Florida
Best months:
November to March

Florida

United States
LAST UPDATED 22/10/2008
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introduction

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Huebi: Map of USA with Florida highlighted; 9 June 2006

Florida is a state located in the southeastern United States. Being the fourth most populous state in the country, it has the total area of 170,304 km².

surfing

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Wanner: Bahia Honda, Florida; 2005

During the hurricane season on the Atlantic east coast (JUN-DEC) you may be lucky and score some waves off the Florida coast. If your not, head up to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The entire coastline here is like an offshore swell magnet that will attract any thing in the area. Options tend to be reduced further north of this point and you will be limited to windswell activity. Any storm cell that passes across this coast will be heading east at a great rate of knots and so groundswell activity will be fleeting. Typically all you will receive will be whatever is blown behind the cells as they truck towards Europe.

travel

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Enrique Cornejo: Amtrak in Albany station, NY; August, 2007

There are many ways of travelling in the US: by plane, private jet, train, bus, recreational vehicle (RV), motorcycle, thumb or car.

Trains are relatively expensive; private jets can begin at around $4000 per flight hour; buses are generally dependable, safe and affordable, though not available everywhere; renting an RV is up to your personal taste; motorcycling can be a thrilling way to see the country as well as travelling by thumb.

And of course, the idea of long-distance car travel is the most appealing to the majority of Americans. The United States is covered with a convenient system of U.S. and Interstate highways. Just keep in mind that the country is huge and be prepared to travel for hours behind the wheel, so pay attention to the comfort of the car you use. By the way, many of the country's major natural attractions, such as the Grand Canyon, are almost impossible to get to without a car.

where to stay

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Marc Averette: Four Seasons Hotel Miami; 2006-09-25

You shouldn’t have any problems with finding a place to sleep in Florida. Motel is the most popular form of accommodation and they are usually located on the sides of the highways, so it’s very convenient for the road trippers. Don’t expect anything luxurious, but they will usually provide you with a clean room that includes the following amenities: bed, bathroom, TV, telephone. Price is also very reasonable. Motel 6 and Super 8 Motels are popular chains of motels that can be found all over the country.

Travelling to Miami? The "Magic City" is famous for its boutique hotels (especially found in South Beach). So if you appreciate creative design and are not fussy about space (rooms can be small), than we suggest you book months in advance! Just note that hotels have a 12.5% room tax and some hotels may add a 15% service charge.

Apart from that there are many other options to choose from: budget (Villa Paradiso, South Beach Hostel in Miami, Travel Inn Civic Center, The Loft Hotel, Jazz on South Beach Hostel in Miami, etc), mid-range (Pelican Hotel, Ramada MIAMI, The Hotel, Beacon Hotel, Amerisuites Extended Stay Hotel Suites, etc) and of course splurge (Grove Isle Hotel & Spa, Four Seasons Hotel Miami, The Biltmore Hotel, Delano, The Setai, etc).

what to pack

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Fir0002: Canon-Deluxe Backpack-200-EG; 26 June 2005

Florida has mild to cool, relatively dry winters and autumns (the dry season) and hot, wet springs and summers (the wet season). So don’t forget to take waterproof clothes/gear/backpack for the rainy season. Definitely take along some bug repellent spray, good sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.

A small backpack makes a good carryon bag and will be useful in daily life. Women: remember to take a good flat pair of shoes.... And for everybody: pair of comfortable walking shoes will be great for walking.  

And of course, bring a camera, there're plenty of photo opportunities here to impress your mates with back home. And take a good protection for your camera from the sand.

As far as surf supplies go, wax leashes etc. Bring the basics of what you need but there are plenty of surf shops around to buy replacement kit, especially and the east coast, though it might be vigilant to come a little better prepared for the west coast and panhandle where surf spots are a little more sparse.

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