Bask in winter sun in a Florida RV rental
Just because it’s winter in the US doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy glorious sunshine… just take an RV rental holiday in Florida. The humid subtropical climate means the average high in Miami in January is around a very pleasant 75 degrees farenheit, getting even warmer in February. And with so much to do, major attractions to enjoy and beaches to laze on, a Florida motorhome adventure is the perfect way to kick-start any year.
An RV hire fulfils the American road trip dream
Jutting out of the south coast of America is stunning Florida. Perfectly built for an RV hire, you can cruise from Tampa down the west coast to the Everglades, then up through Miami and an RV rental for Ft Lauderdale, to Orlando and Daytona Beach on the other side. A mecca for tourists of all ages, RV rentals in Florida offer the perfect combination of portable accommodation and the freedom to travel as you please.
An eclectic mix of people and culture, Florida’s outdoor lifestyle makes it a hot-bed for alfresco activities. Unsurprisingly, sport pumps the heartbeat of the region with the Miami Dolphins an iconic name in NFL, along with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jacksonville Jaguars. It’s play-off time in January, so the atmosphere is white-hot whenever these teams are involved (unfortunately that’s not often with the Dolphins!) The Miami Heat thrive in the NBA, while hockey and baseball teams provide variety. Florida is a huge spot for baseball spring training, starting in February. This is known as the Grapefruit League, with practices and exhibition games attracting hundreds of fans. Get involved for this special spring training.
And for those golfers out there, make sure you pack your clubs in the back of your RV rental - the selection of courses is truly mind-boggling.
The attractions of Florida
No vacation to this part of the world is complete without a trip to South Florida and beyond. Picking up a motorhome rental in Miami and exploring the metropolitan area is just the tip of the RV adventure iceberg. Get out there and discover the following:
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Florida Keys: The breathtaking southern coast hosts this coral cay archipelago, an ancient coral reef. Palm trees, sun, sand and surf are the currency here, with fishing and diving a must-do. Park up the campervan and be sure to visit Jonn Pennekamp State Park (America’s first underwater park) in Key Largo. Meanwhile, the Everglades are a maze of swamps and sub-tropical jungles. The Everglades National Park is a major tourist attraction with various endangered species on show, crocodiles, bald eagles, bobcats and so much more. Perfect for camping, you probably won’t negotiate all 1.5 million acres, but don’t be intimidated by the size of this unique World Heritage Site. Key Largo also hosts the Jacobs Aquatic Center, Eco-Tours, shopping and delectable bayside restaurants. And around 70 miles west is Dry Tortugas National Park, with islands reefs and a fortress – a once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s especially perfect for the family.
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Orlando: The ultimate destination for those young at heart, Orlando in central Florida is quite literally the ‘Theme Park Capital of the World’. Tourists flock here in the millions to meet Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck at the Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando. Here you can get a taste of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios… the list goes on and on. But there’s more to Orlando than cartoon characters, with a thriving nightlife scene of theatres, bars and restaurants. Or you can try indoor skydiving and take in a show at Cirque du Soleil, Blue Man Group. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex can take you to other worlds!
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Daytona Beach: On the east coast of Florida, around 50 miles north of Orlando, sits Daytona Beach – another world-famous landmark. The HQ for NASCAR and Daytona 500 motor racing, those with a need for speed love it here. Other attractions include the beach itself, which is 23 miles long with a lively boardwalk. The Jackie Robinson Ballpark and Statue is a tribute to the baseball legend, while Ponce de Leon Lighthouse is a remarkable structure – well worth the 300-step climb.
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Cape Canaveral: The history of space travel is inextricably linked to Cape Canaveral, situated east of Merritt Island, alongside the delightfully named Banana River! Literally known as the ‘Space Coast’, this is where rockets have been launched since the 1950s, including Apllo flights. Moving into the 21st century, the Kennedy Space Center is just an hour from Orlando. It has a Visitor Complex, but is also a home to various wildlife – check out the Florida panthers, alligators and manatees. The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse and Canaveral National Seashore are also worth a visit in your RV rental.
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St Augustine: No motorhome holiday in Florida would be complete without a visit to historical St Augustine. A strong Spanish history, it hosts the National Guard and is easy to travel through in an RV. Avero House is on the US National Register of Historic Places, paying tribute to the first colony of Greeks who arrived there in the 1760s, with other national monuments, churches and museums bringing a welcome slice of culture to the stereotypical playground that makes up the rest of Florida.
Driving a motorhome in Florida, a handy guide
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Temperatures can get very hot, so make sure you are stocked up with plenty of bottled water. Take your time on the roads and don’t get flustered.
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Just make sure you check the forecast for when you’re travelling, as the region is known for the occasional hurricane! Observe the weather daily, you just never know what’s around the corner.
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If you’re driving a large Class A motorhome (or any RV for that matter), adjust your mirrors to suit your viewing range, adjust the seat and find a big parking lot to practice your manoeuvres.
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There are a number of toll roads in Florida, from Everglades Parkway to SR 112 at Miami International Airport. When you collect your RV rental, double-check with the hire company regarding hot-spots and payment methods.
RV camping, where to park your RV in Florida
The various road routes around Florida mean the highways and byways of the region are always blessed with motorhomes throughout the year. Fortunately, the region is stacked with camping facilities. Highly respected sites include Myakka River State Park, Gold Head Branch State park and Florida Caverns State Park. However, no matter where you travel in your Florida RV rental, you’re sure to find a powered site and a warm welcome.
So, what are you waiting for…? Let Motorhome Republic warm your hearts and bodies this winter.
Written By: Alex Bell
A journalist and editor for nearly two decades, I am originally from London but proudly call New Zealand home. Having travelled the South Island in a campervan, I know exactly how liberating motorhomes and campers can be. It’s a great opportunity to be part of Motorhome Republic, as we look to educate and encourage people to hit the road in what is, essentially, a portable hotel! I will be creating interesting industry articles, travel itineraries, road-trip ideas, movies and so much more. Come along for the ride!
A journalist and editor for nearly two decades, I am originally from London but proudly call New Zealand home. Having travelled the South Island in a campervan, I know exactly how liberating motorhomes and campers can be. It’s a great opportunity to be part of Motorhome Republic, as we look to educate and encourage people to hit the road in what is, essentially, a portable hotel! I will be creating interesting industry articles, travel itineraries, road-trip ideas, movies and so much more. Come along for the ride!
