Family holiday 2026

Question

Thinking of a family holiday to either miami & the keys, staying on the keys or California.

Party of 7,teenagers and adults.

We've been to Orlando the last few years and would like something different, possibly a villa. Is there enough to do for a 11 days? Will obviously have a car, so we can travel around abit. But in the evenings would like to go for walks, and not have to drive to restaurants.

California and LA would be more sightseeing and traveling i guess compared to relaxing in florida, but trying to figure out what would be good for everyone.

Answer

For a family holiday in 2026 with a party of 7 including teenagers and adults, both Florida (Miami & the Keys) and California offer unique experiences, but they cater to different types of vacations. Since you’ve spent recent years in Orlando with theme parks, a change of pace with either destination could provide a more relaxing or scenic experience.

Florida: Miami & the Keys

Staying on the Keys allows for a slower, more laid-back vacation with plenty of opportunities to relax, explore nature, and enjoy water activities. With a car, you can explore multiple Keys or drive down the scenic Overseas Highway.

Accommodations: Villas are widely available, ranging from private waterfront homes to larger properties with pools and easy access to beaches. Many are within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and local attractions, which is convenient for evening walks.
Activities: Snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, and fishing. Visit state parks like John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Key Largo) or Bahia Honda State Park (Big Pine Key) for hiking and wildlife.
Evening options: Towns like Key West and Islamorada have pedestrian-friendly areas with restaurants, shops, and live music. Sunset celebrations at Mallory Square in Key West are a popular family-friendly evening activity.
Travel flexibility: Driving gives you the freedom to explore multiple Keys and nearby attractions like Everglades National Park or Miami’s beaches and art districts.

California (e.g., Los Angeles & surrounding areas)

California offers more sightseeing, cultural attractions, and diverse landscapes, but requires more driving and planning to cover everything.

Accommodations: Large villas are available in areas like Malibu, Santa Monica, or near Anaheim if you want a mix of beach access and city sightseeing. Evening walks may require driving in many locations due to urban sprawl.
Activities: Sightseeing at Hollywood, Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, Disneyland (if desired), hiking in Griffith Park or Malibu, and visiting museums or cultural attractions.
Evening options: Vibrant city life in LA or Santa Monica, with many dining options. However, walking to restaurants may be limited unless staying in pedestrian-friendly areas like Santa Monica or Venice Beach.
Travel logistics: Sightseeing usually involves longer drives and more traffic. For a relaxed, low-stress holiday, this may be less appealing for families with teens.

Summary and suggestions:

If the goal is a relaxing, scenic, and activity-filled vacation with minimal driving in the evenings, the Florida Keys are ideal. Plenty of villas offer proximity to beaches, restaurants, and family-friendly evening entertainment.
If the family enjoys sightseeing, cultural experiences, and a mix of beaches and urban exploration, California is appealing, but expect more time spent driving and planning each day.
For 11 days with teenagers, Florida may provide a better balance of relaxation and activities without the stress of constant sightseeing and traffic, while still offering unique experiences different from Orlando.

Overall, for a family wanting a villa-based, relaxed, and scenic holiday with easy evening options and water-based activities, the Florida Keys would likely be the most enjoyable choice. California offers variety and sightseeing, but may feel more rushed and spread out for an 11-day trip.

Family holiday 2026

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