If you’re anything like us, you probably devoured every moment of Jimmy Doherty uncovering Florida's absolute best on ITV’s new five-part series - Jimmy’s Taste of Florida. From northwestern Pensacola to Miami in the southeast - including a pitstop at Central Florida’s adventure-packed Westgate River Resort Ranch & Resort - we were shown a slice of paradise.
Yet it's not just Jimmy who explored these culinary wonders - our
Ultimate Test winners conquered some of these spots too, and you can get the inside scoop on these phenomenal destinations by following us on
Facebook and
Instagram. Then, when you're ready, you can follow this guide to plan your own ultimate foodie adventure in Florida...
Pensacola - Panama City Beach
Jimmy started his gastronomic expedition in
Pensacola, the City of Five Flags, where a clash of cultures is served up hotter than a Florida summer. From mouthwatering Southern boiled peanuts to wild Bloody Marys crowned with a chicken wing at African chicken joints, Pensacola's food scene is a rollercoaster of flavours. Then Jimmy took it up a notch and hit nearby
Panama City Beach, the ultimate seaside capital of the South for oyster shelling and samplings. And what’s better than topping this off with the sweet seduction of Southern beignets?
The Florida Panhandle is a feast for nature lovers, too. With golden beaches on one side and the Apalachicola National Forest on the other, it's particularly perfect for beach days and hiking. Check out our dedicated page for
Emerald Coast & Panhandle holidays and keep your eyes peeled for our latest itineraries in this region of Florida.
New Smyrna Beach - Kennedy Space Center
Calling all surfers and stargazers! If you're all about sandy shores, epic swells, and the vastness of space, buckle up for this one. Here, you can dive into the surf scene and devour fresh catch of the day in the seaside haven of
New Smyrna Beach, just like Jimmy did. Then, when it's time to chill, grab a freeze-dried ice cream at
Kennedy Space Center before marvelling at the Rocket Garden, designed with actual spaceships. For any botanists out there, be sure to check out Mars Base 1 at the Kennedy Space Center too, where they cultivate crops in simulated Martian soil.
And if you time it right and catch a rocket launch, you're in for a treat. Book a seat at the Kennedy Space Center's viewing area to witness the spectacle, or head to Cocoa Beach for a jaw-dropping view as the rocket blasts into the sky.
But first, see our space-themed Florida itinerary -
Mission to Florida’s Space Coast for more out-of-this-world holiday inspiration.
St. Pete - Tampa
Swapping Florida’s Space Coast for the Gulf Coast, Jimmy made a beeline to Florida's crown jewel -
St. Petersburg. Voted Number 1 Beach in the USA by Tripadvisor in 2021, St Pete steals the show with its sugar-white sand, sapphire sea, and vibrant local community. And its fresh local produce is the perfect touch to those lingering summer days when you want to eat something light. Another plus for this beach town is its proximity to
Tampa, Florida’s Gulf Coast hub and a major Cuban hotspot. Follow Jimmy’s trail by exploring the Latin American quarter of Ybor City, home to the Cuban Sandwich and a once-thriving cigar manufacturing area, to explore the vibrant culture and historic architecture of this fascinating neighbourhood.
And if you’re looking for thrills, well you’re in luck. You can brave the world’s tallest hybrid coaster at
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay - where our Ultimate Test couple soared through the roller coaster skyline.
View our
Roadtrip:Orlando to the Gulf Coast itinerary for more multi-centre inspiration in this cherished region.
Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo - Anna Maria Island
Strap on those cowboy boots, slap on your stetson, and follow Jimmy's lead for a one-of-a-kind Florida adventure at the
Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo! Here, you can saddle up for horse-riding and mechanical bull thrills, catch the wild rodeo action, and dive into vibrant street parties. This authentic Florida dude ranch has it all for the young and young-at-heart. Nestled in Polk County’s BBQ Capital of Florida, you'll be spoiled for choice with 7 onsite eateries, whether you're camping, glamping, or sleeping in a Luxe Conesta Wagon.
This Central Florida hotspot is a road trip away from
Anna Maria Island - Florida’s hidden gem. Picture secluded shores, breathtaking sunsets, and the chance to spot dolphins and manatees frolicking in the waters. It's a paradise that serves up relaxation for those moments when you need to escape it all. And with just a 2-hour drive from Orlando, you can make it a day trip or an extended stay without going too far off the grid.
Our
Ultimate Test couple absolutely adored their
Anna Maria Island villa and raved about this charming island. You can replicate their itinerary by visiting our
Ultimate Test page.
Orlando - Miami
The thrill capital of the world needs no introduction - but we'll whet your appetite anyway.
Orlando, the ultimate tourist haven, packs a punch with magical moments at
Walt Disney World, heart-pounding rides at
Universal Orlando Resort, and a shopping spree through world-class malls. International Drive boasts a feast of entertainment and dining options, while
Gatorland,
Wild Florida, and
Boggy Creek showcase wildlife wonders. Meanwhile, sports fanatics can catch an
Orlando Magic basketball game from front-row seats at Jernigan’s Restaurant, as pictured by our
Ultimate Test winners below.
Finally, wrap up your Floridian adventure in the Magic City of
Miami, and bask in its ever-glowing atmosphere day and night. Here, you can relax on the beaches in the AM and hit the bars and clubs on Ocean Drive in the PM. For culture, exploring the Art Deco Historic District in South Beach, Wynwood Wall’s street art, or the opulent Vizcaya Museums is always a good idea.
Plus, if you wish to pair Orlando's buzz with Miami's energy, with a few stops in between, check out our newly curated
Florida Four Less itinerary.
For anywhere else, simply browse our Florida Twin & Multi-Centre Holidays for award-winning packages with expert guidance. 
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