Florida

Sunshine State, Endless Adventure

Florida stretches along the southeastern edge of the United States with a long coastline and many islands. The state has warm weather most of the year, making beaches popular for visitors. Cities like Miami and Orlando attract people from around the world because of their entertainment options and cultural diversity. Inland areas feature lakes, wetlands and forests that support wildlife such as alligators and birds. Florida’s history includes Spanish influence, early settlements and a strong tourism economy driven by theme parks and coastal resorts.

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State/Prefecture in United States

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

See price details

Safety: 7.1

General Safety:	6
Health & medical:	9
Accessibility:	8
Tap water:	8

Read details

5/5

English is spoken everywhere, and many staff also speak Spanish, especially in South Florida. Communication for English-speaking travelers is effortless in hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions.

Highlights Attractions Getting there Hotels Tips Travel costs Safety Articles

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Florida Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.

Read how our scores work

Excellent for beaches and theme parks. Relax on sandy coasts, visit world-famous amusement parks, enjoy wildlife watching in wetlands and explore vibrant coastal cities.

Place score

8.6

Best at:

Sea

Theme parks

Beaches

Boating

Van travel

Personal score

Suited for

👶 9

Families

🧓 8

Seniors

🛡️ 8

Travel Beginners

❤️ 8

Couples

United States – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B Type A: Type B: Read about power adapters
Currency:	US Dollar (USD) £1 ≈ US$1.33
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 The U.S. is highly cashless, with credit and debit cards accepted almost everywhere. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary and expected in the U.S. In restaurants, 15-20% is standard. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also expect tips, usually around 10-20% depending on the service.
Public drinking:	Public drinking laws vary by state, but it is generally prohibited in public spaces without a permit.
Public smoking:	Smoking is restricted in most indoor public spaces and some outdoor areas. Local laws vary.
Etiquette:	Greet with a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, respect personal space, and avoid discussing politics or income unless invited to share opinions. Politeness and friendliness are appreciated.

Thanksgiving (November)	A major holiday with closures and domestic travel surges.
Independence Day (July)	Expect parades, fireworks, and celebrations nationwide.
Christmas (December)	Markets, festive events, and crowded tourist spots.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Lyft, Bolt
Helpful links:	Wikipedia Visa regulations Customs & border control Travel with medicine
Other:	The U.S. is known for its diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and regional cuisines. Public transport is efficient in cities but less so in rural areas. Renting a car is recommended for exploring national parks.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Florida, United States

🌤️

Jan

🌤️

Feb

☀️

Mar

🔥

Apr

🔥

May

🔥

Jun

🌦️

Jul

🔥

Aug

🔥

Sep

🔥

Oct

☀️

Nov

🌤️

Dec

High season:	Jan. - April, June - July, Dec.
Shoulder season:	May, Aug., Oct. - Nov.
Crowdedness:	7 (Many tourists)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Hurricane season June to November, most likely August to October, check forecasts and flexible bookings

Climate and season vary by region: South Florida and the Keys are best December to April, Panhandle and Gulf beaches are best May to September, Orlando theme parks are busiest at school holidays and summer

Spring Break March to mid April: beaches and Orlando are very crowded and prices rise

Don't miss

🎠 Experience the magic of Walt Disney World in Orlando
🏖️ Relax on the white sands of Miami Beach
🐊 Spot alligators on an airboat tour in the Everglades
🚀 Watch a rocket launch from Kennedy Space Center
🤿 Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Key Largo

You've been here?

Why travel to Florida?

Florida invites visitors with its endless sunshine, turquoise waters and iconic attractions like Walt Disney World and the Everglades. There’s a little bit of everything – from cosmopolitan art scenes in Miami, nostalgic beach towns along the Gulf Coast, to quirky roadside stops on back highways. Wildlife lovers flock for manatees, alligators and dolphins, while foodies savor Cuban sandwiches, southern seafood and tropical fruits. Caution is needed during hurricane season and popular places can get crowded, but the rewards are worth it.

🏙️Cities & Regions

1 Orlando
A hub of theme parks and entertainment, Orlando offers world‑class attractions, diverse dining options and a range of family-friendly accommodations. The city’s climate is warm year-round, making it ideal for outdoor activities and seasonal events.
2 Miami
Vibrant nightlife, iconic Art Deco architecture and endless beaches define this coastal city. The area offers diverse cultural neighborhoods, world‑class museums and a thriving culinary scene that reflects its Caribbean and Latin American influences.
3 Key West
A vibrant coastal city on Florida’s Gulf Coast offers a mix of historic architecture, waterfront dining and easy access to nearby beaches. The downtown area features art galleries, boutique shops and lively festivals throughout the year.
4 Fort Lauderdale
A vibrant coastal city in Florida's Gulf region, Fort Lauderdale features wide boulevards, bustling marinas and sunny beaches. Its lively downtown offers world-class dining, shopping and cultural attractions that draw visitors year-round to this dynamic destination.
5 Miami Beach
One of America's most vibrant coastal cities, Miami Beach features Art Deco architecture and pristine Atlantic waters. Despite heavy crowds near South Beach, visitors should explore quieter northern neighborhoods for a more authentic local atmosphere.
6 Tampa
One of Florida's most underrated hubs, Tampa balances historic Ybor City vibrancy with pristine Gulf Coast beaches. While downtown draws crowds, the nearby Bayshore Boulevard offers a quieter, scenic drive perfect for avoiding tourist traps while soaking up authentic local culture.
7 Everglades National Park
A vast subtropical wilderness in southern Florida, featuring winding rivers, dense sawgrass prairies and iconic alligator habitats. This protected ecosystem offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities and diverse landscapes ranging from freshwater marshes to mangrove forests along the Gulf Coast.
8 Cape Canaveral
Home to the Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral offers launch viewings and a historic airfield. Visitors can explore rocket history, walk along the coast and enjoy nearby beaches and wildlife preserves for families every year‑round.
9 Big Cypress National Preserve
Spanning over 1.5 million acres, this coastal plain preserves mangrove swamps, pine forests and wetlands that support diverse wildlife, including alligators and migratory birds. The preserve offers hiking, canoeing and ranger‑led programs for nature enthusiasts.
10 Clearwater
A vibrant Gulf Coast city in Florida's Clearwater Bay, known for its pristine white-sand beaches and historic downtown pier. The area features calm waters perfect for swimming, plus a lively arts district and nearby nature preserves that attract visitors year-round.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
2 Universal Studios Florida
3 Dry Tortugas National Park
4 Walt Disney World
5 Old Town
6 Historic Downtown Parking Facility
7 The Spirit of Sarasota

🎡Places for activities

1 Clearwater Beach
2 Daytona International Speedway
3 Miami Seaquarium
4 Siesta Key Beach
5 Legoland Florida
6 Biscayne National Park
7 Crystal River
8 Fort Lauderdale Beach
9 Sawgrass Recreation Park

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Blue Spring State Park
2 Sanibel Island
3 Myakka River State Park
4 Florida Keys
5 Ocala National Forest
6 Silver Springs
7 Devil's Den
8 Wekiwa Springs

🛍️Shopping

1 Sawgrass Mills
2 Bayside Marketplace
3 Lincoln Road Mall
4 The Mall at Millenia
5 The Gardens Mall
6 orlando international premium outlets
7 Dolphin Mall
8 International Plaza
9 Saint Armands Circle

🎈Events

Art Basel Miami Beach
Daytona 500
Fantasy Fest (Key West)
Florida Strawberry Festival
SunFest
Miami International Boat Show
Gasparilla Pirate Festival (Tampa)
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
Calle Ocho Festival
Zora! Festival (Eatonville)

Explore on map

Open map view

Knowledge before you go

Pack light clothing and sunscreen; Florida is hot and humid year-round.
Use public transit or rideshare to avoid traffic, especially in Miami and Orlando during peak tourist seasons.
Book theme park tickets online in advance; early entry passes can save hours of waiting time at Disney World and Universal Studios.
Explore lesser-known beaches like Sanibel Island for calm waters and shell hunting, offering a quieter alternative to crowded Gulf Coast spots.

How to travel to Florida

Florida is served by major international airports in Miami, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Tampa, connecting it globally. The state also has cruise ports in Miami, Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale and is accessible from other US cities by train (Amtrak) and long-distance bus.

Access summary

Via Orlando (MCO): Main gateway; rental car or shuttle, 20–40 min downtown.
Via Miami (MIA): International hub; Metrorail, Tri-Rail or taxi, 20–45 min city.
Via Tampa (TPA): Popular west-coast airport; quick drives to Gulf beaches, 20–40 min.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Florida

Florida offers everything from luxury hotels and beachfront resorts to retro motels, vacation rentals and family-friendly accommodations. Book well in advance for theme park trips and peak beach seasons.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando

8.7

Rosen Shingle Creek

9.3

Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista Orlando

8.6

Edge Hotel Clearwater Beach

8.9

Rosen Inn International

8.6

Rosen Centre Hotel

9.1

Seralago Hotel and Suites Main Gate East

6.5

Rosen Plaza Hotel

9.1

Disney's All-Star Sports Resort

9.2

B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale Beach

8.0

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Florida

Most travelers rent a car to explore Florida, as public transit is limited outside major metro areas. Intercity travel is possible by bus (Greyhound, Megabus) and new Brightline trains between Miami and Orlando. Ride-shares and taxis operate in urban areas and tourist hotspots.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

+1 %

Daily expenses in Florida are around 1% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend around the same on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-4 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to USD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£80	£211	£599
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£41	£128	£361
🍝 Food per day	£32	£76	£213
🚕 Transportation per day	£7	£7	£25

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£30
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£16
🍟 Fast food combo	£8.50
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£11.50
☕ Cappuccino	£3.90
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£4.60

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£1.90
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£15
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£0.65

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£11
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£90
🤧 Cold medication	£8.50
💇 Basic haircut	£17

Safety information overview

General safety

Major tourist spots are safe, but be cautious about pickpocketing in crowded places and use extra care at night in some urban areas. Heed all weather warnings, especially during hurricane season.

Health & Medical

Health care is excellent but expensive without insurance. Sunburn, dehydration and insect bites are common issues – stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and protect against mosquitoes.

Accessibility

Most attractions and hotels are accessible, though some older beach towns and parks may be challenging for those with mobility issues. Theme parks and cities strive to be inclusive for all needs.

Tap water

Tap water is safe to drink statewide, with water fountains and bottle refill stations common at major attractions. In hot weather, staying hydrated is essential.