Some of the best things about Key Largo include:

1. Scenic Beauty: Key Largo is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush mangroves. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and diving in the waters, and take in the stunning views from a variety of waterfront parks and natural areas.
2. Watersports: Key Largo offers a wide range of watersports, including fishing, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The island is home to the only living coral reef in the continental United States, and the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park offers a variety of tours and activities to explore the reef.
3. Nature & Wildlife: Key Largo is home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, and a wide range of bird species. Visitors can take a guided tour to see the wildlife in its natural habitat or take a sunset sail to see dolphins playing in the wild.
4. Boat Rentals and Charters: Key Largo offers a variety of boat rental and charter options, allowing visitors to explore the island and the surrounding waters on their own schedule.
5. Restaurants and bars: Key Largo has a variety of dining options to choose from, including seafood restaurants, waterfront bars, and cafes. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood and tropical drinks while taking in the stunning views of the island.
6. Accommodations: Key Largo offers a wide range of accommodations, including resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds. Visitors can choose from a variety of options to suit their budget and preferences.
7. Fishing: Key Largo is considered one of the top fishing destinations in the world, with a variety of options such as deep sea, backcountry and flats fishing.
8. History and culture: Key Largo has a rich history, including the early days of piracy, shipwrecks and the impact of Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railway. Visitors can learn about the island’s history at the Key Largo Lighthouse and the Florida Keys History of Diving Museum.

These are just a few examples of the many things that Key Largo has to offer. The island is a great place to visit for a relaxing vacation, and there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Learn more about Key Largo here.

By Susan & Simon Veness

Relief. Joy. Tears. Excitement. Our emotions have been a mix of all these things – and more! – in the past week after the date for the resumption of holiday travel to the USA was finally confirmed for November 8.

For fully 20 months, we have sat here in Florida – the heart of a tourism colossus – and been largely sidelined by the effects of the pandemic and its tragic consequences. Yes, many things have returned to “business as usual” here in the Sunshine State this year, but we have remained isolated from much of it, left in a kind of curious stasis by the feeling something has been missing.

The answer, of course, is that there has definitely been something significant missing – our British visitors!

We are SO used to hearing British accents the length and breadth of this vast destination that to be without them for so long is tantamount to living in a twilight world of almost-tourism. Plenty of people, but none of the ones we’re used to seeing and hearing; an absence of essence.

In more simple, human terms, we’ve missed friends and family, colleagues and new business contacts. It’s been a negative experience in nearly every sense.

And it’s not just us. Talk to travel industry folks in Tallahassee and Miami, Orlando and Crystal River, and they will all tell you the same thing – the lack of international visitors has been painful to witness

Now, however, that is about to change. In just a few short weeks, the tap that has been so definitively turned off will move in the other direction. Florida is back on the menu!

Just to recap, the ban on flights from the UK for all but “essential” visitors and those resident in the US was introduced in late March 2020 by President Trump and reinforced by President Biden in January this year.

Even though Britain and the EU eased its quarantine regulations on US visitors in August, the response from the White House stayed the same – America remained off limits for those just looking for a well-earned holiday.

But, thanks to a concerted campaign led by various tourism industry heavyweights, from the airlines and tour operators to the US Travel Association, the government began to see the light regarding the ending of the non-essential travel ban. With vaccination rates high on both sides of the Atlantic, it was time to back up the scientific opinion that it IS possible to resume our regular business without compromising the pandemic progress we’ve made.

On September 20, we heard the eagerly-awaited news that the embargo would be ending, “in early November.” Exactly when had remained a mystery until last Friday (October 15), until a US government official tweeted:

“Today, the Biden administration is announcing that its new travel policy that requires vaccination for foreign national travelers to the United States will begin on 8 November.”

Of course, the resumption of our favourite holiday destination for (almost) all-comers does come with some stipulations, and these will be ultra-important in the weeks and months ahead.

First on the agenda is the requirement for all travellers to be fully vaccinated. In the case of the two-jab inoculations (AstraZenica, Moderna and Pfizer), both must have been completed, along with a two-week subsequent period for the vaccines to become fully effective. For Johnson & Johnson, it is just the one jab followed by the two-week wait.

For children under 18, we are still awaiting confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC) for the full requirement, as the UK is currently implementing the one-jab-only policy for those in the 12-17 age group. Does this fulfill the CDC’s “fully inoculated” stipulation, and what about under 12s?

The only clue we have so far is a rather vague statement from the government spokesman, insisting, “Children under 18 are expected to be exempt from the [vaccination] requirement.”

Next, it is a matter of everyone over the age of two taking a Covid-19 test no more than three days before departure, and ensuring it is negative, or being able to show proof of recovery from the virus within the last 90 days.

In the case of the former, if you’re flying at 1pm on a Monday, you’ll need to show that you are virus-free on or after 1pm on the previous Friday. And, as we understand it, the lateral flow test (LFT) will be sufficient to prove a negative result as against the more expensive (and time-consuming) PCR test, although this also remains unconfirmed among the small details that we expect to hear more about this month.

Be aware, travellers who are not fully vaccinated will continue to be prohibited from visiting the US.

For the very latest info, see the US government website here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/covid-19_testing_required_US_Entry.html

OK, so that’s the house-keeping out of the way, now you are free to get on with the job – the glorious, wonderful job – of researching and booking your next holiday in Florida.

As far as the state is concerned, everything is pretty much as it was when the drawbridge was pulled up last year. The beaches are just as wonderful; the climate continues to be idyllic; the restaurants and nightlife remain first class; the shopping still presents an Aladdin’s Cave of opportunity; and the theme parks are packed with more fun than ever, largely thanks to the start of Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration, which began on October 1 and runs for fully 18 months.

This latter will continue to make Orlando the No.1 destination for those heading to the Sunshine State in the near future, but don’t ignore the many, many possibilities for getting off the beaten track and really exploring this fabulous, multi-faceted state.

In the past couple of years, we’ve highlighted the likes of the Offbeat Florida that is just beyond the main attractions; we have detailed the possibilities for fly-drive options, like the gorgeous Treasure Coast; we’ve written about the more eclectic elements, such as the boom in craft brewing; and we have presented plenty of new options, like Florida’s latest entry in the All-American Road series.

In short, there remains a wealth of attractions, diversions and sheer holiday pleasures awaiting our British visitors now we know for sure that the US is putting out the Welcome Mat once again.

You can be absolutely certain that Floridians will be more than delighted to see the return of the international market, and especially their cousins from across the pond. That feeling of being deprived has gone on for WAY too long, and November 8 should signal the breaking of the metaphorical dam in that respect. You’ll be welcome like never before.

And, for us, there will be the sheer, unadulterated enjoyment of meeting up with friends old and new, of seeing the BA and Virgin Atlantic flights back at Orlando, Miami and Tampa (as well as TUI pioneering a new gateway of Melbourne Orlando International Airport from March 20220, and of hearing all those familiar accents once again!

We simply can’t wait. And we hope you can’t, too.

Susan & Simon Veness are the UK’s leading experts on Florida, having written about it for more than 25 years and sold more than half a million copies of their books about Orlando, Disney and the Sunshine State.

When you hear someone talk about the All-American Road, you probably think immediately of Route 66, the Mother Road, from Chicago to Los Angeles, and a truly iconic section of highway.

Well, that’s certainly not the only All-American Road game in town these days and, as of February this year, Florida now has TWO of its own, and the latest is almost certainly somewhere you’ve never heard of.

Going back to 2009, the Sunshine State was seriously lagging behind in this ultimate designation for significant driving routes through America, but then the grand Overseas Highway (US Highway 1) through the Florida Keys was finally given the accolade, like several additional sections of Route 66.

But now comes a whole new driving experience and, like its Keys cousin, the A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway is the perfect example of a superb Florida fly-drive and, having just spent an extended road trip getting to know it better, we can certainly recommend it as an exceptional experience for our international visitors.

Just to start with, the Scenic Byway is officially designated for just a 72-mile stretch of route A1A along the Atlantic Coast, from Ponte Vedra Beach to Flagler Beach, so it’s not the longest drive in the world, or even in the state.

FLORIDA FIRST RECOMMENDS…

For a stay in the Ponte Vedra Beach area, we have no hesitation in advocating the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa as an idyllic place to spend a few days of seaside splendour, with its pristine private beach and world-class golf facilities. 

But it packs a huge amount into its relatively modest length, and it’s a journey in terms of time as much as anything else. Because this is where you pass into Old Florida, the land PD, or Pre-Disney, the period when low-rise motels and one-off, family-owned boutiques were as fancy as things got.

It’s a narrow strip of barrier-island coast separated from the mainland by the intracoastal waterway formed by various rivers and canals, and it incorporates America’s oldest city as well as some of the state’s most wonderful natural playgrounds, including Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM Reserve for short).

It is largely just a beguiling drive surrounded by eye-catching coastal scenery, though, especially around the Matanzas Inlet, and along the wide, open beaches that fringe virtually the entire route. This is not mass-market territory, and it’s all the better for that.

The fact that it finally gained national recognition for its scenic nature is a tribute to the efforts and persistence of the Friends of A1A, a local group dedicated to preserving and enhancing the rich historical and cultural resources of this fascinating travel corridor.

Ever since the road was recognised as a National Scenic Byway in 2002, they have been promoting its many charms and attractions with a view to eventually reaching the coveted All-American status, and that has finally paid off.

As of February, A1A joined another 14 significant routes offering a truly memorable driving experience, and you can now soak up that extra vibe of somewhere special that comes with the new designation.

FLORIDA FIRST RECOMMENDS…

Historic St Augustine is the obvious place to base yourself to explore this full stretch of scenic A1A, which runs for almost 30 miles to the north of the city and 43 miles to the south. It is part of America’s ‘First Coast’ and is packed with heritage and one-off attractions. 

As for what makes that “something special,” here is the official explanation of the merits needed to qualify as an All-American Road:

“A road must possess multiple intrinsic qualities that are nationally significant and have one-of-a-kind features that do not exist elsewhere. The road or highway must also be considered a ‘destination unto itself.’ That is, the road must provide an exceptional travelling experience so recognised by travelers that they would make a drive along the highway a primary reason for their trip.”

All of those things A1A does magnificently. It traverses a section of coast that is packed with ecological diversity, that has both cultural and historical significance, and features unique elements that are a reason for visiting in the first place.

The man-made elements of this route are fairly obvious and cover the full 508-year history of European discovery and exploration of the state itself, dating back to the arrival of the Spanish conquistadores in 1513. 

The city of St Augustine is at the heart of it, America’s oldest city (founded in 1565) and still full of period charm and allure, from the massive bulk of Castillo de San Marcos – the largest masonry fort in America – to the distinctive Mediterranean cuisines that those early immigrants brought and are still in evidence today.

Don’t miss historic sites like Fort Matanzas, Flagler College (the original Ponce De Leon Hotel of the Henry Flagler era in 1888), the Lightner Museum, the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, St Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, and the whole length of St George Street, which harks back to its British colonial rule days.

FLORIDA FIRST RECOMMENDS…

For a historic place to stay in a historic city, St Augustine’s Casa Monica Resort & Spa harks back to the gracious days of Henry Flagler and his upscale East Coast Railroad that helped to create Florida’s tourism profile. The hotel dates back to 1888 and is fully restored to its period hey-day. 

Flagler Beach is practically at the opposite end of the historic spectrum, a small-scale exercise in 1950s timewarp charisma and enchantment. This is the epicentre of Old Florida, where the attractions are relatively simple but totally genuine and appealing, whether its just enjoying the miles of wide open beach, strolling for shells, fishing off the pier or trying a little surfing.

All the shops, restaurants and cafes are true originals, from the likes of the Flagler Surf Art & Stuff boutique to High Tides at Snack Jack, one of many bars and diners dotted along the seafront that provide blissful opportunities to while away an hour or three while enjoying the magnificent coastal eye candy.

But that is only half the story of A1A, as it also offers a chance to get deep into the natural side of the Sunshine State, with a series of parks, recreation areas and wildlife preserves that truly invite the visitor to slow down and savour the unspoiled, untrammeled and unexpurgated countryside that is an intrinsic part of the holiday experience hereabouts.

The geological mixture of rivers, marshes and Atlantic seafront has combined to create a series of rare ecosystems that harbour hundreds of species of plants, birds and animals, many of which are common only to this region.

The area immediately north of St Augustine is positively packed with this wildlife jamboree, while to the south you’ll still find it aplenty in places like Washington Oaks State Park, Bing’s Landing, Anastasia State Park and River to Sea Preserve.

FLORIDA FIRST RECOMMENDS…

If you prefer a more beachfront style for your stay on this stretch of the coast close to St Augustine, Beacher’s Lodge Oceanfront Suites offer a great self-catering alternative right on Crescent Beach, with its own boardwalk providing direct access to the golden sands.  

This is also the place to discover the world’s first Oceanarium, Marineland, which opened to the public in 1938 and continues to display its extensive work in maritime ecology and research. It was built as an underwater studio for filming marine life, and helped Hollywood out with films like Creature From The Black Lagoon, Secrets of the Reef and Bernie The Dolphin.

Today it is one of the coast’s most-visited attractions for a close-up experience with its dolphins, turtles and tortoises, including the chance to enjoy several interactive programmes, swim with the dolphins or take a boat or kayak tour of the surrounding waterways.

Perhaps the ultimate nature experience, though, belongs to the GTM Reserve, a massive 75,000-acre slice of wild Florida that runs the gamut of beach dunes, rivers, marshes and pine woods, and is a genuine wonder of natural biodiversity.

This is the place to come for a hiking or kayaking tour, as well as to enjoy miles of walking and cycle trails, with the chance of spotting a terrific variety of wildlife, from hundreds of species of birds to the typical Floridian denizens of alligators, sea turtles and gopher tortoises. Turtles especially nest in the dunes here, and the Reserve’s visitor centre provides plenty of background and educational programmes into the environmental challenges facing several endangered species.

So, whatever you might be interested in from the state’s vast panoply of attractions and highlights, you can be sure you’ll encounter a good number of them along this exceptional highway.

FLORIDA FIRST RECOMMENDS…

For the full lowdown on this expansive 72-mile journey in Florida’s many timeless fascinations, be sure to look up the Scenic Byway website, www.scenea1a.org, and also download the special interactive App that provides a handy map and points out all the highlights as you travel along its length, available free at www.travelstorys.com/tours/90/A1A%20Scenic%20Byway

We’re going to leave the final word, though, to Byway administrator Danielle Anderson, who lives in Flagler Beach, and gave us her thoughts on the special recognition of their unique route. She said:

“The Friends of A1A are thrilled to see our incredible Byway finally take its place as an All-American Road. For more than two decades, volunteers have worked tirelessly to preserve, protect, promote and enhance this 72-mile stretch along Florida’s east coast that dates back to the nation’s earliest days. It is truly an honour for us to be able to share our passion for our byway communities along the A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway with travellers from across the world, and we hope you will fall in love with our piece of Old Florida, too.”

Susan & Simon Veness are the UK’s leading experts on Florida, having written about it for more than 25 years and sold more than half a million copies of their books about Orlando, Disney and the Sunshine State.

By Simon & Susan Veness

Are you ready for some good news? You know, good, old-fashioned break-out-the-bands-and-have-a-party news? Well, we might just have the story for you.

Much of the USA is gearing up for outdoor life to start again and all the indications are that the Open For Business signs will be up in many states within the next few months, including Florida.

With America currently forging ahead with one of the most comprehensive vaccination programmes in the world right now, there is real hope that it may be able to buck the pandemic trend and be ready to welcome international visitors once more.

New President Joe Biden is on course to offer every adult a vaccination by July and remove one of the biggest obstacles to the safe restart of the country’s huge tourism business.

California has recently relaxed some of the regulations on their restaurants and attractions, including Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood, and other key tourist markets are also pressing ahead with reduced restrictions that affect their visitation numbers.

Looking for a unique guide to all the holiday inspiration Florida has on offer? Our expert team have designed the guide to inspire you to discover the state’s astounding history, extensive arts and culture, superb resorts, health and wellness, eco-tourism attractions, world-class sport, beaches and food, plus charming, offbeat towns. Find it on this link.

This message has been underlined just recently by the Visit USA Association, who are cautiously optimistic that, if everyone continues to follow the science, America holidays will again be available to all.

Visit USA spokesman Jonathan Sloan explained: “The US could well become one of the first key holiday destinations open to Britons. The US domestic travel market has been up and running for some time now, so hotels and attractions are ready to welcome international travellers once protocols on both sides of the Pond allow.”

And you can count on Florida to be at the forefront of that international travel bandwagon, especially as places like Orlando’s theme parks have now had more than six months of post-lockdown operations to prove what can be achieved with proper health and safety measures.

Increasingly, international airlines and their governments are discussing the idea of vaccination passports, and this genuinely seems like a positive way forward after the suspension of most US-UK routes in 2020.

Of course, no-one can yet say when this is likely to happen, but the feeling here in Florida is that we will see the return of many flights to the likes of Orlando, Miami and Tampa by the autumn, if not late summer.

Crucially, the Sunshine State benefits immensely from its magnificent climate that encourages the outdoor lifestyle and offers plenty of natural social distancing, which will continue to be necessary for the immediate future.

Just to start with, nowhere in the world has more holiday villas than Florida, and this accommodation type is already in high demand as it features plenty of personal space and an extra measure of reassurance (as well as no small amount of added style and comfort).

If staying in a villa, or vacation home as they call them in the US, is high up in your priority list, be sure to check out Florida First’s range of Villa Holidays, which you can find on this link. We would suggest booking these as early as possible, as our Florida contacts insist that this is one of the most popular options for 2021 and early 2022.

Fly-drive holidays are also proving immensely popular with early bookers, as these also afford the opportunity for holiday-makers to go their own way, to a large extent. You can head wherever the travel whim takes you, and enjoy the benefit of the full extent of the Sunshine State. If somewhere seems too busy to you, you can just hop back in the car and head for the next town or resort, safe in the knowledge you will never be short of choice.

And, with Florida First, you don’t even need to worry about creating your own itinerary. That can be done for you with one of their Collections, or by consulting one of their travel experts to create your very own bespoke itinerary.

We always recommend having your own hire car for most holidays in this part of the world. They are easy to drive, most are automatics, and they always feature GPS systems, if requested, to keep you on track. The simple truth is you will see SO much more with your own transport, and you will likely find a few hidden gems along the way that you would never have discovered otherwise.

Be sure to check out the Florida First Collections, which feature a dozen different ways to enjoy an expansive slice of the state in ready-made form with full 7, 9 and 10-day itineraries. You can find them on this link.

Once you have your accommodation and mode of transport sorted out, it is just up to you to make sure you enjoy as much of the Sunshine State experience as possible.

As we’ve mentioned, Orlando’s theme parks are now back in regular operation again, so you can easily mix a week in the heart of all the fun of Orlando with a week on the beach at somewhere like St Pete Beach or Clearwater Beach. 

If you don’t mind driving a bit further, we rate the beaches of Sanibel Island and Captiva extremely highly, especially as they rarely draw a crowd and give you the full effect of that wonderful feeling of seaside seclusion. By the same token, the chill-out destinations of Anna Maria Island and chic Naples in the south-west offer lots of magnificent beach style while offering more amenities such as shopping and museums.

How about some New Year beach bliss? Florida First currently has a two-week, two-centre special for the ultimate January getaway, featuring a week in Clearwater Beach and a second week enjoying the delights of St Pete Beach. See the full details on this link.

Or you could go full-on beach bum in the fabulous Florida Keys, where shorts and flip-flops are official wear and the first few months of the year are just a complete break from the rest of the world. In fact, if it didn’t get beastly hot in the summer, we’d probably be there full-time, offering to take you deep-sea fishing or on a kayak tour of the mangrove forests!

Another option for the road less travelled is on the Treasure Coast, just north of Palm Beach, where laid-back Vero Beach is a delightful prescription for holiday perfection when you need to banish the winter blues. With miles of unbroken white sands, lots of water activities, and some delectable dining possibilities, this is the Florida that many visitors don’t discover as they dash between Orlando and Miami.

Finally, if we’re offering some advice of the kind we usually follow ourselves when we need a complete break, a trip to secluded Amelia Island in the far north-east is the ideal tonic for upmarket style with laid-back vibes. Some surprising history, the charm of main town Fernandina Beach and the chance to go horse-riding on the beach mark this out as a truly superior opportunity.

Want to follow up on that suggestion for chic Vero Beach? Florida First has another New Year gem on offer with a special 7-night package at the superb Costa D’Este resort, departing February 28. See more on this link.

But the simple message remains that Florida will be ready, willing and very able to provide its trademark holiday splendour as soon as you are ready. We have been enormously encouraged at the responsible way many of our hotels and attractions have re-opened and repurposed themselves for the challenges that we have all faced in the last year.

If everyone continues to be sensible and we do see the implementation of vaccination passports, we believe we will see the welcome return of our international visitors in the not-too-distant future.

Florida is open for business again in all meaningful aspects, and we can’t wait to hear British accents back on our beaches and in our theme parks!

Susan & Simon Veness are the UK’s leading experts on Florida, having written about it for more than 25 years and sold more than half a million copies of their books about Orlando, Disney and the Sunshine State.

Los Angeles might think it has cornered the market for desirable locations with its Sunset Strip – that high-profile, nightlife-heavy, 1.6-mile stretch of the famous Sunset Boulevard – but here comes Florida to prove otherwise!

If you believe LA, or even California as a whole, is Sunset Central, then we beg to differ. Because Florida can rightly claim it is not only the Sunshine State but it actually has a whole other identity – as the sunSET state.

Indeed, we have often marvelled at the vast array of vibrant, coruscatingly brilliant sundown moments just from our back garden, so we decided to go back through our photo albums for a compendium of memorable sunsets from throughout the state, and we think they’re worth highlighting.

More than anything, they confirm Florida is a genuine source of magnificent vistas and unforgettable evenings. As if the state doesn’t have enough to recommend it, this compendium of stunning skyline landscapes should put the tin lid on it…

Walt Disney World, Orlando

Here are two views of Orlando’s most popular and celebrated attraction that highlight the fact you don’t necessarily need to be doing any of the rides or shows to be royally entertained by the views. First of all, here’s the shopping-dining-nightlife area of Disney Springs putting on its evening finery as if auditioning for a role in the next Cirque du Soleil show!

Next up in our parade of dazzling horizons, this is the EPCOT park, with a display of gorgeous glows that makes the whole World Showcase area of the park even more appealing.

Where to stay: plan a stay at the gorgeous Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort and you will be at heart of all the Disney magic – and within walking distance of EPCOT.

St Pete/Clearwater Beach, Gulf Coast

If we had to admit to a single location in Florida that most firmly ticks the ‘Sunset’ box, it would be the section of the St Pete/Clearwater area immediately west of Orlando. Here, the daily sundown ritual is full of possibilities, notably at Clearwater Beach’s Pier 60, where it rivals the famous Mallory Square celebration at Key West, and is rather more family-friendly.

And, if you go to the most northerly section of this particular piece of coastal luminosity, in the Scottish-tinged city of Dunedin, you can enjoy both an outstanding panorama and an excellent bar experience on the rooftop hangout of The Fenway Hotel, where 1920s elegance is never far away.

Where to stay: to be ideally located within walking distance of the Clearwater Beach attractions – including Pier 60 – the Sandpearl Resort is definitely the place to be, while it is only a 15-minute drive to Dunedin.

Head down to the St Pete Beach section of this fabulous seaside procession and you can enjoy the kind of sunset sensation we have relished numerous times atop the Bellwether Beach Resort, right on the seafront. Perched on the 11th floor, Level 11 is the outdoor bar with the superlative view, and it’s hard to beat this particular location for occasions like this.

Where to stay: there really is only one imperious and elegant resort when it comes to St Pete Beach, and that is the striking pink edifice of The Don CeSar, a wonderfully cossetted 1920s period piece that sill delivers superb contemporary style.

Kissimmee, Central Florida

Orlando’s mild-mannered alter ego is often an exercise in rural charm and hospitality, as well as an ideal place to head for an eco-adventure along the lakes, waterways or seemingly endless countryside (home of America’s original cattle culture, dating back nearly 500 years).

And, when you’d like to combine a nature tour with a spectacular sunset, take an airboat ride on Lake Tohopekaliga at the right time of day and you will be able to take photos like this:

Where to stay: enjoy all the facilities of a resort with the privacy and space of a vacation villa at the Windsor at Westside Resort, an ideal location for all of Kissimmee and especially good for families.

Tomoka River, Daytona Beach

Before you all rush to point out that Daytona Beach is on Florida’s Atlantic coast, and therefore the place to be for great sunrises rather than the evening version, let us reassure you there are several ways to enjoy a westward-ho viewing perspective that WILL provide the necessary vantage point.

Take a late afternoon trip on the Tomoka River, for example (and we heartily recommend Yellow Dawg Fishing for this), and you can enjoy a truly magnificent finale as the sun drops away to the horizon.

Where to stay: for Daytona Beach, our top tip is the Shores Resort & Spa, idyllically situated right on the miles of open beachfront and with the kind of gracious service that underlines the keen-to-please nature of the area. Get up early enough and you can also enjoy eye-catching sun-rises like this, too!

Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island

You can also file this under east coast oddities, as the hideaway of Amelia Island in the state’s often-overlooked north-east corner offers some highly tempting photo possibilities to the west thanks to the sunset cruises that sail out of Fernandina Beach into the Amelia River between the island and the mainland.

With the fact that, in summer, the big thunderclouds are often still prominent just inland, this often provides some remarkable photo opportunities as the sun drops behind the cloud.

Where to stay: there are several truly high-quality hotels tucked away in this relative backwater, and you definitely cannot go wrong at the Omni Amelia Island Resort, where its seaside location is backed up by a wonderful array of amenities, including championship-quality golf and tennis.

Florida’s Panhandle

Proving that you don’t need to be on the west coast to soak up the sunset vibe, Florida’s blissful Panhandle region in the far north-west is also a brilliant location to afford the kind of evening views that go hand-in-hand with a great cocktail or three.

Sunset cruises are another key part of the scene here, and you can easily enjoy the best that the daily sundown ceremony can provide from the deck of a yacht or catamaran with Paradise Adventures.

Or you can remain a true landlubber and enjoy the view comfortably ashore, somewhere like beautiful Santa Rosa Beach, where you may just have the place to yourself.

Where to stay: head for Marriott’s Legends Edge at Bay Point and you will have scored a truly tranquil hideaway for your Panhandle sojourn, set amid lush tropical gardens and with a pool deck to match, while also being close to St Andrew’s State Park for great beach time.

Fort Myers, Gulf Coast

Once you head south along the Gulf Coast, there are any number of idyllic locations that can serve up the necessary westward views at sundown. Find one with a pier, and you have just the material you need for a majestic shot (like this one at Fort Myers Beach, courtesy of Visit Florida).

Where to stay: the iconic Pink Shell Beach Resort will provide all the sunset vistas you need to capture that memorable photo, while also featuring plenty of activities, and the wonderful tropical holiday style of Bongo’s Bar & Grill.

The Florida Keys

It’s simply impossible to think of the Keys and not imagine sensational sunsets, as the two pretty much go hand-in-hand. The full 125-mile length of this island chain is tailor-made for great sundown moments on its leeward side (to the west), and you’ll be hard-pressed NOT to get a great photo.

Take to the air over Islamorada and you get an absolute grandstand view of the nightly twilight fiesta, with the sun slowly sinking into Florida Bay. Happily, you can get a pretty good look at ground level, too, as a lot of smart business people have set up restaurants and bars on this side of the island to provide all the celestial beauty you could ever want.

Where to stay: it’s hard to beat the all-round style and amenities of Cheeca Lodge & Spa hereabouts, an uber-elegant beachfront gem that boasts four restaurants, two pools and a wonderful Spa and well-being centre. It is also just a short walk to Pierre’s at Morada Bay Keys for gourmet dining with a stunning view.

Key West is the epi-centre of Sunset Style, though, with daily celebrations based on Mallory Square that include lots of street entertainment, plenty of specially-made cocktails, and a general throng of evening conviviality. It includes local acts like Will Soto, who has been entertaining crowds here for more than 20 years…

Where to stay: when it comes to being at the heart of the nightly sundown celebration it’s hard to beat the Pier House Resort & Spa for location and style, just two blocks from Mallory Square but still a little oasis of calm amongst the frenetic Key West scene.

Our Back Garden!

In all honesty, you usually don’t need to be anywhere special in Florida to enjoy a beautiful view as the sun says goodbye each evening. Our back garden faces due west, hence we are always in pole position for an impressive spectacle. The trick is often just to find a body of water at the right moment to reflect the full glory of that solar farewell.

Where to stay: we’re not likely to be open for hotel business any time soon, but we do have plenty of top-quality resorts within a short drive, and the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort is often our choice for a good night out, with all the necessary grand views.

Susan & Simon Veness are the UK’s leading experts on Florida, having written about it for more than 25 years and sold more than half a million copies of their books about Orlando, Disney and the Sunshine State.

But we have an antidote for all this seasonal gloom, and we have another week’s worth upcoming on our social media. So, instead of miserable Monday, we’re turning the whole idea around and celebrating a true blue day, the Sunshine State way!

Instead of feeling down in the dumps, we’re highlighting all the magnificent colours associated with Florida holidays this January and February. We started with Pink Monday, continued with a gorgeous Green Monday and followed up with last week’s Yellow Monday.

Now, we’re giving the Florida First technicolour treatment to that archetypal dismal day, Blue Monday, and celebrating it with all the glories of sea, sun and excitement in our favourite destination.

And, if you head on over to our Facebook pages, you can also join in a whole week’s worth of Blue revelries with the final chance to win a pair of ornamental garden flamingos to brighten up your winter!

So, if that’s the Plan, here’s how we implement it.

It starts with the Sky, of course, that impossibly blue, startlingly bright and state-wide cerulean splendour that typically covers Florida on a daily basis. Even in the depths of winter, the skies remain a steadfast and reassuring blaze of brilliance that lets you know this is where the perfect holiday climate is yours for the asking.

Yes, it can be a touch chilly at this time of year, but even on the rare occasions when the temperature dips into the single digits, you can be sure of a suitably sky blue background for your vacation gratification. And here’s the proof – just last week, our resident Florida experts Susan and Simon Veness reported a rare frost in Orlando, and took the photos to prove it – but just look at the colour and clarity of that morning sky!

If that is our delightful destination starting point, it continues with that other obvious source of holiday happiness, the Sea. Now, you may think, ho hum, of course the sea is blue, what other colour could it be, and why make a big song and dance about it? But, if you thought that, you’d be down-playing the visual value of the state by roughly a million per cent.

Because the gently lapping seas that surround the extensive peninsula of this south-east corner of the United States are not a uniform blue. Oh no, far from it.

On the Atlantic side, they can be the deepest cobalt. On the west coast, they are often sighingly sapphire, verging on green in the Panhandle, where the waters are absolutely crystal clear. Then, encompassing those glittering jewels of the Florida Keys, the ever-present sea becomes a sparkling patchwork of azure intensity, lighter in some places, thrillingly deep and satisfying in others, but all with a measure of lucidity that truly takes the breath away.

If those are the two headline attractions in blue, how about some of the supporting cast?

You certainly can’t overlook the Wildlife, as Florida’s birds offer another enchanting variety in blue, from the stately Great Blue Heron to the Eastern Bluebird, and the dainty Tree Swallow to the seasonal Blue Jay, as well as the non-native but still captivating Blue Macaws at places like Wild Florida, Central Florida Zoo, Jungle Island, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and many others.

In fact, it is the birdlife that often draws visitors from all over the world, with the Florida Birding Trail – a network of 510 premier viewing sites – providing a magnificent opportunity to capture an exotic variety of winged wonders, whether you’re an avid bird-watcher or just a casual fan of the birdie kind.

If the birdlife doesn’t tick any boxes for you, how about the Buildings? While blue isn’t an obvious colour of construction, it has been used to hugely eye-catching effect by several iconic builders throughout the state, and you’ll find several breathtaking examples in the Miami and Fort Lauderdale area, as well as Orlando and Palm Beach.

Take the spanking new Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, in Hollywood, by Fort Lauderdale, for example. This massive guitar-shaped monument to high-end resort style cost a whopping $1billion (and yes, billion, with a ‘B’!) to build, but is now easily one of the most eye-catching buildings in the region, and should definitely be on your radar for somewhere to stay in future.

Likewise, Universal Orlando’s Aventura Hotel is an equally impressive blue-glass edifice that welcomes guests in high style, while the ultra-chic Conrad Miami is a mammoth sky-scraper of mind-boggling proportions in the heart of the city – and somewhere we always enjoy staying for the true Florida feelgood factor when we’re in the Miami area (which you can also see on our website, on this link). For another vision in blue-and-white, we are also huge fans of the new Tideline Ocean Resort & Spa (below) in Palm Beach, where it shimmers in its idyllic beachfront location and offers a blissful combination of cutting-edge spa pampering and totally chilled-out seaside relaxation, all wrapped up in an air of unpretentious sophistication. Check it out on our website here.

Finally, we do have to offer you our now-obligatory Blue Cocktail to complete this picture of holiday perfection. So far, we have featured the Rose Margarita (Pink Week) and Tequila Sunrise (Yellow Week), and, for Blue Monday, we are proud to present – the Fish Bowl!

Possibly the most Instagrammed restaurant in the USA is the Sugar Factory, and one of the reasons why is their amazing array of cocktails, which are headlined by their eye-popping Fish Bowls (for two, naturally).

With locations in Orlando (at ICON Park), Tampa (at the Hard Rock Hotel) and Miami (in the Hotel Victor on Ocean Drive), the Sugar Factory is a sure-fire bet for fun food and libations, especially of the grown-up kind, and the one that really takes our fancy, inevitably, is the Ocean Blue, a heady concoction of Hypnotiq liqueur, blueberry vodka, raspberry vodka, blueberry schnapps, simple syrup, fresh sour – and gummy sharks. Yes, seriously. It’s a superlative infusion for the sweet-toothed, and instant entertainment for all concerned.

If there is one drink that could accurately sum up our Blue Monday feeling, with all the verve, fun and excitement of Florida, it is the Ocean Blue. Just don’t try to drink more than one!

PS: Don’t forget to join in with our Facebook holiday chat, for a chance to win a pair of those must-have garden flamingos, on this link.

Susan & Simon Veness are the UK’s leading experts on Florida, having written about it for more than 25 years and sold more than half a million copies of their books about Orlando, Disney and the Sunshine State.

Yes, it is another in our series of alternative looks at the Sunshine State, a taste of the fervour of Florida, and the expulsion of those mid-winter glums that we so often feel at this time of year.

After Pink Monday and last week’s Green Monday, we now offer you Yellow Monday, starting with our weekly Facebook post to get things rolling. This really is where we leave the seasonal suffering behind and transport you to that alternative playground that is just waiting for its international visitors to return.

And, when it comes to the glories of yellow, Florida can offer a fabulous array of possibilities that all come with that lustrous golden hue.

The most obvious one, of course, is the simple fact this IS the sun-shine holiday capital of America. With an annual average of 76 per cent sunny days, that means you are assured of the chance to bask in the reviving warmth for most of the time you are here. There can be some heavy rain at times, but it rarely lasts long, and Mr Blue Sky is never far away.

The fiery yellow orb of the cosmos continues to bathe the whole state in its welcome glow, and those seeking a good tan to go with their two- (or three-) week break are never disappointed. The sun is simply guaranteed.

At this point, you’re probably expecting us to follow up the sun with the sand. They do, normally, go together like Morecambe and Wise, or beans and toast. The image of golden sands, stretching away for mile after mile, is often a classic feature of the old tourist brochures.

Except that our state’s beaches, aren’t gold, yellow or even the hint of any buttery substance. They are white. Pure, gleaming, pristine white. And sandy in the extreme, to the fine quality of castor sugar in many places. While the more mineral-heavy beaches of southern Europe tend to be that classic yellow, Florida’s are 99 per cent quartz, of an almost pure quality, making them gleam in the sun. Blended with tiny shell, coral and fossil fragments, their whiteness can be positively dazzling.

But if the beaches don’t add to our Yellow Florida, what does?

How about the state’s wildflower? Coreopsis, or tickseed to give its colloquial name, is a vibrant daisy-like plant that is used in many roadside plantings and highway beautification programmes for its daisy-like brilliance. A field of coreopsis can make for a luminously golden display.

At the risk of sounding like Monty Python, you can also consider the birds…

“Have the birds got jobs?”

“He says the birds are scrounging.”

“So what are you worrying about?”

“I’m worrying about what you’ve got against the birds….”

From the American Goldfinch to the Palm Warbler, and the Eastern Meadowlark to the Common Yellowthroat, the birdlife can be strikingly yellow. Or visit SeaWorld’s Discovery Cove park in Orlando and you may just find a gorgeous Sun Conure will use you for a perch!

Ardent fans of Walt Disney World will also tell you that the must-have treat in the Magic Kingdom park (or at the Polynesian Village Resort) is the wonderfully pineapple-flavoured (and coloured) Dole Whip, a heavenly concoction of soft-serve frozen dessert that goes perfectly with a day in the theme park.

And, continuing the food theme, there are Yellowfin Tuna that provide great sport for deep-sea fishermen – and even better eating once they are on your plate at dinner-time. It often makes a memorable ahi tuna salad or, at the Captain & Krewe seafood market in Naples you can buy sushi-grade Yellowfin by the pound, and that’s a real Florida treat!

Talking of treats, beer drinkers are now spoiled rotten for choice of craft breweries in the Sunshine State. There are more than 200 of just about every kind, from the Panhandle to the Keys, and everywhere in between.

This is important because

1. Florida craft beers are some of the best in America, with an increasingly broad range of ales and lagers.
2. When you need a drink to go with all that sunshine, nothing quite does the job like a crisp, golden lager.

The Keys are home to several notable choices in this genre, such as the Islamorada Brewery and Key West’s First Flight, while Tampa is Craft Beer Central in many respects, with some of the oldest breweries in the state and an enormous range.

But it’s hard to go wrong in this respect, as just about everywhere now has its own brewery, taproom or brew-pub, and you will never be short of the old amber nectar, as a certain Australian actor used to say. In this case, we like to highlight Two Henrys Brewing Company in Plant City, between Orlando and Tampa, because their Gilded Age Golden Lager really hits the spot for a great taste (and a great photo!).

Seeing as you are on holiday, this is also the time to consider a memorable cocktail or two, and there are some suitably delectable choices for those, too, especially of the right colour. Fancy a Yellow Bird (actually a Bahamian creation, but popular in Florida)? Or a Yellow Hammer? How about a Pineapple Smash or Top Banana? Or you could just go old school and knock back a classic Tequila Sunrise.

You certainly won’t be short of choice, and we can definitely recommend the world-famous Ball & Chain bar and lounge in Little Havana, Miami (founded 1935), where the Bananita Daiquiri is a local speciality, and worth travelling a long way for, along with their outdoor stage – fashioned like a giant, hollowed-out pineapple!

You will also find some suitably mellow yellow buildings and icons in Florida, especially in Miami, and especially in the Art Deco district of South Beach. This is where you will find the classic Marlin Hotel (built in 1939) and boutique Leslie Hotel (1937) on Ocean Drive, symbols of the city’s 1930s glories, as well as the vivid yellow historic landmark of the Haulover Park Lifeguard Station and Lighthouse.

But, if you’re looking for THE signature yellow image for Florida, you should look no further than Cocoa Beach’s famous Ron Jon Surf Shop, where this sprawling, vibrant blue-and-yellow concoction truly captures the outgoing, outdoorsy spirit of the state with a mix of thrills and humour. The Sunshine State revels in its sense of laid-back holiday charm, and Ron Jon’s is very much the Sunshine Shop.

Now, who’s for a Tequila Sunrise…?

Susan & Simon Veness are the UK’s leading experts on Florida, having written about it for more than 25 years and sold more than half a million copies of their books about Orlando, Disney and the Sunshine State.

Last week we introduced you to Pink Monday (and a chance to win a souvenir Garden Flamingo), so this week we’re going to do the same thing, but just change the hue from pink to glorious green – and give you another chance to get in on the flamingo action (just leave us a comment on our social media to be part of the fun)!

Because, if there’s one thing you notice as you fly in to the Sunshine State it’s that there is an awful lot of green territory just about everywhere you look as you come in to land, whether the airport is Orlando, Miami or Tampa.

And this is definitely A Good Thing. Green is usually a healthy sign in Florida, as well as an indication of how much of the state remains pristine and unspoiled, just waiting to be discovered by visitors for its natural wonderlands, from the Everglades in the south – the fabled ‘River of Grass’ – to the scenic woodland of Big Shoals State Park in the north (one of 175 state parks that add true lustre to the overall picture).

Green is also the colour of ecotourism and conservation, which we now find in super-abundance throughout the state. You don’t have to go far anywhere in Florida to encounter off-the-beaten-track adventures or nature excursions, while the wildlife can also be green (notably the iguanas that you’ll find throughout southern Florida!). Kayaking and paddle-boarding are second nature to most Floridians, and cycling and hiking trails are equally popular.

Even the theme parks have added to the array of environmentally friendly ‘green’ initiatives in recent years, with Walt Disney World introducing vast solar power developments that will produce the equivalent amount of electricity to supply more than 10,000 homes and greatly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, while Legoland Florida is turning its car parks into solar-power ‘farms.’

And then there are the regular organisations dedicated to preserving the ecology and natural resources of this beautiful destination, including Audubon of Florida (the state’s most influential conservation group) and the imaginative Florida Green Lodging Program, which highlights places to stay that go above and beyond the basics of recycling and maintenance to lower their carbon footprint.

Climate change is another issue that is currently impacting the state, and you will find that there are active programmes in place to address this problem, too, as well as more awareness at government level of the need to be climate aware.

Holiday-makers can even visit a fast-developing green ‘city’, in the shape of Babcock Ranch, a 440-acre new town that aims to be fully self-sustainable, with an emphasis on energy and water conservation through innovative renewable energy programmes and new technology. Or how about another kind of green – Green Cove Springs, with its natural sulfur springs and annual Soul Food Festival?

But what does all this mean for your Florida holiday? Quite a lot actually. The essential message is that this is a state where you can genuinely kick back and enjoy all the benefits of the best man-made attractions right alongside the natural ones.

Green is not just a colour but a way of life for dozens of eco-warriors who are happy to lead carfully-crafted excursions, whether it might be bioluminescent kayak tours or airboat rides deep into the immaculate marshlands and waterways of this endlessly fascinating place.

In fact, modern Florida is as much about nature as it is about theme parks and beaches. And, with that in mind, we thought we would highlight our Magnificent Seven Natural Attractions in the state, along with the best way to enjoy them:

Mangrove Tunnel Ecotour – head to Lido Key, Sarasota, for the chance to enjoy this magnificent slice of local nature, taking a kayak tour through the mangrove swamps along the interior coastline and enjoying the ‘tunnel’ effect as you meander through this unique ecosystem.

Where to stay: Any visit to the Sarasota area is enhanced by a stay at the fabulous Hyatt Regency Sarasota.

Blue Spring State Park – Florida is famous for its fresh spring-fed rivers and waterways, and one of the best can be found just north of Orlando, where manatees, fish and turtles can all be seen in the crystal-clear waters, and a kayak tour will take you deep into the heart of the pristine forest.

Where to stay: In between Orlando and Blue Spring is the suburb of Winter Park, where the Alfond Inn is a superb choice.

Torreya State Park – Here’s another journey back into near-prehistoric territory in this heavily-forested area that features the rare Florida Torreya tree, as well as the distinctive bluffs of the Apalachicola River. The fishing and kayaking here are among the best in the state.

Where to stay: Partner a visit to the state park with a stay in historic Tallahassee, and enjoy the antebellum style of The Park Avenue Inn.

Key Biscayne: Savour the delights of sun, sea and forest in this National Park that is adjacent to Miami and affords magnificent sight-seeing with its mangrove forests, historic lighthouse and guided eco-adventures in and around this natural island playground.

Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne is the perfect base from which to enjoy the natural surroundings as well as the big city nearby.

Devil’s Millhopper State Park: Prepare for a geological oddity like no other at the deep sink-hole in the centre of this 71-acre park, where 212 man-made steps lead down to the observation deck that affords a grandstand view of the half-mile bowl-shaped cavity that gives it its name.

Where to stay: Make Gainesville your base for this adventure and combine it with a stay at the charming Laurel Oak Inn.

Myakka River State Park: The majestic Myakka River flows through 58 square miles of one of the state’s oldest parks, which remains in its natural state since the first Native Americans arrived some 10,000 years ago and discovered arching palm trees and live oaks in a true wilderness area.

Where to stay: Sample the laid-back delights of the boutique Virage Hotel in the delightful town of Osprey, just south of Sarasota.

The Everglades: No visit to Florida is fully complete until you have experienced the awe-inspiring immensity of the Everglades, the vast wetlands that are home to teeming wildlife, incredible bio-diversity and epic panoramas, with a wide variety of eco-tours on offer throughout.

Where to stay: Miami and Fort Lauderdale both offer ready access to the Everglades, but we prefer to visit from Naples, where the Naples Bay Resort & Marina is a great base from which to explore.

Ultimately, green is the colour of excitement and adventure in Florida, and we know our visitors will get full value for their Sunshine State holiday at all the above – and much more besides!

You can also seek out more natural adventures on our special Florida Wildlife Holidays section.

Susan & Simon Veness are the UK’s leading experts on Florida, having written about it for more than 25 years and sold more than half a million copies of their books about Orlando, Disney and the Sunshine State.

But here at Florida First, we’re going against the grain. We refuse to bow to the colour blue. Instead, we’re raising the flag for a completely different concept, one that fits with our ethos of the Sunshine State and all things bright and beautiful.

So, in order to salute a more fair-minded and optimistic point of view, we welcome you to PINK Monday! Blue? Hah! That’s for the fishes. Here at Florida First, we celebrate the complete opposite, a vivid commemoration of a hue that is essential to the state’s joie de vivre, not so much a colour as a way of life.

We see it everywhere. In the wildlife – flamingos, of course – and in the shells on the beach, where the bright pink conch shells are often polished into a bright cerise lustre. It’s in the flowers, where bougainvillea, tropical hydrangea, hibiscus, gerbera daisies, periwinkle and marsh-pinks often give the countryside and gardens a bright pink glow.

You can certainly find it in the buildings, from the pastel shades of Miami’s Art Deco district to the vivid ‘Pink Palace’ of the Don CeSar Resort in beautiful St Pete Beach on the Gulf Coast, and it is in the food, with Gulf shrimp, red snapper (which is actually pink) and suitably-coloured cocktails all menu regulars (we highly recommend the Rose Margarita at La Hacienda restaurant in Walt Disney World’s Epcot park, by the way!). There is even the Big Pink diner in Miami, for the Instagram crowd.

It is almost ever-present in the gorgeous sunsets that bid the Sunshine State a gentle ‘Goodnight’ each evening. It is even an official colour designation of its own in ultra-chic Boca Raton, where the historic Boca Raton Club’s extensive paintwork is listed as ‘Boca Pink.’

It is an omni-present, multi-faceted, super-trendy, soothe-your-cares-away shade that imbues Florida with some of its essential brilliance. Yes, we firmly believe in the power of Pink!

And we want YOU to have your own piece of Florida pink to help get you through the depths of January and thinking about your next holiday to the Sunshine State, a chance to shake off those winter blues and look ahead to a glorious vacation rhapsody in pink.

Having mentioned the pink flamingo as one of the most iconic symbols of our favourite destination, we thought it only fitting that we offer our clients and followers the chance to win one of their very own.

So, in honour of Pink Monday, here’s what you need to do:

Comment on our Facebook post about YOUR Florida travel dreams for this year – on this link – and you could win one of FIVE superb Florida Flamingos for your garden!

And, just to underline our extreme pinkness this week, we thought we would highlight 11 more perfectly pink icons of the Sunshine State, in addition to those flamingos:

Big Pink, Miami Beach – this retro diner in South Beach is a favourite late-night hang-out of the ‘In’ crowd, who turn up round the clock for the comfort food, including a signature donut cheeseburger (yes, really!).

Waldorf Astoria Boca Raton Resort & Beach Club, Boca Raton – the original 1920s core of the resort retains its essential hue and Spanish Colonial revival style from celebrity architect Addison Mizner.

Learn more about the Boca Beach Club here

The Colony Hotel, Palm Beach – this downtown gem is notable for its British Colonial architecture and beautiful pastel paint job that makes it stand out from the crowd in the most colourful of ways.

Learn more about The Colony Club here

The Chesterfield, Palm Beach – another historic landmark and upmarket resort in the heart of swanky Palm Beach, just minutes from both Worth Avenue and the city’s beautiful beaches.

Learn more about The Chesterfield here

Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa, Clearwater Beach – going for the modern touch, this hotel was built as recently as 2010 but has a more classical look among the beachfront high-rise properties.

Learn more about the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach here

Jensen Beach Inn, Jensen Beach – here’s another historic property, a beautiful little boutique hotel that dates back to 1909 and epitomises the laid-back style of this delightful Atlantic Coast hideaway.

Learn more about the Jensen Beach Inn here

Caribe Royale Resort, Orlando – when you’re looking for modern AND grand, this extensive resort offers a gorgeous array of dining and amenities, along with its notably pink paintwork.

Vinoy Renaissance, St Petersburg – set right in the heart of downtown St Petersburg, the Vinoy is another Florida elder statesman hotel, with superb Mediterranean Revival style to go with its 1925 vintage.

Learn more about the Vinoy Renaissance here

The Don CeSar, St Pete Beach – the most iconic of them all, this monumental 1928 hotel sits right on the beachfront in commanding style, rightly revelling in its local nickname as The Pink Palace.

Learn more about the Don CeSar here

Ca’ d’Zan, Sarasota – practically the last great mansion of The Gilded Age, the stunning home of circus impresario John Ringling and wife Mable is a magnificent example of Venetian Gothic architecture, highlighted by pink sandstone and stucco elevations. Today it is part of the must-see Ringling Estate in Sarasota.

El Mirasol, Palm Beach – another Mizner masterpiece, this vast 1919 home for fabulously wealthy socialite Edward Stotesbury was the last word in home opulence. Tragically, the mansion was demolished in 1959.

Susan & Simon Veness are the UK’s leading experts on Florida, having written about it for more than 25 years and sold more than half a million copies of their books about Orlando, Disney and the Sunshine State.