Florida
Florida, also called the Sunshine State, is a paradise for visitors seeking a blend of outdoor adventure, world-class beaches, and captivating natural beauty
Florida is the southeastern gem of the U.S., where white-sand beaches, wild wetlands, rocket launches, and neon-lit nights all coexist under endless sunshine. Nicknamed the "Sunshine State" for good reason, Florida is a playground of natural beauty, cultural mashups, and iconic attractions.
From the thrill of Orlando’s theme parks to the laid-back charm of the Keys, and from historic towns to space-age coastlines, every corner of the state offers something new to discover. Whether you're chasing sunsets, manatees, or mojitos, Florida invites you to explore, unwind, and come back for more.
Top Destinations
Jacksonville & the First Coast
Discover a relaxed coastal vibe with historic charm along Florida’s First Coast. This includes the bustling city of Jacksonville as well as the nation's oldest city, St. Augustine. A lot of people skip over this part of Florida, but it has beautiful beaches, historic sites, and easy-going getaways.
Key Areas
- Jacksonville – A dynamic city with beaches, riverfront parks, and vibrant arts
- Amelia Island – Charming island town with upscale resorts and pristine shores
- St. Augustine – The oldest continuously inhabited city in the U.S., rich with history
- The Beaches - Ponte Vedra Beach, Jacksonville Beach, and Fernandina Beach are just a few of the beaches to explore
The Panhandle
Known for its sugar-white sands and emerald-green waters, Florida’s Panhandle delivers a laid-back beach experience. Perfect for family vacations, fishing trips, or just relaxing by the Gulf.
Key Areas
- Pensacola – Historic coastal city with beautiful beaches and a military heritage
- Destin – Popular for its bright beaches, fishing, and water activities
- Panama City Beach – A lively destination with family-friendly attractions and nightlife
Central Florida & the Space Coast
The heart of Florida’s tourism magic, Central Florida is home to world-famous theme parks and nearby Atlantic beaches. Adventure seekers and families alike will find endless things to do.
Key Areas
- Orlando – Home to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and countless attractions
- Kissimmee – A convenient hub for theme park visitors with family-friendly resorts
- Cape Canaveral – Launch into space history at Kennedy Space Center
- Cocoa Beach – A classic surf town with a laid-back vibe near Orlando
- Daytona Beach - A classic coastal city known for its wide, driveable beaches, motorsports heritage, and family-friendly attractions.
The Tampa Bay Area
A vibrant blend of urban energy and coastal beauty, the Tampa Bay Area offers arts, culture, outdoor adventures, and top-rated beaches along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Key Areas
- Tampa – Bustling downtown, top museums, and thrilling attractions like Busch Gardens
- St. Petersburg – Sun-soaked beaches, world-class art, and charming downtown streets
- Clearwater – Famous for its soft sandy beaches and stunning sunsets
- Anna Maria Island – A laid-back barrier island with old-Florida charm, turquoise waters, and quiet beaches
Miami & The Florida Keys
From the glittering nightlife of Miami to the laid-back island charm of the Keys, South Florida brings a unique blend of culture, beauty, and adventure you won’t find anywhere else.
Key Areas
- Miami – A vibrant city with Cuban influence, Art Deco architecture, and beautiful beaches
- Key Largo – A gateway to snorkeling, diving, and eco-adventures in the Keys
- Key West – Quirky, colorful island known for sunsets, nightlife, and historic landmarks
Recommended Hotels in Florida
- The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island (Amelia Island)
Luxury oceanfront resort with top-tier service, a spa, and miles of pristine beach. Check prices here - The Collector Inn (St. Augustine)
Boutique hotel located in a collection of historic homes, perfect for exploring St. Augustine’s old town. Check availability - Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa (Destin)
Family-friendly resort right on the white-sand beaches of the Panhandle. View deals - Waldorf Astoria Orlando (Orlando)
Luxury retreat near Walt Disney World, with shuttle access and a world-class spa. See rates - The Don CeSar (St. Pete Beach)
Iconic pink “Pink Palace” beachfront hotel, combining historic glamor with modern amenities. Find rooms - The Betsy South Beach (Miami Beach)
Elegant boutique hotel at the quieter end of Ocean Drive, perfect for a refined South Beach stay. Book now
Featured Experiences & Activities in Florida
FAQs
What is the best month to visit Florida?
Florida summers are very hot. So many people think of Winter as the best time to visit Florida. The weather is mild in most parts of the state, although Jacksonville and North Florida in particular can get some cold snaps. So if you are visiting North Florida it’s a good idea to still bring warm weather clothing.
These months also coincide with the holiday season, making it a perfect time to enjoy the festive decorations and events at various attractions such as Disney World.
Spring, from April to June, is another great time to visit - although they can still be hot. Usually, though, the weather is warmer but still comfortable. The spring break crowds have usually gone home by late April.
If you're planning a beach vacation, summer (July to September) offers the warmest ocean temperatures.
What are the most popular destinations in Florida?
At the top of the list is probably the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, the world's most-visited vacation resort. Walt Disney World alone gets over 52 million visitors per year. Orlando is where most of the theme-park action is.
Other resorts here include:
- Universal Studios
- Legoland
- Sea World
Beyond the amusement parks, Florida boasts some of the most stunning beaches in the U.S., with the best beaches (and clearest water) being in South Florida and the Panhandle. Both are home to top-notch snorkeling and diving, paddleboarding, fishing, and other watersports.
Popular beach towns include:
- Destin
- Pensacola
- West Palm Beach
- Miami and Miami Beach
- Key Largo
- Key West
And no trip to Florida would be complete without experiencing Natural Florida. Florida is home to the Everglades National Park, one of the world's most unique ecosystems. Here, you can see a variety of wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and numerous species of birds. It’s also home to hundreds of crystal clear freshwater springs. You also don’t want to miss out on the Merritt Island National Refuge, which is conveniently located next to the Kennedy Space Center.
Lastly, be sure to check out the rich cultural attractions, especially the Cuban communities in Miami's Little Havana and Tampa’s Ybor City, the historic district of St. Augustine, and the melting pot of Key West.
No matter what your interests, you're sure to find something that captivates you in Florida.
What is the cheapest month to go to Florida?
The cheapest months to visit Florida are typically during the off-peak season, which falls in late spring (late April and May) and late fall (September and October). The kids are back in school, and summer break is over (or not started yet), so few families are able to travel during this time.
During these periods, you'll find lower prices for flights and accommodations, less crowded attractions, and shorter wait times at popular tourist spots.
What’s the best way to travel to Florida?
Flying is the quickest and often most convenient way to get to Florida, with numerous international and domestic airports spread across the state. Major carriers serve destinations like Miami, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa.
Flying is likely the most expensive option, especially because you’ll need to rent a car once you’re there. If you're traveling from within the U.S., consider budget airlines for more affordable fares.
Lots of people, especially who live in the Southeast, drive to Florida. That saves money on airfare, and having a car at your disposal allows for easy exploration once you're in Florida. For large groups, this is the cheapest option in most cases.
Cruises to Florida are another popular option. Many cruises include stops at Florida's ports as part of their itinerary.
Some of Florida’s ports include:
- Jacksonville
- Tampa
- Miami
- The Florida Keys
Is it expensive to vacation in Florida?
The cost of your Florida vacation can vary a lot based on things like when you travel, where you stay, what you do, and how you manage your budget.
As for attractions, major theme parks like Disney World and Universal are some of the most expensive Florida vacations. The least expensive include beaches, state parks, and natural areas.
Florida offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit various budgets, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels and vacation rentals.
You’ll also save money by cooking during your trip rather than eating out. In this sense, booking a stay at a suite with a full kitchen or a vacation rental can help you save money.
What month is hurricane season the worst in Florida?
Florida's hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. Hurricanes are most likely to hit in the fall, from mid-August through October. There are an especially high number of hurricanes that have hit in September.
Overall, though, the chances of a hurricane hitting exactly when and where you're visiting are relatively low. Plus, you can always stay updated on storms brewing in the Atlantic by checking weather forecasts and the National Hurricane Center.
