Megan duBois

Just the name ‘Gulf Coast’ gets your beach umbrella pushed up and lodged in the sand: this region that stretches from Texas all the way across and down to the Florida Keys offers some of the most pristine soft sand and vibrant blue water you could ever ask for. You can choose how to spend your time: walking for miles along the shore looking for shells and listening to the waves crest? Eating freshly-caught seafood at a local restaurant while gazing out at a sunset vista? You might be into the watersports that get your heart racing, like kiteboarding, surfing, parasailing, and snorkeling. Or maybe you’re up for a nightlife scene and dancing until dawn casts a jaw-dropping rosy hue over the horizon again. Whatever your vibe, you know that these beaches will make your summer sun-glazed and memorable. Here’s our list of the 11 best Gulf Coast beaches in the U.S. RECOMMENDED: The best beaches in the USA in 2023

When someone mentions Daytona Beach you might think of wild spring break parties with throngs of students, after all the area has made a name for itself as an end of term-time destination for 20-somethings. Thankfully though, those college crowds only fill the beach for a few weeks out of the year. When the party is gone and the beach is clear there are still plenty of things to do in Daytona Beach. Whether you’re a NASCAR fan, a sun worshipper, or even a lighthouse aficionado, Daytona Beach really does have something for everyone. Mornings are mostly calm on the sand, with couples taking a stroll as the sun rises, but in the afternoon the city comes alive, buzzing with tourists and locals enjoying the scenic, coastal city. In the evening, folks gather to watch the sunset before heading off to dinner at one of the best restaurants in Daytona Beach, most of which serve a delightful mix of locally-caught seafood. No matter what you choose to do, or when you visit, Daytona Beach is out there waiting to be explored.

You might be in Florida for its boiling, sunny climates and great food scene, but really, you’re here for its theme parks. The theme parks here are like no other, full of all the insane rides, sprawling resorts and sugary sweet treats you can imagine. But there is more, far more to Orlando’s iconic theme parks than Mickey Mouse mascots and very long lines.  Here you’ll find storybook castles, childhood fantasies and real-life sea creatures. You’ll find your favorite adventure films and mesmerizing dinosaur parks. Whatever you’re looking for, we’ve broken down the best theme parks in Orlando and ranked them too, noting what you should do, eat and see at each one, and what’s new and coming up soon. This year 2023 will see a new Minions experience, an expansion of Toy Story Land and a new meet and greet with Moana (and much, much more). There’s something for everyone. Here are the best theme parks in Orlando right now.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Orlando🍣 The best restaurants in Orlando🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Orlando

When you think of Orlando’s food, you might be thinking of theme park hot dogs and waffles shaped like Mickey Mouse’s face. And sure, Orlando is the home of many brilliant attractions, but its food scene has a hell of a lot more going for it than that. Now, the City Beautiful is a thriving melting pot of different cuisines – you just have to know where to look.  Here, you’ll find everything from spicy street food tacos to Michelin-starred ramen, and fresh pasta to Cuban sandwiches featured on 'Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives'. So after touring the city’s best theme parks, it’s got to be time to indulge in a self-guided food tour. And our Florida expert has got it all right here. From bakeries to seafood, here are the best restaurants in Orlando right now.  RECOMMENDED:🎢 The best theme parks in Orlando🏖️ The best beaches near Orlando🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Orlando

Exhausted from all that theme park fun? Time to head to the beach. Sure, Orlando is landlocked, but the famous city of fun is just a short drive from some of the best beaches in Florida. These are gorgeous settings that make day trips for all the family ideal. Sun, sea, and sand make for an unbeatable combination, and Florida does it better than most. The best beaches near Orlando are as varied as they are numerous, from spring break vibes in Daytona Beach to old-school seaside charm in Vero. Orlando might be best known for iconic theme parks and dizzying nightlife, but it also makes a brilliant getaway for sun-starved visitors searching for lazy beach days. Who said being a landlocked city was an obstacle to beach brilliance? RECOMMENDED: The best parks in Orlando

Orlando is a city of thrills, and we aren’t just talking about the rollercoasters. Theme parks understandably take top billing in the City Beautiful, but there is more to this place than being hurled around the tracks at alarming speeds or rubbing elbows with Mickey and Minnie. The best things to do in Orlando will have foodies salivating, nature lovers in raptures, and culture vultures circling. In less flowery language, that means brilliant restaurants, gorgeous gardens, and fascinating museums. Temperatures can hit sweltering highs here in summer, and it can be tempting to spend all day in the pool, and there is nothing wrong with that. There are some fabulous water parks here, after all. Orlando is packed with adventure and excitement, with relaxation around the corner if a deeper breath is required. These are the best things to do in Orlando, Florida. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in OrlandoRECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in Orlando

Ahhh, Florida. The best place to enjoy the ocean, hop in a kayak and relax all day by the sea. And whether you’re a diver, snorkeler, or certified chiller, Key West has got something great for you. But don’t just plan out your activities in meticulous detail. Make sure you choose the absolute best hotel going, to suit every kind of trip. Lucky for you, we’ve made it easy and picked out the very best hotels that Key West has to offer, close to a whole host of great restaurants, bars, and attractions. Read on for exactly where to stay in the Conch Republic.  RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in Key West This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Key West is one of those places that is so idyllic it can be hard to believe it’s actually real. Picture the scene: palm trees swaying gently in the breeze, surrounded by crystalline turquoise waters, basking in year-round sunshine - absolute bliss. If that ain’t the good life, we don’t know what is. And there are few better ways to properly indulge in Key West than by renting an Airbnb. The city’s finest Airbnbs range from abodes that are mere steps away from the area’s biggest attractions to those that are perfect for lounging by the beach. We’ve sifted through all of Key West’s Airbnb rental options to find the ones that are totally unmissable: read on to find out more. RECOMMENDED: The best hotels in Key West  This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Welcome to Fort Lauderdale. We’re sure you’re here for some of Florida’s most wonderful beaches, restaurants with a spectacular view, and to spend some much needed time in nature. Well, the good news is that you’re in exactly the right place. This is a goldmine in Florida, even if it gets overlooked in favor of its place as a Spring Breaker destination.  Fort Lauderdale is a layered city, from its wide open beaches to its foodie and culture spots, and a lot of what's on is completely free. It’s known for its yachting culture (you’ll find the best boat show on the planet here), but there’s a whole host of stuff to get into on land too – think great museums, kids' activities, serene botanical gardens, state parks and more. Here are the best things to do in Fort Lauderdale.  RECOMMENDED:🍴 The best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale🏖️ The best beaches near Fort Lauderdale🏨 The best hotels in Fort Lauderdale🌴 The ultimate guide to Florida

Key West is a small but mighty island that is not to be underestimated. Tourists know it for its beautiful Florida-esque beaches, water sports and more, but there’s tons more to be discovered in Key West than meets the eye. The best part? Most of the island’s best attractions are super close by, so you don’t need to rent a car to roam. First, there’s most definitely the best key lime pie you’ll ever eat. Then there’s the many, many beautiful beaches, and fantastic national parks – one that is literally found in the middle of the ocean. There’s the dive bars, obviously, which are better than you think, and many ways to see Key West in all its beauty (including by bike).  RECOMMENDED:🍽️ The best restaurants in Key West🍷 The best bars in Key West🏖️ The best beaches in Key West🏨 The best hotels in Key West🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Key West

If you’re headed to Florida, it’s likely you’re looking for sun, sea and sand, nature, long walks and delicious cocktails (or at least some of those things). Florida’s got plenty going for it, but you’ll find it all in Fort Lauderdale, which has come on leaps and bounds since its days being known for little more than being a spring break destination.  Now, Fort Lauderdale is a prime destination for travellers and foodies alike, and its culinary offerings have only expanded. Now, you can get your hands on everything from local seafood and smokey BBQ to delicious sushi and gourmet grilled cheese. You’re also not short of restaurants with a view, as most of these offerings look out over the crystal-blue ocean. Read on for the best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale right now.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Fort Lauderdale🏖️ The best beaches near Fort Lauderdale🏨 The best hotels in Fort Lauderdale🌴 The ultimate guide to Florida

When people think of quintessential summer activities they likely think of going to the beach, a baseball game, or shooting off fireworks. Another must-do summer activity is hitting up the very best amusement parks in the U.S. While you might instantly be thinking of the big ones like Walt Disney World or Universal Studios, there are a few others around the country worth visiting as well.  Many of the best amusement parks feature rollercoasters with heart-pounding drops and loops, a fried feast of food options and a small army of employees working to ensure you have a great day. Amusement parks can be found along the East Coast, in the heart of the country, and over on the West Coast, so no matter where you live there’s likely one nearby. When you’re ready for a day of thrills over a relaxing day at the beach be sure to hit the amusement parks. Just don’t forget to pack your sunscreen, you’ll definitely need it just like you do at the beach. These are the best amusement parks in the U.S. for 2023.  RECOMMENDED: The best attractions in the U.S.

Miami favorite The Wharf's Fort Lauderdale location is right along New River, a lively addition to the spate of new businesses setting up shop in the historic Las Olas district. The Wharf Fort Lauderdale brings the Hamptons to Florida with its whitewash fencing, white-and-navy nautical decor, dog-friendly Astroturf, and boat parking along the 480-foot-long dock space. And the massive space parties just as hard.  Within the expansive 1.25-acre event space are four bars and five food-court–style eateries helmed by local restaurants. Look out for noteworthy concepts including classic American fare from Lunchroom by be nice Restaurants (the group also responsible for local favorites Coconuts, Foxy Brown and Top Hat Delicatessen), Asian fusion spot Mrs. Balloo, pan-Asian cuisine from chef Timon Balloo and pizza from chef Jose Mendin’s The Piefather. During the day The Wharf is a casual eatery and hang-out spot for people of all ages, including families, but at night the 21+ crowd gets the place to themselves for drinking and dancing. Bar top seating encourages groups to sit and linger while they enjoy cocktails and outdoor games like cornhole, while seafaring elements make for perfect photo opps—not that we think this crowd needs the motivation to snap rosé selfies for the ’Gram.  Those looking for a more traditional restaurant experience should pop next door to RIVERTAIL, run by James Beard-nominated chef José Mendín. The seafood-driven restaurant has an impressive raw bar menu

We're willing to bet you know at least one kid who loves Peppa Pig. The British TV show has been enthralling youthful audiences around the world for almost two decades and has even generated a generation of American kids with fake British accents (seriously). Well, all those millions of young Peppa fans will soon have their own dedicated theme park in the United States that they can bug their parents to visit. Move over Disney World, Peppa Pig is headed to Florida.  The new theme park is slated to open in Orlando, Florida in 2022 and will feature rides, attractions, a water play area and live shows all catering to preschool-age children and their families. Kids will have the opportunity to meet Peppa, George, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and the rest of the animal gang as you explore the adorable world that looks like it’s been dropped right out of your TV and into central Florida.  Peppa fans will love rides such as Grandad Dog’s Pirate Boat Ride, where little piggies can hop aboard and set sail for Pirate Island, and Peppa Pig’s Balloon Ride, where you get to fly high above the park in one of Miss Rabbit’s hot air balloons. Other rides feature characters like Grampy Rabbit and Mr. Bull.  The park will also feature two play zones: A splash pad where kids can mimic jumping in muddy puddles (Peppa's favorite pastime) filled with fountains, slides and interactive water features perfect for hot Florida summers and a Pirate Island where everyone in the family can look for buried treasur

After a year of being deprived of the special kind of magic that is Disney World fireworks, the theme parks are introducing two new shows this fall—just in time for the park’s 50th anniversary.  The celebration begins October 1, and the resort-wide party is set to last a whopping 18 months and feature fun new attractions, destination-worthy new dishes and (drum roll, please) two brand-new firework shows at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.  At Magic Kingdom Park, the new ’Disney Enchantment’ show will light up the night with dazzling colors around Cinderella Castle and down Main Street, USA. The show will feature an all-new soundtrack, lighting, fireworks and projections—not just on the castle itself, but all the way down Main Street, too.  Artist concept courtesy Disney Meanwhile, when the lights go down around World Showcase Lagoon at EPCOT, Mickey fans will be in awe of the highly anticipated new show, ’Harmonious.’ The fireworks display will be one of the largest ever presented at a Disney park, combining Disney music with pyrotechnics, actual moving fountains, and fantastic lighting. For the ’Harmonious’ soundtrack, classic Disney songs have been reinterpreted and re-recorded in more than a dozen languages by a group of 240 different artists from around the world.  Can’t wait that long for some Disney magic? Disney World is currently open for business, and starting July 1, both Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT will bring back their fireworks shows with the same nighttime spectacula