Golden beaches, year-round sunshine and Mickey Mouse. Think of Florida and these are usually the first things that spring to mind.

But America's pleasure garden has so much more to offer than theme parks and tanning. It's a magic kingdom of mellow islands, swap sanctuaries and mysterious backwater towns just waiting to be explored. For an even slower pace of life, hop over to the Bahamas, an hour's flight from Miami where you can chill out in a paradise of crystal clear waters and brightly-coloured corals.

This Irish Independent guide will help you capture the very best of the Sunshine State and its dazzling neighbours down the coast.