent wildlife up close. The Everglades National Park is an experience unlike any other – glide through the iconic water-grass scenery by airboat, spot alligators in their natural habitat, cycle remote trails, or paddle by canoe through the backcountry. Guided tours reveal the hidden world of one of America’s great ecosystems. Bring mosquito repellent and take your time. The Biscayne National Park, meanwhile, is a paradise for anglers, divers, and water sports enthusiasts – home to the third-largest coral reef in the world.
Theme Parks – Orlando & Beyond
Orlando, easily reached from Cape Coral via Interstate 4, is the theme park capital of the world. If a day trip feels too rushed, an overnight stay in or around Orlando is a great option.
Walt Disney World alone comprises four major theme parks – Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom – plus the water parks Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Magic Kingdom is the classic Disney experience with iconic rides like Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Epcot takes visitors on a journey through world cultures and into the future, ending each night with a spectacular laser and fireworks show. Animal Kingdom combines thrilling rides with a real safari experience and the chance to stay in a resort surrounded by exotic animals. The two water parks offer everything from world-record water slides to lazy tropical rivers.
SeaWorld Orlando is famous for its dolphin and orca shows, shark encounters, and a wide range of rides and water attractions – including the option to dive with sharks from a cage, no diving experience needed.
Universal Studios Florida and its sister park Islands of Adventure bring blockbuster films to life through immersive rides, live stunt shows, and interactive experiences straight from the big screen.
Gatorland, a classic Florida attraction, puts you face to face with thousands of alligators, crocodiles, birds, and bears – with a petting zoo for the youngest visitors and plenty of adventure tours for the rest of the family.
Kennedy Space Center
Cape Canaveral on Florida’s Atlantic coast is home to one of the most visited attractions in the state: the Kennedy Space Center. Rockets, space shuttles, and NASA exhibits tell the story of humanity’s journey into space – past, present, and future. With a little luck, you might even witness a live rocket launch.
The Everglades – Up Close
The Tamiami Trail (US 41) runs along the northern edge of the Everglades and is one of the most scenic drives in Florida. From Cape Coral, take the US 41 and then Interstate 75 south toward Naples – just past Naples, you hit Alligator Alley, where wild alligators are a near-certainty. Stop at a boat platform and look into the grass swamps: you will not be disappointed. A word of advice: hold on to your children, and never feed the alligators.
Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, on Florida’s northeast Atlantic coast, is the state’s legendary race city – home to the NASCAR Daytona 500 and 37 kilometres of hard-packed beach where cars and motorcycles are actually permitted to drive. Year-round beach parties and events make it a lively stop on any Florida road trip.
Miami & Miami Beach
Miami is Florida’s glamour capital and the cultural crossroads between North and Latin America. If Miami International is your departure airport, an overnight stay is highly recommended – but even a day trip from Cape Coral is well worth it.
Cross the impressive causeways to Miami Beach and its miles of white sand. South Beach, the heart of Miami Beach, is home to one of the finest collections of Art Deco architecture in the world – pastel-coloured buildings from the 1920s and 30s that glow spectacularly after dark. Cap the evening with dinner at a waterfront restaurant, Miami’s skyline reflected in the sea. Unforgettable.
Key West
Key West rewards those who take their time getting there. The Overseas Highway, strung across a chain of islands over 200 km, is one of the world’s great drives – stop at the beaches along the way to collect shells or simply walk the shoreline. In Key West itself, follow Hemingway’s footsteps, visit President Truman’s Little White House, or let the famous Duval Street energy carry you through the evening.
Sanibel & Captiva Islands
Just a short drive from Cape Coral, Sanibel and Captiva Islands offer a quieter, unhurried Florida. Originally one island before a hurricane carved a channel between them, the two are known for their long white beaches, exceptional shell collecting, and the kind of slow pace that reminds you what a real holiday feels like.