The Sound of Florida

🌴 Why I’ll Always Love Holidaying in Florida

If there’s one place that never stops calling me back, it’s Florida. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been, and every single trip reminds me why I fell in love with the Sunshine State in the first place.
Of course, I adore the theme parks and shopping outlets of Orlando, who doesn’t? From the thrill of Universal Studios and Disney’s magic to the brilliant bargains at the outlets, I’m all for the predictable tourist fun. Give me crazy golf (I’m a spectator, my husband and kids play!), Gatorland, or an airboat ride through Boggy Creek and I’m in my happy place.
But Florida is so much more than rollercoasters and Mickey ears.

☀️ Beyond the Theme Parks
Head west and you’ll find the laid-back charm of the Gulf Coast, where life slows down, the beaches stretch for miles, and the sand is so soft and white enough that it rivals the Caribbean. The sea stays warm for most of the year, and the sunsets are simply unbeatable.

I love the feeling of paddling in those calm, shallow Gulf waters, with tiny fish darting around your feet and occasionally giving your toes a cheeky nibble, while dolphins play out in the distance. There’s something so peaceful about sitting on the sand, watching them glide past as the sun begins to dip into the horizon.

Fort Myers has my heart, it’s my absolute favourite Gulf town, known as a flip flop town but Sarasota is as equally stunning, with an air of being a tad more upmarket.

You also come across so many random things whilst travelling around, like old car museums, animal wildlife hospitals, or the Amish enclave of Pinecraft near Sarasota, which has Yoders Restaurant serving home cooked Amish food, my son still says it’s the best meal he has ever had whilst travelling

And of course, no Florida journey is complete without a drive down through the Florida Keys. Each island has its own distinct personality, from the quirky, chilled-out vibe of Islamorada to the tropical buzz of Key West. You can feel the atmosphere change as you travel south, the road stretching out over turquoise waters and endless bridges. It’s pure magic.

🌆 The Magic and Madness of Miami
Then there’s Miami, a city that’s as bold and beautiful as it looks in the movies. Whether it’s strolling along South Beach with its pastel-coloured art deco buildings, cruising down Coral Gables lined with palm trees and grand homes, or spotting celebrities on a boat tour around Biscayne Bay, Miami never fails to impress.

Don’t miss Little Havana, where the air hums with Latin music, the scent of cigars and Cuban coffee fills the streets, and locals gather to play dominoes in Máximo Gómez Park. It’s such an authentic, vibrant slice of the city that feels a world away from the glitz of South Beach, yet just as captivating and a great place to simply watch the world go by.

It’s got an infectious energy, from the bright lights and Latin rhythms to the people watching at Muscle Beach. The architecture, the culture, the nightlife, the food, the nightlife, everything about it feels larger than life, yet somehow still distinctly Floridian.

🐬 Wildlife, Water, and All Things Wonder
Florida’s wildlife is another thing I never tire of. Driving down Alligator Alley, you’ll likely spot more than a few of its namesake residents basking in the sun. I’ve had to stop the car to let Sandhill cranes cross the road, watched manatees glide by whilst sat on a sea side restaurant deck, and seen armadillos snuffling about without a care in the world.
Everywhere you go, there’s something fascinating, lizards darting up walls, dolphins and sea turtles out on the water, and the sound of sprinklers and fountains humming softly in the background. If I had to describe the sound of Florida, it would be water. It’s everywhere: beaches, lakes, ponds, marshes, mangroves, and those incredible crystal-clear springs that you can swim or kayak through.

⛳ For the Active (or the Not-So-Active!)
Whether you’re into golf, cycling, kayaking, fishing, or just strolling along scenic paths, Florida’s got you covered. There’s something really special about slowing down, hiring a bike, and just soaking up the sunshine away from the crowds.

☔ Weather, Seasons & My Favourite Times to Visit
People often ask me the best time to go, and honestly, there isn’t really a bad time. Yes, there’s “hurricane season,” but that lasts half the year, and I’ve booked customers plenty of times without issue.
I’ve personally been in January, April, May, June, July, September, November, and December, and each month offers something different.

• December & January are two of my favourites: early to mid-December, the parks are quieter, and the festive atmosphere is wonderful, but not busy like it is later in the month, and then in January it’s very very quiet everywhere!
I’ve even seen Florida at its coldest, one year, Epcot sold out of hats, scarves and gloves because the locals were freezing! Us Brits were fine in jeans and hoodies while the news anchors appeared in ski suits. It was hilarious!

• April can be a little cooler than you’d expect, especially at night, I actually found it chillier than December on one trip (though that’s not the norm!).
• May, on the other hand, is lovely and warm, lovely sunshine, longer days, and that early taste of Florida’s summer heat before the humidity really kicks in.
• June to August bring the heat and humidity, not my favourite but watching those dramatic afternoon downpours is something else. The rain is so intense it literally stops traffic!
• Late August is great if you need to travel in the school holidays, it’s quieter once US and Canadian schools go back.
• September is hurricane peak, so I’d personally avoid it.
• October & November offer two very different vibes. October can actually be quite busy, especially around weekends and school holidays, with European half term and Canadian Thanksgiving bringing extra crowds. But once November rolls around, things quieten down beautifully (except for thanksgiving weekend). It’s one of my favourite times to visit, still warm, a little calmer, and if you’re there for Thanksgiving, the post-Thanksgiving sales are legendary. After all, Black Friday was born here!

🚗 Perfect for Road Trips and Twin Centres
Florida is built for road trips. Whether you’re hiring a car, motorbike, or RV, the open roads just beg to be explored. It’s also easy to combine Florida with neighbouring states like Georgia or Alabama, or to hop over to The Bahamas, Bermuda, or other Caribbean islands.
One of my most memorable holidays was a mammoth month-long adventure. We started in New York (complete with snow and Christmas lights!), travelled to Toronto and Niagara Falls for Christmas, took a mini cruise to The Bahamas, had a break in Fort Myers, and rang in the New Year in Orlando. It was the perfect mix of everything I love: city buzz, natural beauty, beaches, and a bit of theme park fun to finish it all off.

❤️ Why Florida Will Always Have My Heart
For me, Florida isn’t just a holiday destination, it’s a feeling. It’s the hum of sprinklers in the distance, the glow of the evening sun on palm trees, the laughter in the parks, and the calm of the sea at sunset.
Every trip feels both familiar and new, and I honestly don’t think there’ll ever be a time when I won’t want to go back.

✨ Ready to start your own Florida adventure? Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, I’d love to help you create something truly unforgettable.