South Florida Vacation Rentals

South Florida sits just outside the Tropics, so it's no surprise that this corner of the US is a favorite with people looking for warmth and sunshine. Miami is the region's party town, with fantastic clubs and bars, but if you're after something a bit quieter, look for South Florida vacation rentals along the Keys. This is where you can enjoy an idyllic break with golden sands, palm trees, and a laid-back vibe. Vacation properties out of town tend to be larger and detached with private pools, whereas in Miami or Key West apartments and condos are more commonly found.

Enjoy local and international cuisine in South Florida

If you've rented a South Florida condo for your vacation, you'll find all of your favorite supermarket brands to stock up on supplies. Many of South Florida's larger towns and cities have regular farmers' markets for picking up fresh, local produce such as oranges, avocados or tomatoes. If you've never tried eating gator, then a trip to South Florida provides the perfect opportunity. It's usually served cut into chunks and deep fried in breadcrumbs along with either a tomato or garlic dipping sauce.

If you'd prefer to eat out, then South Florida provides a diverse cuisine, rivalling anywhere else in the US. The large Cuban population in Miami flocks to the city's Caribbean restaurants, but there's everything from fine dining to fast food. Seafood is also excellent, especially along the Keys, and what better way to round off your Florida feast than with Key Lime Pie?

Get your culture fix in South Florida

If your ideal vacation involves lots of museums and art galleries, then you won't be disappointed in South Florida. Most of the large museums are in the Miami area and one of the best is the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. The gardens are just as beautiful as the magnificent villa, which is packed with mainly European art and decorative objects. Also located in Miami is the Perez Art Museum, which focuses on contemporary art with a mixture of permanent and temporary exhibitions.

A museum with a difference is the US Maritime Museum in Key West, housed on a former coastguard cutter ship. The guided tour of the ship is led by volunteer guides who once served on board, so expect to get the inside scoop on ship life, with a lot of mid-20th century history thrown in. Falling into the "weird and wonderful" category is Miami's Burger Beast Museum, which is packed with everything and anything to do with America's favorite fast food.

South Florida vacations with the kids

Florida has earned a reputation as a family-friendly destination and there are attractions for kids of all ages. Younger kids will love a visit to Miami Seaquarium, where the emphasis is firmly on conservation and rehabilitation. Swim with dolphins, find out how coral reefs work or get up close with a stingray. Further south, the Shipwreck Museum in Key West will delight all fans of pirates and plunder, telling the story of salvaging gold and other precious objects from the many shipwrecks around the coast.

One of the state's best indoor attractions is the Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale, featuring an impressive 200 interactive exhibits. It's a whole lot of fun for kids of all ages, and they'll be learning all the time. Pitched at a slightly older audience, the Frost Science Center in Miami runs regular kids and teens events and workshops. When it comes to days out on the beach, Key Biscayne is quiet and family-friendly, especially the area around Bill Baggs Cape.

Beaches and more besides in South Florida

You're definitely going to want to spend time on the beaches when you're in South Florida, whatever the time of year. South Beach in Miami is eternally popular with its golden sands, Art Deco architecture and turquoise waters. There are also some great beaches along the Florida Keys, and if you're prepared to drive a bit further, you'll be able to find a stretch of beach all to yourself.

Away from the beaches, there's plenty of other things to do. Spend the day swimming with turtles at the John Pennekamp State Park in the Florida Keys, or take it easy on an airboat ride through the famous Everglades, where spotting alligators is practically guaranteed. Take a step back in time at the Ernest Hemingway house in Key West, or get your picture taken at the Southernmost Point Buoy. Clubbers and shoppers will want to spend time in vibrant Miami, yet the city is also home to world-class museums and galleries.

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