Florida is your golden ticket to world-famous theme parks, scorching sunshine, and beaches you’ll never want to leave.
Holidays to Florida 2026 - Best Bits
🎢 Home to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and 19 other theme parks — this is the undisputed world capital of family fun
🏖️ Over 800 miles of sandy coastline, from the buzzing shores of South Beach to the sugar-white sands of Clearwater
🍽️ A food scene that goes way beyond burgers — think fresh stone crab, Cuban sandwiches in Little Havana and key lime pie that'll change your life
✈️ One of the easiest long-haul jollies from the UK — direct flights from most major airports, no visa needed (just a quick ESTA) and everyone speaks English
Good to Know
☀️ Florida lives up to its Sunshine State nickname with average highs of 28-33°C in summer and a pleasant 15-25°C in winter — you're looking at around 230 days of sunshine a year
💵 A pint will set you back around $7-9, and a sit-down meal at a casual restaurant runs about $15-25 per person — though portions are massive, so you'll get your money's worth. Don't forget to budget for tipping (15-20% is standard)
🐊 Florida is home to an estimated 1.3 million wild alligators — more than any other US state. You're most likely to spot them in the Everglades, but they pop up in golf course ponds and hotel pools too
🏨 Where’s the Best Place to Stay in Florida?
Orlando is the undisputed king of family holidays. With Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld all within easy reach, it's theme park heaven. Most of Florida's biggest hotels are clustered around the International Drive strip, which is handy for parks, restaurants and outlet shopping.
Miami is where it's at for couples and groups. South Beach delivers Art Deco cool, buzzing nightlife and gorgeous sandy beaches, while neighbourhoods like Little Havana and Wynwood bring serious culture and food cred. It's also your jumping-off point for the Florida Keys.
Fort Lauderdale sits about 45 minutes north of Miami and is known as the "Venice of America" for its canal system. Beautiful beaches, a revamped waterfront and a more laid-back vibe make it a proper good pick for couples or anyone who wants the South Florida sunshine without the South Beach price tag.
Fort Myers is your gateway to the Gulf Coast, with white sand beaches, stunning sunsets and a slower pace of life. It's only a short hop to Sanibel Island — one of the best shelling beaches in the world — and makes a brilliant base for a chilled-out beach holiday away from the theme park crowds.
What are the best beaches to head to on your Florida holidays?
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 – picture-perfect and award-winning, Siesta’s soft sands are perfect for a day of sunbathing, followed by a bite at one of the nearby restaurants.
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 – for a true getaway, this undeveloped barrier island offers nothing but nature and peace - ideal for unwinding.
🏨 What are the top hotels for your holidays to Florida?
Whether you want to stay right in the heart of the action or enjoy some laid-back luxury, Florida’s hotel game is mega. Here are some of our top picks:
👨👩👧👦 Best for Families
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge — Wake up to zebras and giraffes right outside your window. Set within a 33-acre wildlife preserve inside Disney World, this one is pure magic for the kids. Three different savannahs, themed pools and African-inspired restaurants make it a proper experience.
DoubleTree Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando — Sitting directly opposite the entrance to Universal Orlando, this family-friendly spot keeps you right in the thick of the action. Outdoor pool, great dining options and those famous warm cookies on arrival. Universal thrills + cookies = winning combo.
Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista — If you want to save your pennies for the parks, this is a solid budget-friendly pick. Comfortable rooms, outdoor pools and only a short drive to both Disney and Universal. Great value for a family holiday to Florida.
Universal's Endless Summer Resort — Dockside Inn & Suites — A brilliant value option right within Universal Orlando Resort. Two bedroom suites sleep up to six, there are two pools, a splash pad and you get early park admission and free shuttles to the parks.
💑 Best for Couples
Waldorf Astoria Orlando — Pure luxury overlooking a winding creek and championship golf course. The Guerlain spa, rooftop cabana pool and Bull & Bear steakhouse make this a five-star treat for a couples' holiday you won't forget.
1 Hotel South Beach — A stunning five-star beachfront hotel in Miami Beach with two oceanside pools, a rooftop restaurant serving Peruvian-Japanese fusion and a sustainability ethos that runs through everything. Proper boujee.
Don CeSar Beach Resort — This iconic pink palace on St Pete Beach is a Florida landmark. Private beach, two heated pools, a relaxing spa and gorgeous Gulf Coast sunsets. A brilliant pick for a romantic beach holiday.
Rosen Shingle Creek — A five-star stay with a championship golf course, full-service spa and separate pools for relaxing or playing. If you want to pair theme park days with properly luxurious evenings, this is your spot.
✨ Luxury Picks
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World — The ultimate splurge. Located inside Disney World gates, this combines Four Seasons elegance with Disney magic. A rooftop steakhouse, lazy river, adult-only pool and kids' splash zone mean it works brilliantly for families and couples alike.
Fontainebleau Miami Beach — An icon of Miami glamour with over ten pools, world-class restaurants and a nightclub on site. Beachfront location, cabanas by the sand and an adults-only party pool. This is Miami at its most fabulous.
💰 Budget-Friendly
Quality Suites Lake Buena Vista — An all-suites hotel close to the theme parks with full kitchens in every room, outdoor pool, hot tub and complimentary American breakfast. Brilliant for keeping costs down when you're spending your days (and your dollars) in the parks.
Universal's Endless Summer Resort — Surfside Inn & Suites — A surf-themed value hotel within Universal Orlando Resort. Family-friendly two bedroom suites, outdoor pool, fitness centre and those all-important early park admission perks and free park shuttles.
🚗 Getting Around Florida
Car Hire - the best way to explore at your own pace is to rent a car, especially if you’re bouncing between theme parks, beaches, and cities.
Bus - shuttle services are everywhere, connecting theme parks, airports, and hotels. Major tourist hubs like Orlando and Miami are well-connected. (Some shuttles to Disney are free!)
Taxi/Uber - ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are widely available, making short trips or late-night rides a breeze.
Florida holidays 2026 travel guide
👨👩👧👦 Things to Do for Families in Florida
If there is one place that has absolutely nailed family holidays, it is Florida. It is practically the world capital of "best holiday ever," with enough magic, thrills, and sunshine to keep the kiddos (and the grown-ups) buzzing for weeks.
Walt Disney World - the ultimate bucket list ticker - meet the big cheese himself, ride the classics and watch the fireworks pop.
Universal Orlando Resort - from sipping Butterbeer in Hogsmeade to causing chaos with Minions, this place delivers the goods.
Clearwater Beach - expect sugar-white sands and shallow waters that are perfect for younger swimmers and sandcastle architects.
Everglades National Park - swap the theme parks for the swamps on a wild airboat ride to spot real-life gators.
💑 Things to Do for Couples in Florida
Florida might be famous for mouse ears and rollercoasters, but it is also a top-tier spot for romance. Whether you want boujee spa days or sunset cocktails, the Sunshine State brings the all the love you could ever want for your next couples' holiday...
South Beach, Miami - spend the day topping up the tan before hitting the town for a swanky night out.
St. Augustine - wander the cobblestone streets of the oldest city in the US for major historic vibes.
Waldorf Astoria Orlando - treat yourselves to a swanky spa day followed by a dinner that is straight-up delish.
Key West Sunsets - head to Mallory Square with a drink in hand to watch the sun dip - pure Insta-feed fodder.
🎉 Things to Do for Groups in Florida
Gather the squad because holidays to Florida are unbeatable for a group getaway. From screaming your lungs out on world-class coasters to partying in Miami, there is zero chance of anyone getting bored.
Universal Studios - braving the VelociCoaster together is the ultimate bonding experience - scream if you want to go faster!
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay - a whopper of a day out mixing white-knuckle thrill rides with incredible animal encounters.
Cocoa Beach - get active with some surf lessons or rent a boat for a day of jet-skiing action.
Miami Nightlife - South Beach is the place to be for cocktails and dancing until the sun comes up.
🍽️ Things to Do for Foodies in Florida
Foodies, rejoice! The Florida food scene is absolutely sizzling with flavours from all over the globe. Forget just burgers and fries; we are talking fresh seafood, spicy Cuban beats and sweet treats that are 100% worth the calories.
Little Havana - this Miami neighbourhood is the king of Cuban cuisine - grab a Cubano sandwich and a strong coffee.
Disney Springs - a total haven for food lovers, offering everything from fancy sit-down meals to quirky food trucks.
Key Lime Pie - you cannot leave Florida without trying a slice of this zesty, creamy, biscuit-based masterpiece.
Fresh Stone Crab - head to a seafood shack on the coast for some of the freshest catch you will ever eat.
Other places to visit on your Florida holidays:
Popular Florida hotels
More Florida hotelsStunning Florida resorts
Weather in Florida
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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.
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FAQs
How long does it take to fly to Florida?
How long does it take to fly to Florida?
It takes about nine hours to fly to Florida from the UK.
What currency do they use in Florida?
What currency do they use in Florida?
The official currency of Florida is the American Dollar.
What language do they speak in Florida?
What language do they speak in Florida?
The official language spoken in Florida is English.
Why is Florida good for a holiday?
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.
Do I need to hire a car in Florida?
Do I need to hire a car in Florida?
In case you didn't know... Florida is massive. If you are staying on-site at Disney or Universal, you can probably get by with their shuttle buses, but if you want to explore the beaches, hit the malls, or visit different cities, a car is a game-changer. Just remember they drive on the "wrong" side of the road (the right), and the highways can be huge, so bring your confidence!
What is the deal with tipping in Florida?
What is the deal with tipping in Florida?
Leave your reserve at home - tipping is a big deal across the pond. Service staff in the US rely on tips to make up their wages, so it’s not just a bonus like it is back here. Aim for 15-20% on restaurant bills and a dollar or two per drink at the bar. It might feel boujee to tip that much, but it’s standard practice if you want to keep the service sweet.
What's the best time to visit Florida?
What's the best time to visit Florida?
Florida is brilliant year-round, but the sweet spot is March to May — warm and sunny (mid-20s to low 30s°C) without the peak summer heat and humidity. Summer (June-August) is hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms, but prices at the parks tend to be lower outside school holidays. Winter (November-February) is the driest season with comfortable temperatures around 15-25°C, making it a brilliant escape from the UK cold.
Is Florida good for a holiday with kids?
Is Florida good for a holiday with kids?
Absolutely — it's arguably one of the best family destinations on Earth. Between Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, LEGOLAND and the endless beaches, you could visit ten times and still not run out of things to do. Most hotels are geared up for families with kids' pools, play areas and shuttle services to the parks.
How much spending money do I need for Florida?
How much spending money do I need for Florida?
Budget around $60-80 per person per day for food and drinks outside the parks. Theme park tickets are your biggest expense — expect $100-150 per person per day depending on the park and ticket type. A sit-down meal is typically $15-25 per person, and a pint of beer runs $7-9. Don't forget to factor in tipping on top.






