Florida holidays
This sun-splashed peninsula has captivated travellers since Spanish explorer Ponce de León landed on its sandy shores more than 500 years ago. The best holidays in Florida shine a spotlight on its nature, from powder-white beaches and pinelands to the swampy Everglades. And if you’re here looking for some grade-A family fun, you’re in luck — the state is home to the biggest theme park in the world.
Top destinations in Florida
Miami
America’s sexiest city wins you over with evocative art, stylish boutiques and one of the most iconic nightlife scenes in the country. Say hello to Miami.
Orlando
Once you’ve had your fill of rollercoasters and mouse ears, Orlando keeps you hanging around with kayak trips, lush green spaces and a Michelin star–studded food scene.
Fort Lauderdale
This seaside getaway has shed its party image to become one of South Florida’s most sophisticated cities. From kayak trips to gallery crawls, find out what’s new in Fort Lauderdale.
Key West
The southernmost city in the continental US is a subtropical paradise loaded with attractions, from pristine beaches and homegrown museums to a laid-back nightlife that goes heavy on the umbrella drinks.
Tampa
From kilometres of waterfront and an attraction-filled riverwalk to a panoramic reef at the aquarium, discover why Tampa is Florida’s Gulf Coast delight.
Destin
The star of the show on Florida’s beachy Emerald Coast, Destin sweeps you off your feet with deep-sea fishing, world-class golf and plenty of white sand for lazing away the day.
Pensacola
Feast on the incredible beauty of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, centuries of history and fresh seafood, all served with a side order of Florida sunshine.
Daytona Beach
From its legendary speedway racetrack to its iconic boardwalk and surf breaks, the ‘World’s Most Famous Beach’ is a must-do along Florida’s Atlantic coast.
St Augustine
A short drive south of Jacksonville, the US’ oldest city shows off a different side of Florida, with a charming historic centre, soft sandy beaches and a burgeoning food and drink scene.
Florida: fast facts
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
Miami - UTC−5 (EST) and UTC−4 (EDT)
High season
December – April
Low season
June – September
Florida holiday highlights
Visit a theme park
The moment Disney World swung open its doors in 1971, it became the thing to see in Florida. It also put Orlando on the map. More than a dozen other theme parks have opened in this orange grove turned metropolis. Whether you crave the thrill rides of Universal Studios, the storytelling of the Magic Kingdom or the colourful world-building of Legoland, there’s a park for you.
Admire the Art Deco
Miami’s South Beach neighbourhood has some of the world’s best Art Deco architecture — and the beach, shopping and dining make it even more of a draw. Scope the iconic swoops, pastels and neon signs along Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue. Or, to really get your feet wet in the deco style, consider a pool pass at the Raleigh or Fontainebleau hotels.
Explore the Everglades
Sprawling across more than 6,000 square kilometres at the southern end of the state, Everglades National Park offers endless outdoor adventures. There are airboat tours and gator safaris, kayak trips through paddling trails and world-class fishing and birdwatching. And don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for flamingoes, the iconic pink bird of Florida.
Things to do in Florida
Top attractions
Walt Disney World remains Florida’s top draw — some 50 million people visit its four huge parks each year. Hit the rides early in the morning or during parades, when queues are shortest. Miami’s South Beach is a living museum of Art Deco architecture. And the Everglades is like nowhere else on earth. No wonder UNESCO named it a World Heritage Site.
Beaches
The beaches in Florida offer a robust range of experiences. You’ll find rugged natural dunes on Amelia Island on the Atlantic and Okaloosa Island on the Gulf. Hit surf spots like New Smyrna Beach and Cocoa Beach on the Atlantic Coast. Or check out the white sand and breathtaking blue waters along the west coast, like Clearwater Beach and Marco Island.
Nature
Florida’s amazing state park system has nearly 200 locations, including some of the best natural wonders in the region. Explore groomed landscapes like Maclay Gardens in Tallahassee, the underground ‘flowstones’ of Florida Caverns in Marianna or the old-school kitsch of the underwater mermaid show at Weeki Wachee Springs. To see alligators, manatees, bobcats and bears, tour Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park.
Cuisine
From fine-dining spots in Miami to fish shacks along the coasts, restaurants in Florida spotlight some of the region’s best-known treats. Try crispy conch fritters and zesty key lime pie wherever you can. And never pass up freshly squeezed orange juice. Florida is home to more than 2 million Cuban Americans, so be sure to order a hot-pressed, meaty, cheesy Cuban sandwich when you see one.
Culture and museums
If you can step away from your beach blanket, you’ll find lots of great museums in Florida. The Pérez Art Museum and The Bass in Miami feature cutting-edge modern art. For a glimpse into the Gilded Age, tour the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum in Palm Beach. For a true blast, head to Kennedy Space Center to learn about NASA’s famous missions — you might even see a rocket launch.
Nightlife
The nightlife in Florida ranges from the swanky rooftop lounges, sophisticated cocktail bars and neon-lit dance clubs of Miami to the laid-back beach bars of the Gulf Coast and the Keys. Sip a daiquiri at Hemingway’s favourite watering holes in Key West, or channel your inner Parrothead at a Jimmy Buffett–style tiki bar.
Find the best time to visit Florida
Weather in Florida through the year
March – May: Spring is the best time to visit Florida, thanks to the temperate days, low humidity and flowering landscapes. Expect highs in the 20s°C, perfect for beach days or theme park adventures.
June – August: Summer brings warm waters and holiday crowds. Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially inland. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.
September – November: Hurricane season affects all parts of the state from June to November, especially the coasts. Purchase travel insurance in case storms delay flights or cruise ship departures.
December – February: Winter is Florida’s high season, as northerners escape the chill for its dry and sunny climate. Expect higher prices, and make your travel plans early.
Events in Florida
Daytona 500 (February): NASCAR’s biggest race of the year draws more than 100,000 fans to the Daytona International Speedway.
Ultra Music Festival (March): Tens of thousands of ravers flock to Miami Beach for a long weekend of beats, lights and dancing at this popular electronic music festival.
Jacksonville Jazz Festival (May): International headliners like Janelle Monae and The Roots are among the artists who have graced the stage at this four-day festival held over Memorial Day Weekend.
Art Basel Miami Beach (December): This is one of the most hotly anticipated events in Florida, bringing together galleries, collectors and art-world celebrities for exhibitions and parties.
Know before you go
Getting around Florida
Public transport
Buses: Greyhound, FlixBus and Megabus cover major routes across the state, connecting cities like Miami, Orlando, Tampa and Jacksonville. Trips are generally air-conditioned and affordable.
Trains: Amtrak trains run along Florida’s east coast, connecting Miami and Tampa to Jacksonville and continuing north to Savannah, Charleston and beyond. The journeys are scenic, but slower than flying or driving.
Boats: Many of Florida’s coastal communities, including Pensacola, Fort Myers and Tampa, offer sightseeing cruises and ferries connecting mainland cities with barrier islands. The Key West Express is a more relaxing alternative to driving the Overseas Highway. From there, another ferry gets you to Dry Tortugas National Park.
Domestic flights
Florida is home to more than 20 airports serving hundreds of domestic and international destinations. Flying is a good option if you need to cross the state quickly. The flight from Pensacola to Miami, for example, takes less than two hours, considerably faster than the 10 hours it would take to drive.
Driving and car hire
Nothing beats a road trip through the ‘Sunshine State’. Florida’s highways are generally well maintained, and you’ll find car hire companies just about everywhere. Be sure to follow posted speed limits, wear a seatbelt at all times and obey safety signs.
