The Sunshine State is one of the most popular US destinations for UK travellers, combining reliable warm weather with an enormous variety of attractions.
From beaches and theme parks to wildlife and history, there’s more than enough to fill a longer trip. It’s common to want to spend a few weeks during your Florida holidays to truly experience everything on offer, and with so much diversity across the state, stretching your stay makes perfect sense.
Get out in nature
Florida’s natural landscape often surprises first-time visitors. Beyond the theme parks lies an ecosystem packed with wildlife and unique scenery. Everglades National Park is one of the state’s most famous natural areas, home to alligators, manatees, and even the elusive Florida panther.
Crystal River offers the chance to kayak through clear waters, while the freshwater springs around Gainesville are ideal for swimming and cooling off in the heat. Without a doubt, the uniqueness of the Everglades makes it one of the top natural attractions in Florida. If you’re staying longer, combining several nature-based day trips gives you a completely different perspective on the state.
Head to the beach
No extended Florida stay would be complete without dedicated beach time. Clearwater Beach is famous for its powder-soft white sand and calm, turquoise waters, making it ideal for swimming and snorkelling. You can also hire jet skis or book boat trips for a more active day by the sea.
Other standout beaches include Siesta Beach, known for its quartz sand, and Fort De Soto Park, which offers quieter stretches of coastline and scenic picnic spots. If that’s not enough, Clearwater Beach consistently ranks among Florida’s top coastal destinations, reinforcing its appeal for both relaxation and watersports.
Visit a theme park
Florida’s world-famous theme parks are often the main draw. Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando provide days of rides, shows, and evening fireworks, while Kennedy Space Center offers an educational twist.
On the other hand, SeaWorld and Discovery Cove are popular options for marine life encounters. With a longer stay, you can spread park visits out. Trying to do everything in a single week is more likely to leave everyone exhausted, instead of energised.
Learn about the history
For a slower pace, explore Florida’s rich past. Castillo de San Marcos in St Augustine, built in the 1600s, is the oldest masonry fort in the continental US. Nearby, the St Augustine Lighthouse & Museum and Miami’s Art Deco Historic District provide insight into different eras of Florida’s story, rounding off a well-balanced extended stay.