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🌞 The Sunshine State

Florida Holidays 2026

World-famous theme parks in Orlando, Art Deco glamour in Miami, sugar-white Gulf Coast beaches, and the tropical paradise of the Florida Keys. The Sunshine State delivers unforgettable memories for families, couples, and adventurers alike.

Best TimeMar—May
Avg Temp28°C
Flight Time9h from UK

🌞 Explore Florida's Highlights

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Orlando

Theme park capital of the world — Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, plus outlet malls and golf.

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Miami

Art Deco South Beach, Wynwood street art, Little Havana cuisine, and electric nightlife.

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Fort Lauderdale

Venice of America — waterfront dining, cruise port, and beautiful Blue Wave beaches.

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Tampa

Busch Gardens thrills, Ybor City nightlife, and Clearwater Beach — Florida's top-rated shore.

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Key West

Southernmost point in the USA — sunset at Mallory Square, Hemingway's house, and coral reefs.

Naples

Gulf Coast sophistication — championship golf, pristine beaches, and Everglades gateway.

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Clearwater Beach

Sugar-white sand, warm Gulf waters, dolphin-watching cruises, and stunning sunsets nightly.

Why Florida Is Trending for 2026

Florida remains the ultimate warm-weather escape for UK families, supercharged by Universal's Epic Universe — the mega theme park that has transformed Orlando's attraction landscape. Combined with Walt Disney World's ongoing investment and SeaWorld's new attractions, there has never been a better time for a Florida holiday. Beyond the parks, Miami's culinary and art scenes continue to boom, while the Gulf Coast islands of Clearwater, Sanibel, and Anna Maria remain gloriously uncrowded.

Transatlantic flights from London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Birmingham serve Orlando, Miami, and Tampa year-round. The best value comes from early booking Florida packages — especially over school holidays when demand spikes. Book airport transfers or car hire early for the best rates at Orlando International (MCO) or Miami International (MIA).

Orlando's theme park ecosystem is unrivalled anywhere on the planet. Walt Disney World's four parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom — cater to every age group, while Universal Orlando now boasts the game-changing Epic Universe alongside Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. Compare flights to Orlando from major UK airports for the best fares, and consider arriving mid-week when ticket prices and park crowds are lower. Sports fans have extra reason to visit in 2026: the FIFA World Cup comes to the United States, with Miami's Hard Rock Stadium hosting multiple matches. Book hotels near Miami early if you plan to attend — World Cup accommodation sells out months in advance.

Beyond the parks, Florida rewards road-trippers with one of America's most iconic drives. The Overseas Highway from Miami to Key West spans 113 miles across 42 bridges, hopping between mangrove islands with turquoise water stretching to the horizon on both sides. Stop at Bahia Honda State Park for some of the finest snorkelling in the Keys, then finish in Key West for sunset celebrations at Mallory Square. Nature enthusiasts should carve out a day for the Everglades — airboat tours through the sawgrass marshes offer close encounters with alligators, manatees, and exotic wading birds. Shoppers will love Florida's massive outlet malls: Orlando Premium Outlets and Sawgrass Mills near Fort Lauderdale offer savings of 25–65% on designer brands.

Transatlantic travel requires careful preparation, so protect your Florida holiday with robust travel insurance covering the USA — medical costs in America can be extraordinarily high, making comprehensive cover non-negotiable. Keep in touch and navigate effortlessly with an eSIM for the United States, which activates instantly on landing at Orlando or Miami and keeps you connected across every park and beach. For airport logistics, pre-book airport transfers or car hire to ensure a smooth start — MCO is one of America's busiest airports, and having transport arranged in advance saves valuable holiday time, especially after a nine-hour overnight flight.

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Florida Holiday FAQs

Which Florida theme parks are best for families?

Walt Disney World (4 parks), Universal Orlando Resort (including the new Epic Universe), and SeaWorld are the big three. Disney suits younger children with Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, while Universal thrills teens with Hagrid's Motorbike Adventure and VelociCoaster. LEGOLAND is perfect for ages 2–12. Multi-park tickets save significantly.

What is the best time to visit Florida?

March to May offers warm weather (25–30°C) without the summer heat and humidity. Autumn (September–November) brings lower prices and thinner crowds. Summer (June–August) is hottest (32°C+) with daily afternoon thunderstorms. Winter (December–February) is mild and dry — ideal for snowbirds escaping UK cold.

Do I need an ESTA for Florida?

Yes — UK citizens must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before flying to the USA. Apply online at least 72 hours before departure. The ESTA costs $21, is valid for 2 years, and permits stays of up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program.

Is Florida affected by hurricanes?

Florida's hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with highest risk in August–October. Modern resorts and theme parks have robust storm protocols. Travel insurance covering weather disruption is essential during this period. Outside hurricane season, Florida enjoys remarkably stable weather.

Should I hire a car in Florida?

A hire car is highly recommended for Florida holidays, especially Orlando-based trips. Distances between attractions, outlets, and beaches are significant. Car hire from Orlando Airport starts at around £25/day. Florida driving is straightforward with wide, well-signposted roads. An International Driving Permit is not required for UK licence holders.

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