Florida is hard to beat for big family holidays. In Orlando, you can spend your days at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, while Miami brings Atlantic beaches, colourful Art Deco streets and late nights by the ocean. Warm weather year-round means holidays to Florida aren’t tied to the school summer break, and direct flights from the UK take roughly nine hours. Rollercoasters, palm-lined beaches and road trips are all within a day’s travel. If you’re looking at Florida holidays 2026 / 2027 and weighing them up against somewhere else in the States, take a look at our USA holidays to help you decide where to go.
Why choose Florida for your holiday?
Florida leaves you plenty of freedom to build the holiday your way. Orlando is home to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, with enough rides and shows to fill a week on their own. Head to Miami for beach days on the Atlantic and South Beach nightlife once the sun goes down. Or slow the pace on the Florida Keys and Gulf Coast, where quieter shores and laid-back towns replace the queues. With direct flights from the UK taking around nine hours, it's an easy trip for so much variety in one state.
Best areas to visit in Florida
Orlando
Orlando puts the theme parks front and centre, with Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort the headline names for families. Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter has fans who won't go anywhere else, and Orlando Premium Outlets are there when you fancy a day off the rides. International Drive and Lake Buena Vista are packed with resort hotels, restaurants and attractions beyond the park gates. From Orlando International Airport, you’re looking at 20–30 minutes to International Drive and 25–35 minutes to Lake Buena Vista. See what’s available with Orlando holidays.
Miami
Miami makes more sense for couples and groups who want beach time without giving up the city. Stay near South Beach for the Atlantic a few steps away, then head into Little Havana for Cuban food and live music after dark. Allow 20–30 minutes to reach Miami Beach from Miami International Airport, although traffic can add to the journey. Take a closer look at Miami holidays.
Florida Keys & Key West
The Florida Keys slow the pace, with a string of islands stretching south from the Florida mainland. Key West is the furthest point, where days can mean snorkelling, diving or heading out by boat before sunset at Mallory Square. Driving from Miami International Airport to Key West takes roughly 3.5–4 hours, so a short connecting flight is another route to consider.
Florida Gulf Coast
Florida’s Gulf Coast turns the focus to its quieter stretches of sand. Fort Myers & Sanibel has shell-covered shores and wildlife, while St Pete & Clearwater adds waterfront restaurants, white-sand beaches and the murals of downtown St Petersburg. Fort Myers is about 25 minutes from Southwest Florida International Airport. For Clearwater, allow 25–35 minutes from Tampa International Airport.
Best hotels in Florida
Florida holidays are mostly booked Room Only, with 3-star hotels leading the way.
Avanti International Resort
On International Drive, this 3-star hotel has a large pool, theme park shuttles and ICON Park within walking distance.
Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando
Stay opposite Pointe Orlando, with restaurants on the doorstep and scheduled transport to Universal Orlando Resort included.
Holiday Inn Resort Orlando – Lake Buena Vista by IHG
Set yourself up in Lake Buena Vista, with pools and family facilities back at the hotel after a day at the parks.
Mondrian South Beach
Biscayne Bay views are the draw here, with a waterfront pool and a South Beach location.
the goodtime hotel, Miami Beach, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Bold interiors and a rooftop pool give this South Beach hotel its own personality in the Florida line-up.
Florida holiday types: families, couples & longer stays
Florida holidays are led by family trips, with theme-park breaks accounting for much of the demand. Most stays run for 7–14 nights, leaving room for a pool day or shopping trip between park days. Room Only is the usual board basis, so breakfast can be on International Drive one morning and grabbed on the way out the next. Couples can take a different route, with Miami’s beaches or the Florida Keys at the centre of a longer stay, without adding Orlando to the itinerary at all.
Best time to visit Florida
Winter and spring hit a sweet spot in Florida. From December to April, you’ll skip the fiercest summer heat and humidity, which is welcome when you’ve got a full day at the parks ahead. Summer turns up the temperature and brings the school-holiday crowds. Hurricane season normally runs from June to November, so keep an eye on forecasts and the latest GOV.UK travel advice for the USA if your Florida holiday falls within those months.
Explore more of Florida
Orlando
Want more than one day with Mickey? Orlando holidays let you build a whole trip around the parks, with villas and resort hotels offering families different ways to stay.
Miami
Miami has neighbourhoods that pull you away from the shoreline. Head to Wynwood for street art and galleries, or make Miami holidays your starting point for a drive into the Everglades.
Key West
Key West has plenty to fill a few days. Duval Street, Hemingway’s former home and the southernmost point of the continental USA can all make the itinerary, with more waiting on Key West holidays.
Fort Myers & Sanibel
Nature gets more room on the itinerary here. Kayaking, wildlife reserves and smaller coastal communities give you another side of the Gulf Coast on Fort Myers & Sanibel holidays.
St Pete & Clearwater
There’s more to this part of the Gulf Coast than a towel and sun lounger. The Dalí Museum and St Petersburg’s arts scene add a city day to St Pete & Clearwater holidays.
More travel guides
Check out our other USA travel guides, including: California | Chicago | Crystal River | Daytona Beach | Fort Lauderdale | Fort Myers and Sanibel | Hawaii | Kissimmee | Las Vegas | Los Angeles | New England | New York City | New York State | North East Corridor | Oregon State | Orlando | San Francisco | Tampa Bay | Texas | The Deep South | Utah State | Washington State
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