My Florida Travel Experience: Orlando, Anna Maria Island and Tampa Bay
13/07/2026
By Marnie Kenny, Hays Travel Romford
Florida had always been on my travel wish list. During this trip, I experienced a different side of the Sunshine State and came away with a new appreciation for how varied it can be. Over a few days, I visited Orlando, Anna Maria Island and Tampa Bay. Each destination offered something completely different. The combination worked surprisingly well and gave me a great mix of excitement, relaxation and local experiences.
Orlando: More than just theme parks
My trip started in Orlando, where I stayed in a villa. Having extra space made a big difference and gave us flexibility after long days out exploring.
One of the highlights was visiting Universal Orlando Resort. We experienced the parks as part of a VIP tour. What stood out most was how much more we were able to fit into the day.
Some attractions had wait times of more than 3 hours. With the VIP experience, we were able to enjoy some rides twice within a short space of time.
What I enjoyed most about Orlando was the atmosphere. There is always something happening, whether you're visiting a theme park, shopping, dining or simply exploring the area.
Orlando could suit:
- families looking for a theme park holiday
- thrill-seekers who enjoy roller coasters
- groups wanting plenty of activities and entertainment
Anna Maria Island: My favourite part of the trip
After Orlando, we drove to Anna Maria Island. The journey took around 90 minutes, but it felt like a completely different world.
This was the destination that surprised me most. The pace of life was slower. The beaches were beautiful and the Gulf waters were clear and calm. It felt peaceful from the moment we arrived.
I stayed at Compass Hotel Anna Maria Sound, which was a great base for exploring the area. During my stay, I enjoyed:
- a dolphin boat tour, where we spotted dolphins in the wild
- visits to local accommodation and resort properties
- time relaxing on the beach and taking in the scenery
What I liked most was how unspoilt the island felt. It didn't have the busy atmosphere you often find in larger Florida resorts. Anna Maria Island could suit:
- couples looking for a quieter escape
- families wanting a relaxed beach holiday
- travellers who have visited Florida before and want to see somewhere different
Of all the places I visited, this is the one I would return to first.
Tampa Bay: Culture, food and attractions
The final part of my trip was spent in Tampa Bay. What stood out here was the variety of experiences available. Alongside well-known attractions, there were plenty of opportunities to learn more about the area's history and culture.
During my visit, I enjoyed:
- a tour of a local cigar factory
- a candle-pouring workshop
- brunch at The Exchange
I also visited Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Before visiting, I expected it to be mainly a theme park. In reality, it offered much more. Alongside large roller coasters, there were animal encounters, safari experiences and beautifully landscaped areas throughout the park. It felt different from other Florida attractions I have visited and was one of the highlights of my time in Tampa Bay.
Why I would recommend this combination
What made this trip memorable was the contrast between each destination.
Orlando offered world-famous attractions and busy days out.
Anna Maria Island gave me time to slow down and enjoy Florida's natural beauty.
Tampa Bay added culture, food and unique experiences. The travel time between each destination was manageable, making it easy to experience different parts of Florida in one holiday.
My final thoughts
Before this trip, I mainly associated Florida with theme parks. While Orlando lived up to expectations, it was Anna Maria Island and Tampa Bay that gave me a different perspective on the destination.
Anna Maria Island was the standout for me. Its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beaches and slower pace made it feel completely different from anywhere else I visited.
If you're planning a Florida holiday and would like to combine theme parks with beaches and local experiences, I think this itinerary offers a great balance.
It's a trip I would happily do again.