Florida
Florida is the UK's classic long-haul family holiday: Orlando's Disney and Universal parks, NASA's launch site on the Space Coast, soft white Gulf coast beaches and the drive down the Keys. Winter and spring bring dry, warm days in the mid-20s; summer is hot, humid and stormy, and hurricane season runs from June to November.
Overview
Most UK visitors fly into Orlando and split a fortnight between the theme parks and a beach. Kissimmee and International Drive put you minutes from Disney, Universal and SeaWorld, often in a rented villa with a pool; Clearwater, St Pete Beach and Siesta Key on the Gulf coast are about two hours west, with calm water and sunsets over the sea. Fly-drive trips head south to Miami's Art Deco district, the Everglades and the Keys, ending at Key West. February to April and November give warm, mostly dry days; the summer holidays are busy and steamy, with near-daily afternoon thunderstorms and hurricane risk peaking from August to October.
Map of Florida
Highlights
- 1Adventure
Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando
Disney's four theme parks and Universal's three, including Epic Universe, which opened in 2025, could fill a fortnight. Buy multi-day tickets in advance, arrive before opening, and consider the paid queue-skipping passes on the busiest days.
- 2History
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
The Space Shuttle Atlantis, a Saturn V rocket and the Apollo story are displayed at NASA's Florida launch site, about an hour east of Orlando. Check the launch schedule: rockets lift off from Cape Canaveral regularly and can be watched from nearby beaches.
- 3Wildlife
Everglades National Park
A vast, slow-moving river of sawgrass where alligators, anhingas and herons are almost guaranteed on the short Anhinga Trail boardwalk. Shark Valley's tram or bike loop is another easy option; go in the dry winter months, when wildlife gathers and mosquitoes ease.
- 4Nature
Florida Keys and Key West
The Overseas Highway hops 42 bridges, including the Seven Mile Bridge, on its way to Key West, closer to Cuba than to Miami. Snorkel the reef at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo and watch sunset at Mallory Square.
- 5Beach
Siesta Key
Siesta Beach is made of almost pure quartz sand that stays cool underfoot and squeaks as you walk. The water is shallow and usually calm, lifeguards cover the main beach, and the Sunday evening drum circle is a long-running local ritual.
Where to stay
Kissimmee
Families doing the parks: rented villas with private pools, big supermarkets and Disney within 15–20 minutes, though you'll need a hire car.
Clearwater Beach
Wide white sand, a lively pier and sunsets over the Gulf, two hours from Orlando; good for a relaxed second week after the parks.
Miami Beach
Couples and city lovers: South Beach's Art Deco hotels, Cuban food in nearby Little Havana and late nightlife, with the Everglades an easy day trip.
Key West
Adult-leaning island town of clapboard houses, bars and sunset sailings at the end of the Keys; expensive, so two or three nights is plenty.
When to go to Florida
Best time: Feb–Apr, Nov.
Average climate in Orlando (sea: Clearwater, Gulf coast)
How much does Florida cost?
Per person per day excluding flights. Return flights from London typically cost £500 off-peak and £1,100 in school holidays.
Visas & entry for Florida
Shown for a British passport.
Apply online before you go (travel authorisation)
To enter or transit through the US, you must have either an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) or a visa.
The US State Department has more information on visas.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Tetanus
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- Rabies
- Yellow fever certificate
- No yellow fever certificate is required to enter.
- Malaria
- No malaria risk
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in United States
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Wed 11 Nov 2026 | Veterans Day |
| Thu 26 Nov 2026 | Thanksgiving Day |
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Mon 18 Jan 2027 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day |
| Mon 15 Feb 2027 | Washington's Birthday |
| Mon 31 May 2027 | Memorial Day |
| Fri 18 Jun 2027 | Juneteenth National Independence Day (observed) |
| Sat 19 Jun 2027 | Juneteenth National Independence Day |
| Sun 4 Jul 2027 | Independence Day |
| Mon 5 Jul 2027 | Independence Day (observed) |
| Mon 6 Sep 2027 | Labour Day |
| Mon 11 Oct 2027 | Columbus Day |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Know before you go
- Most Florida toll roads are now cashless. Hire companies bill tolls through their own plans, often with a daily admin charge, so compare the options at the desk before driving away.
- Hurricane season runs from June to November, peaking August to October, so buy travel insurance when you book. Summer lightning storms also close rides, pools and beaches for an hour or so most afternoons.
Plugs, money, phrases, emergency numbers and more: see our United States guide.
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