6 of the best places to stay on Florida villa holidays
There’s nowhere quite like Florida. America’s southeasternmost state came to the world’s attention thanks to a certain little mouse, but kept it captivated with its balmy climate, vibrant cities and unspoiled beauty. Whether you’re making memories with the kids, enjoying a romantic break with the other half, looking for luxury or banking on a bargain break, Florida villa holidays are a great way to experience the Sunshine State in your own way and at your own pace. Wondering where to stay? From the Gulf Coast city of Pensacola to the tropical islands of the Florida Keys, dive in to discover 6 of the best places to enjoy villa holidays in Florida.
1. Florida villa holidays in West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach is one of South Florida’s top holiday destinations. Hugging the shores of Lake Worth Lagoon, the city’s vibrant downtown district is filled with funky cafés and buzzworthy bars and clubs. Culture of another flavour is found in abundance at the Norton Museum of Art and the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. And should a little outdoor time be on agenda, you’ll find Florida villas in West Palm Beach on the doorstep of the lush Grassy Waters Preserve and the Cypress Pond Natural Area.
2. Orlando is a top pick for Florida villa holidays
The theme park capital of the world, Orlando has long since served up the ideal ingredients for family fun. Florida villas near Disney World place you a stone’s throw from parks like Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Animal Kingdom – not to mention the Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach water parks. Villa holidays can be enjoyed all over Orlando, though popular choices include villas in the Lake Buena Vista area, as well as villas in Kissimmee and those in plush resorts like the upscale Reunion Resort.
3. Idyllic Florida villa holidays in the Keys
The postcard-perfect islands of the Florida Keys offer an idyllic base for Florida villa holidays. The string of islands includes popular destinations like Key Largo, known for its diving sites, and Islamorada, the sports fishing capital of the world. At the southernmost tip of the archipelago, the Cuban-inspired cruise ship stop of Key West, Florida’s southernmost point, is known for its nightly sunset celebrations at Mallory Square and its pastel-hued 19th-century conch houses – not to mention its world-renowned key lime pie.
4. Enjoy Florida villa holidays in Miami
Miami’s Latin-American vibe begs to be enjoyed at least once in your lifetime. South Florida’s big hitter boasts cool neighbourhoods like the Art Deco Historic District and the Cuban-inspired Little Havana – not to mention the world-famous elite playground that is South Beach. Neighbouring Miami Beach is less about sunbathing and more about activities like sailing, scuba diving and fishing charters, so you really do get to choose your own pace here. If you’ll looking for luxury Florida villas with private pools and high-end extras, Miami is probably one of the best places to find them.
5. St. Petersburg is a relaxed base for Florida villa holidays
Boasting shorelines on both Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, St. Petersburg ticks all the right boxes for a classic Florida beach holiday. Elsewhere in the city, you’ll find cultural delights like the Florida Orchestra’s Mahaffey Theater and the waterfront Dali Museum. St. Petersburg comes in for a little competition from the likes of Tampa and Clearwater, making it the perfect spot to enjoy cheap Florida villa holidays.
6. Pensacola offers relaxed Florida villa holidays
Powder-soft white-sand beaches, a lively events calendar and around 500 years of history make Pensacola an underrated choice for Florida villa holidays. Family fun comes courtesy of visits to the Gulf Breeze Zoo and the Pensacola Children’s Museum, while foodies can indulge in fresh seafood caught straight from the Gulf of Mexico. For beachfront Florida villas, check out the accommodation options in the nearby Emerald Coast communities of Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key.