Destination Overview
Florida is really several vacations in one state. Orlando is the theme-park capital of the world. Miami is Latin-flavored, stylish, and urban. The Keys are a laid-back island chain. The Gulf Coast — Naples, Sanibel, Clearwater — has the calmest, whitest beaches. And the Atlantic coast mixes surf towns with historic St. Augustine.
The theme parks are the biggest draw: Walt Disney World alone is roughly the size of San Francisco, and Universal Orlando has become a full multi-day destination. A park trip needs planning — park reservations, dining bookings, and ride strategies matter more than ever.
Florida's seasons run opposite to most of the US: winter is the glorious, dry, high season; summer is hot, humid, and stormy — but also when families travel and deals appear. Hurricane season (June–November) is a real consideration for late summer and fall trips.
Florida suits families above all, but also couples (the Keys, Naples), beach lovers, golfers, and space fans. Distances are big: Miami to Key West is 3.5 hours; Orlando to Miami is 3.5–4 hours.
Photo Gallery
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Top Attractions
What to prioritise, why it is worth your time, and roughly how long to allow.
Four theme parks — Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom — plus two water parks and Disney Springs. A destination in itself; most families need 4–6 park days.
Why go: The most visited vacation resort on earth, and still the gold standard for family trips.
4–6 days
Two theme parks plus the new Epic Universe, home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, thrill rides, and Volcano Bay water park.
Why go: The best thrill rides in Florida and the must-do for Harry Potter fans.
2–3 days
The art deco district, Ocean Drive, and a wide white beach, with the restaurants and nightlife Miami is famous for.
Why go: The most glamorous beach scene in America.
1–2 days
A 113-mile island chain down the Overseas Highway: Key Largo for diving, Islamorada for fishing, Key West for sunset at Mallory Square and Hemingway's house.
Why go: America's Caribbean — no passport required.
2–4 days
A vast subtropical wetland of alligators, manatees, and wading birds. Airboat tours run from the park edges; the Shark Valley tram and Anhinga Trail are the easy highlights.
Why go: A landscape found nowhere else, an hour from Miami.
Half to full day
NASA's launch complex an hour east of Orlando: the Saturn V rocket, Space Shuttle Atlantis, and — on lucky dates — live launches.
Why go: One of the most inspiring days out in America, especially for kids.
Full day
Calm, warm Gulf water, spectacular sunsets, upscale dining on Fifth Avenue, and easy access to Sanibel and Marco Island.
Why go: Florida's most relaxed, polished beach scene.
2–4 days
Founded in 1565, the oldest city in the US: the Castillo de San Marcos fort, cobbled St. George Street, and a genuinely charming historic core.
Why go: A slice of old Europe on the Atlantic coast.
1–2 days
Send us your dates and travelers and we'll put together a Florida trip with flights, hotels, and the experiences worth booking ahead.
Things To Do
Grouped by the kind of trip you're planning.
Where To Stay
Location matters more than star rating. Here's what each area is actually best for.
Stay near Disney for park access or on I-Drive for value and Universal access. On-site Disney hotels add early entry.
South Beach for scene, Mid-Beach for quieter luxury resorts. A car is optional here.
Islamorada for fishing lodges and quiet; Key West for character and nightlife. Book far ahead for winter.
Polished, calm, and sunset-facing. Best November–April.
Wide, calm Gulf beaches with more moderate prices than Naples or Miami.
Recommended Stays
A cross-section by budget. Send us any property — including one you found online — and we'll check our rate before you book.
Family-Friendly
Orlando
Early park entry, free transport, and themed pools. We match the resort category to your park plan.
Luxury
Miami Beach
Faena, Fontainebleau, and The Setai — full-service glamour on the sand.
Upscale
Islamorada / Key West
Waterfront resorts with docks and sunset views; winter inventory is tight, book early.
Upscale
Naples / Clearwater
Calm-water resorts with the state's best sunsets; strong value outside winter peaks.
Best Value
Orlando / Kissimmee
Off-site hotels and pool homes sleep big families for far less than on-site.
Hotel suggestions are editorial recommendations based on location and traveler fit. Availability, room categories, and rates are confirmed at the time of quoting.
When To Go
Weather, crowds, and what the season does to pricing.
Weather
Subtropical: dry mild winters, hot wet summers. South Florida stays warm all year.
Crowds
Theme parks peak at Christmas, spring break, and summer; beaches peak in winter.
Pricing
December–April rates can be 40–60% above summer. Book holiday weeks 6+ months out.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Conditions | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 76°F / 24°C | 60°F / 16°C | Dry and sunny; coolest month | High season |
| February | 77°F / 25°C | 61°F / 16°C | Lovely and dry; peak Keys season | |
| March | 80°F / 27°C | 64°F / 18°C | Warm; spring break crowds | |
| April | 83°F / 28°C | 68°F / 20°C | Near-perfect; last dry month | Best value + weather |
| May | 87°F / 31°C | 72°F / 22°C | Heating up; rain begins | |
| June | 90°F / 32°C | 75°F / 24°C | Hot, humid, stormy afternoons; hurricane season opens | |
| July | 91°F / 33°C | 76°F / 24°C | Hottest and most humid; parks busy | |
| August | 91°F / 33°C | 76°F / 24°C | Peak heat and storm risk | |
| September | 89°F / 32°C | 75°F / 24°C | Peak hurricane month; lowest rates | Best deals |
| October | 85°F / 29°C | 71°F / 22°C | Storm risk eases late month; pleasant | |
| November | 80°F / 27°C | 65°F / 18°C | Dry season returns; lovely | Shoulder value |
| December | 77°F / 25°C | 62°F / 17°C | Mild and dry; holiday rush after the 20th | Book early |
Temperatures are typical seasonal averages and are provided as general guidance only.
Trip Planning
What each trip length realistically gets you — plus day-by-day plans.
4–5 nights
An Orlando theme-park trip or a Miami-plus-Keys long weekend.
7 nights
Parks plus beach: 4 nights Orlando, 3 nights Gulf Coast or Miami.
10–14 nights
The full loop: Orlando, Atlantic coast, Miami, Everglades, and the Keys.
Day 1
Arrive Orlando
Check in near Disney; evening at Disney Springs.
Day 2
Magic Kingdom
Rope-drop the big rides; stay for fireworks.
Day 3
Epcot or Hollywood Studios
World Showcase lunch crawl; evening on the BoardWalk.
Day 4
Universal
Islands of Adventure and the Wizarding World.
Day 5
Drive to the Gulf
Morning drive to Clearwater or Naples; sunset on the beach.
Day 6
Beach day
Shelling, dolphin cruise, or pure downtime.
Day 7
Depart
Brunch and fly home from Tampa or Fort Myers.
Flights, hotels, transfers, and the tours worth reserving in advance — priced and arranged by a travel professional.
Getting There & Around
18 miles from Disney World
Typical transfer: 25–35 minutes
12 miles from South Beach
Typical transfer: 25–40 minutes
28 miles from South Beach
Typical transfer: 35–50 minutes
2 miles from downtown; 25 from Clearwater
Typical transfer: 30–40 minutes to beaches
Rental car
RecommendedEssential almost everywhere except South Beach. Book early for winter and holidays.
Brightline train
UsefulFast rail between Orlando, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami — beats I-95 traffic.
Rideshare
UsefulWorks well in Miami and Orlando resort areas; pricey for long distances.
Keys shuttle / tour
SituationalIf you'd rather not drive the Overseas Highway, day tours run from Miami.
Food & Dining
Book Disney table-service restaurants 60 days out. In Miami, the best Cuban food is in Little Havana, not on Ocean Drive.
Family Travel
Family-friendly areas: Lake Buena Vista (Orlando) · Clearwater Beach · Naples · Key Largo
Recommended trip length: 7–9 nights: 4–5 park days plus 2–3 beach days is the sweet spot.
Couples & Luxury
Luxury stays
Spa
Special occasions
Practical Information
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Language
English; Spanish is widely spoken in Miami and South Florida
Time zone
Eastern Time (UTC-5; UTC-4 in daylight saving)
Plugs & voltage
US standard, Type A/B, 120V
Tipping
Standard US: 18–20% at restaurants, $2–5/day housekeeping
Local transport
Rental car almost everywhere; Brightline train links Orlando–Miami
Entry & visas
Domestic US travel — no passport for US citizens
Safety
Safe in tourist areas. Watch afternoon storms in summer, heed hurricane advisories June–November, and never leave valuables in cars at beaches.
Entry, visa, and health requirements change. Always confirm current rules with the official government sources for your nationality before travel.
Map
Main tourist areas, major attractions, neighborhoods, and the airport.
FAQs
The questions our travelers ask most.
Ready When You Are
Tell us your dates and travelers. We'll handle flights, hotels, transfers, and the details that make the trip work.
Hotels & Resorts
We match the property to the trip — location, room category, and what's actually included. Send us a hotel you found online and we'll check our rate.
Individual property pages for Florida are added as official hotel media and supplier content is supplied — we don't publish stock photos as if they were pictures of a specific resort. In the meantime, tell us the property you're considering (or ask us to shortlist options) and we'll come back with our rate and honest guidance.
Things to Do
Tours, attractions, excursions, day trips, and family activities — provided and fulfilled by third-party providers.
Tours, attractions, activities, and experiences.
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One Complete Trip
Everything for the same trip, handled in one place.
Found a hotel online? Send it to us before you book and we'll check our rate.
Check Our Rate →Tours, attractions, excursions, day trips, transfers, and family experiences.
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