Thrilling roller coasters? Tick. Belly-busting cheeseburgers? Tick. Crazy-good beaches? Tick. Florida has what you need. What are you waiting for?
Destination highlights
Known as The Sunshine State for a reason
Home to world-famous beaches
Bursting with theme parks
Hosts unique events all year round
What are the best beaches in Florida?
The Sunshine State is home to over 815 miles of sandy coast and several cities built around their local beaches. We bet you’ve heard of some of these big names before, but there are plenty of hidden gems to discover too.
Daytona Beach – the world’s most famous beach, with 23 miles of sandy coast packed with attractions, plus some major motorsports events.
Siesta Beach – a beach so beautiful it’s won international awards, with plenty of great restaurants and bars to take advantage of.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park – pristine sands and incredible views make this beach a favourite for relaxing, walking, and cycling.
Cocoa Beach Pier – the perfect place for all the family to take surfing lessons, or just watch the pros from the historical boardwalk.
Shell Island – this undeveloped barrier island is the best spot to get away from it all and connect with nature.
What are the top hotels for your Florida holidays 2024?
Florida has plenty of fun-filled hotels for families and the young at heart, but those craving peace and quiet will find some great options, too. These are some of our favourites for all kinds of travellers:
Disneys Animal Kingdom Lodge - everything you need to keep the kids entertained in one complex, with easy access to all the Disney Parks
Waldorf Astoria Orlando - indulge in true luxury as you unwind by the creek on a five-star holiday that you won't forget
Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista - if you want to save your pennies for the parks, this hotel offers a comfortable stay with all of the amenities you need, with only a short drive to both the Disney and Universal complexes
St. Petersburg Marriott Clearwater - complete with a pool, sports facilities and a fantastic on-site restaurant, this is a great base for your West Coast trip
Rosen Shingle Creek - with separate pools for relaxing and playing, and several excellent restaurants, this five-star hotel is the perfect setting for a relaxing couples' holiday
Are you sitting there staring at your phone as it rains outside? You need a jolly. Browse our last minute holidays and get yourself away.
Popular Florida hotels
Stunning Florida resorts
Weather in Florida
JAN
16°C
FEB
16°C
MAR
20°C
APR
22°C
MAY
25°C
JUN
27°C
JUL
28°C
AUG
28°C
SEP
27°C
OCT
24°C
NOV
19°C
DEC
16°C
Summer in the Sunshine State is exactly what it sounds like – a scorcher, with the mercury chilling at a sizzling 30°C to 33°C. But no sweat, Florida's got the cool factor sorted. Those arvo rain showers are like the mate who pops by for a quick hello, then scoots off, leaving you to soak up the beach vibes.
Then there's autumn, or as we like to call it, Florida's way of giving us a cheeky nod. Things mellow out to a lush 25°C to 30°C. It's the bangin' sweet spot for conquering theme parks without turning into a human lollipop, or catching a sunset that doesn't demand you bundle up. Florida's weather? It's the ultimate wingman, setting the scene for your holibobs.
Winter, though? It's the hidden gem, the secret season where Florida struts its stuff while the rest of the place is digging out scarves. With temps hanging out at a comfy 15°C to 25°C, you can live the dream with beach days in January or sneak in a round of golf without the frostbite. Heading south in the winter is a top-tier move for those chasing the sunshine.
And let's natter about spring – it's like Florida's serving up a sunny grin, with the thermostat playing it cool between 20°C and 30°C. Whether you're here for the outdoor bashes or just fancy a leisurely wander, spring in Florida is a mahoosive thumbs up.
View destination on a map
FAQs
How long does it take to fly to Florida?
It takes about nine hours to fly to Florida from the UK.
What’s the time difference between the UK and Florida?
Florida is five hours behind the time in the UK.
What currency do they use in Florida?
The official currency of Florida is the American Dollar.
What language do they speak in Florida?
The official language spoken in Florida is English.
Why is Florida good for a holiday?
Well, where do we start? With plenty of beaches, LOADS of sunshine and an obscene amount of things to do from theme parks and beyond, Florida is a family holiday ICON. There's no wonder why the shores of Florida attract millions each year.
A Guide to Holidays in Florida
Smash the parks
Well, obviously! A proper good jolly to Florida wouldn't be bangin' without hitting up at least one of the whopping 21 theme parks scattered around the state. Besides the top-tier Disney and Universal spots that are always popping off, why not dive into some quirky finds like Dinosaur World? It's a bit of a hidden gem!
Hang out with some utterly boujee turtles
Juno Beach is not just any beach; it's the biggest rave for Loggerhead Turtles, turning it into the world's mahoosive nesting ground. Come summer, the Loggerhead Marinelife Center is the VIP lounge to witness the tiny, delish turtle babes making their grand entrance into the ocean. It's a 10/10 hit for nature buffs and the kiddos alike, totally sizzling with vibes!
Plunge into the art vibe
Hidden beneath the scorchio waves at Grayton Beach State Park is an art scene that's literally submerged. The Underwater Museum of Art? Yeah, it's exactly as cool as it sounds—a swanky underwater sculpture gallery for the divers and art aficionados. Fancy becoming a certified diver? The local Emerald Coast scuba school has got your back!
Shop 'til you drop, but make it local
Amble over to Seaside's coastal charm to rummage through boutiques brimming with everything from retro vinyl to swanky designer threads. Or, strut your stuff in downtown Fort Myers for some proper good finds and mall trawling by the riverbank. It's shopping, but with those laid-back, local vibes. Bosh!
What events can I go to in Florida?
Floridians will put on a celebration for everything, from mangoes to Ernest Hemingway, so it’s a good idea to check out the local events calendar before you jet off. If you’re still looking for inspiration for your holiday to Florida, then these are our hot picks for annual events that cater to everyone’s tastes:
Gasparilla Pirate Fest, Tampa (January) - historical re-enactments and a parade by day, swashbuckling parties by night
DAYTONA 500, Daytona Beach (February) - the racing fans in your life will never forget seeing the biggest NASCAR event going
Florida State Fair, Tampa (February) - the ultimate stateside experience, with hundreds of local food stalls, rides, and exhibitions
Sugar Sand Festival, Clearwater (April) - 10 days of beachy fun with unique sand sculptures and free family activities
Sunfest, West Palm Beach (April) - Florida’s biggest waterside arts and music festival
Waterlily Celebration, Vero Beach (June) - beautiful displays of the flower in its blooming season, with a dedicated children’s garden
Key West Lobsterfest (August) - a food festival celebrating the start of lobster season with many seafood vendors and live music
Miami Beach Pride (September) - a spectacular parade and party, and a must-see for LGBTQ+ travellers on holiday to Florida
Electric Daisy Carnival, Orlando (November) - a three-day festival of dance music and showstopping stage effects
Winterfest Boat Parade, Fort Lauderdale (December) - more than 100 boats float down the river, bedazzled with festive lights and decorations
Where's the best nightlife in Florida?
Your beach holiday to Florida won’t stop when the sun goes down, as the state has some of the world’s wildest nightlife. Miami, Orlando, and Tampa are the biggest party hotspots, but you’ll find dinner shows and live music across the state.
LIV, Miami - mingle with the stars at this exclusive club, which regularly hosts some of the hottest celebrities
WTR Pool and Grill, Tampa - live music and DJs play through the night as you kick back at a sunset pool party overlooking the beach
Improv Comedy Theater and Restaurant, Orlando - enjoy dinner, drinks, and a good laugh at the chain that launched the careers of some of our favourite comedians
Club La Vela, Panama City Beach - the biggest beachside nightclub in the US, with free entry deals like Girls Night Out, so you can still party hard on a cheap holiday in Florida.
What’s the food like in Florida?
While you’ll be able to get your hands on all of your favourite American classics during your Florida holiday, the state has plenty of local dishes to rival the mighty burger. Look out for these:
Key lime pie - a sweet, fresh lime tart with shortcrust pastry, topped with soft meringue
Stone crab claws - sustainably sourced local crabs with deliciously succulent claw meat
Orange juice - yes, it might sound basic, but this is Florida’s most iconic export - get it freshly squeezed for the ultimate OJ experience
Miccosukee Fry Bread - a warm pumpkin bread created by the Native American Miccosukee tribe
Conch Fritters - a local shellfish from the Keys, drenched in lemon juice and deep-fried
You’ll have your pick of amazing restaurants whichever city you visit, but here are a few of our favourites across the state to whet your appetite:
Benny’s on the Beach, Lake Worth - a laidback café on the pier, serving local classics all day long
The Melting Pot, Orlando - a unique family favourite, serving fondue in a fun atmosphere
Dancing Avocado, Daytona Beach - the ultimate brunch spot in a historic downtown location, with plenty of veggie options
Beach Bistro, Holmes Beach - fine dining with a focus on seafood, and tables out on the sands
Versailles, Miami - a locally renowned landmark, serving a range of Cuban cuisine
Places to visit
St Augustine
Fancy stepping back in time? St. Augustine isn't just a town; it's a time machine. It's the oldest European settlement in the U.S. that's still popping off today, and it's brimming with history, from the cobblestone streets to the Castillo de San Marcos. It's like a history lesson, but one where you can sip on sangria and munch on some delish seafood as you wander. And for the ghost hunters among you, the ghost tours here are proper good – spooky vibes guaranteed!
Bok Tower Gardens
Nestled in Lake Wales, this enchanting garden and bird sanctuary is home to the majestic Singing Tower, a 205-foot tall Gothic and Art Deco carillon tower that serenades visitors with music. It's not just the tunes that will captivate you; the gardens themselves are a lush paradise, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a peaceful picnic. The vibes here? Utterly serene. It's like stepping into a fairytale, complete with whimsical landscapes and a soundtrack provided by Mother Nature herself. Bok Tower Gardens is a must-visit for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in natural beauty and tranquillity.
Weeki Wachee Springs
Ever dreamed of mermaids? Well, dream no more, because at Weeki Wachee Springs, mermaids are real! This legendary spring boasts an underwater theatre where you can watch mermaids perform in crystal-clear waters, a spectacle that's as unique as it is enchanting. But that's not all; Weeki Wachee is also a natural paradise where you can kayak, paddleboard, or simply relax by the water's edge. It's a slice of old-school Florida charm that continues to delight visitors of all ages, making it a proper good pick for a day out with the kiddos or a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
Key facts about Florida
Flight Time
9 hrs
Time difference
- 5 hours
Currency
US Dollar
Language
English
Do I need any vaccinations to visit Florida?
Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.
Do I need to pay tourist tax on my holiday to Florida?
The Govt. of Florida charges a sustainable tourism tax on all overnight stays in the state. The tax is usually 6% of the room rate per room. There are also taxes on purchases ranging from 6.5-7% on all goods except ‘necessary’ items such as certain foods and medicine.
Do I need a visa to travel to Florida?
British passport holders will need to apply for an ESTA before travelling to Florida, which should allow you to stay in the United States of America for up to 90 days.
