Florida Holidays

Destination highlights

Jump to...

Beaches | Hotels | Food & drink | Nightlife | Events | Things to do | Weather | Important information | Reviews |

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.

What are the top hotels in Florida?

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:

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:

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:

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.

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 2022 holiday to Florida, then these are our hot picks for annual events that cater to everyone’s tastes:

Things to do in Florida

Hit the parks

Duh. No family holiday to Florida would be complete without a trip to one of the 21 theme parks in the state. Along with the world-renowned Disney and Universal parks, you can also check out some more unusual spots, like Dinosaur World.

Meet some turtle-y adorable friends

Juno Beach is the world’s largest nesting ground for Loggerhead Turtles, and during summer the local Loggerhead Marinelife Center offers front row seats to see the baby turtles as they're released into the ocean. From nature-lovers to curious kids, this experience is an all-round crowd-pleaser.

Dive into the art scene

Beneath the waves at Grayton Beach State Park waits a spectacular experience for divers and art-lovers. The Underwater Museum of Art is a stunning sculpture park on the ocean floor, accessible only to certified divers. You can even get your diving qualification there, with the local Emerald Coast scuba school!

Shop like a local

Head to the coastal community of Seaside to find boutiques and stores selling everything from vintage records to designer clothing, or downtown Fort Myers for unusual finds and mall shopping along the riverbank.

What's the weather like in Florida?

It’s called the Sunshine State for a reason! Even if you’re planning a last minute holiday to Florida, you can guarantee great weather all year round. The temperature does vary between cities, so if you’re travelling in the winter months, we recommend heading to the south!

Important Information about travelling to Florida

How long does it take to fly to Florida?

Flights from the UK to Florida take around nine hours.

What’s the time difference between the UK and Florida?

The local time in Florida is five hours behind the UK, in the Eastern Standard Time Zone.

What currency do they use in Florida?

The official currency used in Florida is the US Dollar (USD).

What language do they speak in Florida?

The official language of Florida is American English, though you can also show off your Spanish skills in the Cuban areas.

Will Covid-19 affect my holiday to Florida?

We are currently closely following the Covid-19 situation and how it affects travel. You can find out the most up to date information about travel to the USA on the FCDO website.

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 a visa to travel to Florida?

The UK is on the list of Visa Waiver Countries in the USA, so you do not need a visa to holiday in Florida, as long as you are staying for under 90 days. However, you will need to make an application through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for each member of your travelling party, which costs $14. They are usually approved in 3 days, but it’s best to apply via the official site as soon as you book your holiday.

Here are some other destinations you might be interested in...

• Las Vegas
• Los Angeles
• San Francisco



---

Customer reviews



At On the Beach, we’ve sent many satisfied customers to Florida for a bit of sunshine. But don't just take our word for it, read some of their 5-star reviews below.

Melanie Howie:




We have used OTB for years, all our holiday are booked with them - at least 4 a year. Never had any problems.

Nicole Court:




Excellent from beginning to end. Clear information, great price and have rebooked with them again.

Steve Jones:




Excellent service and prices as always. I always end booking with OTB after checking out other operators. Website is great and easy to use, pay off my hols in 3 payments. The dates and amounts are really clear and taken on the exact date. Couldn’t fault the service I’ve had in the last 10 years.