Known universally as the Sunshine State, Florida enjoys blissfully warm weather all year round, so whether you’re basking on MIami Beach or visiting famous Florida Keys, you’re guaranteed to stay warm. 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 hovercraft adventures to historic discoveries, you’ll soon see why Florida is such a haven for holiday-makers, ex-pats and A-Listers.

Everglades
The Everglades is one of the largest wetlands in the world and is a must see for any visitor to Florida. A myriad of swamps, canals, springs and rivers, this National Park and its inhabitants are best explored via the water. Whether you decide to dip in and out of the creeks on an airboat, glide on a hovercraft through Alligator Alley (did we mention the locals?(, or get to know the pond life on a canoe outing, you’ll be spoilt for choice with ways to travel around the 1.Five 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 Florida Keys’ most popular and most southern points, if you love water sports, you’ll love Key West. Occupy yourself snorkelling, sailing or fishing, or for something that’s a little more up close and personal, experience swimming with the Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins. Elsewhere, golfing aficionados can brush up their back nine at the impressive Key West Golf Club, while literary fans can swot up on the famous works of Ernest Hemingway at his home and museum situated in the Old Town. Then, when the day comes to an end, watch the sun go down whilst being wined and dined aboard one of the Liberty Clipper ships that dock 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. Made famous for its roll as the backdrop of 80s cop show Miami Vice, Miami Beach is still the number one hotspot to which trend setters, party animals and sun worshippers continue to flock to soak up the 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. With narrow streets and craftmakers on every corner, history buffs will be in their element exploring the quaint and charming old town. There are plenty of transport options, making it easy to make the most of your time-warp trip and visit such famous sights as the St Augustine Lighthouse, completed in 1874, the Bridge of Lions, the Old City Gates and the Fountain of Youth. From horse drawn carriages and Old Town trolley tours to glitzy helicopter rides over the city, expect the views to be breathtaking from any and every angle.

Kennedy Space Center
Beam me up, Scotty! (Or should we say Kennedy?)? If you want something to make your Florida holiday out of this world, NASA’s launch headquarters is just the ticket. Not far from Orlando’s plethora of theme parks, the Kennedy Space Center attracts millions of visitors each year. And it’s easy to see why. The only place where spectators can bear witness to real-life space shuttle launches, you can also enjoy a completely simulated experience where you get to try out the sights and sounds of heading into space for yourself. Add to this the opportunity to learn about flights into space, both past and present, over lunch with a real astronaut, and you’ll be over the moon.