Whether you’re basking on Miami Beach or visiting world famous Florida Keys, expect blissfully warm weather all year round – it’s easy to see why Florida is nicknamed the Sunshine State. The perfect climate for sightseeing, if real Disney-free Florida holidays are what you’re looking for, then consider these top five alternative attractions instead. From historical discoveries to hovercraft adventures, it’s easy to see why Florida is such a haven for holidaymakers, ex-pats and A-listers.

Everglades
An absolute must see for any visitor to Florida, the Everglades is one of the largest wetlands in the world. This national park, a myriad of rivers, canals, springs and swamps, is best explored via the water. Whether you choose to dip in and out of the creeks on an airboat, hop on a hovercraft and head to Alligator Alley (did we mention the locals?), or get acquainted with the pond life on a canoe trip, you’ll be spoilt for choice on how to travel around the 1.5 million acres of marshes. And, if you’d prefer not to get your hands dirty (or should we say feet wet), you can opt for a drier experience and discover the park via tram, bike or foot.

Key West
One of the most popular and most southern points in Florida Keys, Key West is a favourite with water sports enthusiasts. Try snorkelling, sailing or deep sea fishing, or if you fancy something a bit more up close and personal, get an unforgettable experience swimming with Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins. Literature fans will delight in the famous works of Ernest Hemingway at his home and museum in the Old Town, while golfers will love the impressive course at Key West Gold Club. Then, as the day draws to a close, watch the sunset from the decks of a Liberty Clipper ship as you’re wined and dined in the bays there.

Miami Beach
In his hit single, Miami, Will Smith sang about “partying in the city where the heat is on, all night on the beach ’til the break of dawn”, and quite frankly, we couldn’t have put it better ourselves. Renowned for providing the backdrop for 80s cop show Miami Vice; trend-setters, party animals and sun worshippers continue to flock here to soak up the sun and A-list atmosphere. Undoubtedly, the most fashionable of all the beaches is South Beach, where golden sands and crystal clear waters go hand in hand with cool cocktail bars and designer boutiques. However, if you’d prefer to dodge the flashing lights of the parties and paps, the nearby art deco area is dotted with museums and is a great place to work the brain cells and stretch the legs.

St Augustine
The oldest European city established in America, turn back time with a stop-off at St Augustine. The quaint and charming Old Town is a veritable haven for history buffs, who delight in its narrow streets and craftmakers. Florida has excellent transport options, so getting around and seeing the famous sights is easy. Visit the Bridge of Lions, the Old City Gates, the St Augustine Lighthouse, and the Fountain of Youth. From horse-drawn carriages, old town trolley tours to a helicopter ride over the city, expect the views from every angle to be truly breathtaking.

Kennedy Space Center
Beam me up, Scotty, or should that be Kennedy? For a truly out of this world experience, NASA’s launch headquarters is just the ticket. Not far from Orlando and its plethora of theme parks, the space centre attracts millions of visitors every year. And it’s not hard to see why. Not only is it the only place you can witness a real life shuttle launch, it also offers a completely unique simulated experience, so you’ll feel like you’ve been to space yourself. Add to this lunch with an astronaut learning all about past and present flights into space, and you’ll be over the moon.