Florida holidays - Family-friendly, sunny and fun

Florida Overview

Orlando

Orlando is described as the ‘Theme Park Capital of the World,’ and it’s easy to see why! It’s home to Walt Disney World Resort, consisting of four theme parks, two waterparks and Disney Springs, Disney’s ultimate dining, shopping and entertainment experience. Meanwhile, Universal Orlando Resort offers two theme parks, one waterpark and Universal’s wild entertainment complex, CityWalk.

A holiday to Orlando is always packed full of excitement, from the great shops and restaurants at International Drive, to amazing themed hotels, large family villas and of course, the sensational theme park rides and attractions. Perfect for that unforgettable multi-generational holiday you’ve always dreamed of, Orlando is full of thrills.

Orlando also has attractions close-by that are well worth exploring, including Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, offering a great combination of safari park and theme park, and the Kennedy Space Center, which now houses the retired Atlantis space shuttle.

Gulf Coast

The Gulf Coast atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, with a rhythm set by the tides and tempered by warm, salty breezes. Here, the beaches are sugar-soft, the water glows in ever-shifting hues of turquoise and emerald, and time seems to stretch just a little longer.

The Tampa Bay area, anchored by the beachside towns of Clearwater and St. Pete Beach, offers a mix of cosmopolitan energy and beachside leisure. Clearwater Beach is routinely ranked among the best in the nation, while St. Pete has evolved into a cultural powerhouse, home to bold street art, the world-class Salvador Dalí Museum, and a thriving culinary scene.

Travel further south and you’ll discover and the legendary sands of Anna Maria Island and Siesta Key, which will beckon you to their powder-fine quartz beaches and a refined yet accessible charm.

For those craving tranquillity, the islands of Sanibel and Captiva deliver with quiet lanes, bicycle trails, and a beachcomber’s paradise of seashells. Life here is slow and natural, marked by dolphin sightings, kayaking through mangrove forests, and vivid sunsets that seem to halt conversation mid-sentence. Further south still, the polished town of Naples and nearby Marco Island serve up a mix of elegance and wilderness. Chic boutiques and top-tier golf courses sit just minutes from the wild heart of the Everglades, where airboats skim across sawgrass and gators peer from the reeds.

Throughout the region, the Gulf itself is a constant companion – its warm, gentle waters ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, or casting a line. The fishing is legendary, with options ranging from deep-sea excursions to tranquil flats brimming with snook and redfish. Nature lovers will find no shortage of escapes, from protected estuaries and bird sanctuaries to offshore islands reachable only by boat.

Florida Keys

The Florida Keys lie at the very southern tip of Florida, extending in a gentle arc south west to its furthest point at Key West. On your journey, why not stop by the other little islands that make up the Keys, including snorkelling at Key Largo and lovely beaches at Islamorada and Marathon. Once at Key West, you’ll enjoy this unique destination summed up with the strapline “Close to Perfect, Far from Normal”. By day, Key West is known for its diving, fishing and golf. Yet sunset is the time Key West really shines, celebrated by jugglers, musicians and street artists before the city morphs into a hub of open-air bars and world class restaurants.

Miami

South Beach Miami is world famous for its Art Deco architecture, world class shopping and vibrant nightlife. Take a walking tour of the Art Deco district, stroll along the boardwalk or just sit on a terrace and watch the world go by. There are massive malls and a fantastic range of designer and brand name shops, ultra-cool nightclubs and “see and be seen” bars, plus a whole host of music venues and cocktail bars to enjoy late into the night.