Florida: Tips

Secure some wheels Exploration is tricky without a rental car in this long, public-transit-challenged state. Reserve a car for pickup upon arrival at the airport.

It's called the Sunshine State Most visitors from higher-latitudes are unprepared for the intensity of Florida's rays. Wear high-SPF, waterproof sunblock, drink lots of water, and avoid sunbathing at high noon.

Plan a land-sea combo Tampa, Miami and Fort Lauderdale are all major cruise ship ports, making it easy to pair a Florida getaway with a trip to the Caribbean, Mexico, or South America.

Sleeves come in handy Even it the hottest months, it's a good idea to pack a lightweight sweater or jacket; restaurants and attractions often have the air conditioning set to Arctic temps.

It's a bug's life In late spring and early fall, lovebugs swarm around north-central Florida, turning windshields into gooey messes. If you're driving your own vehicle, wash them off the body immediately or they'll damage the paint.

Sculpture Key West Each year since 1995, artists have transformed the southernmost city's Fort Zachary Taylor and environs into an outdoor sculpture garden of contemporary works. The exhibition runs January through April.

Riches from the sea Florida's stone crab season is Oct. 15 to May 15, placing the large, sweetly succulent claws front-and-center on local menus. The most celebrated tasting venue? Joe's Stone Crab in Miami.

Batter up! Sublime March weather perfectly complements spring training for major league baseball; 18 teams shape up for the season at locations scattered throughout Florida.

Aquatic holiday cheer Fort Lauderdale's annual Winterfest Boat Parade illuminates the Intracoastal Waterway for one December night with a flotilla of decorated seafaring vessels. Reserved grandstand seating is available in Birch State Park.

Rainbows over Walt's kingdom More than 125,000 gay and lesbian revelers descend upon Orlando the first weekend of June for the annual Gay Days at Disney World; tradition calls for wearing red to the Magic Kingdom on Saturday.

Art Basel, Miami Beach America's top art show, the younger, hipper sibling of the prestigious Basel, Switzerland art fair, takes the city by storm in early December with displays from more than 200 galleries, plus parties galore.