Florida Car Hire
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Big blue skies. Soft sand beaches. Lively cities. Top theme parks. Whether you’re heading to Florida for business or pleasure, the Sunshine State serves up plenty of awesome attractions. Most of the state is packed into a huge peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico (with the rest in the panhandle at its northwest) and it has the longest contiguous coastline in America (2170 km). Miami boasts distinctive Art Deco buildings, famous beaches and a feisty Latin vibe, Orlando has world-class theme parks like Walt Disney World and the stunning Florida Keys were a major inspiration to literary giant Ernest Hemingway. And Florida’s no slouch when it comes to nature – in its Everglades and other wilderness environments, you’ll find sea turtles, manatees, alligators and more. A location brimming with attractions for all types of traveller, Florida is a stunning place to spend time.
Top attractions in Florida include Universal Studios Orlando, South Beach, Kennedy Space Center, Key West and Busch Gardens Tampa, while neighbouring Alabama and >Georgia are within driving distance if you want a change of atmosphere. Hiring a car in Florida is easy with Enjoy Travel and you’ll find some great bargains if you book ahead of time. For instance, it costs £35 a day to hire an economy car like a Chevy Spark at Miami Airport (MIA), £38 a day to hire an intermediate-sized Kia Forte, and £53 a day to hire a compact, sporty Nissan Kicks SUV. Trust Enjoy Travel for your Florida car hire and roll out in the sunshine!
Guide of Florida
History
The original inhabitants of Florida were Native Americans – archaeological evidence proves they made their lives here up to 14,000 years ago. Florida was also the first part of the US mainland where European settlers landed – when Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon landed in 1513. There was subsequently French as well as Spanish settlement, as well as influxes of other Native American groups from the south. As well as being a popular area for US retirees and international holidaymakers, Florida has hosted many US military installations in its history and also played a major role in the Space Race – Cape Canaveral’s close proximity to the equator made it a prime spot for rocket launches.
Culture
Influenced by its original inhabitants and successive waves of immigrants, Florida’s colourful culture is one of the most multi-faceted in the whole of the States. There are distinct (and intact) Native American, Greek, Spanish and Cuban cultures here which contribute to a complex and rich tapestry which is far greater than the sum of its parts. You’ll hear lots of different languages wafting on the warm wind, enjoy passionate music and dance, and treat your tastebuds to spicy, wholesome cuisine. A strong Spanish influence is still evident in St Augustine, Eatonville was the first community controlled by African-Americans (and home to Harlem Renaissance luminary Zora Neale Hurston), and Tarpon Springs has some of the best Greek restaurants this side of Athens. Meanwhile, Miami is a Latin capital and Key West is a heartland for Cuban art and architecture.
Alternative Florida
If you want to see a side of Florida that most tourists miss, there are several options a little more off the beaten track. Koreshan State Park near Estero is one great example. This lovely green space was once home to a 19th century cult who believed the Earth was hollow and activities like camping and canoeing are available. Alternatively, for an all-American night out, visit Biff Burger in St Petersburg – a 50s burger joint complete with jukeboxes, burgers, beer and hot rods revving their engines out in the parking lot. Meanwhile, if idyllic isolation floats your boat, head to Rod and Reel Pier on Anna Maria Island for sumptuous food, good company and gorgeous Gulf of Mexico views.
Things To Do in Florida
Nature
Florida is blessed by an abundance of natural attractions, so fans of the great outdoors are spoiled for choice. For starters, Falling Waters State Park in Chipley covers a sprawling 171 acres and includes the highest waterfall in the state (over 70 feet). Alternatively, you can go underground at Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna and see mysterious cave formations that have formed over millions of years. The Everglades National Park is also a must – take a hovercraft tour of swamps teeming with wildlife and you might meet an alligator or three. Meanwhile, diving with manatees in Crystal River is magical and Devil’s Den at Williston is a unique aquamarine natural spring.
Nightlife
Ready to let your hair down in Florida? Alrighty then. The Sunshine State boasts bars, nightclubs, live comedy venues and live music spots aplenty – wherever you’re based, you’ll find good vibes and great company. If it’s belly laughs you’re after, try Bonkers at Daytona Beach for stand-up, Off the Hook Comedy Club in Naples or Coconuts Comedy Club at St. Pete Beach. And if nightclubs float your boat, you’ll find hotspots to dance the night away to genres like Salsa, House and Hip-Hop in Downtown Miami and South Beach – Mango’s Tropical Café, LIV, and Story are just three names to bear in mind. But if you just want a few refreshing drinks in cool surroundings, try ICEBAR in Orlando, Mahuffer’s on Indian Shores Beach or the speakeasy-style Sidecar in Jacksonville. As you can see, Florida nights out are nothing if not eclectic!
Theme parks
There are more theme parks in Florida than you can shake a candyfloss stick at – so it can be tough prioritising the best for your itinerary. Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom is still a must-see for many visitors – it has kept crowds spellbound since 1971 with iconic attractions like Space Mountain, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and the Haunted Mansion, but Universal’s Islands of Adventure is great too, with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter taking centre stage. Busch Gardens is the place to go for white-knuckle rollercoasters (Sheikra and Kumba are fast and gravity-defying), while you can channel your inner astronaut at the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral. There’s also a Legoland situated between Tampa and Orlando, and Icon Park on the I-Drive tourist corridor is worth checking out too.
Eating Out in Florida
Swish Asian
Fancy treating your taste buds to some delish Southeast Asian dishes in sumptuous Miami surroundings? Silly question, right? Komodo is located in Miami’s hipster Brickell neighbourhood and it’s a three-story affair with a fabulous party atmosphere. Fabulous small plates include lobster dynamite with scallion and crispy quinoa, and wagyu skirt steak tacos, the truffled honey salmon sashimi is exquisite, and the garlic king crab lo mein is divine. For a buzzing meal with friends or workmates, Komodo is hard to beat.
Haute Cuisine
How about some fine dining in historic surroundings? The Cellar Restaurant in Daytona Beach is housed in the former home of President Warren G. Harding and the high-end, Italian-influenced menu is refined enough to satisfy any POTUS or FLOTUS. The dishes are so beautifully prepared that they could hang in a fine art gallery – the Carpaccio di Manzo with paper-thin sliced beef and shaved Parmigiano being just one excellent example. And for a main that’s a little bit different, we recommend the Salmone al’Finocchio – finest Scottish salmon fillet sauteed with fennel, sweet peppers and Italian speck.
Gastropub
How does top-notch bar snacks washed down with fresh craft ales and sophisticated cocktails sound? If you’re nodding your head, make a beeline for Union Public House in Pensacola. There’s charcuterie cured on the premises, and delicacies like their signature Scotch Egg – reinvented with a cracklins coating instead of traditional breadcrumbs – revolutionary. For a laid-back meal in cool surroundings, Union Public House is a Florida pub that ticks every box.
Transport in Florida
Airport
Air hubs in Miami include Miami International Airport (MIA), Orlando International Airport (MCO), Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood international Airport (FLL) and Tampa International Airport (TPA). These airports are often the most convenient locations to pick up your hire car in Florida and making the arrangements takes just a couple of clicks right here.
Public Transport
Florida has lots of public transport options. In different towns and cities, you can choose from trolleys, buses, and trains. There are shuttle services between all of the Disney resorts and Fort Lauderdale even has water taxis!
Driving
Driving is still the best way to get around Florida independently and if you follow a few sensible rules of the road, it’s an enjoyable and safe experience. Remember to drive on the right hand side of the road, observe the speed limits posted roadside and turn your headlights on from dusk to dawn.
Top Tips when hiring a car in the Florida
• Explore Multiple Car Hire Companies: When looking for cheap Florida car hire and Orlando car hire, explore several car hire companies. Compare rates, vehicle availability, and policies to secure the best car hire deals.
• Book in Advance: Booking your hire car ahead of time can often result in better rates and a broader selection of vehicles.
• Consider Off-Airport Locations: Rental agencies located away from the airport might offer cheaper rates due to reduced airport fees.
• Explore Different Car Types: Depending on your requirements, explore various car options. Smaller hire cars might be more fuel-efficient for city driving, while larger ones are better for group travel or longer journeys.
• Check for Discounts and Deals: Look out for discounts or packages for affordable Florida car rental. Loyalty programs, memberships, or promotional codes can sometimes significantly reduce costs.
• Understand the Terms and Conditions: Pay close attention to the terms and conditions before making any car hire bookings. Understand the insurance coverage, fuel policies, mileage limits, and any additional fees.
• Inspect the Vehicle: Before driving away, thoroughly inspect the car for any damages. Document any existing issues and ensure the rental company is aware to avoid being charged for pre-existing damage upon return.
• Fill up the Tank Yourself: To avoid higher refuelling charges, return the car with a full tank of fuel.
• Utilise GPS or Maps: Familiarise yourself with the routes or use GPS to navigate around Florida, especially if it's your first time in the area.
• Consider Local Agencies: Sometimes, smaller local car hire companies may offer competitive rates compared to larger chains.
• Flexibility in Return Location: Returning the car to a different location might incur extra fees. If possible, stick to the original pick-up point to avoid additional costs.
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Other Major Companies: Established companies like Enterprise Rent-A-Car often have multiple car hire locations across Florida, providing a wide range of options.