The Travelicious Guide to America’s Sunshine State ☀️
There are destinations you visit once… and then there is Florida.
We’ve now explored the Sunshine State several times, and every trip leaves us asking the same question on the flight home: “When can we come back?”
Florida has this magical way of combining everything we love in a family holiday. One day you’re watching dolphins play in crystal-clear water, the next you’re wandering through a wizarding world, and before you know it you’re sipping cocktails while the sun disappears behind swaying palm trees.
It isn’t just about Disney (although we’ll happily admit that’s pretty magical too). It’s about incredible road trips, endless beaches, colourful cities, amazing wildlife and creating memories that will be talked about for years.
This guide is your starting point for planning the ultimate Florida adventure. Throughout this article we’ll link you to our detailed destination guides, where you’ll find even more insider tips, itineraries and hidden gems.
Let’s hit the road!
Why Florida is perfect for families
Florida is one of those rare destinations where everyone finds something to love.
✔ Magical theme parks
✔ Tropical beaches
✔ Incredible wildlife
✔ Exciting cities
✔ Fantastic shopping
✔ Beautiful nature
✔ Great food
✔ Easy road trips
It’s also one of the easiest destinations in America to explore by car.
Travelicious Tip: Book your rental car before you fly. Prices are usually much lower than booking at the airport, and you’ll have a much wider choice of vehicles. We always compare prices before booking and have saved hundreds of euros by doing so, try Discover Cars
Before you leave, don’t forget to arrange travel insurance. Healthcare in the USA is expensive, so good coverage isn’t something we’d ever skip. We recently wrote a complete guide explaining exactly what to look for in a travel insurance policy.
The Ultimate Guide to Travel Insurance
Planning your Florida itinerary
If it’s your first visit, we’d recommend spending around two weeks exploring Florida.
Our favourite route looks like this:
📍 Orlando (6–7 days)
📍 Clearwater or St. Pete Beach (2 days)
📍 Naples & Everglades (2 days)
📍 Miami (2–3 days)
📍 Florida Keys & Key West (2 days)
Have another week? Add Sanibel Island, Anna Maria Island or Crystal River.
Need help booking flights? We always compare airlines first before booking because prices can vary enormously depending on the day you fly.
👉 Compare flights before you book, skyscanner.
Orlando – The heart of every Florida holiday
Let’s start with the obvious.
Most families arrive in Orlando first, and honestly… that’s exactly what we’d recommend.
Yes, the theme parks are incredible.
But Orlando is so much more than roller coasters. You’ll find beautiful lakes, fantastic restaurants, outlet shopping, water parks, evening entertainment and plenty of family-friendly activities away from the crowds.
We’ve put together a complete guide with our favourite hotels, restaurants, shopping tips and hidden gems.
👉 Read: Orlando with kids: the ultimate 2-week Florida family itinerary
Need somewhere to stay?
We usually recommend booking your hotel as early as possible, especially during school holidays when prices increase quickly
Disney World – Where magic really exists
No matter how old you are, there’s something incredibly special about seeing Cinderella Castle for the very first time.
Disney isn’t just a theme park.
It’s an experience.
Our complete Disney guide covers:
✨ Which parks to visit
✨ Where to stay
✨ Genie+ tips
✨ Best restaurants
✨ Budget advice
✨ Sample itineraries
✨ How to avoid the biggest crowds
👉 Read: Disney World Orlando with Kids: Our Honest Family Guide + Best Tips for an Unforgettable Trip
Universal Orlando – Every Harry Potter fan’s dream
Walking into Diagon Alley never gets old.
Universal has become one of our favourite parks because it perfectly combines thrilling attractions with incredible storytelling.
Whether you’re escaping dinosaurs, helping the Minions or drinking Butterbeer, there’s something around every corner.
Planning a visit?
We’ve written an entire guide explaining exactly how to maximise your day and whether staying in a Universal hotel is worth the extra money.
👉 Read: Universal Orlando with kids: movie magic, adventure & the ultimate family day out
SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld surprised us the most.
We expected animal shows.
Instead, we found one of Florida’s best combinations of marine life and thrilling roller coasters.
One of our favourite money-saving tips?
Keep your ticket receipt.
During selected promotions you can return for a second visit free of charge!
👉 Read: SeaWorld Orlando with Kids: Our Surprising Family Adventure
Miami – Palm trees, beaches & Latin vibes
Miami feels completely different from Orlando.
It’s colourful.
It’s vibrant.
It’s stylish.
Spend your morning wandering through Wynwood’s incredible street art before relaxing on South Beach.
Explore Little Havana.
Watch the sunset from a rooftop.
Or simply enjoy people-watching along Ocean Drive.
Miami deserves at least a few days.
👉 Read:
https://www.travel-icious.com/2026/07/29/miami-with-kids-sunshine-beaches-family-fun/
The Florida Keys & Key West
The drive alone is worth the trip.
The Overseas Highway is one of America’s most spectacular roads.
Bridge after bridge connects tiny tropical islands while the ocean sparkles on both sides.
Eventually you’ll arrive in colourful Key West.
Watch the famous Sunset Celebration.
Visit Ernest Hemingway’s house.
Take a snorkelling trip.
Or simply slow down and enjoy island life.
👉 Read:
https://www.travel-icious.com/2026/07/29/key-west-tropical-island-vibes-at-the-southernmost-point-of-the-usa/
Meet Florida’s wild side
Not everything in Florida has ticket gates.
Some of our favourite moments happened in nature.
Watching dolphins.
Spotting manatees.
Seeing alligators in the Everglades.
Walking deserted beaches at sunrise.
These are often the memories that stay with you the longest.
If you’re driving between Naples and Miami, don’t skip an Everglades airboat tour. It’s one of the highlights of any Florida road trip.
Our favourite Florida beaches
Everyone has their favourite.
These are ours:
🏖 Clearwater Beach
🏖 Siesta Key
🏖 Anna Maria Island
🏖 Naples Beach
🏖 Bahia Honda State Park
🏖 Fort Myers Beach
Pack a picnic. Stay for sunset. Trust us.
Travelicious Planning Corner ✈️
Before booking your Florida adventure, these are the things we always arrange first:
✔ Compare flights to find the best fare.
✔ Reserve your hotel before prices increase.
✔ Book a rental car.
✔ Arrange comprehensive travel insurance.
✔ Reserve popular excursions like the Everglades or Universal Express Pass in advance if you’re travelling during busy periods.
Doing these a few months ahead can save you a surprising amount of money—and it means less stress once you’re there.
Happy travels,
Team Travelicious 🌴