2026 Florida Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in August)

This trip mainly covered Orlando Disney and Tampa ✈️ Flights Round-trip from Los Angeles to Florida 💰$569 · -- 🏨 Accommodation Orlando + Tampa 💰$614 · -- 🎢 Tickets Disney World Four Parks 🏰 Magic Kingdom 🌐 EPCOT 🎬 Hollywood Studios 🦁 Animal Kingdom 4-day tickets + Lightning Lane (Fast Pass) 💰$814 If you skip the Fast Pass, you can save quite a bit, but it’s highly recommended during peak season. · -- 🍴 Dining Disney park dining Orlando restaurants Tampa Boulon Brasserie Various coffee, desserts, and snacks 💰$637 Overall, dining in Florida is cheaper than in California, but Disney park food is still quite pricey. · -- 🚗 Transportation Car rental Airport transfers Parking 💰$393 🍸 Bars Tampa EDITION Hotel 💰$105 Great ambiance, perfect for an evening drink. · -- 🛍️ Shopping 💰$59 · -- Total Expenses ✈️ Flights: $569 🏨 Accommodation: $614 🎢 Disney Tickets + Fast Pass: $814 🍴 Dining: $637 🚗 Transportation: $393 🍸 Bars: $105 🛍️ Shopping: $59 · ————————— 💰 Total: $3,191 · -- Itinerary Reference Day1-Day2 🦁 Animal Kingdom 🏰 Magic Kingdom · -- Day3 ☕ Rest and adjustment Explore Disney surroundings · -- Day4-Day5 🎬 Hollywood Studios 🌐 EPCOT Complete Disney’s four-park checklist · -- Day6 🌳 Winter Park Shopping and coffee Evening transfer to Tampa 🍴 Boulon Brasserie 🍸 Tampa EDITION · -- Day7 🏖 Clearwater Beach The sand is incredibly fine The water color is stunning · -- Day8 🛶 Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Transparent kayaking One of the most surprising activities of the trip The water is so clear it feels like a natural swimming pool · -- Day9 🚶 Tampa city exploration Top recommendations from this trip: 🥇 Weeki Wachee Springs State Park 🥈 Clearwater Beach 🥉 EPCOT

If you’re looking for a relaxed beach in South Florida, Pompano Beach is a great alternative to busier destinations like Miami or Fort Lauderdale. The beach here is wide, clean, and much less crowded, making it perfect for a slow day by the ocean. The sand is light and soft, and the water is usually calm, especially in the morning. 🌴 What to expect Long, open shoreline with space to relax Clear water, good for swimming A peaceful, local vibe 📍 Best spots Pompano Beach Pier → main area with views and photos Beachfront promenade → easy walks along the ocean 📸 Best time to go Morning: 07:00–10:00 → fewer people, softer light Sunset: around 18:30–19:30 → warm colors, calm atmosphere 💡 Good to know Parking near the beach: about $2–$3 per hour Restaurants and cafés nearby along the pier area Less touristy than nearby cities 🧠 Why go here Pompano Beach is not about parties — it’s about space, calm, and simple beach time. If you want a quieter Florida experience with nice views and fewer crowds, this is one of the easiest spots to enjoy. #PompanoBeach #USA #yanaberg_usa

#cruiseholiday Sail away on the magnificent Wonder of the Seas from Port Canaveral, Florida, and experience the ultimate luxury at sea. From stunning ocean views to world-class entertainment, every moment on board feels magical. Explore vibrant Caribbean islands, indulge in fine dining, and relax in spacious suites designed for comfort. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or exploring the ship’s Central Park, there’s something for everyone. Wonder of the Seas promises a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, making it an unforgettable

#cruiseholiday Step aboard Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, departing from Port Canaveral, Florida, for a journey beyond imagination. The ship is a floating city packed with adventure, entertainment, and relaxation. From fine dining to spectacular live performances, every moment at sea is unforgettable. Lounge under the sun, explore private islands, or unwind with a cocktail as the ocean breeze surrounds you. Whether you’re seeking family fun or romantic moments, Wonder of the Seas has it all — a true masterpiece of modern cruising.

Orlando's Walt Disney World is the most magical place on Earth. With four unique theme parks - Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom - there is entertainment for all ages. From thrilling rides and spectacular parades to meeting beloved Disney characters, whether it's your first visit or a return trip, the experience is unforgettable. The meticulous attention to detail, friendly staff, and immersive storytelling make every moment filled with special magic. Whether you're a family, a couple, or a solo traveler, Orlando's Disney World will awaken the childlike wonder in everyone, making it a must-visit destination in Florida!

Day 1 : Check into the @canopywpbdowntown 1:00pm - Walking mural tour of @downtownwpb 3:00pm - Spa experience at Eau Palm Beach 6. 00pm - Drinks and rooftop vibes at @treehousewpb 7. 30pm - Dinner at Pink Flamingo Day 2: 8. 00am – Go to Peanut Island ( pack food and water! ) 1:00pm - Lunch at Hive Bakery 4:00pm - Walk around Worth Avenue and check out Via Parigi and Via Mizner for photo moments Bonus - Check out the Worth Avenue Clock Tower 6. 00 pm - Sunset Happy Hour at @barcapriwpb 7. 00 pm – Italian Dinner at @elisabettas_ristorante 9:00 pm - Late night drinks at The Lab Day 3: 11:00am – High Tea at @serenitygardenteahouse 1:00pm - Stroll @mountsbotanicalgarden 4:00pm – Explore West Palm Beach Waterfront (live bands every 3rd Sunday) 6:30pm - Sunset Catamaran Cruise with @visitpalmbeach 8. 30pm – See the Wishing Tree at CityPlace 9. 00pm - Dinner at RH Rooftop Day 4 : 8:00am -Breakfast at Pura Vida Depart @palmbeachesfl From breathtaking nature and iconic shopping to inspiring culture and mouthwatering cuisine, The Palm Beaches have a premier collection of vacation experiences for you to curate. #ThePalmBeaches #florida #islandtour

Nice Restaurant with delicious food

The weather is great

Getting There -  Attractions -  Hotels -  Food & Restaurants -  Shopping - 

I found Gator Bait Wakeboard/surf on google but read the reviews on TripAdvisor. The reviews were spot on. Great boat, great instructors. My boys 20 and 17 had wake boarded once before. Under Marcos and Joey tutelage not only did they get up on the first try, but over the course of 2 hours they reached the next level of skill. They also tried wake surfing and loved it. The two hours passed in a blink of an eye and the boys had a blast. It was a bit chilly (58 degrees) but no problems as Marcos had wet suits for the boys. #themepark#nationalpark#lakes#beaches

Sitting outside with the Miami sun shining down in this iconic cafe is an absolute dream. The plants are beautiful, with vivid blooms, and there is huge attention to detail in every aspect of this venue. #café

In Port St Joe, Florida you can go to Frank Pate Park and use the public boat ramp. From there you can see the lighthouse. It is possible to climb the lighthouse at certain times. Very low cost fun on the forgotten coast. #merrychristmas #merrychristmas

Designated a Florida Heritage Site the Constitution Museum in Port St. Joe, FL is a museum to commemorate where the FL constitution was signed making FL a state. The park has very mature live oak trees, but is not as lovely as it was before the Hurricane destroyed the town in 2018. The museum has free parking and takes about 1 hour to visit. #merrychristmas #merrychristmas

At Pixie Hollow you shrink to be the size of Tinkerbell because the enlarge all the props. Tinkerbell will also sign autographs if you bring paper and pen. You can use your own camera for pictures or buy the ones they take. The VIP tours help you know when to skip the lines. #merrychristmas #tinkerbell #merrychristmas

The Constitution Convention Museum State Park is located in Port St. Joe Florida. A little known fact is the same family has had an egg hunt on Easter every year in this park for at least the last 40 years. If you are there on Easter Sunday you are welcome to join them. #givethanks #egghunt #oldflorida #givethanks

Starting from Miami self driving, along the 180 km long sea sky cross sea highway, through the Florida islands connected by 42 bridges, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, 'spend' 3-4 hours to this hot spot where Hemingway has lived for 10 years, which is the real experience of the American style of Florida. Florida islands is the perfect place to go to sea,

When talking about beer paradise in America, Michigan, Chicago, San Diego and Portland would firstly pass through people's mind . But today we gonna say something about Tampa Bay, Florida, which is becoming a new land for beer lovers. Before Tampa became a world-class beer capital, every restaurant and bar here was full of industrial beer without characteristics. However, with t

You may have experienced the magic city Miami, visited the paradise Orlando, driven on the cross sea highway between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, or visited Hemingway's favorite Key West. If you think that's all about Florida, it may not be so. 'Sunshine State' Florida is more than an endless treasure to explore. Whenever you go to Florida, you can always find une

A thousand-dollar private tour guide full service plus VIP supreme enjoyment, you can jump to the first place at any time, free meal and parking reception service, these two days to play non-stop. Sure enough, Orlando's Universal Studios is the best Universal Studios in the world. Different from other countries, there are many projects of American native culture. The new project Jimmy talk show and King Kong adventures are very enjoyable, and I am the most Love the beauty team spider, and hide the new Harry Potter experience project you have never played.

The American left-hand steering wheel is not unfamiliar. It is open to the hotel all the way. It happens to meet the hotel's afternoon music. The light music makes the exhaustion sweep away. The music elements everywhere in the hotel are even the band at the door. The singer's photos, the ubiquitous sense of exquisiteness, but with a relaxed and casual. Champagne, fruit, music, and a spacious balcony with a view to the blue sea. Looking at the railings, everything on the beach is the most pleasant sight on the resort. Florida is called the sunshine state. It's really not fake. Hotel: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach Address: 918 North Atlantic Avenue

Clearwater Beach is on the west coast of Florida, near the Gulf of Mexico. Our Hilton Clearwater Bay hotel is next to Clearwater Bay Beach and can be reached in less than a minute. The fine white sand of Clear Water Bay Beach, the sunset of the beautiful Gulf of Mexico, and the rainbow that appeared after Pier 60 in the rain are my unforgettable memories at Clearwater Bay Beach. It is worth remembering for a long time.

Stepping into Universal’s Volcano Bay after dark feels like entering a completely different world, far away from the bustling theme park crowds. As the sun sets, the massive 200-foot volcano at the center begins to glow with warm, shifting lights, casting a magical reflection over the winding rivers and wave pools. Floating along the lazy river under the warm Florida stars, with the tropical music playing softly in the background, is an entirely surreal experience that turns a thrilling water park into a serene, glowing oasis. 🌙🌴 . 📅 What I experienced · Nighttime Floating: Drifting through the lazy river at night was the absolute highlight. Seeing the illuminated volcano tower overhead while bobbing gently in the warm water felt wonderfully peaceful. · Shorter Wait Times: Visiting during evening hours meant getting on the major slides and attractions with a fraction of the daytime wait, making it so much easier to experience the park's best rides. · The Volcanic Glow: Watching the artificial waterfalls and the fiery lighting effects on Krakatau after dark gave the entire park an immersive, cinematic atmosphere that you simply don't get during the day. . 🏨 Where I stayed · I stayed at one of Universal’s nearby resort hotels, which offered dedicated shuttle transportation straight to the parks. It made getting back to the room late at night completely effortless and stress-free. 🛏️🌿 . 🍴 My culinary highlights · For dinner right in the park, I grabbed some island-inspired bites and a refreshing tropical drink at one of the open-air food stands, enjoying the warm evening breeze right next to the water. 🍍🍹 . 📌 My tips for visiting · Check Operating Hours: Volcano Bay night openings or seasonal extended hours can vary depending on the time of year, so always check the official schedule in advance to plan your evening. · Bring a Towel and Change of Clothes: Even though the Florida evenings are warm, stepping out of the water after dark can get a bit breezy, so having a dry change of clothes ready is a must. · TapuTapu Wearable: Keep your virtual-line wristband handy; even at night, it helps you manage your spot on the most popular water slides without standing in long physical queues. 📸🎒 . #VolcanoBay #UniversalOrlando #OrlandoTravel #VisitFlorida #TravelDeep #WaterParkAtNight #Krakatau #BucketList #ExploreOrlando #ThemeParkLife

Kelly Park - Rock Springs is hands-down one of the chillest spots near Orlando! If you’re all about crystal-clear water and good vibes, this natural park totally delivers. Imagine floating in a natural lazy river that stays a refreshing 68 to 72 degrees year-round—perfect for cooling off on those Florida scorchers! 🥵💧 The park is managed by Orange County and can be found at 400 E Kelly Park Rd, Apopka, FL 32712, just a quick 30-minute drive northwest of downtown Orlando. Pro Tip: The spring water here is seriously next-level clear! You’ll want to bring your own floaties, snorkel gear, and a waterproof bag for your phone because the Insta ops are unreal. 📸✨ The current is super gentle, making it ideal for both families and your adventure crew. The park usually opens daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm (hours may vary by season, so always double-check on trip.com before heading out!). There’s a small park entrance fee—totally worth it for an entire day of floating and chillin’. Don’t forget: There are picnic areas, a playground for kiddos, and plenty of shaded spots if you need a break from the sun. Oh, and if you’re bringing snacks, pack them in resealable containers (no glass allowed!). If you’re looking for a slice of natural Florida that’s both fun and totally ‘Gram-worthy, Kelly Park - Rock Springs is a can’t-miss adventure. Grab your sunscreen, call up your friends, and float the day away! 🛟🌞 #kellyparksprings #floridanature #celebratewithtrip #travel2026 #naturalwonders

Coral Castle is a total must-see on your Florida bucket list! Located at 28655 South Dixie Highway, Homestead, FL 33033, this world-famous stone structure is basically an outdoor museum straight out of a fantasy novel. Built *entirely* by one man—Edward Leedskalnin, a Latvian immigrant—between 1923 and 1951, Coral Castle is seriously one of the wildest engineering and architectural mysteries in the Sunshine State. How did he move those massive stones all by himself? Nobody really knows! 🤔 Wander through sculpted coral rock as you uncover wild legends, secret love stories, and jaw-dropping stone furniture (hello, 9-ton gate!) that will totally blow your mind. The whole place gives off major mythical energy, perfect for curious explorers and selfie lovers alike. Coral Castle is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, so you’ve got plenty of time to stroll, snap pics, and try to unlock the secrets yourself. Heads up: Tickets are available online (just hit up trip.com for easy booking!), and trust me, this legendary spot is even cooler in real life. If you’re road tripping through Miami or the Florida Keys, don’t miss this iconic, mysterious monument—Coral Castle is one for the ‘Gram and your travel stories! #Coralcastle #floridaadventures #celebratewithtrip #travel2026 #naturalwonders

✔ A quick stop if you're staying around Kissimmee or visiting the Orlando area ✔ Old Town is a retro-style entertainment district designed to recreate the feel of a classic Florida town ✔ Walk along the brick streets to browse quirky shops, cafés, rides, and old-fashioned storefronts ✔ Free to walk around, so you can enjoy the atmosphere without paying for an attraction ✔ If you like old-style amusement parks, there are rides, go-karts, and Mortem Manor haunted house ✔ Don't skip the popcorn while wandering around—I remember that being part of the fun 😂 ✔ Saturday is especially worth considering if you like classic cars: the weekly show starts at 1 PM and the classic cars cruise at 8:30 PM ✔ Free parking is available at Old Town, so it's an easy add-on to a Kissimmee day #travel2026#travel#couplestrip#staycation#thingstodo#familytravel#myitinerary#citydaytours

If you’re craving major quirky vibes and a dash of pure Florida magic, Solomon’s Castle is an absolute MUST. Hidden deep in the lush woods of Ona, Florida, this three-story, 12,000-square-foot fortress is truly something out of a fairy tale (but with waaay more personality!). Built by the legendary artist and sculptor Howard Solomon starting in 1972, the castle’s entire exterior is draped in recycled, sun-sparkling aluminum printing plates from a local newspaper. The effect? Think giant silvery fish scales glinting in the wild Florida sun – your IG feed has literally never seen something this ✨extra✨. Inside, you’ll experience a wild collection of Solomon’s offbeat art, funky sculptures, and tons of dad-joke-filled tour guides who’ll show you around with stories that are just as out-there as the castle itself. You can even grab a bite at the fun onsite cafe, “Boat in the Moat” (seriously, you can’t make this up). Quick details for your adventure: · Address: 4533 Solomon Road, Ona, FL 33865 · Opening hours: Tues-Sat, 10am–4pm (closed Sundays & Mondays) If you’re road tripping through Central Florida or searching for hidden gems, Solomon’s Castle is high-key worth the detour. Get ready for major whimsical energy and enough sparkle to brighten your whole travel day! #Solomon'scastle #celebratewithtrip #travel2026 #naturalwonders #floridanature

Bok Tower Gardens is honestly a whole vibe! Nestled on 250 acres of pure tranquility atop Iron Mountain in Lake Wales, Florida, this spot is a dream for nature lovers and peace-seekers alike. It’s not just any old botanical garden—it’s also a bird sanctuary and a National Historic Landmark, making it a must-see if you’re in Central Florida. The gardens were dedicated way back in 1929 as a sweet gift to the American people by Edward Bok (a Dutch immigrant and super thoughtful editor), so you can literally stroll through history while soaking up all the chill energy these grounds offer. Why is everyone obsessed with Bok Tower Gardens? · Scenic strolling paths for that perfect nature walk 🌲 · The iconic Singing Tower with its dreamy carillon concerts 🎶 · Gorgeous reflective pools and secret garden corners for the ultimate “main character” moment · Birdwatcher’s heaven—you might spot some rare Feathery Friends! 🦜 · The gardens are meticulously kept and just *chef’s kiss* for Insta pics Essential info if you’re ready to vibe in real life: Address: 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853 Opening hours: 8 AM – 6 PM daily (last admission at 5 PM, so don’t be late!) Admission: You can easily score your tickets on trip.com 🎟️ If you need a pause from theme park chaos or just want a spot to recharge (and get those peaceful ✨serotonin-boosting ✨nature pics), Bok Tower Gardens is THE move. Don’t forget comfy shoes, a picnic blanket, and your most zen self. Trust me—this place is sooo worth it! #Boktowergardens #floridahiddengems #travel2026 #celebratewithtrip #naturalwonders #floridanature

St. Augustine Historic Downtown is where living history meets next-level vibes! Founded waaay back in 1565 by Spanish explorers, this spot is officially the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the U.S. Talk about legendary status! 👑🔥 Wander along those narrow, brick-paved streets and you’ll feel like you’re in a real-life movie set. The downtown area, located at 20 Cathedral Pl, St. Augustine, FL 32084, is packed with Insta-worthy architecture—think old-school Spanish, elegant British, and classic American influences, all mingling together for a seriously unique atmosphere. If you’re a culture buff, you’ll be obsessed with gems like the Castillo de San Marcos (open daily 9am–5pm), epic museums, and artsy galleries around every corner. Hungry? The dining scene here pops off with everything from historic taverns to modern foodie joints—sooo good! Don’t skip the adorable little shops for souvenirs that hit different. And heads up: St. George Street is totally pedestrian-friendly and perfect for strolling, people-watching, and soaking up those charming vibes. This downtown is truly the heart of St. Augustine—whether you’re here for the history, the eats, or just the breezy Florida feels. It’s seriously a must-visit. Tap St. Augustine Historic Downtown into trip.com and let your adventures begin! #staugustine #floridanature #floridanature #celebratewithtrip #travel2026