Hotels in Fort Lauderdale

Found in a sun-drenched spot between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, holidays to St. Pete & Clearwater are perfect for relaxing. With 35 miles of award-winning shorelines and turquoise seas at your feet, there’s no wonder why these neighbouring towns make up one of Florida’s most loved beach resorts.

But this slice of paradise has so much more to offer besides white sand. The art scene is pretty spectacular too, from the famous Dali Museum to the amazing murals found in downtown St Petersburg (known locally as St. Pete). So if you’re looking for a beach getaway that combines outdoor adventures with a dose of culture, St. Pete & Clearwater is the place for you.

Tropical beaches 

Just 90 minutes away from Orlando, St. Pete & Clearwater is the perfect twin centre option if you want to blend Florida’s theme parks with its incredible coastline. And thanks to the endless supply of white sand, you’ll find some of the best beaches in the US here. Make sure you tick off St. Pete first! Stretching for five miles, families will love the exhilarating mix of watersports and tasty food shacks. Then there’s Clearwater, with its sugar-fine sands, bustling promenade and nightly sunset celebrations at Pier 60. Prefer a sleepier shoreline? Look no further than Pass-a-Grille, a dune-backed stretch neatly tucked away from Florida’s high rises. Or if that’s not quite secluded enough, you’ll feel completely cut off at Shell Key Preserve, a barrier island which is only accessible by water.

Nature & wildlife

If you’d like to experience St. Pete/Clearwater’s natural beauty, watersports are among the top things to do in Florida. There’s something for all ages and abilities, from paddle boarding tours exploring the area’s mangrove islands to scuba diving trips taking you to some of the best dive spots in the Gulf. But there’s no better way to soak up that all-season sun than kayaking to Caladesi Island from Clearwater Beach. On your journey you’re likely to see exotic birds, colourful marine life, and maybe even a dolphin or two! Back on dry land, keen hikers can discover 8700 acres of wilderness at Brooker Creek Preserve.

World-class art

Downtown St. Pete is a bustling hub of art and culture, which makes it the perfect home for the Dali Museum and Morean Arts Center. Take a tour around the famous Chihuly Collection, where you can view the best of artist Dale Chihuly’s work, which includes abstract glass sculptures and colourful paintings. Or why not head to the Morean Center for Clay and try your hand at creating your own masterpiece? Nearby, you’ll also find glass-blowing demonstrations at the Glass Studio & Hot Shop. 

Bars & boutiques

St. Pete & Clearwater holidays have a great nightlife scene, complete with bustling bars, authentic breweries and chic rooftop spots. Affectionately known as the ‘Gulp Coast’, this Florida hotspot is home to the Craft Beer Trail, which has 30 breweries within an hour’s drive of each other (so you may need to appoint a designated driver). For a traditional people-watching pub experience, head to MacDinton’s Irish Bar, where flowing drinks and good times go hand in hand. And if you’re not ready to leave the beautiful beaches just yet, soak up the swanky lounge-style atmosphere at the Kimpton Hotel Zamora for cocktails and panoramic views across the Gulf of Mexico. 

More travel guides

Take a look at our other travel guides for this part of the USA, including California | Chicago | Crystal River | Daytona Beach | Florida | Florida Keys and Key West | Fort Lauderdale | Fort Myers and Sanibel | Hawaii | Kissimmee | Las Vegas | Los Angeles | Miami | New England | New York City | New York State | North East Corridor | Oregon State | Orlando | San Francisco | Tampa Bay | Texas | The Deep South | Utah State | Washingston State

Kissimmee is a great place to stay if you’re after the full Florida experience. Explore everything from world-renowned theme parks to the natural beauty of Florida in a single trip. Conveniently located just minutes from Walt Disney World® Resort and Universal Orlando Resort™. With an abundance of luxury resorts, well-known hotel properties and one-of-a-kind holiday homes, Kissimmee is a superb choice for your family holiday. 

Things to do

Located in Central Florida, Kissimmee is 25 minutes from Orlando International Airport and only minutes away from world-famous theme parks. From family-friendly rides to exhilarating roller coasters, Kissimmee has thrills for all! Immerse yourself in the beauty of Florida’s natural landscape with activities ranging from ziplining to paddle-boarding, play on championship-calibre golf courses, enjoy delectable international and local fare, and shop till you drop for an unforgettable holiday. 

Theme parks

Kissimmee is a stone’s throw away from world famous theme parks. Visit Mickey and Minnie Mouse at the magical Walt Disney World Resort, where memories made will last a lifetime. At Universal Orlando® Resort the whole family can enjoy the waterparks, experience the wonder of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and whizz around on thrilling rides and rollercoasters.

History and culture

Take in a local art festival at The Osceola Performing Arts Center, and stroll through history at Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek. Be awed by masterpieces at the Orlando Museum of Art and the Cornell Fine Arts Museum. And be moved by the Museum of Military History, which details the American military experience during wartime over the past 100 years. Everywhere you turn, beauty and discovery come to life in Kissimmee through our art, historic, and cultural attractions.

Family evening entertainment

Discover the boutique restaurants, one-off shops, and lively nightlife of Kissimmee Main Street. See the best of small-town America, complete with a modern twist, at Celebration Town Center. And be sure to explore Old Town Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Pointe Orlando, and 360 Complex for unique eateries and eclectic attractions. With six entertainment districts to choose from—and so many things to do in Kissimmee—we’ll keep you entertained all day (and night) long!

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: California | Chicago | Crystal River | Daytona Beach | Florida | Florida Keys and Key West | Fort Lauderdale | Fort Myers and Sanibel | Hawaii | Las Vegas | Los Angeles | Miami | New England | New York City | New York State | North East Corridor | Oregon State | Orlando | San Francisco | St Pete & Clearwater | Tampa Bay | Texas | The Deep South | Utah State | Washingston State

Holidays to Central Florida are full of fun vibes! We’re talking legendary smile raisers like Disney World, Universal, Legoland, Busch Gardens and so many more. Home to Orlando, Lakeland and Winter Haven, Central Florida offers theme park thrills and spills, plus eye-catching natural backdrops and magnificent year-round T-shirt temperatures.

Things to do
Any list of the best things to do in Central Florida will be topped by the famous theme parks – after all, they’re the shining stars at the heart of the Sunshine State. But that’s not all! Think outdoor escapades in wild places, pitstops for tasty coffee or local craft beer, and succulent barbecue menus to tickle your tastebuds. Plus, cultural treats in world-class museums and exciting cities. Then there are the memory-box day trips to all the other must-do Florida hotspots that are in easy reach of this part of the state – from seaside escapes to astronaut encounters.

And as for the weather in Central Florida, it’s perfect for making the most of it all, whether you’re into adrenaline-rush rides or Insta-worthy scenery!

Big attractions
Of course, Central Florida’s most famous for Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, with four theme parks, two water parks and the shopping, dining and entertainment of Disney Springs. While Orlando’s the place to be for Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and City Walk, plus the nightlife and retail heaven of International Drive. If you’re in search of the world’s largest LEGOLAND, get yourself to Winter Haven – now also home to Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida.

More to explore
Go beyond the theme park gates with our insider tips to add extra zing to your USA getaway. First up, Lakeland. Check out the Frank Lloyd Wright architecture on campus at Florida Southern College. Discover pure joy at the Florida Children’s Museum. Follow the historic promenade in Lake Mirror Park. And go animal spotting at Safari Wilderness.

Want to make the most of Central Florida’s countless waterways? The Chain of Lakes at Winter Haven is the place to dip your toe, with several of the town’s 50 lakes connected by canals. No wonder it’s such a hit with waterskiers, paddleboarders and kayakers. The views from the waterfront restaurants aren’t half bad either!

And that’s not the only place to enjoy the great outdoors. From kayaking on Peace River and airboat rides across Lake Kissimmee, to spotting wild turkeys and bald eagles at the SUMICA nature reserve, there’s enough to fill your holiday to Central Florida with all kinds of adventures. Plus, don’t miss Silver Springs State Park in Ocala.

Freebies and further Florida

If you’re looking for free things to do in Central Florida, there are some fantastic ways to take the pressure off your budget and still have a trip packed with memorable experiences. In Lake Wales, listen to the bells of Bok Garden’s Singing Tower playing their pretty tune amongst the bird song, see the prehistoric canoe at the town’s History Museum, and find out if your rental car will defy gravity at Spook Hill. Or, get a taste of Old Florida with a stroll through Sanford’s Victorian downtown area and a visit to the city of Bartow, known for its historic houses and antique shops.

To top it all off, Central Florida’s a fantastic jumping-off point for other must-dos around the Sunshine State. You’re spoilt for choice with the Space Coast, Daytona, Blue Spring State Park and Tampa Bay's stunning beaches among the many places that are easy to get to.

More travel guides

Discover more with our guides to the best destinations in Florida and the rest of the United States! You might like: Crystal River | Florida Keys & Key West | Fort Myers & Sanibel | Las Vegas | Los Angeles | Miami | New York City | Sarasota | Universal Resort | Walt Disney World Resort

A destination like no other, Orlando is home to some of the most famous theme parks in the world. Take your holiday to the next level at Universal Orlando Resort. With three amazing theme parks – Universal Studios Florida Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay Water theme park, spectacular on-site hotels and more, it’s days and nights of endless fun for every member of the family.

Experience white-knuckle rides, fairy tale fantasies, awe-inspiring shows and incredible shopping malls all in one fun-filled holiday to Orlando. If you want to stay in the heart of the action, opt for a Walt Disney World Resort hotel. Bustling International Drive is known for its bars, shops and restaurants, while scenic Kissimmee is the place to kick back after a busy day at the parks.

Things to do

Kids will want to head straight for Disney’s Magic Kingdom® where they can meet their favourite characters and watch one of the brightly coloured parades. Enjoy a buffet breakfast with Mickey and the gang at Chef Mickey’s in Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Fancy travelling the world? At Disney’s Epcot, pick up a World Showcase Passport and get a stamp at each of the 11 international pavilions. Epcot’s Le Cellier Steakhouse is renowned for its delicious food. Try the rich and creamy cheddar cheese and bacon soup followed by a succulent steak.

There’s something for all ages at Universal Orlando Resort™. Immerse yourself in the next generation of blockbuster entertainment at Universal Studios Florida™. Journey through legendary worlds of incredible heroes at Universal’s Islands of Adventure™. And enjoy the thrills and relaxation of a tropical paradise like no other at Universal’s Volcano Bay™ water theme park.

Theme parks

Orlando is well known for its world famous theme parks and attractions, with more than 50,000 acres in the region covered by amusement parks.

The Universal Orlando® Resort has two amazing theme parks, top notch onsite hotels and unique dining and entertainment. Here you can explore such attractions like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, where you can shop in Diagon Alley and have a butterbeer in the wintery setting of Hogsmeade. Whizz around on rollercoasters and have a splash adventure in the waterparks.

Close by is Walt Disney World Resort where it’s not only Mickey Mouse that can be found, magic runs through the resort making unforgettable memories.

The whole family can have fun on the rides and attractions, enjoy the thrill of the waterparks and wave pools at the exciting Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach. Watch the parades and shows and even get the chance to meet all of the much loved Disney characters.

Culture

Creativity oozes out of Orlando’s famous theme parks and vibrant city. Visit the museums and art galleries to explore the exceptional local art scene. As a destination Orlando mixes tradition with modern entertainment with classic theatre performances and independent film festivals. The Amway Center is the Downtown hotspot for entertainment as it hosts events ranging from sports, like basketball, to live concerts and shows. Orlando is also a fantastic place to shop, with several top notch shopping malls and discounted outlets in the area.

Food

You’ll be spoilt for choice with the diverse array of food to sample from around the world. Whether you want fast food, or sophisticated dining, Orlando is home to some of the finest cuisine with celebrity chefs often visiting. For an experience with a flare of fun with the family, have a dinner and show or head to Disney Springs’ Planet Hollywood. Feast your eyes on the movie props and memorabilia that lines the walls whilst tucking into a scrumptious steak, fresh seafood or classic American desserts.

Nightlife

Orlando is a vibrant, contemporary destination for families and groups looking to soak up the feel good atmosphere. This means that there’s lots of spectacular after dark entertainment for you to choose from. The city is home to a variety of pubs, bars, comedy clubs and Downtown nightclubs where you can dance till the early hours and some even host live music.

If you are travelling with the kids then a dinner and show is ideal. You’ll find that there are also lots of nightly events happening in the world-renowned theme parks like Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando® Resort.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for other popular Florida destinations including: Central Florida | International Drive | Lake Buena Vista | Universal Resort Orlando | Walt Disney Resort

International Drive is in the heart of Orlando’s downtown area and is the perfect place to stay if you want to be close to the action of each theme park, as well as Florida’s other attractions. ICON Park as it’s known to locals, is a buzzing area full of great restaurants, larger-than-life attractions, great shops and luxurious hotels. It’s a great choice if you’d like to sample a little of everything that Orlando has to offer, and it has all the other attractions you’d expect from a 5 star holiday destination.

Shopping

A spot of retail therapy is the perfect daytime activity, as you’ll find over 500 shops across the whole of International Drive. There are several fabulous malls, which sell everything from top designer labels to sport shops and boutiques. For those looking for a bargain, travel to the Factory stores and designer outlets that have discounted prices for luxury clothing and accessories.

What is International Drive?

International Drive is Orlando’s huge 11.1 mile long road that hosts a wide range of entertainment and activities that the whole family can enjoy. It’s easy to navigate around as it’s split into five areas. North International Drive is the entertainment central with the Universal Orlando® Resort, iFLY Skydiving and outlet malls lining the streets.

Value International Drive is where you’ll find Universal’s Wet ‘n Wild® and several buffet restaurants and discounted shops. The Convention Side and its Convention Centre is where you can pick up souvenirs in the gift shops and outlets as well as enjoy fine dining at ICON Park after a family game of mini-golf.

South International Drive is a popular shopping district with its large upscale mall and it’s the nearest to the Walt Disney World Resort. International Drive South is slightly further afield from International Drive but it’s home to some exceptional golf courses.

If you don’t feel like driving, a great way to explore International Drive is by using the I-Ride Trolley shuttle service, which runs regularly throughout the day and travels to the majority of attractions.

Vibrant nightlife

International Drive has some exceptional nightlife. There are many hotspots that host a wide variety of entertainment such as comedy, live music, discos, magic and themed shows. Dance the night away in one of the several nightclubs and vibrant bars or sit down to an evening meal and watch a performance. There’s even an opportunity to get involved in one of the themed shows like the Titanic Dinner Event and Pirate’s Dinner Adventure. There’s a huge amount of dining options serving everything from fine dining to quick bites to eat, some of the best can be found in the ICON Park complex, which provides everything from steak to sushi.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: California | Chicago | Daytona Beach | Florida | Hawaii | Lake Buena Vista | Las Vegas | Los Angeles | Miami | New England | New York City | New York State | North East Corridor | Oregon State | San Francisco | St Pete & Clearwater | Texas | The Deep South | Universal Resort Orlando | Utah State | Walt Disney Resort | Washingston State