beat the brochure

Orlando, Florida gets a lot of attention when people talk of Florida holidays but there is much more to Florida than we often realise, and even better when we get some insider tips on two other top Florida destinations, Miami and Florida Keys. Visit Florida give us some top tips on the best places to eat, shop, find great sunsets and some brand new Florida Keys and Miami attractions.

Florida Keys

Best place to eat for a family in Florida Keys:

Families visiting Key West have to try Kermit’s famous Key Lime Pie, which also now comes frozen on a stick and covered in chocolate.

Which is the one Florida Keys attraction people often miss that they really shouldn’t?

The authentic Dolphin Connection experience at Hawks Cay Resort, Marathon.

What’s new in Florida Keys right now, or coming up?

The James Bond Jet Pack Adventure experience:

Top 3 souvenirs to bring back from Florida Keys?

Key Lime juices and dressings, a photo taken at Southernmost point – the closest point of the US to Cuba and a packet of matches from Sloppy Joe’s – Hemingway’s favourite hang out.

For an active couple on a trip to Florida Keys, what unique activities can we get up to?

The James Bond Jet Pack Adventure experience!

If you had to pick just one, where can the best view in Florida Keys be found?

Malory Square at Sunset – stunning and lively

Miami

What’s new in Miami right now, or coming up?

November is Miami Live Music Month, which feature many live bands in various venues. As part of Miami Live Music Month, the city will be hosting Sleepless Nights on 5 November, an event featuring 150 free performances, exhibitions and other cultural offerings at 80 locations spread throughout the city.

Miami will be celebrating the 10th edition of Art Basel Miami Beach, America’s most prestigious art fair, from 1 to 4 December.To mark its 10th edition, Art Basel Miami Beach will inaugurate a new collaboration with the Bass Museum of Art on the Art Public sector, which will transform Collins Park with unique artworks and performances by renowned artists and emerging talents. For the first time, Art Video will be presented on the large-scale outdoor projection wall of the New World Center, desighed by Frank Gehry. The free public viewing will be part of a number of special events and performances taking place across Miami Beach for the duration of the show to celebrate the 10th edition.

Where are the best shopping outlets in Miami to pick up some serious bargains?

The place for bargains is Dolphin Mall which has over 240 stores offering great value.

Top 3 souvenirs to bring back from Miami?

Art work from the Wynwood Art District, cigars from Little Havana and designer goods in Coral Gables are amongst Miami’s top souvenirs.

For an active couple on a trip to Miami, what unique activities can we get up to?

A unique way to discover Miami’s wild side is to book a snorkelling or kayaking trip at Miami Dade. Not only do active couples get to ‘stretch their legs’ they can also find out more about this part of Florida’s unique and fragile environment.

If you had to pick just one, where can the best view in Miami be found?

Head to South Pointe Park for amazing views of South Beach or simply to watch ships passing by.

A great big thank you to Kylie Jenkins at VisitFlorida.com for confessing some of her top insider tips for us. If you have any insider tips of your own from your Florida Holidays, why not share them with us!