The best time to visit Florida is typically November through April.
This is when:
The humidity is lower
The temperatures are comfortable (70s–80s)
Hurricane season is over
You can actually enjoy being outside
Winter is peak season, especially in South Florida and the Keys, so expect higher hotel prices. But the trade-off is perfect patio weather and no melting into the sidewalk.
Summer (June–September) is hot, humid, and rainy in the afternoons. It’s also cheaper. If you don’t mind planning indoor breaks or pool time around quick storms, you can save money — just prepare for “my hair gave up” levels of humidity.
From South Beach in Miami to the white sand of Clearwater Beach, Florida beaches are a major draw. Some are lively and social. Others are quiet and family-friendly. Decide your vibe first, then pick your coast.
If you’re heading to Orlando, you already know what’s happening. Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort are bucket-list level for many travelers. Plan ahead, book early, and hydrate like it’s your job.
Drive the Overseas Highway down to Key West for turquoise water, boat days, and sunset celebrations at Mallory Square. It’s quirky, it’s colorful, and it’s worth the drive.
Everglades National Park is wild Florida at its best. Gators, mangroves, and wide open wetlands. It’s a completely different experience from the beaches and adds variety to your trip.
South Florida and the Keys offer excellent snorkeling, reef trips, and deep-sea fishing excursions. If you like being on the water, Florida gives you plenty of excuses.
Florida has multiple major airports, making it easy to reach from almost anywhere in the U.S.
Popular airports include:
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
Tampa International Airport (Tampa, FL, US)
Flights are frequent and competitive, especially from major U.S. cities. If you’re visiting the Keys, you can fly into Miami and drive, or fly directly into Key West.
Florida is big. Like, bigger-than-you-think big.
Renting a car is often the easiest way to explore, especially if you’re:
Visiting multiple cities
Driving to the Florida Keys
Exploring beaches outside of major downtown areas
Cities like Miami have rideshare options and walkable neighborhoods, but once you leave those pockets, having a car makes things significantly easier.
If you’re only doing theme parks in Orlando and staying on property, you can get by without one.
Hurricane Season: Runs June through November. Peak activity is August–October. Travel insurance is smart during this window.
Afternoon Storms: In summer, rain usually hits mid-afternoon and clears quickly. Plan beach time in the morning.
Sun Protection: The sun is strong year-round. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and reapply.
Tipping: 18–20% is standard at restaurants.
Tap Water: Safe to drink, but many people prefer bottled due to taste.
Theme Park Strategy: Arrive early, take midday breaks, and don’t try to “do it all” in one day. That’s how meltdowns happen.
Most importantly, decide what kind of Florida trip you want. Beachy and relaxed? Theme park marathon? Island road trip? The state can do all three — just not efficiently in one weekend.
“Outside Terminal 3” is not a pickup location at PHX.
Before your driver pulls in, text them four things: your terminal, north or south side, door number, and inner or outer curb. Grab your bags first, then call them in. Drivers can wait free in the cell phone lot instead of circling. Getting through security is easy; getting picked up is the hard part.
Save this for your Phoenix trip ✈️
Come for the architecture, stay for the view.
The Chapel of the Holy Cross has been built into Sedona’s red rocks since 1956. The outside overlooks get busy, but inside is quiet, with huge windows framing the rocks. It’s free, takes 30-45 minutes, and has a paved, wheelchair-accessible ramp. Make sure to bring water in summer.
Save this for your trip planning!
Order it well done. Trust me.🍑🍕
Peach & Pancetta Pizza at Hideaway House in Sedona: roasted peaches, salty pancetta, ricotta, basil, extra-crispy crust. Split the house salad, grab a prickly pear lemonade, and get a patio table facing the red rocks. Skip the bread if you want room for another slice.
Save this for your Sedona trip✈️
Pack your bags, Denver is not just a mountain layover. RiNo alone can eat a full day between the murals, food, and bars. Skip the concert and hit Red Rocks midday instead, you’ll basically have it to yourself. Golden’s a 30-minute trip if you want a change of pace, and if food drives your travel like it does mine, Denver Central Market and BRUTØ deserve real time on the calendar. Give it three days minimum, four if you’re eating your way through it. Save this.
Stayed at The Maven in Denver’s Dairy Block and the location alone sold me, walking distance to Union Station and most of downtown, string lights right outside at night. The room was spacious and quiet, even had a swing in it. Real talk though, there’s a $28 daily resort fee and parking isn’t cheap, valet ran us $59 a day. Bed was a little firm, but that’s the only complaint I’ve got. Save this before you book.
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
