Florida Holidays

Even without the world-famous theme parks that dominate Orlando, a whole world of adventures awaits in Florida. You can discover natural wonders like the Everglades and the Great Florida Reef. And fascinating attractions are dotted across the state, including Ernest Hemingway’s former home-come-museum in Key West and NASA’s incredible Kennedy Space Center.

The beaches are a major draw of any holiday to Florida. There’s a stretch of sand for everyone, from fashionable Miami Beach, to the brewery-speckled St Pete Beach, to the surfer’s paradise of New Smyrna. Florida’s impeccable coastline also offers great camping – perfect if you’re planning a road trip. With over 900 campsites to choose from, you’ll always be able to find a prime sunset-watching spot.

And no Florida trip would be complete without some retail therapy. You’ll find everything from label-filled shopping malls to bargain flea markets, while many outlets also offer fine-dining options and a vibrant selection of cafes and bars.

Orlando’s world-famous theme parks attract millions of visitors every year. Each one has its own distinct personality, playing host to a number of exhilarating rollercoasters, musical shows, famous characters, delicious restaurants, and enough souvenir shops to stock up for a lifetime. Walt Disney World Resort alone boasts four theme parks and two adventure parks, while Universal Orlando is home to famous attractions like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. Whether you choose to focus your efforts on one park – they’re enormous – or several, kids and adults of all ages will be amazed by the rides and attractions. 

What’s more, the majority of Orlando’s parks are all very close to each other – so, wherever you stay, you’ll have easy access to your favourites. You can even buy a special pass that provides access to multiple parks, making it easy to pick and choose which one to visit, depending on your mood. 

Boasting hundreds of miles of coastline, vibrant sea life and warm waters, Florida is ideal for watersports. Kayaking in Southwest Florida is a popular pastime, as you’ll have the chance to explore an endless array of creeks, hidden bays and sandy beaches. Plus, there are plenty of remote spots to hop out and enjoy a romantic picnic. But if you’re looking for stylish sunbathing spots and sleek beach clubs, Miami is the place for you.

If you’d prefer to be adventurous, why not dive down to some of the most unique and fascinating shipwrecks in the world? Florida Keys, Key West and Pensacola all have some brilliant diving sites and wrecks. Meanwhile, surfing enthusiasts should take on the waves at Cocoa Beach. Dubbed ‘Surf City’, this stretch of the USA lays claim to some of the best surf in the country. If you’re lucky, you might even be in town for one of the fiercely competitive surfing competitions.

The best time to go to Florida really depends on whereabouts you want to go, and how you want to spend your time. Although famous for its sunny weather and warm climate, Florida’s temperatures do vary throughout the year. It’s also worth remembering that June to November is hurricane season.

If you’re looking for theme park thrills in Orlando, it’s best to book your holiday between January and April, when temperatures are lovely and warm, but not as stifling as the summer. Crowds will be smaller, too, so you can spend more time riding rollercoasters and less time queueing.

For Southern Florida and Florida Keys, December to April is the best time to go, as you’ll have dry, pleasant weather, with plenty of sunshine. This time of year is the perfect time for kicking back and relaxing on the beach, where you can try out watersports and wander along the promenades in a t-shirt and shorts.