How to Live Your Dreams in Florida This Winter

Find your favourite activities in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Orlando

Posted: October 02, 2019 01:50 PM ET

Go shopping at outlets and malls

People walking past clothing store window at outdoor mall in Florida

There’s a find for everyone at Sawgrass Mills, Fort Lauderdale’s sprawling indoor mall, with 2.3 million square feet and more than 350 designer outlets and specialty shops. Bargain hunters have the choice of two locations of Premium Outlets in Orlando for up to 65 per cent off luxury brands. Mix in a few other activities along with browsing at Rosemary Square in West Palm Beach, a walkable streetscape of shops, restaurants and public art.

Spot natural wonders by boat

Woman sitting in front of canoe going through swamp in Florida

Rent a kayak and paddle through the canopy at the wildlife-rich Anne Kolb Nature Center, a coastal mangrove wetland preserve 20 minutes south of Fort Lauderdale. You might even come face to face with a gator at Sawgrass Recreation Park, 30 minutes from the city, where nighttime airboat tours of the Everglades give you a glimpse of these swamp giants in their natural habitat—watch for their glowing red eyes.

Sun and swim at great beaches and pools

Woman holding child and laughing in pool in Florida

Relaxation doesn’t get any easier than at Florida’s beautiful beaches. West Palm Beach boasts 75 kilometres of pristine sand, warm waters and the world’s third largest barrier reef. On Fort Lauderdale Beach, you can learn to surf, or go jet skiing, paddle boarding or sport fishing.

In Orlando, drift down the three-acre lazy river at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek complex, then lounge poolside at both resorts.

Watch baseball spring training and exciting golf

Hand placing golf ball on tee

West Palm Beach is a mecca for baseball and golf fans. FITTEAM Ballpark hosts spring training for the Washington Nationals and Houston Astros, while 160 verdant golf courses attract putters from all over the world. The Honda Classic tees off in West Palm Beach in February, while the Arnold Palmer Invitational starts in Orlando in March—both offering fans a chance to see top players in action.

Eat and drink at a range of restaurants

Steak and baked potato on plates on restaurant table

Orlando has cuisines for every taste, with patios aplenty for soaking up the rays. At Disney Springs, check out Jaleo, from celebrity chef José Andrés, or the famous House of Blues. On International Drive, Icon Park’s observation wheel towers over vibrant Latin-influenced eateries like Tapa Toro and Uncle Julio’s.

Sandwiched between Disney World and Universal Orlando, Restaurant Row’s Dellagio Center has outstanding fine-dining options like Big Fin, Urbain 40 and Peperoncino.

In Fort Lauderdale, you can go an entire vacation eating at restaurants unique to the city, thanks to local chefs who focus on cooking with locally grown produce.

Ready to explore Florida with Hilton?

CAA Members save up to 15%. Plus, Hilton Honors members get additional benefits such as points toward free nights,Wi-Fi and more. Visit caa.ca/hilton.

Image credit: iStock.com/MargaretW, Alamy/Gregory Wrona, iStock.com/ChristinLola, courtesy of the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, iStock.com/Wand_Prapan and courtesy of the Boathouse