Looking for sun, sand, and a whole lot (and we mean A LOT) of things to do? Florida delivers on all fronts.
Florida is home to world-famous theme parks in Orlando and some of the best beaches in the country. You can hit the space coast and visit NASA's Kennedy Space Center or dive into the magical underwater world of Key West.
But Florida offers so much more than just theme parks and beaches. From hip cities like Miami to charming small towns like St. Augustine, there’s so much to see.
Planning a honeymoon, a milestone birthday, or a family reunion? Maybe just a girls’ trip to Florida? The Sunshine State has a destination and a vibe for every kind of celebration. Read on to learn more!
What are the Best Florida Beaches?
Siesta Key
Siesta Key has earned TripAdvisor’s #1 U.S. beach ranking, and one step onto its sand explains why. The beach is made of 99% pure quartz crystal, which means it stays cool to the touch even on the hottest days.
The wide, powdery shoreline is perfect for families, couples, and groups who want to soak in the Gulf Coast sunset.
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is a perennial award winner with soft white sand, gentle Gulf waters, and the iconic Pier 60 sunset celebration every evening, complete with street performers and local artisans.
Key West & the Florida Keys
Key West feels like a different world. There’s the colorful architecture and Duval Street’s eclectic energy. Plus, it’s home to some of the best snorkeling and diving in the continental U.S.
The drive down the Overseas Highway is a destination in itself, with ocean views on both sides. Key West is also one of Florida’s most popular spots for elopements and intimate weddings. For more wedding inspiration, check out our Florida destination wedding ideas.
More Beaches Worth Exploring
- Panama City Beach: 27 miles of white quartz sand and family-friendly activities along the Panhandle.
- Miami Beach/South Beach: Art Deco architecture, vibrant nightlife, and people-watching that’s an attraction in itself.
- Sanibel Island: World-class shelling and the J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge, a quieter, nature-focused escape.
- Caladesi Island: Accessible only by boat, this pristine beach near Clearwater offers a truly uncrowded, unspoiled experience.
Top Spots to Visit In
Orlando is the theme park capital of the world, and 2026 is an especially exciting year to visit. Here’s what to know:
Walt Disney World
Disney’s four parks offer something for every age and celebration. Single-day ticket prices for 2026 vary by park and date: In 2026, the Magic Kingdom runs $144–$209, EPCOT $129–$209, Hollywood Studios $139–$204, and Animal Kingdom $119–$184. Water parks are an additional $70–$80.
You can score the cheapest months for Disney tickets as August and September, while November through December carry the highest prices, due to the holiday season.
Pro tip: If you’re celebrating a birthday at Disney, cast members go out of their way to make it special, just pick up a free celebration button at Guest Relations. For a deeper dive into Florida activities, check out our top things to do in Florida.
Universal Orlando & Epic Universe
The biggest theme park news is the opening of Universal Epic Universe in 2025, a brand-new park featuring over 50 experiences across five immersive worlds.
Some of the top things to see include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, and How to Train Your Dragon, which are all entirely new to Florida.
Miami
Miami brings a completely different energy to a Florida trip. The city’s Art Deco district and vibrant nightlife make it a top destination for birthdays and anniversary celebrations.
Wynwood’s street art and galleries offer a creative afternoon, while Little Havana’s Calle Ocho delivers authentic Cuban food, live music, and a cultural experience you won’t find anywhere else in the U.S.
Build Your Florida Itinerary
Florida rewards mixing and matching. Here are three sample routes depending on what kind of celebration you’re planning:
The Beach Week (7 nights)
Fly into Tampa → two nights in Clearwater Beach for sunsets at Pier 60 → two nights on Siesta Key for the best sand in America → drive south for three nights in the Keys, ending in Key West for snorkeling, Duval Street, and a laid-back island vibe.
The Theme Park Marathon (5–6 nights)
Base yourself in Orlando for the full theme park experience. Spend two to three days at Walt Disney World (prioritize Magic Kingdom and EPCOT), then dedicate a day to Universal Orlando and a day to the brand-new Epic Universe.
Build in a rest day for the hotel pool, a Disney Springs dinner, or a day trip to a nearby nature park. Ideal for birthdays, family celebrations, and group trips.
The Best of Both (7–10 nights)
Start with three to four nights in Orlando for theme parks → drive to the Gulf Coast for two to three nights of beach time in Clearwater or Sarasota → finish with two to three nights in Miami for art, nightlife, and Cuban food in Little Havana.
This route covers Florida’s greatest hits and works beautifully for milestone birthdays, graduation trips, and girls’ weekends that want variety.
Pro tip: Don’t miss seasonal events at the parks , such as EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival (fall), Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and the holiday season light shows all add another layer of celebration to an already festive trip.
Ready to Plan Your Florida Vacation?
With over 140 million visitors a year and new attractions like Universal Epic Universe launching now open, there’s never been a better time to plan a Florida celebration.
Ready to get started? Create a free travel registry to help fund your dream Florida trip. Or, when you book with Celebration.com Travel, you can rest assured that every detail of your Sunshine State getaway will be handled with care. Fill out our interest form to learn more today!