Kissimmee, St Pete and Tampa
Florida might be best known for thrilling Orlando and hip Miami, but did you know it also offers a wealth of other destinations for the traveller looking for something different? From the laid-back beach paradise of St Pete/Clearwater to Tampa – home of Busch Gardens and the Florida Aquarium. Kissimmee is a great alternative to Orlando for families and those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle – here’s to some quality time together in the sun!
Good to know
Getting there: For Kissimmee, fly to Orlando in as little as 9 hours. For St. Petes and Tampa fly to Tampa International in 9.5 hours
Climate: Warm and tropical year-round, temperatures range from lows of 20°C in winter to highs of 35°C in the summer
Local currency: US Dollar ($)
GMT: -5 hours
Kissimmee
Located just south of busy Orlando and with easy access to the iconic Disneyland and Universal parks, the city of Kissimmee is a more relaxed location for those looking to enjoy some off the beaten track activities. An area of outstanding natural beauty, there is plenty for wildlife lovers to enjoy. Take a trip into the Everglades, hop on board an iconic hovercraft and go alligator spotting or explore the great outdoors by foot at the picturesque Shingle Creek Park. Want to notch up the pace? There are plenty of sports to watch at the Osceola County Stadium, so why not take in a game or two of baseball, the USA’s national game.
Don’t miss! ➳
• Gatorland – get up close with alligators!
• Learn chocolate secrets at Chocolate Kingdom
• A hovercraft ride in the Everglades
• Retro cars in the Old Town complex
Tampa Bay
The hip, urban heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast beats in Tampa Bay. Experience an entire Florida holiday in one beautiful destination – thrill rides, animal encounters, Cuban heritage, superb shopping, excellent dining, and sparkling water. Tampa Bay is home to world-famous Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay, with thrills for all ages. Take to the water in the heart of downtown aboard a paddleboard, water bike or dolphin cruise. Cap your evening with a meal inspired by Tampa Bay’s unique blend of cultures at Ulele, Bern’s Steak House, Fodder & Shine or the Columbia – Florida’s oldest restaurant. Whether hunting luxury labels or big bargains, shoppers will find plenty to carry home at venues such as open-air Hyde Park Village, upscale International Plaza, or Tampa Premium Outlets. So, come and see for yourself as treasure awaits in Tampa Bay.
Don’t miss! ➳
• Take a white-knuckle ride at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
• Stroll the 4 Km Tampa Riverwalk
• Visit Ybor City National Historic Landmark District
• Shop ‘til you drop at International Plaza
St Pete and Clearwater
Stop and stare at the idyllic beachside twin cities of St Pete and Clearwater, or better still, slip those sandals off and dip your toes in this sandy paradise! So beautiful, it was voted Tripadvisor’s number 1 beach in the USA in 2016. For a day to remember, seek excitement further inland at Sawgrass Lake Park – will you be lucky enough to spot the baby alligators amongst the wealth of other wildlife that lives there? Or take a Segway nature tour around the Tampa Bay Seawall for a truly unique experience.
Don’t miss! ➳
• The Dali Museum
• Relax on award winning beaches
• Taste the local speciality seafood
• Catch a show at Capitol Theatre