Florida

Five Reasons to Visit Orlando, Florida

Embrace the beauty of Orlando and the attractions of the city.

Orlando is a city densely packed with sights to see and activities to engage with. While it’s famous for theme parks and nightlife, there’s so much more to enjoy.

If you want fine dining in unique venues or a perfect nature escape, you can find it all in The City Beautiful. Here are five reasons to visit Orlando, Florida.

Get Some Adrenaline Rush in its Many Theme Parks

Since Orlando is the famed theme park capital of the world, it’s only natural to start here. There are colossal fantasy-themed parks, as well as those focused on nature exploration.

Resorts like Disney World and the Universal complex are the size of a small town. These two resorts alone house many well-known theme parks – you’ll need several days to visit them all.

Other heavy-weight theme parks include SeaWorld and Legoland. SeaWorld has water-based rides and an extensive showcase of marine life. Of course, Legoland has the theme of the famous Swedish brand.

However, there are also other theme parks of less gargantuan proportions worth mentioning.

Gatorland is exactly what it sounds like. The wildlife reserve and theme park are all about alligators and crocodiles. Here you can watch the reptiles from an observation tower, walk through the swamp, or fly on a zipline. Daily shows and training sessions star the animals themselves. Although themed around the ancient predators, the park is family-friendly and safe.

Meanwhile, the Fun Spot Action Park is purely focused on fun activities. The park features various Go-Kart tracks, roller coasters, and fair games. And as a particularly sweet detail, there are many attractive carousels for you to ride if you want to slow things down.

See The City’s Gorgeous Lakes

Orlando’s lakes don’t get enough attention as an attraction – the city’s teeming with them from downtown to the wider area. In fact, those who manage to take their eyes off the amusement parks would find freshwater all around.

The small yet touchingly beautiful Lake Eola lies in downtown Orlando. A park and the cityscape beyond surround it, perfect for a walk on the mile-long walkway around the lake. You can even see swans cruise the clear water among the greenery and a fountain all lit-up at night.

Lake Ivanhoe is also in the city, particularly in the historic Ivanhoe Village neighborhood. It’s a popular destination in Orlando, abundant with shops and restaurants. You can explore the lakeside on a paddleboat, bike, or on foot.

Meanwhile, the large Clear Lake is in the city center. It borders three parks that have fields for different sports. This lake has several canal outlets to the south and a fishing dock. Here you can ride a boat or take a stroll on the boardwalk.

Orlando’s downtown area already has an astounding number of gorgeous lakes and parks. But if you venture a couple of hours outside the city, plenty more are waiting. This includes Lake Okeechobee, the largest in Florida and the second-largest in the USA.

These freshwater treasures are truly marvelous and memorable.

Vast, Sunny Beaches

If you don’t mind taking a short trip, your visit to Orlando can become a beach holiday. Although landlocked, the city’s some 90 minutes away from both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Some you can even reach in an hour or less, like Cocoa, Canaveral, or New Smyrna Beach.

The Florida oceanside is well-known for expansive stretches of sandy shores. You can find developed beaches with plenty of amenities or a secluded area for peaceful relaxation.

A day on the beach in Florida’s tropical climate is certainly worth the relatively short drive.

A Vibrant Nightlife

Orlando offers a great choice of bars, restaurants, and clubs. There are places with live music and shows, as well as some amazing dance clubs. Whether you’re looking for fine cuisine or a place to dance the night away, Orlando’s got it all.

The Improv Comedy Club is a stand-out venue. During its decades-long existence, it’s featured some of the biggest names in the industry. So if you’re up for adult-themed comedy, this unique club will have you laughing for hours.

For a great night out, you should also check out Kings Dining & Entertainment. You can go bowling, play billiards, table tennis, and lots more. The dining part focuses on classics, like burgers, pizza, and chicken wings. In the two bars located here, you can find craft ales and cocktails, among other beverages.

One-of-a-Kind Hotels

Although it might not be immediately synonymous with the city, there are many unique hotels in Orlando. Some accommodations have prices that don’t go too much over the average, while others are more exclusive.

Whatever your choice and budget, there are many hotels in Orlando worth seeing for the attractions they have.

The Holiday Inn Resort houses a waterpark, activity centers for kids, and a cinema theatre, to name a few. The waterpark is enormous, surrounded by hotel buildings with modern apartments.

Meanwhile, the Gaylord Palms Resort has an enclosed atrium filled with trees and greenery. The wonderful, old-time architecture that encompasses the atrium represents Florida’s history. But if the somewhat pricier accommodation deters you from staying here, you should at least visit this hotel for the incredible sight.

The Grand Bohemian Hotel has a sophisticated style worthy of its name. In particular, the lavish design of the rooms contrasts with the clean, modern exterior. You’ll even find leather chairs and oak tables inside the luxurious, boutique hotel.

If you want more than a hotel, why not stay at a castle? The Castle Hotel has a Bavarian-style design. Inside and out, there’s a combination of traditional castle and modern elements. The decorative furniture further contributes to the uniqueness and luxury of the hotel.

Feel the Magic of Orlando

It isn’t easy to cover everything to see and do in Orlando. To experience it all in one visit is downright impossible. Far from being just a theme park hotspot, the city has all kinds of attractions.

Once you visit Orlando, chances are you’ll crave to see it again. It’s a special place deserving of its name, The City Beautiful.

Family Travel

The 9 Reasons You Should Visit Daytona Beach,

The 9 Reasons You Should Visit Daytona Beach

Whether it’s the need for speed or sandy beaches, Daytona Beach has it. This beach is a top tourist attraction that caters to thrill-seekers, kids, families, and birdwatchers alike.

There’s more than one reason to visit Daytona Beach. It’s not just about shopping, premium accommodations, and exciting cuisine – it goes beyond that. This place is home to many historic locations and businesses that offer unique experiences.

Check out some of the best places to relax, party, or educate yourself on history, art, and the sciences.

1. Relax or Party at Daytona Beach

Among the top Daytona Beach attractions is the beach itself. The sandy shore stretches over 20 miles of prime beachfront real estate. Known as one of the best beaches in Florida, it’s an energetic scene for tourists and locals.

The beach hosts dozens of festivals each year, so there are plenty of opportunities to plan your visit. The boardwalk, known as the center of Daytona Beach, is famous for its restaurants and street performers. It’s where most of the restaurants and attractions are.

Those attractions include the Ferris wheel, go-kart tracks, and concert venues. Don’t forget to take in the scenery by walking the 1,000ft-long Daytona Pier. It’s another city landmark and a prime fishing spot.

2. Visit the Daytona International Speedway

You can’t visit a historic location in the world of racing without checking out the Daytona International Speedway. It’s a place not just for racing fans but also for any sports enthusiast.

The speedway features premium amenities and a ton of history. It’s also home to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. The hall of fame catalogs racing that goes back to the early 1900s. And you’ll learn why this is the world’s first motorsports stadium. It’s a sight to see and an excellent location to learn about the history of racing.

Aim to book your visit in advance. That way, you can book a copilot experience with a NASCAR driver, or drive on the track yourself.

3. Embark on an Equestrian Adventure

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For those who prefer to go at one horsepower (literally), why not embark on an equestrian adventure? This is one of the most popular Daytona Beach attractions for families. Horseback riding on the beach is relaxing, especially given the excellent trainers and horses.

The trail also goes beyond the sandy beach, so you can take in some of the scenic woodlands scenery.

4. Check Out the Jackie Robinson Ballpark

This landmark location is something you can do before taking in the Daytona Beach nightlife. Visit the stadium that hosted the first game with an African-American baseball player – it’s a must-see for any baseball fan.

Besides touring the stadium and taking in its rich history, you can also catch a game. And, when the Daytona Tortugas aren’t playing, the stadium sometimes hosts concerts.

5. Visit the Museums

There’s more than one museum to see in Daytona Beach. You can check out the Museum of Arts & Sciences, the Museum of Photography, and even the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art.

The latter is an interesting attraction that houses over 2,000 works of art. It tells the story of Florida – a history that goes back to the days of the pioneers to the modern times – through the work of various artists. You’ll also be treated to a nice collection of pop-culture exhibits.

If you’re planning a school trip or a family vacation, there’s enough action for everyone.

Daytona Beach is home to not only sports and entertainment but also educational attractions. It’s rich in history and art that will satisfy anyone who wants to experience other things aside from the lively nightlife or beach activities.

6. Tour the Chocolate Factory

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Angell & Phelps is not Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. But it is a hot tourist attraction with its handmade chocolate confections. It’s also among the first woman-founded companies and still offers many of its products made using original recipes.

Touring the historic factory is free. It’s definitely a fun activity, especially if you have a sweet tooth. But even if you don’t, it’s still worth a visit to see one of the factories that had a massive impact on female entrepreneurship in America.

7. Take in the Scenery in the Tomoka State Park

If you’re willing to take a 20-minute drive up north, you can visit the Tomoka State Park. It covers 2,000 acres and runs along the Tomoka River.

Since 1945, tourists have flocked here to see the scenery or engage in various water activities, like kayaking and fishing. It’s also a great spot to visit if you’re a birdwatcher, considering the variety of species around like bald eagles.

The park also offers camping accommodations, provided that you get a permit first. It’s a good idea if you want to trek more nature trails.

8. Visit the Marine Science Center

Another great location for educational purposes is the Marine Science Center. It also doubles as a research and learning center and hosts a variety of species of underwater life.

This is the place that nurses back to health everything from sea turtles to injured birds. You can even interact with some of the “residents”, as many species are in touch-tanks. There is also a bird observation tower and a boardwalk trail for you to explore.

9. Look Down on the Beach

If you’re not scared of heights, here’s one of the coolest things to do when you visit Daytona Beach. HeliHogs helicopter rides offer an amazing perspective of the lively beach. It’s also one of the best ways to see as much as you can in a short amount of time.

The tours go further up north along the coastline. Seeing the waves crash and the dark blue ocean water from above is something everyone should experience at least once.

Fun for All Ages in the Sunshine State

Anyone that thinks Florida is for old people hasn’t visited Daytona Beach.

This is an amazing location for single people and entire families, especially given the range of activities and attractions available. There are reasonable accommodations for all budgets and has more than you can hope to see in just one holiday.

It hosts numerous festivals, offers fresh seafood, and an active nightlife. That and its impeccable beach make Daytona Beach a destination you don’t want to miss.

Best Hotels

The Party Animal’s Guide to Miami Beach

The Party Animal’s Guide to Miami Beach

Miami is a city that comes alive after dark. And with the abundance of world-famous clubs, there’s plenty of parties to choose from.

If you yearn for awesome fun and great parties, Miami is the city for you. It’s not rare for the best clubs in Miami Beach to count among the world’s best as well. Because the city’s huge and party opportunities abound, it might be difficult to find your way to the right venue.

That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive list of the best places to visit in Miami for all the party animals out there. Check out the clubs listed here and have the night of your life.

1. Nikki Beach Miami

They say there’s nothing quite like a beach party, and Nikki Beach Miami club can provide just that. There are tiki bars and cabanas among the great-looking tropical island decor of one of the best clubs in Miami Beach.

The air is filled with non-stop tunes from excellent DJs, and the cocktails keep flowing. And if you need a bite to eat, there’s delicious food from all over the world. Don’t worry about the calories – dancing the night away on the sand will easily take care of those, especially if you plan a whole night of partying.

2. Purdy Lounge

A club out of the ordinary, Purdy Lounge is not one of the usual party hotspots in Miami. The club is inspired by the retro aesthetic of the mid-70s, complete with lava lamps, funky furniture, and an assortment of board games. It offers a different yet refreshing party experience

The drinks are affordable, the music very pleasant, and the games so much fun. All this might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about a party, but the amount of fun to be had at the Purdy Lounge will surprise you.

3. Beaker and Gray

If partying in style is more your speed, it’s a great idea to drop by Beaker and Gray. The meals and cocktails are sublime, and the atmosphere’s slick yet lively. This isn’t a fine dining experience you can find in more luxurious restaurants, though. It’s still a party venue, but one that accommodates those with specific tastes.

So if you’re not up for the wild parties with loud bass thumping and dancing but still want to have some great fun, pay Beaker and Gray a visit. Stay for the late happy hour and all your nightly party cravings will be satisfied.

4. SkyBar Miami Beach

Skybar’s housed in the unique Shore Club hotel and offers an atmosphere of extravagance and chic. There’s a garden, a lounge by the pool, and of course, the beach outdoors. But the party starts in the captivating Redroom that’s designed to fascinate with its dramatic colors.

The venue is filled with luxurious materials and has a seductive quality about it. If this kind of lounge fits your style, you’ll find it hard to leave one of the best clubs in Miami Beach before sunrise. Luckily, Skybar’s made for just that kind of patrons – you’re welcome to stay for hours while immersed in its splendor.

5. Ball & Chain

Ball & Chain has plenty of tradition behind it, being in business since the mid-30s. While today it might be somewhat low-key as a party venue, it’d still be a mistake to miss out on what it offers.

Once upon a time, legends such as Billie Holiday and Chet Baker performed here, and Ball & Chain keep the tradition of live music events to this day. There’s no shortage of opportunity for dancing and fine drinks await at the bar. This is the sort of place that’s rich in history that you’ll want to be part of.

6. Sweet Liberty

Going back to the more common party joints, Sweet Liberty deserves mention. It’s a casual yet exotic cocktail bar that makes a point of being the main watering hole of the area.

This is a place for those who want the cocktails to keep coming while fine tunes build up the atmosphere. And if you come for happy hour, the drinks are less than cheap, as are the oysters you can grab as an on-the-go refreshment.

7. Basement

s a versatile space focused on nothing but fun. It features everything one could imagine when looking for a great night of partying – it can be a dance club, a bar, a bowling alley, and many more things. So if you’re looking for some of the best clubs in Miami Beach, this is a place to consider.

It’s located in the Edition Hotel, and the exact location of the club is revealed in its name. Here you could catch a performance by world-class DJs and even spot some celebrities among the crowd. That is if you can keep your eyes off the amazing interior. After all, Basement is gorgeous and perfect for taking a photo or ten.

8. No. 3 Social

If there’s one thing that’s not common in the Miami party scene, it’s rooftop venues. That’s where No. 3 Social comes in. The lounge offers an astounding view to go along with the music, food, and, of course, the drinks.

Besides its rooftop location, the club’s famous for the delicate menu full of intricate, delicious meals. The cocktails are just as delightful as the food, and all of it is accompanied by either live music or DJ tracks. No. 3 Social also has a cinema night once a week and an extensive happy hour.

The Fun in Miami Never Ends

There are enough nightlife options in Miami to last a lifetime, but the essential party spots are the ones you shouldn’t miss. With various venues, locations, and available activities, every partygoer will be satisfied by the best clubs in Miami Beach.

If you like those larger-than-life nightly events, there’s a place for you here. And if low-key, classy joints are more up your alley, you can find those in Miami as well.

There aren’t many cities that can satiate every craving quite as good as Miami when it comes to different party tastes.

Tips + Planning

The 10 Most Exciting Activities in Orlando, US

Rightfully called the Theme Park Capital of the World, Orlando has plenty of activities that can get your adrenaline going.

Orlando is the place to be if you want to experience some of the coolest zip lines in Florida, among others. Many might think it’s just for those looking for plenty of adrenaline rush, but it’s also an exceedingly family-friendly city.

Whatever you choose to do, here are the top 10 activities in Orlando that you wouldn’t want to miss.

#1 – Take the Airboat Ride at Boggy Creek

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You can find Boggy Creek Airboat in Kissimmee, which is close to Walt Disney World. The ride itself takes 45 minutes and takes you into Florida’s untouched nature. Don’t be surprised to see some of the exotic wildlife endemic to the region during your trip.

Once aboard an airboat, you’ll get to whizz down the Florida Everglades at up to 40 mph. But if you think it’s not safe, rest assured that every boat has the U.S. Coast Guard’s approval for operating.

And if you want a genuinely thrilling experience of the Everglades, night rides are available and they last 15 minutes longer.

#2 – Visit the Botanical Gardens and Florida Zoo

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This is among the most kid-friendly activities in Orlando.

The zoo and botanical gardens take up 23 acres and host over 500 animals. Its highlights include the Seminole Areal Adventures, insect zoo, and reptile house.

There’s also a children’s area where the youngsters can pet and feed some of the animals. Best of all, this attraction is just a short drive from the city center.

#3 – Jump Aboard a Balloon

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Arguably the best way to see the city is from above, and the balloon ride can deliver that experience.

These hot-air balloons take off near Walt Disney World, making it a potentially great way to round off your day after visiting the theme park.

You can count on plenty of opportunities to snap great photos as your balloon floats across the city’s skyline.

#4 – Go Go-Karting

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How about some fun indoor activities in Orlando?

There’s Andretti Indoor Karting & Games, which bears the name of legendary race car driver Mario Andretti.

The karting area spreads across multiple levels and has tracks suitable for both beginners and veteran drivers. But if that’s not your cup of tea, you can get in one of the VR racing simulators instead. Or check out the curved zip line, extreme ropes course, and motion theater.

If you feel famished after all that activity, know that the facility also has a full-service restaurant.

#5 – Visit Chocolate Kingdom

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This Willy Wonka-inspired attraction takes you through a myriad of chocolate creations, many of which must be seen to be believed.

A prince and his sidekick will take you on an interactive tour of the chocolate factory. There are several memorable stops like the Mystical River of Chocolate, the Cacao Tree Greenhouse, and the Chocolate Museum.

The main attraction is the Bean-to-the-Bar Factory where you’ll get to learn all about vintage chocolate-making. And if you’re so inclined, this is where you can make your personalized chocolate bar.

#6 – Stop by the Kennedy Space Center

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Want to do something unique?

The Kennedy Space Center is an hour away from Orlando and well worth the drive, as it’s where you can learn the history of space travel and the associated technological marvels.

This is where you can find the Saturn V rocket and Space Shuttle Atlantis, as well as various artifacts, displays, and replicas that commemorate the relevant space missions.

Before you leave, make sure to take the Heroes & Legend experience for an immersive story about the pioneers of NASA.

#7 – Check Out Topgolf Orlando

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One of the coolest daytime activities in Orlando, Topgolf can appeal to golfing connoisseurs and novices alike.

The venue is next to the Orange County Convention Center and equipped with more than 100 driving bays. These are climate-controlled and blessed with excellent music selection and HDTVs.

Interestingly, Topgolf uses a scoring system more akin to darts and bowling than golf. That’s not a bad thing, though, as it makes it easier to keep track of your progress when you’re playing for fun.

The venue also has an impressive drink and food menu that won’t make you think twice about ordering some refreshments so you can do as well as you can on the course.

#8 – Walk Around Bok Tower Gardens

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Bok Tower Gardens may just be Orlando’s best-kept secret.

Just 10 miles off LEGOLAND, the Gardens is a National Historic Landmark and a gift from Pulitzer Prize winner and humanitarian Edward Bok. The 700 acres of land cover nature trails, citrus groves, and lots of endangered plants.

Like all things Florida, the gardens are open all year round.

#9 – Spend an afternoon at Gatorland

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Those who look for cheap activities in Orlando, Florida, should go to Gatorland. But don’t let the low ticket price fool you, as there’s plenty of excitement to be had here.

The place spans 100 acres and has thousands of crocodiles and alligators on site. There’s also an aviary and an observation tower overlooking the reptile breeding marsh.

Gatorland houses Florida panthers as well, in addition to a splash pad and a petting zoo. Memorable exhibitions include Gator Jumparoo, Gator Wrestlin’ Show, and Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure.

#10 – Get Your Fill of Revolution Adventures

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This may be a countryside attraction, but it’s not far away from the major theme parks of Orlando. Off-road adventures are the focus at Revolution Adventures.

Get behind the wheel of the most outrageous ATVs, including ARGO Mucky Ducks and dune buggies. And yes, everything is guided so you’ll be perfectly safe at all times.

When you’re done driving, you can try your hand at shooting clay pigeons or archery. Revolution Adventures has all the necessary gear for it.

Excitement Never Stops

There are enough activities in Orlando to make you book an extended holiday. It’s the city where you can experience a mix of activities unique to Florida, while still have time for the theme parks.