Why Florida is Now Worth a Trip
Florida is more than a US state, it's a way of life. The clocks run leisurely here, people enjoy life with all its sunny sides - which, of course, also fits perfectly for tourists in the Sunshine State with its many dream beaches.
May 8, 2024
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The American writer Ernest Hemingway was a globetrotter. He knew the most beautiful spots on this planet. In Key West, at the southernmost point of Florida, he lived for around ten years in a spacious house built in the French colonial style. Here, he wrote his bestseller To Whom the Bell Tolls - and went deep-sea fishing. Today, the Hemingway House is a museum that is still home to cats - the direct descendants of the author's first pet. In Key West, the Conch-style architecture is impressive, a mix of Victorian sugarplum style, New England cottages and Bahamian influences. The place is quite overrun with tourists, but the journey in a rental car from Miami over 42 bridges along the legendary Overseas Highway is breathtaking: The sea shines in the most beautiful turquoise as if hand-colored, and the sunsets are also spectacular. You can make stops everywhere and book canoe tours.
© Mauritius Images
You cross Everglades National Park, where lazy alligators sun themselves on the side of the road. This unique wetland is best explored by airboat, past the mangroves, where exotic birds nest and alligators and crocodiles swim, which you'll learn a lot about. Tours can be booked easily and quickly on site.
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Miami, on the other hand, is a great place to relax after a long flight - white beaches line up in front of Art Deco buildings, making you feel like you're in a movie set. The Art Miami is one of the world's leading art fairs, but there's also plenty of other artistic stuff to admire in the city all year round.
Life's a breeze
© Todd Eberle
You can even come very close to the dream of a trip into space at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, NASA's spaceport. With a bit of luck, you can witness the energy with which a rocket takes off - it's best to find out in advance when launches are scheduled and then book your ticket for that exact date. On guided tours, you can also visit the famous control center and admire space suits, awards and equipment of famous astronauts in the Hall of Fame.
The Colony Hotel © Brantley Photography 2022
One of the highlights is the space shuttle Atlantis: The space vehicle with its 37 meters length hangs in the ten-story high hall, and you can see the wonder of space travel over several levels. On the lowest level, there's a simulator to experience the launch of a rocket as realistically as possible - quite exciting, even without really taking off.
Where to Stay
The Miami Beach Edition
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It's a stylish luxury hotel in Miami Beach with a historic pool and in a prime location on the Ocean Front.
The Miami Beach Edition
2901 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140, United States
Tel.: +1 786 257 4500
Web: editionhotels.com
Price: Doubles from $ 625
The Boca Raton
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Five hotels united in one resort: from the Adults-Only Yacht Club to the Tower with breathtaking views.
The Boca Raton
501 E Camino Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432, United States
Tel: +1 855 874 6551
Web: thebocaraton.com
Price: Doubles from $ 531
The Colony Hotel
© Brantley Photography 2022
The grand dame of Florida hotels in Art Deco style; movie stars such as Sophia Loren and Frank Sinatra have slept here.
The Colony Hotel
155 Hammon Avenue, Palm Beach, FL 33480, United States
Tel: +1 561 655 5430
Web: thecolonypalmbeach.com
Price: Doubles from $ 449
The Setai Miami Beach
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A skillful mix of Asian influences and glamorous Miami flair meet here. You'll find an excellent cuisine at Jaya with Peking Duck as signature dish. The new restaurant Japón opens in 2023.
The Setai Miami Beach
2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139, United States
Tel: +1 (844) 662-8387
Web: thesetaihotel.com
Price: Doubles from $ 872
Where to Eat
Komodo
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Here you'll get cocktails and especially in autumn you shouldn't miss the Miami Spice menu in a cool ambience. The lounge with live DJ invites to the after-party.
Comodo
801 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131, United States
Tel. +1 305-534-2211
Web: komodomiami.com
Ice Plant
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Unique farm-to-table concept featuring healthy cuisine, craft cocktails and special Twenties charm in a former ice cream factory.
Ice Plant
110 Riberia St., St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States
Tel: +1 (904) 829-6553
Web: iceplantbar.com
Primo
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Award-winning and authentic Mediterranean cuisine with that certain something awaits you here. The focus at Primo is on regional and seasonal ingredients.
Primo
4040 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32837, United States
Tel.: + 1 (407) 206-2300
Web: primojw.com
This article appeared in the Falstaff TRAVEL issue Fall 2023.
