Thrilling roller coasters? Tick. Belly busting cheeseburgers? Tick. Crazy-good beaches? Tick. Florida has what you need. What are you waiting for?
Destination highlights
The Sunshine StateHome to world-famous beachesBursting with theme parksHosts unique events all year roundJump 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.
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 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:
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.Doubletree Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando - this family-friendly spot is right on the doorstep of Universal Orlando, and each room has wonderful views of the surrounding areas.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.Click here to book your Florida beach break
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 meringueStone crab claws - sustainably sourced local crabs with deliciously succulent claw meatOrange juice - yes, it might sound basic, but this is Florida’s most iconic export - get it freshly squeezed for the ultimate OJ experienceMiccosukee Fry Bread - a warm pumpkin bread created by the Native American Miccosukee tribeConch Fritters - a local shellfish from the Keys, drenched in lemon juice and deep-friedYou’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 longThe Melting Pot, Orlando - a unique family favourite, serving fondue in a fun atmosphereDancing Avocado, Daytona Beach - the ultimate brunch spot in a historic downtown location, with plenty of veggie optionsBeach Bistro, Holmes Beach - fine dining with a focus on seafood, and tables out on the sandsVersailles, Miami - a locally renowned landmark, serving a range of Cuban cuisine
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 celebritiesWTR Pool and Grill, Tampa - live music and DJs play through the night as you kick back at a sunset pool party overlooking the beachImprov Comedy Theater and Restaurant, Orlando - enjoy dinner, drinks, and a good laugh at the chain that launched the careers of some of our favourite comediansClub 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 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:
Gasparilla Pirate Fest, Tampa (January) - historical re-enactments and a parade by day, swashbuckling parties by nightDAYTONA 500, Daytona Beach (February) - the racing fans in your life will never forget seeing the biggest NASCAR event goingFlorida State Fair, Tampa (February) - the ultimate stateside experience, with hundreds of local food stalls, rides, and exhibitionsSugar Sand Festival, Clearwater (April) - 10 days of beachy fun with unique sand sculptures and free family activitiesSunfest, West Palm Beach (April) - Florida’s biggest waterside arts and music festivalWaterlily Celebration, Vero Beach (June) - beautiful displays of the flower in its blooming season, with a dedicated children’s gardenKey West Lobsterfest (August) - a food festival celebrating the start of lobster season with many seafood vendors and live musicMiami Beach Pride (September) - a spectacular parade and party, and a must-see for LGBTQ+ travellers on holiday to FloridaElectric Daisy Carnival, Orlando (November) - a three-day festival of dance music and showstopping stage effectsWinterfest Boat Parade, Fort Lauderdale (December) - more than 100 boats float down the river, bedazzled with festive lights and decorationsThings 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!
Month | Average temp. | Sea temp. | Hours of sunshine per day |
Jan | 16 °c | 24 °c | 7 h |
Feb | 16 °c | 23 °c | 8 h |
Mar | 20 °c | 24 °c | 9 h |
Apr | 22 °c | 25 °c | 10 h |
May | 25 °c | 27 °c | 9 h |
Jun | 27 °c | 28 °c | 9 h |
Jul | 28 °c | 29 °c | 10 h |
Aug | 28 °c | 29 °c | 9 h |
Sep | 27 °c | 29 °c | 8 h |
Oct | 24 °c | 27 °c | 8 h |
Nov | 19 °c | 26 °c | 7 h |
Dec | 16 °c | 25 °c | 7 h |
Click here to book your Florida beach break »
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.