The Sunshine State That Never Stops
Florida is a peninsula dangling off the southeastern United States like it's trying to escape into the Caribbean. And the southern half already has. Miami feels more Latin American than North American. The Keys feel like someone took a string of Caribbean islands and stapled them to a highway. Central Florida is theme parks and suburban sprawl. The Gulf Coast is quieter, slower, and lined with sunsets that would be cliché if they weren't that good. And the north? That's where Florida starts feeling like the American South, complete with Spanish moss, oak trees, and an entirely different pace.
It's all one state. Somehow.
Florida is the third most populous state in the US, growing every year, and visited by roughly 140 million tourists annually. It runs on tourism, retirement communities, and a news cycle so bizarre it has its own meme category. But underneath the headlines and the theme parks, there's a genuinely interesting place. The cultural mix in South Florida is unlike anything else in the country. The natural landscapes, Everglades, springs and barrier islands are world-class. And the sheer variety of experiences within a few hours of driving is hard to match.
It's loud, it's flat, it's humid, it's hot, and it's never boring.
Why Florida
Weather. Florida is warm. That's the whole pitch, and it works. Even in January, South Florida averages 25°C. If you're escaping a European or Canadian winter, the temperature alone justifies the flight. The sun is almost always there. When it isn't, it's because a thunderstorm is passing through, and those usually clear within an hour.
Beaches. A lot of beaches. Florida has over 1,300 kilometers of coastline, and much of it is sand. The Atlantic side (east coast) has warmer water, more urban beaches, and a livelier atmosphere. The Gulf side (west coast) has calmer water, whiter sand, and more of a laid-back feel. The Keys have both, plus reef snorkeling. You won't run out of beach options, ever. Just open a map, start at Miami Beach and follow the sand north. And follow. And follow. And follow. It doesn't want to end.
Cultural diversity. South Florida is a melting pot in the truest sense. Miami's population is majority Hispanic. Little Havana, Little Haiti, Brazilian enclaves in Deerfield Beach, Colombian neighborhoods in Doral. The food, the music, the language mix: it doesn't feel like "America" in the way most Europeans imagine it. It feels like something else entirely. And that's the best part.
Nature that surprises. Most people don't come to Florida for nature. They should. The Everglades are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet. Crystal-clear freshwater springs in central Florida are swimmable year-round. Dry Tortugas National Park, 70 miles west of Key West, has water so clear it looks fake. Manatees. Alligators. Dolphins from nearly every coastal pier. Florida's nature is there if you look beyond the parking lots.
It's easy. English-speaking, well-connected airports, excellent highways, familiar infrastructure. For European and North American travelers, Florida is one of the easiest long-haul destinations to navigate. You land, rent a car, and go. The learning curve is zero.
Best Time to Visit
Winter (November to April) is peak season. The weather is warm and dry, especially in the south. Temperatures hover between 20°C and 28°C. It can get cold, even very cold sometimes, but that's so rare that it makes the news. Humidity is manageable. This is when everyone comes, and prices reflect that. Hotels, flights, and rental cars are at their most expensive from December through March.
Summer (May to September) is hot. Very hot. Daytime temperatures in the low to mid 30s, humidity that makes 33°C feel like 40°C, and afternoon thunderstorms that arrive with theatrical precision almost every day around 3 or 4 PM. They're intense but short. The upside: fewer tourists, lower prices, and the locals have the beaches more to themselves.
Hurricane season runs from June to November, with the peak risk in August through October. Most years, Florida gets rain and occasional tropical storms but nothing catastrophic. But when a major hurricane does hit, it's serious. Travel insurance that covers weather disruptions is non-negotiable if you're visiting during this window.
The sweet spots are late October to mid-November and late April to May. Warm but not brutal, fewer crowds than peak winter, and prices that haven't yet inflated (or have already deflated). If you're flexible on dates, aim here.
The Regions
Florida is bigger than you might think. Driving from Miami to Pensacola is over 1,100 km, which alone should give you a sense of the scale. You won’t see all of it in one trip, and trying to squeeze everything in will only leave you rushing from place to place. I did that once and regretted it.
Instead, pick a region or a rough route and explore it properly. Whether it’s South Florida, the Gulf Coast, or the Panhandle, each area feels different and deserves its own time. You’ll get far more out of your trip by slowing down and focusing on a few places rather than trying to cover the entire state in one go.
South Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, the Keys) is where most international travelers land. It's the most culturally diverse part of the state, the most urban, and the most expensive. Miami with Miami Beach alone could fill a week between their neighborhoods, beaches, food scene, and nightlife. The Keys are a chain of islands connected by a single highway ending at Key West, which is its own world entirely.
Central Florida (Orlando, Tampa, St. Petersburg) is theme park territory. Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld — the big names are all here. But there's more to this region than theme parks. Tampa has a solid food scene and Ybor City's history. St. Petersburg has a growing arts district and beautiful Gulf beaches. The natural springs (Ichetucknee, Rainbow Springs, Three Sisters Springs) are within easy reach.
The Gulf Coast (Naples, Sarasota, Fort Myers, Sanibel) is where people go to slow down. The beaches are consistently ranked among the best in the country. The water is calm, the sand is white, the sunsets are ridiculous. It's quieter, older, cleaner, and less flashy than the east coast. That's the appeal.
North Florida (Jacksonville, St. Augustine, the Panhandle) is a different state in spirit. St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the US, with a genuine historic center. The Panhandle has beach towns that feel more like Alabama than Miami. Jacksonville is big, sprawling, and underrated.
The Everglades deserve their own mention. This massive subtropical wetland covers the southern tip of the peninsula. It's accessible from Miami as a day trip, but an overnight stay or kayaking trip gives you a much better sense of its scale. Alligators, wading birds, mangrove tunnels, and a silence that feels impossible given how close you are to one of the busiest metro areas in the country.
What to Pack
Sunscreen. Then more sunscreen. The Florida sun is aggressive even in winter. SPF 50. Reapply constantly. You will underestimate it, and you will cry. Even on overcast days the UV index regularly hits extreme levels, and a cloudy sky in Florida is not the same protection it would be in Northern Europe. If you are heading to the Keys or anywhere near coral reefs, use reef-safe sunscreen. The regular stuff damages marine life.
Light, breathable clothing. Cotton and linen. Synthetics in Florida's humidity feel like wearing a plastic bag. Bring a light long-sleeve layer for aggressive air conditioning indoors. Many restaurants, malls, and hotels keep the AC at temperatures that would constitute a cold snap in Northern Europe.
A rain jacket or compact umbrella. Especially May through October. The afternoon storms are brief but drenching. They blow in fast, dump rain for 20 to 45 minutes, and disappear. Then the sun comes back like nothing happened.
Comfortable walking shoes. Theme parks require miles of walking. Beach towns involve sand and pavement. Flip-flops are fine for the beach, but you'll want real shoes for everything else.
A reusable water bottle. Hydration is critical. The heat sneaks up on you. Tap water in Florida is safe to drink, though it sometimes tastes like it traveled through a swimming pool first.
Insect repellent. Mosquitoes are a fact of life, especially near the Everglades, near any standing water, and at dusk. If you're doing anything outdoors at sunset, you want protection.
Preparation
Rent a car. Not optional. Florida's public transport is minimal outside of Miami (and even there, it's limited). Everything is designed around driving. Distances between attractions, restaurants, and beaches are measured in highway exits, not walking minutes. Book early during peak season. Rental car prices in Florida have become genuinely painful after the pandemic.
Get a toll transponder. Florida loves toll roads. Many of them are cashless, meaning there's no booth, just cameras that read your plate. Most rental car companies include a toll pass (SunPass or similar) but charge a daily fee whether you use it or not. Check the terms. Some charge per toll, some charge a flat daily rate. Either way, be aware. You can't really get around tolls.
Download navigation. Google Maps or Waze. GPS is your co-pilot. Florida's highway system is extensive but confusing, with merges, exits, and interchanges, sometimes on both sides, that require some attention. I-95 in Miami traffic is an experience you'll only enjoy in retrospect.
Book theme parks in advance. If Orlando is on your itinerary, buy tickets and make reservations before you arrive. Disney requires park reservations on top of ticket purchases. Universal and other parks are easier but still benefit from advance planning, especially for dining and special experiences. Walk-up pricing is always the most expensive option.
Travel insurance. Especially if visiting during hurricane season (June through November). Flight cancellations, hotel evacuations, and disrupted plans are real possibilities. Also: US healthcare is expensive. If you need an emergency room visit, the bill without insurance can be thousands of dollars. Make sure your policy covers medical expenses in the US.
Customs & Etiquette
Tipping is mandatory. Not legally, but culturally. In restaurants, 15-20% of the pre-tax bill is standard, in recent times almost minimum. Anything less is considered rude. Bartenders get 1-2 USD per drink. Valet parking attendants, hotel housekeeping, and tour guides all expect tips. This is America. The service industry runs on gratuities because base wages are low. Don't fight this system as a visitor, just factor it into your budget.
Sales tax is added at the register. My first store was a Walmart. I calculated the prices in my head to get a rough idea of how much I would pay. The price at checkout was higher, and I was so confused about how I could have been so off. Then I realized: prices on tags (and menus) do not include tax. Florida's sales tax is 6%, with additional local surtaxes pushing it to 7-7.5% in most counties. So that $10 item is actually $10.70 at checkout. It's irritating, but it's universal in the US.
ID for alcohol. The drinking age is 21. If you look under 40, you'll be asked for ID. Carry your ID or passport. Many places don't accept foreign driver's licenses as ID.
Dress code is relaxed. Florida is casual by American standards, which are already casual by European standards. Shorts, sandals, and t-shirts are fine nearly everywhere. Only upscale restaurants in Miami or Palm Beach might expect something more.
People are friendly. Americans in general, and Floridians in particular, tend toward casual friendliness with strangers. Small talk with cashiers, waiters, and random people is normal. It's not fake as some people say. It's just the social style. Which also leads to a somewhat slower pace. If you're used to the full-cart-scanned-in-30-seconds pace at a German ALDI, you'll need to cultivate some patience here.
Portions are large. American restaurant portions are designed for people who believe more is always better. It's completely normal to take leftovers home in a box (ask for "a box" or "to go"). Don't feel obligated to finish everything.
What to Skip
Tourist trap restaurants on Ocean Drive. South Beach's most famous strip is beautiful to walk along but terrible to eat on. The food is mediocre, the portions are small for the price, and the service is often poor because they know you're not coming back. Eat one block inland or further up the beach.
Cheap airboat tours in the Everglades. The ones advertised on highway billboards with "GATORS GUARANTEED!" are usually loud, rushed, and crowded. They zip through the swamp at high speed while someone yells facts over the engine noise. A quieter kayak or canoe tour gives you a much better experience. You'll see more wildlife when you're not scaring it away with a turboprop engine.
Driving the full length of the Keys on a tight schedule. Miami to Key West is 260 km on a two-lane road with one bridge after another. It's not really scenic yet still worth doing, but it takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on traffic, and traffic on the Overseas Highway can be brutal. Most of the time there's no opportunity to overtake either. If you're doing a day trip, you won't have time to actually enjoy anything once you arrive. On the other hand, there's not so much to do anyway. Spend a night or two in the Keys or skip them. If this sounds ambagious: that's exactly how I feel about the Keys.
International Drive in Orlando. Unless you enjoy chain restaurants, souvenir shops, and traffic. It's the tourist strip near the theme parks and it's exactly as charming as that sounds. Orlando has better food and entertainment elsewhere.
What Not to Skip
The Everglades. One of the most unique ecosystems in the world, and it's a 45-minute drive from downtown Miami. Go early morning for the best wildlife sightings. Anhinga Trail is the classic short walk where you'll see alligators, herons, and turtles within minutes. For a deeper experience, rent a kayak and paddle through the mangrove tunnels. Don't get lost.
A Cuban coffee in Miami. Walk up to a ventanita (a walk-up coffee window) in Little Havana or Hialeah and order a cafecito or a cortadito. It's strong, sweet, and costs about two dollars. The cultural experience is free.
The Gulf Coast beaches. Siesta Key, Clearwater Beach, Sanibel Island. Less famous internationally than South Beach, but consistently better for actual beach quality. White sand, calm water, and far fewer crowds. Sanibel Island alone is worth a whole day if you're a bird watching fan.
The springs. Central Florida has dozens of freshwater springs with crystal-clear water at a constant 22°C year-round. Swimming in a spring on a hot day is one of Florida's best-kept secrets (that aren't so secret anymore and probably never were). Ichetucknee, Rainbow Springs, and Three Sisters Springs (where you can swim with manatees in winter) are worth the detour.
The food in Miami. Not the tourist restaurants. The real Miami food. Versailles for Cuban. Islas Canarias for croquetas. Any Peruvian restaurant in Doral. Colombian bakeries. Haitian griot in Little Haiti. Miami's food scene is one of its biggest attraction.
What to Eat
Florida's food identity is shaped by geography: Latin American influence in the south, seafood everywhere, and a growing scene of independent restaurants that don't fit any category.
Cuban sandwich. Layers of roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on pressed Cuban bread. Tampa and Miami both claim to have invented it. Tampa adds salami. Miami doesn't. Both are right. Both are delicious.
Key lime pie. You cannot visit the Keys without eating key lime pie. It's creamy, tart, and made with the small key limes that grow in South Florida. The debate about whether it should have a graham cracker crust or a pastry crust is best resolved by eating both and then repeat it.
Cuban coffee. A cafecito is a shot of strong espresso sweetened with sugar during the brewing process. A cortadito adds steamed milk. A colada is a larger serving meant to be shared (though no one will judge you for drinking it alone).
Fish tacos. Not traditional in the same way as Baja California, but Florida does excellent fresh fish tacos, especially on the Gulf Coast. Mahi-mahi, grouper, or snapper, grilled or blackened, with lime.
Fast food. Not recommended by many people but for a fast food fan like me, Florida is a paradise. Everywhere. Everything. Anytime.
Costs
Florida is not a budget destination by global standards, and there aren't any real options to enjoy it while saving money. But it's manageable with planning. Costs vary enormously between the quite expensive South Florida and smaller Gulf or Panhandle towns, which are more reasonable.
The prices shown here are meant as a rough guide and can vary over time. While I update exchange rates regularly, local prices are typically refreshed only when I revisit the destination.
The main cost driver in Florida are hotels and the unavoidable rental car. I stayed exclusively in Airbnbs but the differences are negligible. The hidden costs are tipping, taxes, parking, and tolls. Budget an extra 25-30% on top of listed prices and you'll be closer to reality.
Safety & Health
Florida is generally acceptably safe for tourists, but it has some specific things to be aware of.
Sun exposure is the most common health issue. Even people who think they "don't burn" will burn in Florida. UV index regularly hits 10-11 in summer. Wear sunscreen, reapply it, and take shade breaks. Heat exhaustion is real, especially if you're walking around theme parks or beaches for hours. Drink water constantly.
Hurricanes. If you're visiting during hurricane season (June through November), monitor weather forecasts. Most tropical systems give several days of warning. If a hurricane is approaching, follow local guidance. Hotels and airports will have procedures in place. Having travel insurance that covers weather events is essential.
Traffic. Florida has some of the highest accident rates in the US. I-95 in South Florida, I-4 between Tampa and Orlando, and the Turnpike are particularly notorious. Drive defensively. Don't tailgate. Watch for aggressive lane changes. And never underestimate Florida rain. It can reduce visibility to near zero within seconds.
Wildlife. Alligators live in every freshwater body in Florida. Every lake, pond, canal, and golf course water hazard. Don't swim in unmarked freshwater areas. Don't approach or feed alligators. In the ocean, jellyfish and the occasional shark are present but rarely dangerous if you pay attention to warnings.
Crime. Petty theft and car break-ins happen in tourist areas. Don't leave valuables visible in your car. Use hotel safes. In general, stick to well-trafficked areas at night and you'll be fine. Florida's reputation for violent crime has its causes but it usually doesn’t affect visitors.
Healthcare is expensive. An emergency room visit in the US can cost thousands of dollars. Even a basic urgent care visit for something minor can run 500 USD. Unless you're rich (I accept donations), travel insurance with medical coverage is absolutely essential.
Getting Around
A rental car is mandatory. I cannot stress this enough. Florida was built for cars. The distances between attractions, restaurants, and neighborhoods are designed around driving, not walking. Public transport outside of Miami is effectively non-existent for visitors.
Highways and tolls. Florida's highway system is extensive and generally well-maintained. The Turnpike, the expressways around Orlando, and parts of I-95 are toll roads. Many tolls are cashless — your rental car's transponder handles them, but check the daily fee your rental company charges.
Parking. Can be painful in South Florida. Miami Beach charges for street parking and garage parking. Downtown Miami is similar. In most other parts of Florida, parking is free or cheap. Theme parks charge 25-30 USD per day for parking.
Miami's public transit. The Metrorail and Metromover cover limited areas of Miami-Dade County. The Metromover (downtown loop) is free. Buses exist but are slow. It's the only part of Florida where you can survive without a car, barely.
Ride-hailing. Uber and Lyft work throughout Florida. Useful for nights out when you don't want to drive (or can't), for airport transfers, or for navigating Miami Beach where parking is a headache. Prices are reasonable by US standards.
Flights between regions. If you're covering both South Florida and the Panhandle, or Miami and Jacksonville, a short domestic flight saves hours of driving. Tampa to Miami is about 4 hours by car or 1 hour by air. I still recommend driving as there's a lot to see on the way.
Cycling. Limited but growing. Key West is very bikeable. Some beach towns have decent bike infrastructure. Miami Beach has a bike share system. But cycling as primary transport is not realistic in most of Florida.
Destination Info
Published 2019. Last update March 2026
