Affectionately known as the Sunshine State, this nickname gives a direct insight into why holidays in Florida are ever so popular – continuous, balmy sunshine? Yes, please!

This vibrant region is full of contrasts – from the sugar-white beaches of the Gulf Coast, like Clearwater, to the world-famous theme parks of Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World, or the untamed beauty of the Everglades, to the buzzing energy of Miami.

Florida holidays tick every box – perfect for fun-filled family adventures or laid-back, romantic escapes focused on sun and relaxation. What’s more, with temperatures rarely dipping below 20°C, Florida is also a top pick for some winter sun, and while it may not be the first place you think of for a budget-friendly break, this is actually a great time to take advantage of a cheap Florida holiday.

Themeparks Galore

Florida holidays are just the ultimate playground where both adults and kids alike have tons of fun and create unforgettable memories. For starters, it really is themepark galore.

• Arguably the main attraction, Walt Disney World sits in Lake Buena Vista, just outside of Orlando, and is bursting with magic, fun and thrill. Made up of several parks you can hit Magic Kingdom to meet all of your favourite characters, ride the Sapce Mountain and see Cinderella’s iconic castle. Hollywood Studios is for the movie fanatics, explore everything from Star Wars to Toy Story and then hit the rides, while Animal Kingdom is a combination of a zoo and theme park.
• Universal Orlando Resort offers a similar fun day out for all with multiple action-packed parks. Head to Universal Studios to step into your favourite movies and TV shows and enjoy the immserive experiences and live shows – there’s even themed rollercoasters based on everything from Harry Potter to Despicable Me. Volcano Bay is a huge waterpark (perfect in the Florida heat) with thrilling chutes and slides and the iconic volcano centrepiece.
• All this magic doesn’t have to break the bank, there’s tons of ways to make a cheap Florida holiday work; staying in hotels outside of the parks is often cheaper and often has the benefit of free shuttles that will take you to and from the parks leaving you one less expense to sort.

Vibrant Miami

Holidays in Florida call for a stop in Miami – it’s a must! It’s one of the most exciting and diverse holiday destinations, blending beachlife with fascinating culture and buzzing nightlife, plus it can easily be done on a  budget with plenty of free things to do and convenient transport links.

• Famous for its gorgeous beaches and beaming sunshine, Miami’s South Beach is certainly a huge draw for a Florida holiday. Stroll along the soft white sands, paddle in the glistening turquoise water and soak up the lively atmopshere, or for a more relaxed vibe, North Beach offers a peaceful alternative but is just as dreamy.
• It’s got plenty of cultural appeal too, head straight to Little Havana for a tase of Cuba with Latin music filling the streets, authentic Cuban food on every corner and vibrant colours at every turn. The Art Deco Historic District is another charming spot in Miami. Wander the streets as you take in the fun 1920s and 1930s style and architecture with pastel-colours and geometric lines – it makes for a really stylish seflie spot!
• Miami’s year round warm weather makes it perfect for outdoor activities – and cheap Florida holidays because you can visit out of the peak season! Whether you fancy walks along the beautiful beaches, a boat tour or day trip to Florida Keys, or even gator-spotting in the Everglades National Park, you’ll find tons to do under the balmy sunshine.

Places to go

Of course holidays in Florida must include a trip to all the legendary parks, but Florida holidays offer so much more too. Whether you’re travelling as a family, exploring just the two of you or embarking on a solo adventure, there’s tons of exciting things to do.

• Head to the beaches for lazy days and stunning views and Miami’s iconic South Beach is the place to start. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and instagram-worthy pictures, or for a family-friendly pick, Clearwater Beach boasts clear, calm waters and soft sands with plenty of space for sandcastles and games. Perfect for couples, Siesta Key oozes relaxation and rejuvenation and if you’re still there in the evening, the beautiful sunset makes for a romantic, intimate evening.
• Shopping in Florida is another must-do and having no state income tax you can expect cheaper prices so whether you’re looking for bargain buys or designer goods, everyone wins! Head to Florida Mall to browse over 250 of your favourite brands like Macy’s, H&M, Sephora and so many more, plus make the most of the bustling foodhall and kids’ play area. If it’s the luxurious buys you’re after, the Mall at Millenia is where you’ll find high-end names like Louis Vuitton and Gucci.
• Florida’s balmy sunshine makes it the perfect place for exciting outdoor adventures, and where better than Florida Keys? This string of dreamy islands is a paradise and offers plenty to do, from scuba diving in the coral reef, kayaking through the mangroves or visiting quirky museums or Ernest Hemingway’s House! Even enjoying walks or picnics on the beach transports you to a relaxing haven.

Things to see

Florida is jam-packed with iconic sights and cultural landmarks so you really can’t go far without snapping a few photos. Whether you love a picturesque view, some artistic delights or appreciate some good architecture, you’ll be in a constant state of awe on holiday in Florida.

• Seven Mile Bridge is an iconic sight in the Florida Keys, connecting Marathon to Little Duck Key and as you might expect, is seven miles long. It’s actually one of the longest bridges in the U.S. and offers incredible panoramic views of the turquoise ocean – it feels as if you’re floating above the water. You may have even seen it featured in several impressive movies like Fast and Furious and Mission: Impossible! Whether you’re driving, jogging, walking or cycling over, it’s certainly worth the photo opp.
• Venture to Downtown Miami to take in the impressive Wynwood Walls, AKA Miami’s outdoor art gallery – sounds cool, right? You’ll see over 800,00 square feet of walls covered in street art from some of the world’s top urban artists, as well as incredible murals and sculptures. There are guided tours but if you’d rather take it at your own pace you can wander around, taking every selfie opportunity and enjoying the quirky cafes and boutiques too.
• Another gem to see on holiday in Florida is St Augustine, the Nation’s oldest continuously inhabited city. With colonial architecture, cobbled streets and beautiful coastal setting, it makes for a charming, romantic day out and something different to the theme parks. See the 17th-century Spanish stone fortress, wander through the historic downtown St George Street, climb the 219 steps of the Augustine Lighthouse for sweeping views, or just relax on St Augustine Beach.

The food in Florida

From sizzling street food to fresh-out-the-ocean seafood, Florida holidays serve up a diverse mix of flavours that’ll leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re dining by the beach or grabbing a bite to go in the parks there’s something for every kind of foodie.

• With Florida’s extensive coastline, it’s not unexpected it’s a haven for seafood lovers. On most menus you’ll find fresh grouper, snapper, mahi-mahi, shrimp and crab, and if you’re looking to try a classic Florida staple, fiond yourself a grouper sandwich. Enjoy the toasted bun, layered with lettuce, tomato, tartare sauce and grilled or fried grouper – delicious!
• Of course, being one of the most family friendly destinations, holidays in Florida come seriously equipped for family dining and even the fussiest of eaters. You’ll find kid friendly menus everywhere with favourites like chicken tenders, pizza and a good old mac ‘n’ cheese topping the list. Particularly in Orlando and the parks, there’s tons of themed restaurants where you can dine with your favourite characters or sit in themed cafes that are designed to wow.
• The multicultural roots of Florida, from Cuba to the Caribbean, really show through with the array of street food on offer. Enjoy everything from hearty Cuban sandwiches and empinadas to Korean BBQ ribs, Jamaican jerk chicken and Vietnamese banh mi (a jam packed crusty baguette). Opting for some delicious food truck treats will often be cheaper than dining in the restaurants, so pick your dinner and watch the fascinating world go by

Nightlife in Florida

Just as impressive and diverse and the daytime attractions, Florida holidays also boast an incredible nightlife scene. With everything from laid back beach bars to world-famous party hotspots, there’s a scene for everyone to enjoy.

• Florida’s party capital is Miami and Miami’s nightlife does not disappoint. It’s an iconic pick with glamorous rooftop bars, beachfront nightclubs and regular celebrity DJs performing at popular clubs like Story and LIV at the Fontainebleau. Similarly, Orlando is just as lively, especially on the International Drive strip where you can expect karaoke bars and plenty of family fun, or Downtown Orlando with its cocktail lounges, speakeasy style bars and bustling pubs.
• Daytona Beach offers a more causal nightlife scene but still plenty of fun. Enjoy the laid back vibes and live music at one of the many beachfront bars or Main Street where you’ll find the bulk of the party scene with dive bars, karaoke and an all-round rock ‘n’ roll vibe.
• Both of the parks also offer plenty of after-dark fun too. At Walt Disney World you can enjoy live music and themed rooftop bars and lounges, as well as extravagant firework displays and incredible nightime shows that all the family will love. On the other hand, Universal Orlando has a bit more of a grown-up and energetic vibe with a stylish nightclub (Red Coconut Club) onsite, plus lively bars and great music.