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

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.

We stayed for 5 nights as part of a big family trip through the Bahamas, Orlando (Disney), the Florida Keys, and Vegas. Choosing the Venetian proved to be a fantastic decision, as it felt like a step above some of the other hotels in Las Vegas. The casino was great, the service exceptional, and the presidential suite impressive and very clean. The views over the Sphere and mountains, especially during sunrise and sunset, were absolutely breathtaking. The hotel's amenities were outstanding. We spent a relaxing day on the terrace with the hot tubs and pools, and we adored the indoor sky and Little Venice theme throughout the property. The gondolas were such a fun and charming addition to the experience. The only downside was the lack of communication about the daily resort fee/service charge—which could be waived based on casino spending. Unfortunately, we weren’t informed of this until about ¾ into the trip and missed logging the first few days of spending, which could have offset the $300-400 fee. They wouldn’t waive the charge since we hadn’t registered it properly, a lesson learned for next time. Aside from that hiccup, it was an absolutely fantastic trip!

🌈 Daily itinerary 📅D1-2|Miami kicks off the South Beach holiday Arrive in Miami and start your Florida vacation mode ☀️ ⭐ Must-see spots: 📍South Beach One of Miami’s most iconic beaches, with crystal-clear water and palm-lined avenues—every photo looks like a movie scene 📍Wynwood Arts District A hub for street graffiti and trendy art, perfect for stunning photos 📍Little Havana Experience rich Cuban culture, enjoy a Cuban coffee, and explore unique neighborhoods 📍Everglades National Park A vast subtropical wetland in the US. Take an airboat ride through the marshes to get up close to alligators and wildlife 📅D3|Drive along one of America’s most beautiful coastal highways: the Florida Keys This day feels like a movie scene 🎬 Head south along the famous US Highway 1, crossing 42 bridges and multiple islands, arriving at the southernmost town on the US mainland. ⭐ Must-see spots: 📍Seven Mile Bridge Filming location for the movie True Lies, offering breathtaking ocean-to-sky highway views 📍Southernmost point of the continental US, about 90 miles from Cuba, a famous “end of the road” photo spot 📍Hemingway Home Visit the place where the literary master lived and created ➡️ The charm of the Florida Keys is slowing down to enjoy the romantic Caribbean town vibe 📅D4|Fort Lauderdale + Palm Beach: tour the wealthy coastline Travel north from Miami: 📍Fort Lauderdale Known as the “Venice of America,” filled with waterways, mansions, and yachts 📍Palm Beach One of Florida’s top resort areas, featuring stunning coastal views and luxury villas Experience a more refined and relaxed side of Florida ✨ Then head to Orlando to start the next fun chapter! 📅D5-D9|Orlando theme park party mode on! Arriving in Orlando is like stepping into a real-life fairy tale 🎠 One of the biggest highlights of this trip: ✅ Choose freely from 13 major theme parks 📍Disney Magic Kingdom Fairytale castles and fireworks shows that instantly bring back childhood memories 📍Disney EPCOT A futuristic experience blending technology, culture, and cuisine 📍Disney Hollywood Studios Must-visit Star Wars and Toy Story themed areas 📍Disney Animal Kingdom Feel like you’re walking through a real wildlife world 📍Universal Studios Harry Potter wizarding world and movie-themed experiences that are thrilling and immersive 📍Volcano Bay Water Park Perfect for cooling off in summer! 📍SeaWorld Marine animal shows plus thrilling roller coasters Also: 📍Kennedy Space Center 📍Day trip to the Gulf of Mexico 📍Legoland and other unique experiences ✨ Why is this 10-day Florida route worth it? ✅ Explore two of Florida’s top cities in one trip: Miami’s island vibe + Orlando’s world of fun ✅ Covers all the classic spots: South Beach, Everglades, Florida Keys, US Highway 1, and theme parks ✅ Comfortable pace with no complicated travel planning; transportation between Miami and Orlando is arranged for a smoother trip ✅ Perfect for families, couples, and friends—beaches, nature, culture, and entertainment all in one trip

I checked out Disney Springs and snagged dinner at Planet Hollywood, plus got the classic Florida after-dark vibes. Downtown Disney (aka Disney Springs) is super lively with tons of spots for eating, drinking, or just vibing in the atmosphere. Must-See Place: Planet Hollywood at Disney Springs™ Address: 1506 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States Hours: 11:30 AM–11:45 PM most nights (always double-check for special events!) There’s movie memorabilia, cocktails, burgers, and a themed atmosphere. Go on a weeknight to avoid long waits! Travel Insights: · Disney Springs is free to enter and parking is also FREE (park in the Orange Garage for quickest access to food and shops). · Outdoor areas are pet-friendly, and it’s totally common to see cute pups chilling with their owners. How to Get Around: If you’re staying at a Disney hotel, there’s free shuttle service to Disney Springs. Otherwise, rideshares or driving are easiest. Food Tip: Try the Planet Hollywood L.A. Lasagna or the BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger. Both are epic, especially on a patio table at night! Key Tip: Florida nights are humid but lively, so dress cool and enjoy the outdoor scenery and cultural landscape. #LakeBuenaVista #DisneySprings #PlanetHollywood #OrlandoEats #FloridaNights

#kindnessontheroad Exploring Florida’s Everglades National Park via the Anhinga Trail, I veered off the boardwalk to photograph a roseate spoonbill. Big mistake. Within steps, my boots sank into thigh-deep mud, and I couldn’t pull free without risking losing my shoes. The more I struggled, the deeper I sank—panic set in as I realized the “solid” ground was actually a floating mat of vegetation over deep water. A park ranger on a bicycle spotted me and calmly approached. He didn’t try to pull me out immediately; instead, he unstrapped a roll of lightweight wooden planks from his bike rack—part of his standard gear for such emergencies. He laid two planks parallel in the mud, creating a stable surface, then used a long branch to lever my legs free. Once I was on solid ground, he explained that the Everglades’ “sloughs” (slow-moving channels) are deceptive: what looks like land is often just peat moss and roots. He showed me how to test ground stability by tapping with a hiking pole—if it sinks more than 2 inches, back away slowly. He also shared critical park rules: stay on designated boardwalks (venturing off can damage fragile ecosystems and lead to $500 fines), carry a whistle (sound carries over water better than shouting), and wear waterproof boots with good ankle support. For those wanting to explore beyond the boardwalks, he recommended joining a ranger-led slough slog (free with park admission, ~$30 per vehicle)—they provide the planks and expertise. Ever gotten stuck in unexpected terrain? What’s your strategy for staying safe? Let’s discuss wetland hiking tips!

Who dares to write budget travel guides anymore? Writing one now is just asking for trouble. When I started writing travel guides 5 years ago, my original intention was to show everyone that travel isn't an unattainable luxury for the rich. As long as you plan well, students and office workers can enjoy it too. But in 2026, budget travel might be looked down upon because travel has become a consumer activity driven by utilitarian motives. Here is what happened: a week ago, I shared a vacation rental in Bora Bora, Tahiti. The host had only been online for a month, seemed like a young, beautiful local, and the price was affordable (around 1,000 RMB). It was waterfront, facing the sacred mountain of Bora Bora, though the interior was quite simple. I just posted a note to share it. I was stunned. The vibe is completely different from a few years ago. Between 2020 and 2023, I loved writing travel guides. Back then, I was a student without much money, and I really enjoyed researching low-budget travel. Back then, there weren't many travel guides on XHS, and I was keen on posting my own. $200 to see the fall foliage in Northern Michigan, $7,000 for half a month in Hawaii, $900 for 7 days in Southern California, $800 for 11 days in Florida—my track record is there to see. The skepticism back then was mostly about how I managed to do it, rather than the status-seeking behavior we see now. Budget travel guides have less and less of an audience. I can feel that travel is becoming a luxury item, just like handbags, cars, and jewelry. Where you go, which hotel you stay at, and how high-end your photos are have become things to compete over. Everyone wants to go to the same trendy hotel or check-in spot. A vacation in Tahiti, the blue hour in Norway, an Antarctic cruise, or chasing animals in Africa have become bragging rights. When a culture of comparison creeps into the field you love most, it's hard not to be consumed by it. From initially being obsessed with budget travel, I started to be influenced after I began working and chose some more upscale hotels. I also have to reflect on whether I've been brainwashed, with everyone saying you should stay somewhere nicer when you travel... I haven't posted budget travel guides for a long time either. The most popular travel guides now are AI-generated copy and images from travel agencies trying to attract customers—they don't even try to hide it. I can't compete with the algorithm. It seems that taking a few "fancy" photos and pairing them with vague, cliché captions like "life is a wilderness" has become the audience's preference. ... Whatever. What's wrong with budget travel? Play smart, not play rich. I admire people with a high travel IQ more than those with "money power." Constantly exploring the fun side of Earth Online!

We had booked the hotel for Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday nights, flying from Florida to Edinburgh overnight Saturday. Unfortunately, we missed our flight Saturday evening and could only leave the U.S. Sunday evening, arriving Monday. On Sunday morning, our travel agent called the reservation line, informed them we wouldn't be arriving until Monday afternoon, and asked to change our booking to two nights instead of three. When we arrived Monday afternoon, Front Desk personnel told us they couldn't refund the first night's charge—about $500—because we didn’t have the name of the person our agent spoke to or any documentation of the call in their system. Since then, our agent emailed the hotel again requesting the refund, but there’s been no response. This situation cast a shadow over our 10-day European vacation. On the positive side, the room was lovely, with a great view of the castle. Breakfast in the dining room was delicious, offering ample choices and good service from the waitstaff. Yet, the lost $500 and lack of communication from the hotel left a sour note on the experience.

Crab Island in Destin, Florida is THE place to be if you’re chasing pure summer vibes and Insta-worthy views! This spot is seriously lit—it's a massive underwater sandbar with sparkling emerald-green waters so clear you’ll feel like you’re chillin’ in a giant, natural swimming pool. 😍 Pro tip: Crab Island isn’t actually an island (mind blown 🤯)—it’s a shallow sandbar where the water is just 1 to 4 feet deep, so you can walk, swim, float, and basically live your best life with zero worries. You’ll find Crab Island just north of the Destin Marler Bridge, at the beautiful spot where Choctawhatchee Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico. The whole area is buzzing with floating bars, food boats, paddleboard rentals, and good times galore! Want to get there? You’ll need to rent a boat or book a Crab Island tour (check out Trip.com for the latest deals!). The party usually kicks off around 10 a.m. and wraps up before sunset, so plan to arrive early for max fun. There’s no land access or official “address,” but plug these details into your GPS for launch: 4100 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541. The nearest boat docks open as early as 8 a.m. Bring your squad, sunscreen, and floaties—Crab Island is the ultimate destination for living it up in Destin! #crabisland #florida #celebratewithtrip

Perfectly located for theater, Restaurant Row, and Times Square excitement. The room was very nice with a 17th-floor balcony and soundproof windows. Breakfast downstairs was convenient. After checking out, I accidentally left my wallet, credit cards, cash, and car keys in the safe. We discovered this at the airport back in Florida. The hotel security helped recover everything. Special thanks to Danny, JB, Alex, Irvin, and Eric for their excellent assistance! 👏👏👏