Best Places to Stay in Florida for UK Holidaymakers

Trying to pick where to stay in Florida? That’s a big one. Especially if you’re coming from the UK and want to make sure you get it right first time. It’s easy to just say “Orlando” and call it a day — but honestly, there’s more to Florida than Mickey and rollercoasters (as fun as those are).

Different parts of the state suit different kinds of trips. Some are made for family fun, some are perfect for beach days and barely doing anything, and others just feel like you’ve landed in a different country altogether.

Here’s a walk through a few favourites — the ones UK travellers tend to love, for good reason.

Orlando — Theme Parks, Outlets, and Villa Heaven

It’s the obvious one, sure, but Orlando really is ideal for first-timers. If your trip’s focused on Disney or Universal (or both), it’s the easiest base. There are hotels everywhere — from full-blown resorts to budget motels — and if you want space, the villa scene around Kissimmee and Davenport is huge.

Most Brits end up somewhere along International Drive, which is great if you want restaurants, shopping, and theme park shuttles. Just be warned: it can get a bit busy. Like, very busy in school holidays. But it’s convenient and familiar. Feels a bit like “Florida, but make it British”.

If you go for a villa, you’ll probably need a car — but having your own pool? Hard to beat.

Clearwater Beach — Family-Friendly and Walkable

Clearwater is one of those places that’s easy to fall in love with. It’s got powdery white sand, calm sea that’s ideal for kids, and a strip that’s walkable in flip-flops. Loads of UK families add a few days here after the parks — and it’s easy to see why.

Hotels sit right on the beach, and you don’t need a car once you’re settled. There’s a fun pier, some dolphin-spotting boat trips, and ice cream everywhere. Oh, and you can take the Jolley Trolley (yes, really) to nearby towns for a change of scene.

If you want a classic beach break with a bit of life to it, this one ticks the boxes.

Naples or Marco Island — Beachy, Polished, and Peaceful

If you’re into sunsets, seafood, and a slower pace, the Gulf Coast towns like Naples or Marco Island are seriously relaxing. They’ve got long beaches, loads of space, and that tidy, palm-lined-street kind of feel.

It’s less about big attractions here and more about good food, boat trips, and the kind of beaches where you can actually hear the waves. Couples often love it here. So do families looking to wind down after theme park mayhem.

It’s not cheap, though — and you’ll probably want a car.

Miami — Glitzy, Fun, and a Bit Mad

Miami Beach has that big-city-by-the-sea energy. Loads going on, loud in parts, brilliant in others. South Beach is the most famous bit — Art Deco hotels, music, rollerbladers, that sort of vibe. It’s very cool, but not for everyone.

There’s also Mid-Beach and Sunny Isles if you want quieter beaches and bigger resorts. You can get around fairly easily without a car too, which is a plus.

If you want sun, cocktails, and a bit of people-watching, it’s fun. If you’re after something laid-back and low-key… maybe look elsewhere.

Florida Keys — Flip-Flops and No Rush

The Florida Keys are a line of tropical islands stretching from Key Largo to Key West, and they’ve got a proper “holiday mode” atmosphere. Things move slowly, and that’s the point. Think beach bars, snorkelling trips, and pelicans hanging out near the docks.

Key West is the liveliest and easiest without a car — walkable, colourful, a bit quirky. Some love it. Others find it a bit full-on. Either way, it’s like nowhere else in Florida.

Just know: beaches are smaller than you’d expect. But the water? Unreal.