Gulf Coast & Miami Multi & Twin Centre Holidays

For the best beach relaxing and sightseeing weather, as well as fewer tourists and more affordable prices, spring is a great time for Gulf Coast Florida and Miami twin-centre holidays. Temperatures are warm year-round, but from March to May, Florida’s Gulf Coast can enjoy highs of 21°C-28°C in Pensicola and 17°C-24°C in Naples.

It’s a similar story in Miami, with spring temperatures peaking around 27°C in April. Plus, you’ll miss the summer hurricane season, which hits Florida in early June through to late November.

Most of Florida is generally 5 hours behind the UK, observing Eastern Standard Time (EST). This includes much of the Gulf Coast as well as Miami. Some areas of Florida, including what is known as the Emerald Coast region of the Gulf Coast (from Panama City to Pensacola), are on Central Standard Time (CST), which is generally 6 hours behind the UK.

If you’re travelling in March or November, look out for when the time zones change to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) and Central Daylight Time (CDT), as US clocks go forward or backward an hour on different Sundays than in the UK.

If you’re starting your adventure in Florida’s Gulf Coast, there are plenty of airports to choose from, with anywhere from Fort Myers up to Clearwater easily accessed by the airports of Tampa, Sarasota and Fort Myers. From the UK, you can enjoy a direct flight to Tampa (TPA) from London Heathrow (LHR).

Or head straight for Miami, with direct flights to Miami International Airport (MIA) from both London Heathrow and London Gatwick (LGW). 

Once you’re in the USA, the Gulf Coast and Miami are easily driveable — perfect for your Gulf Coast Florida and Miami twin-centre holiday.

We are proud to offer guaranteed prices up to 36 months ahead of your multi-centre holiday. You can secure your perfect package with an initial low deposit today and pay the remainder of your holiday in monthly instalments.  

Planning the ultimate beach break? With 825 miles of beach to discover on Florida’s Gulf Coast, you’ll be spoilt for choice. To help you plan, we’ve rounded up our favourite spots on this stunning stretch of coastline.

Fort Myers Beach — spanning the entire length of the 7-mile Estero Island on which it sits, Fort Myers Beach is a watersports lover’s dream. Enjoy snorkelling, SUP, and kayaking in the calm waters, which are family-friendly too.

Venice Beach — if you’re seeking a quiet spot to stretch out and enjoy a little quality family time, this peaceful beach is perfect. The little ones will love hunting for fossils, with Venice considered the “shark tooth capital of the world” thanks to its fossilised teeth that can be found amongst the seashells on the shore. 

St. Pete Beach — we couldn’t not include TripAdvisor’s “No.1 Beach in the U.S.” for 2021, St. Pete Beach. The laid-back, family-friendly spot has everything you need for an unforgettable beach day, from pristine white sands and aquamarine waters to an abundance of great spots to eat, drink and shop.

Honeymoon Island State Park — not just for the newly-married, this state park boasts 4 miles of unspoiled beaches. Nestled just north of Clearwater, it’s perfect for a day of swimming, fishing, finding seashells, or lazing on the sand with a good book.

Blue Mountain Beach — enjoy the incredible natural beauty of this stunning beach, which is one of South Walton’s 26 miles of beaches on Florida’s Panhandle. Cross the sand dunes and you’ll be greeted with an amazing view of sweeping white sands.

It’s not just the Gulf of Mexico that boasts beautiful beaches; Miami is home to over 15 popular stretches of powder-soft sands and tropical waters. Our top picks? You can’t miss South Beach, which is known locally as SoBe; this famous hotspot is known for its vibrant atmosphere, from the Art Deco architecture to the lively bars and restaurants that line the beachfront. There are also plenty of watersports activities, as well as the Lummus Park beach park that features a playground, fitness area, and walking spots, making this a great location for all the family.

Another Miami beach gem is North Beach, by far the quietest of Miami’s main stretches. Here, you can spend a peaceful day building sandcastles, kayaking on the clear water, or lazing on the sand topping up your tan. 

Families will also love the famous Miami Beach, Millionaires Row, and Normandy Isles, with all offering fun beach activities aplenty.

To put it simply: yes! The stunning Everglades National Park is within easy reach of much of Florida’s Gulf Coast and Miami, making it a must-see during your Gulf Coast Florida and Miami multi-centre holiday. The park is one of the world’s “most beautiful natural assets”, with 1.5 million acres to discover. 

With several entrances, you can access the park from all angles, and there is an abundance of things to see and do during your visit. We recommend taking a tram or boat tour or hiring a canoe to see as much as you can, while the science courses are a great way for the family to learn more about the park’s environment and nature.

There’s plenty of wildlife to spot, too, from alligators and crocodiles to turtles, birds, and white-tailed deer, making this a gem for animal-lovers (just don’t get too close!).

There’s an abundance of things to see and do on Florida’s Gulf Coast, but what that entails depends completely on the area you’re visiting. If you’re in the Panhandle, we recommend a trip to the National Naval Aviation Museum, home to an enormous collection of military aircraft and artefacts that will fascinate kids and adults alike. Or visit St Vincent Island, just a few minutes from Apalachicola, which is accessible only by boat. Here, you can explore the forests and wetlands which teem with endangered species, including a family of red wolves believed to be one of the last wild populations in the world.

The Tampa area is home to the likes of Adventure Island — an exciting water park — and The Florida Aquarium, rated among the best aquariums in the US. Meanwhile, Fort Myers is great for shopping, with a huge range of malls, shopping centres, and outlets to choose from.

There are also an abundance of botanic gardens to explore across the Gulf Coast area, with highlights including the Lakes Park Botanic Garden in Fort Myers, Sarasota Jungle Gardens, and Naples Botanical Garden (where you’ll also find a zoo). 

Planning a multi-centre holiday in Gulf Coast, Florida alone is well worth it. You can view all our Gulf Coast Florida multi-centre holidays here.

Get a culture fix at the famous Wynwood Walls, where over 50 murals are displayed from some of the world’s most acclaimed artists. The art changes each year, so the area is always buzzing with life, with visitors and locals alike keen to experience the latest additions. Or why not visit Vizcaya Museum to explore the magnificent and historic house and estate?

We also recommend the beautiful Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, with its 83-acres of rare plants and flowers.

In fact, there are countless amazing things to see and do in Miami. Why not ask our friendly team to help plan your dream itinerary? If you want to visit Miami alone, you can discover our list of Miami multi-centre holidays here.