Florida Honeymoons

Florida - Location

Florida is located in the south-eastern part of the United States, between the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean and the Straits of Florida. It is bordered on the north by Georgia and Alabama, and is in close proximity to Caribbean islands such as Cuba and the Bahamas.

Climate

Florida is popularly called the ‘Sunshine State’ and that’s not surprising,considering it isknown to experience almost 300 days of sunshine annually, making it a popular location fo honeymoons, especially honeymooners from the United States. For the most part the climate is humid and subtropical with the Florida Keys experiencing a tropical climate. Late fall and winter are the only time when Florida experiences cooler temperatures. Hurricanes are common from July to November, but other than that, any time is a good time to visit Florida and soak in the sun on its beautiful beaches or enjoy some of its major attractions and cities.

Language and accessibility

English is the main language, followed by Spanish, while a smaller percentage speaks French, German and Italian. For American honeymooners favoring a tropical destination, it is a good choice as it does not necessitate extensive travel. It also has an abundance of regional and international airports across the state, particularly at Miami, Orlando and Palm Beach. While traveling by land, you are assured of an organized highway and scenic routes, if you’re in the mood for a leisurely drive.

Florida’s key attractions for honeymooners include: The Florida Keys

The Florida Keys is an archipelago of about 1,700 islands located off the south-east coast of the United States. Some of the more popular islands are Key West and the Lower Keys, including Big Pine, Marathon and Key Largo.

Key West is located at the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys and it affords honeymooners a romantic stroll down its palm-lined streets or a glimpse of history and architechture with its 19th century wooden houses, Ernest Hemingway’s home, gingerbread mansions and tin-roofed conch houses. For a romantic meal for two, make reservations for a table in the outdoor garden area of Michael’s Restaurant (532, Margaret Street) or Louie’s Backyard (700, Waddell Avenue) where the terrace affords marvellous views of the ocean – a perfect setting for you and your bride! Don’t miss the Sunset Celebration on the Mallory Dock or take in the nightlife with its bustling cafes and pubs. If you’re in the mood for snorkelling, diving or fishing, then the historic Seaport district, more popularly known as the Key West Bight is the place for you.

The Lower Keys are equally splendid with their wilderness and history. Honeymooners can enjoy Tiny Little Duck Key with its beaches and Veteran's Memorial Park, Ohio Key with its Sunshine Key Camping Resort, Bahia Honda Key with its beautiful beaches, wildlife, State Park and Recreation Area and Big Pine Key with its National Key Deer Refuge and Looe Key Reef for snorkelling and diving opportunities and its annual Underwater Music Festival.

Marathon, situated mid-way and popularly called the ‘Heart of the Keys’, has a rich, sea-faring tradition and the famous Sombrero Beach, Boot Key Harbor, Crane Point Hammock’s museums, walking trails and Nature Center, the Dolphin Research Center and Turtle Hospital. This is an ideal spot for honeymooners looking for a quiet time by themselves.

The shops and galleries at Treasure Village and the Rain Barrel on Plantation Key offer a colorful collection of arts, crafts and other creative island treasures. Robbie's Marina on Lower Matecumbe Key sells buckets of bait for feeding swarms of tarpon that linger off the dock. Islamorada and its surrounding areas also boast several state parks.

Key Largo is the northernmost island of the Florida Keys, replete with meandering creeks, coral formations, wilderness and wildlife and the spectacular wreck of a Navy ship in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Whether it is diving or sport fishing, kayaking or eco-tourism, Key Largo is a popular destination on a Florida honeymoon. The Everglades National Park

In close proximity to Key Largo is the Everglades National Park, located at the southern tip of Florida. For those honeymooners drawn to wildlife and with a sense of adventure, it is a unique opportunity to observe rare and endangered species in their natural habitat. It is exciting to witness the everglades from an airboat that glides across the wetlands, providing a close glimpse into nature at its best. Orlando

For honeymooners who are kids at heart, Orlando is a popular choice and has special honeymoon packages. It has theme parks like the Universal Orlando Resort, with a tour of Universal Studios and the Islands of Adventure, Sea World and the famous Disney World. In addition, there are Daytona USA and Ripley’s Believe It or Not. A few minutes away is the Kennedy Space Center with all you ever wanted to know about space shuttles and space programs including the chance to meet an astronaut, if you’re lucky.Miami

Miami, located on the south-eastern tip of Florida, is an ideal spot for honeymooners looking for an idyllic beach setting. It tends to get fairly hot during the peak of summer, while temperatures are lower between October and May. South Beach at the southern end is famous for its surfing. For those with a penchant for architecture, a visit to the Art Deco district is a must, while Ocean Drive comes alive at night with its varied and bustling nightlife.Palm Beach and Daytona Beach

Palm Beach offers honeymooners a chance to enjoy a rejuvenating swim in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and sunbathe on its beautiful beach, fringed with swaying palms. It is also famous for its golfing opportunities, shopping, museums and theatres.

Daytona Beach, apart from sunbathing and water activities, has the Daytona International Speedway and botanical gardens.Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay is another popular destination with many fun activities to indulge in, with the beach being first on the list. You could take a romantic stroll down the Pinellas Trail or enjoy a fun-filled day at Busch Gardens. For animal and marine lovers, there is Lowry Park Zoo, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary. St. Petersburg’s Baywalk affords some fine dining and entertainment.

Other popular destinations of honeymooners include Fort Lauderdale, popularly known as the Venice of America due to its long stretches of waterways.