Florida: Sunshine, Theme Parks, and Coastal Charm
For many Albertans, Florida is their Vacation State.
It’s packed with unforgettable places to explore, from Orlando’s world-famous theme parks and the white-sand beaches of the Gulf Coast to the vibrant energy of Miami and the tropical beauty of the Florida Keys.
The state is also home to remarkable natural areas, including Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park, and Dry Tortugas National Park, giving travellers plenty of ways to add wildlife, boating, snorkelling, and scenic coastal drives to their trip. When you’re in Florida, it’s important to remember that the detour can be the destination.
With so many options around things to do, that’s why we say it’s time to live more Floridays!
Whether you’re dreaming of a family vacation, a beach escape, a road trip, or a mix of city excitement and outdoor adventure, Florida makes it easy to build the kind of getaway that fits your travel style. With AMA Travel, you can find Florida hotel deals, vacation packages, car rentals, and advice on what to see and do so your trip feels simple to plan from start to finish.
It’s packed with unforgettable places to explore, from Orlando’s world-famous theme parks and the white-sand beaches of the Gulf Coast to the vibrant energy of Miami and the tropical beauty of the Florida Keys.
The state is also home to remarkable natural areas, including Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park, and Dry Tortugas National Park, giving travellers plenty of ways to add wildlife, boating, snorkelling, and scenic coastal drives to their trip. When you’re in Florida, it’s important to remember that the detour can be the destination.
With so many options around things to do, that’s why we say it’s time to live more Floridays!
Whether you’re dreaming of a family vacation, a beach escape, a road trip, or a mix of city excitement and outdoor adventure, Florida makes it easy to build the kind of getaway that fits your travel style. With AMA Travel, you can find Florida hotel deals, vacation packages, car rentals, and advice on what to see and do so your trip feels simple to plan from start to finish.
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Why You'll Love Florida
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Why book your Florida trip with AMA?
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When it comes to ease of booking, the likelihood of recommending, and overall satisfaction, AMA Travel achieves a +96% satisfaction rate from our clients.Guides to Exploring Florida
Florida FAQ
Florida offers an enormous range of experiences, which is part of what makes it such an easy destination to tailor to different travel styles. You can spend time at theme parks in Orlando, relax on beaches along both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, explore lively cities like Miami and Tampa, and venture into protected natural areas like Everglades, Biscayne, and Dry Tortugas National Parks. Florida is especially rewarding for travellers who enjoy family attractions, coastal scenery, wildlife viewing, boating, snorkelling, and warm-weather getaways. AMA Travel can help you choose where to stay, arrange transportation, and build an itinerary that balances iconic highlights with time to unwind.
Florida has two time zones. Most of the state, including Orlando, Miami, Tampa, and Key West, follows Eastern time. Part of the Florida Panhandle, including places west of the Apalachicola River, follows Central time. That is useful to know if you’re combining multiple stops in one trip, especially if your Florida itinerary includes both major cities and Panhandle beach communities. AMA Travel can help make sure your flights, hotel check-ins, and tours line up smoothly.
Orlando is in Central Florida and is one of the state’s best-known vacation hubs thanks to its major theme parks, family attractions, shopping, and entertainment districts. Its location also makes it a practical base for travellers who want to combine theme park time with day trips or additional stays elsewhere in the state. If you’re planning a Florida family getaway, AMA Travel can help you decide how long to stay in Orlando and how to pair it with other destinations such as the Gulf Coast, Miami, or the Space Coast.
Miami is in southeastern Florida between the Atlantic Ocean and the Everglades region. It is known for its beaches, nightlife, arts and culture, and easy access to South Florida experiences including Biscayne National Park and road trips toward the Florida Keys. Miami can work as either a stand-alone city break or part of a broader Florida itinerary. AMA Travel can help with hotels, transportation, and planning the right mix of city time and coastal exploration.
The Florida Keys stretch south from mainland Florida toward Key West at the southern end of the island chain and are famous for their laid-back atmosphere, scenic drives, boating, snorkelling, and island-style escapes. They make a wonderful addition to a Florida trip if you want beautiful water, a slower pace, and memorable views along the Overseas Highway. AMA Travel can help you decide whether to stay in Key Largo, Marathon, Key West, or combine several stops into one easy-to-follow itinerary.
Canadian citizens need a valid passport to enter the United States by air. If driving, you can use a passport, NEXUS card, or enhanced driver's license. Ensure your passport is valid for the entire duration of your stay. You won't need a visa for tourism stays under 90 days, but you may need to complete an online arrival form or provide proof of onward travel. Keep travel insurance documentation handy at customs, and if traveling with children, carry birth certificates or consent letters if one parent is absent.
Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with peak activity from August through October. The best months to visit are December through May, offering pleasant weather with temperatures between 20 to 28 degrees Celsius and minimal rain. February through April are particularly ideal, combining beautiful weather with fewer crowds than peak winter months. If you must travel during hurricane season, June and early July pose lower risk than later months. Always purchase travel insurance with hurricane coverage and monitor weather forecasts closely if booking summer or fall trips.
While renting a car offers the most flexibility, you can navigate Florida without one in certain areas. Orlando has Lynx buses, ride shares, and resort shuttles to theme parks. Miami offers the Metrorail, Metromover, and beach trolleys. In Tampa, the TECO streetcar connects downtown to Ybor City. Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach have Brightline trains connecting to Miami and Orlando. Many beach towns are walkable or bikeable once you arrive. However, exploring multiple regions or visiting attractions outside city centers is challenging without a vehicle. If staying at a resort, check if they provide shuttle services to major attractions.
Florida offers incredible experiences beyond Disney and Universal. Explore the Everglades on an airboat tour to see alligators and unique wetland ecosystems. Visit the Kennedy Space Center to experience space exploration history and possibly catch a rocket launch. The Florida Keys provide world class snorkeling, diving, and the scenic Overseas Highway drive to Key West. St. Augustine charms with its Spanish colonial architecture and historic fort. Sanibel Island is perfect for shelling and wildlife watching. Don't miss crystal clear springs like Ginnie Springs or Wakulla Springs for swimming and kayaking. Miami's Art Deco District, Vizcaya Museum, and Little Havana offer vibrant cultural experiences distinct from the theme park scene.
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing in natural fabrics like cotton and linen. Bring swimwear, sun hats, polarized sunglasses, and reef safe sunscreen with high SPF. Water shoes protect feet on rocky beaches and in springs. A light rain jacket handles afternoon thunderstorms. For theme parks, wear comfortable walking shoes you've already broken in. Pack insect repellent for evenings and natural areas. Air conditioning in restaurants and shops can be intense, so bring a light cardigan. Don't forget power adapters if needed, prescription medications, and copies of important documents. Leave heavy winter gear at home, but be aware that winter temperatures, particularly in northern Florida, can drop below 10 degrees Celsius.
Book flights three to four months ahead for the best rates, especially for winter travel from December through March when demand peaks. Accommodate reservations should be secured four to six months in advance for peak season, particularly near theme parks and popular beaches. Spring break in March and early April sees massive price increases and limited availability, so book even earlier if traveling then. Summer months offer more flexibility with two to three months advance booking usually sufficient. If planning a Christmas or New Year trip, book six months out. Monitor flight prices using alerts, as occasional sales can offer significant savings even closer to departure dates.
For peace of mind, arrange comprehensive travel medical insurance, as Canadian health coverage is limited in the US and medical costs are extremely high. To enjoy the sunshine, protect your skin with SPF 50 sunscreen applied every two hours, especially between 10am and 4pm. Stay refreshed in the heat and humidity by drinking plenty of water. Enjoy the beautiful beaches safely by being aware of rip currents and swimming only in designated areas with lifeguards. In natural areas, respect local wildlife like alligators, venomous snakes, and fire ants by keeping a safe distance. Apply insect repellent to stay comfortable and prevent mosquito-borne illnesses. During hurricane season, a prepared evacuation plan ensures a secure visit; always follow local emergency instructions. Keep valuables secured and be aware of your surroundings in tourist-heavy areas for a worry-free trip.
For first timers, Orlando offers the most concentrated attractions with world famous theme parks, making logistics simple. Choose Central Florida's Gulf Coast like Clearwater or Naples for relaxed beach vacations with calm waters perfect for families. Miami and Fort Lauderdale suit travelers seeking vibrant nightlife, diverse dining, and art deco architecture alongside beaches. The Florida Keys appeal to those wanting a tropical island feel, snorkeling, and laid back atmosphere. Northeast Florida around St. Augustine combines history, culture, and beaches. Each region has distinct character, so match your choice to your priorities whether theme parks, beaches, nature, or culture. Many visitors combine two regions in one trip for variety.
