It is that time of year again when Christmas slips away and sights become set on summer holidays. Florida is often a popular choice thanks to its myriad selection of things to see and do. In fact, there’s so much going on that your holiday to Florida can be a daunting prospect. Read on for five things you must do if you get the chance to visit the Sunshine State this summer.

Visit Universal Studios

Florida is home to the Walt Disney World Resort and the most famous mouse in the world, Mickey Mouse, but while visiting Walt Disney World is clearly an attractive option, we have decided to suggest you buck the trend and visit Universal Studios if you only get the opportunity to go to one theme park this year. It is a tough choice to decide which Orlando theme park tickets you and your family are going to go for, but with cinematic spectaculars, The Simpsons Ride and Transformers The Ride 3D, you won’t be disappointed if you choose Universal Studios.

Your Universal tickets will allow you to immerse yourself in movie-based fun. Men in Black Alien Attack, E.T. Adventure, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and The Blues Brothers Show are just some of the attractions on offer.

Go shopping in Miami

Not everyone wants to go to the theme parks when they hit Florida. If you’re more into shopping than thrill rides then one of the best places to visit is Miami. One of America’s most stylish cities, Miami has plenty of places to purchase goodies. The gigantic Dolphin Mall is famous for its stores (and crowds), plus there are plenty of outlet shops to help stretch those dollars. Flex your plastic in the designer boutiques before heading for Miami Beach and making the final purchase that every Miami shopping trip has to end with: a kitsch pink flamingo. It’s the rules.

Visit Gatorland

Those who have always preferred the animal sections of theme parks will love Gatorland. Located between Orlando and Kissimmee, this alligator attraction has been open since 1949. You’ll find thousands of alligators and crocodiles at the theme park that is described as the Alligator Capital of the World, plus rides like the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line. There is even the chance to see the famous ‘white alligator’, an extremely rare species which, according to the Independent, is one of only 12 left in the world. For a true-blue Florida attraction, you can’t beat it.

Go into space

Okay, you won’t actually go into space, but the simulator at the John F Kennedy Space Centre might make you feel as if you did. Home to every manned American space flight since 1968, this is more than an attraction. It’s a part of history. Tour the centre, see the awesome rocket park and learn about how the American’s put men in space with the people who did it.

Ride the ’Glades

If Gatorland isn’t enough, you should take to the ’Glades. Airboat tours can take the whole family out onto Kissimmee’s Lake Tohopekaliga for around $30 per person. Depending on how lucky you are you’ll be able to see some of America’s finest wildlife. Osprey, otters, wild boar, bald eagles and alligators are all local inhabitants that you could catch a glimpse of.