Florida

Florida is America’s tropics with warm weather, sandy beaches, and theme parks galore. Roughly speaking, Florida can be divided into three regions: North, Central, and South. Between road trips and cheap flights, Florida is one of America’s best vacation values.

  • North Florida – an incredible driving destination where you’ll find sugar sand beaches up and down the Panhandle.
  • Central Florida – home to the state’s best theme parks and two distinct coasts, the Gulf Coast and the Atlantic Coast. North of Clearwater, the Gulf Coast is known for its rivers, particularly Crystal River (manatees) and Rainbow River (scuba diving). South of Clearwater, you’ll find resorts on white-sand beaches. The Atlantic Coast is a touch cooler with surfing and extensive lagoons.
  • South Florida – Home to sunshine, swamps, and summer showers. The water clears up south of West Palm Beach, making it perfect for scuba diving or just splashing around. Vacations range from urban adventures in the coastal cities to romantic getaways in the Keys.

Table of Contents

$-$$$
Language(s)

English

Currency

US Dollar

Exercise Increased Caution
Summer Winter
St Augustine 90 48
Orlando 91 52
Key West 65 89
Outlets
Type-A
Type-B

Best Time to Visit

In general, the best time to visit Florida is in April, May, October, or November. These months have fairly low rainfall levels and warm temperatures without too much heat and humidity. Be aware of hurricane season, which peaks in August and September, and be flexible if a storm comes in.

While most other states have four seasons (winter, spring, summer, and fall) the Sunshine State is broken up into only two seasons: wet and dry.

  • Wet Season: begins in late May
  • Dry Season: begins by mid October

Fun Facts

  • Florida is the only place on the planet where crocodiles and alligators live together
  • Florida set the record for most consecutive days of sunshine
  • Florida has 825 miles of beaches
  • Cabbage Key claims to be the home of the original Cheeseburger in Paradise
  • Venice Beach is the ‘Shark Tooth Capital of the World’
  • The San Marcos Castillo has never been captured in battle, but cede five times by treaty
  • St Augustine is the oldest European city in the Continental United States

Bucket-List Activities

Natural Wonders

  • Gulf Islands National Seashore (Gulf Breeze)
  • Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve (Jacksonville)
  • The St. Johns River (Jacksonville)
  • Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park (Okeechobee)
  • Lake Okeechobee (Okeechobee)
  • Everglades National Park (Homestead)
  • The Florida Reef (Florida Keys)
  • Sugar Sand Beaches (Gulf Coast / Panhandle)
  • Silver Springs (Ocala)
  • The Gulf Stream (West Palm Beach)
  • Blue Heron Bridge (West Palm Beach)
  • Cayo Costa State Park (Pine Island)
  • Biscayne Bay National Park (Upper Keys)

Major Attractions

Native Foods

  • Dole Whip (pineapple soft serve)
  • Key Lime Pie
  • Cuban Sandwich
  • Fried Gator Bites
  • Citrus
  • Conch Fritters

General Travel Tips

Common Phrases

  • Florida Man – A term to describe bizarre or idiotic Floridian behavior.
  • Skunk Ape – Florida’s version of Big Foot
  • Gator – An alligator
  • The closest gator to the boat – The first problem you need to deal with
  • It’ll Pass – The weather report for the showers that happen every summer afternoon
  • Love Bugs – A term for March Flies and their unique mating habits
  • No See Ums – Small biting insects
  • Orlando / Orlando International Airport (MCO ✈✈✈✈) – There’s more adventures and romance than you’d think in the shadow of the mouse
  • Miami / Miami International Airport (MIA ✈✈✈✈) – Sultry salsa and sunshine in south Florida
  • Fort Lauderdale / Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL ✈✈✈✈) – The Venice of America
  • Tampa / Tampa International Airport (TPA ✈✈✈✈) – Florida’s 3rd largest city and gateway to the Gulf Beaches
  • Fort Meyers / Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW ✈✈✈✈) – Gateway to Sanibel Island
  • West Palm Beach / Palm Beach International Airport (PBI ✈✈✈✈) – The closest you’ll get to the Gulf Stream and the last clear water before the Mid-Atlantic Bight
  • Jacksonville / Jacksonville International Airport (JAX ✈✈✈✈) – Florida’s largest city and gateway to St Augustine and Amelia Island
  • Orlando / Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB ✈✈✈✈) – How to reach Orlando on Allegiant Airline
  • St. Petersburg-Clearwater / St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE ✈✈✈✈) – The barrier islands of Tampa Bay
  • Pensacola  / Pensacola International Airport (PNS ✈✈✈) – Home to the Oriskany,  the world’s largest artificial reef
  • Destin / Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS ✈✈✈) – The ‘World’s Luckiest Fishing Village’
  • Punta Gorda / Punta Gorda Airport (PGD ✈✈✈) – The most fun ferry to Cayo Costa
  • Sarasota / Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ ✈✈✈) – Siesta Key could be America’s best beach
  • Panama City Beach / Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP ✈✈✈) – St Andrews Bay has the world’s largest bottlenose dolphin population
  • Key West / Key West International Airport (EYW ✈✈) – The fast way to America’s tropics
  • Tallahassee  / Tallahassee Regional Airport (TLH ✈✈) – Florida’s capital city
  • Daytona Beach /Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB ✈✈) / Speedways and boardwalks on the Atlantic Coast
  • Melbourne  / Melbourne International Airport (MLB ✈✈) – Home of the Indian River Lagoon
  • Gainesville / Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV ✈✈) – Home to the University of Florida
Will Swimming With Manatees Continue After They Return to the Endangered List

Will Swimming With Manatees Continue After They Return to the Endangered List

More than 1,000 Florida manatees died in 2021, threatening to return the friendly sea cows to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s endangered species list. Manatees are a beloved marine…
Kennedy Space Center: Plan a Space Adventure Vacation

Kennedy Space Center: Plan a Space Adventure Vacation

Kennedy Space Center is in the heart of Central Florida, which receives almost 100 million visitors annually. The next question is how to get the most out of your visit…
A Dozen Stunningly Beautiful Florida Springs You Must Visit

A Dozen Stunningly Beautiful Florida Springs You Must Visit

The enchanted waters of Florida springs are a wonderland for swimmers, anglers, paddlers, and boaters, with unique spots for everyone to enjoy. The abundant spring water forms a vibrant network…
Best Gulf Coast Beaches You Need to Visit

Best Gulf Coast Beaches You Need to Visit

The Gulf of Mexico is famous for its warm, gentle water and white sand beaches. Families and frolickers alike flock to more than 450 miles of Gulf Shore beaches from…
Concierge Guide to Northeast Florida Bike Trails and Cycling Routes

Concierge Guide to Northeast Florida Bike Trails and Cycling Routes

Northeast Florida bike trails could be the nation's best-kept cycling secret. This Concierge Guide will give you the down-and-dirty details and inspirational insights to get you packing up your bikes…
6 Romantic Ways to Enjoy the St Augustine Nights of Lights

6 Romantic Ways to Enjoy the St Augustine Nights of Lights

Every winter, St Augustine's Historic District comes alive during the Nights of Lights, with over 3 million lights sparkling in the Old City. From Mid-November to the end of January,…
The 17 Most Romantic Getaways in Florida for Active Couples

The 17 Most Romantic Getaways in Florida for Active Couples

Are you an active couple looking for a romantic getaway in Florida but don’t want to get stuck on a boxed vacation? Florida is full of romance and adventure; you…
Concierge Review of The Collector Luxury Inn and Gardens

Concierge Review of The Collector Luxury Inn and Gardens

St. Augustine is a city steeped in history and luxury, art and architecture, and the birthplace of the first luxury hotel in Florida. The Collector Inn is a quiet retreat…
The 25 Most Romantic Things To Do in St Augustine Florida

The 25 Most Romantic Things To Do in St Augustine Florida

Looking to plan a romantic getaway to St Augustine, Florida, or just to add a special date night into your vacation to America's oldest city? We will give you the…
Concierge Review of the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club

Concierge Review of the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club

Since 1928, Ponte Vedra Inn and Club has held itself as the epitome of luxury and sophistication. We recently visited this five-star / five-diamond property to see if they live…
Biking in St Augustine - The Best Routes to Explore the Ancient City

Biking in St Augustine - The Best Routes to Explore the Ancient City

Biking St. Augustine features over 150-miles of dedicated bike trails and bike-friendly streets. The Old City explodes with intriguing history, exciting things to do, delicious places to eat, and unique…
9 Swoonworthy Romantic Hotels in Orlando

9 Swoonworthy Romantic Hotels in Orlando

We’ve highlighted our nine choices for most romantic hotels in Orlando for you to plan a romantic getaway or staycation with your love. As one time residents, we have discovered…
19 Incredibly Romantic Things to Do in Orlando

19 Incredibly Romantic Things to Do in Orlando

Looking for romantic things to do in Orlando? While living there, we discovered many romantic things to do for adults that we want to share with you. This beautiful city…
Biking in Key West - 6 Routes You Need to Know

Biking in Key West - 6 Routes You Need to Know

No matter what you're looking for related to biking Key West, we have you covered. We give you the low-down on the best bike trails, complete with an interactive Key…
Scuba Diving In Panama City Beach- Complete Guide and Interactive Map

Scuba Diving In Panama City Beach- Complete Guide and Interactive Map

Do you know PCB is the Wreck Capital of the South? Our interactive map for scuba diving Panama City Beach contains almost 150 dive locations with over 50 wrecks sunk…
Five Florida Gulf Coast Beaches You Need to Visit Right Now

Five Florida Gulf Coast Beaches You Need to Visit Right Now

Are you looking for a fantastic beach getaway that’s beautiful, close, and inexpensive? Florida Gulf Coast beaches are absolutely gorgeous with cool white sugar sand and warm blue waves. We…
Breathtaking Beaches Near Orlando Florida You Can Reach on a Day Trip

Breathtaking Beaches Near Orlando Florida You Can Reach on a Day Trip

Where’s the closest beach to Orlando? We’ll give you the local lowdown on six of the best beaches near Orlando, and you can pick your favorite.
Best Things to do on a St Pete Beach Getaway

Best Things to do on a St Pete Beach Getaway

St. Pete Beach Florida makes an incredible beach getaway! Imagine warm, blue Gulf waters washing gently up on wide sandy beaches, fun beach hotels, and exciting water sports. Couple this…
Rusty's Bistro- Chef John's Secret to Winning Florida Trend Magazine's Golden Spoon Award 7 Consecutive Years

Rusty's Bistro- Chef John's Secret to Winning Florida Trend Magazine's Golden Spoon Award 7 Consecutive Years

When a restaurant like Rusty’s Bistro wins seven straight Golden Spoon Awards and #1 for ‘Best Seafood in St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area’ by USA Today; you want to know the rest…
Florida Getaways: The Local's Guide to Florida's Hidden Gems

Florida Getaways: The Local's Guide to Florida's Hidden Gems

Are you looking to do something different on your next Florida getaway? Do you want to get outside the theme parks and crowded beaches and discover hidden Florida? We got…
Record Setting Deerfield Beach Diver Cleanup: 9 Things I Learned

Record Setting Deerfield Beach Diver Cleanup: 9 Things I Learned

In June of 2019, 633 divers descended on Deerfield Beach Pier setting a world record and buzz of interest. We’re Florida divers and environmental activists and we wanted to know…
Sheraton Sand Key: A Fabulous Clearwater Beach Hotel for a Romantic Getaway

Sheraton Sand Key: A Fabulous Clearwater Beach Hotel for a Romantic Getaway

What makes the perfect Clearwater Beach hotel? We chose Sheraton Sand Key for our anniversary weekend and put together a fun-filled three-day/two-night romantic weekend itinerary based out of this spectacular…
Scuba Diving West Palm Beach - Florida's Underwater Turtle Trek

Scuba Diving West Palm Beach - Florida's Underwater Turtle Trek

Diving the clear, warm waters of West Palm Beach gives you an excellent opportunity to swim with wild sea turtles. Over 60,000 of these magnificent animals come ashore during the…
Panama City Beach Drive and Dive Weekend Getaway

Panama City Beach Drive and Dive Weekend Getaway

Are you looking for a dive trip that your family will enjoy as much as you do? With plenty of tropical fish, over 50 wreck sites, and hundreds of natural…

WE ARE EXCITED TO SHARE OUR JOURNEY WITH YOU!

JOIN THE CONCIERGE CLUB FOR BEHIND THE SCENES CONTENT, OUR LATEST POSTS, AND MORE… STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX!

Newsletter Signup

Table of Contents

Travel Responsibly

Here at Coleman Concierge, we encourage everyone to travel responsibly and believe there is potential for tremendous good for the world following that ethos. There is also the potential for horrific consequences from irresponsible travel.

Before you go, please check out the latest CDC recommendations for travelers.

Even if you can’t physically explore the world, we hope that you enjoy the escape our site provides. Keep your spirits up and your hands clean. There will be a time to travel soon enough.

Meet Ed & Jenn

Hi! We are Jenn and Ed Coleman, and together we are Coleman Concierge. It is our goal to inspire you to get out, expand your world, and to seek adventure, even in your own backyard.

We deeply believe in the transformational power of travel. Our tagline is amazing adventures for ordinary people because we believe that you don’t have to be super rich, super fit or super anything to have an amazing adventure. Expanding your comfort zone and trying new things will pay huge dividends in both health and happiness.

We advocate for sustainable and ethical travel and truly believe in the power of travel to transform both ourselves as well as the world around us.

NEVER MISS ANOTHER ADVENTURE! JOIN THE CONCIERGE CLUB!

Get our latest travel tips and posts straight to your inbox and start planning your next adventure.

Newsletter Signup

Proud Media Members of:

North American Travel Journalists Association

Adventure Travel Trade Association

International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association

Society of American Travel Writers

Impact Travel Alliance

Your Journey Begins Today

Get our latest travel tips and posts straight to your inbox and start planning your next adventure.

Newsletter Signup