Final Up to date on Could 17, 2023 by Nellie Huang
Planning an epic Florida street journey? Right here’s our 2-week Florida itinerary together with swimming with manatees, island hopping, and dwelling it up in Miami.
There isn’t a doubt that Florida is without doubt one of the greatest street journey locations in the USA. The Sunshine State has countless miles of huge, sandy seashores, vibrant marine life and distinctive keys. Not simply that, we additionally love the pristine nature it has to supply: from magical pure springs to wildlife-rich ecosystems.
Alberto and I truly met in Florida 20 years in the past, and we’ve since returned a number of instances and traveled throughout Florida. For these planning a Florida street journey, right here is our really useful 2-week Florida itinerary, together with one of the best locations to cease, the place to remain and the place to eat in Florida.
FLORIDA ROAD TRIP GUIDE
As we love nature far more than large cities, we’ve designed this Florida street journey round pure springs, mangroves and seashores. However there are SO many issues to do in Florida – from theme parks to historic forts – so that you’ll should resolve the place your curiosity lies.
We’ll be giving a day-to-day breakdown of this Florida itinerary, please proceed studying. We advocate a minimal of two weeks in Florida to see and expertise one of the best of Florida at a cushty tempo. Should you solely have 1 week in Florida, we recommend specializing in Miami, the Florida Keys and Everglades Nationwide Park.
Advisable Two Weeks in Florida Itinerary
- 2 Days in Miami – to take a look at the beautiful Artwork Deco structure at South Seaside
- 3 Days in Florida Keys – to discover among the greatest coral reefs
- 1 Day in Everglades Nationwide Park – to go wildlife watching together with taking an airboat tour
- 4 Days on the Paradise Coast – to discover one of the best seashores from Marco Island to Sarasota
- 4 Days in Central Florida – to discover Florida’s beautiful pure springs
Present Florida Journey Restrictions
No matter vaccination standing, all air passengers coming into the U.S. should current a destructive COVID-19 check, taken inside three days of worldwide departure. For these touring to Florida from different states, there are not any present journey restrictions or quarantine mandates. Test the Florida vacationer board web site for up-to-date information.
It’s vital to have journey insurance coverage for journey through the pandemic. Security Wing is the preferred journey insurance coverage firm for COVID19-coverage. I take advantage of their Nomad Insurance coverage plan, which covers COVID-19 as some other sickness so long as it was not contracted earlier than your protection begin date. Consult with my journey insurance coverage information for extra particulars.
Tips on how to Get to Florida?
The excellent news is that Florida has loads of well-connected airports. The preferred airports to fly into Florida are MIA (Miami), FLL (Fort Lauderdale) and MCO (Orlando) airports. We’ve discovered that flights to Fort Lauderdale are the most affordable.
On this Florida itinerary, we’re driving from Miami to Orlando.Flying into Florida each from different components of the US and internationally is kind of reasonably priced. You may fly from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale for as little as $300 return (5-hour flight). For one of the best fares, we at all times use Skyscanner as they’ve persistently given us the bottom costs.
Flying from Europe to Florida is surprisingly low-cost. We took a direct flight from Paris to Fort Lauderdale with Norwegian Airways (10hours) for $220 a technique. You can too get nice offers from London, Brussels, Porto, Copenhagen or Oslo.
Seek for Low-cost Flights to Florida
Tips on how to Get Round Florida
By Automobile/Camper
The easiest way to get round Florida is by automobile. In our expertise, Florida is without doubt one of the most reasonably priced states for automobile rent. Our final automobile rental in Florida price us $180 for every week together with full insurance coverage, which is round $25 a day. Test the present charges right here.
Alternatively, you can too do that Florida street journey on a campervan. You may rent a campervan on Outdoorsy for round $150/day. Touring in a campervan may help you save so much on lodging and meals. Seek for a campervan right here.
Whereas driving in Miami can show just a little difficult, driving exterior of the large cities may be very straightforward. In comparison with the remainder of the world, gasoline costs in Florida are extremely low. In the meanwhile Florida gasoline costs sit at round US$2.50 per gallon (3.78L).
E-book Your Automobile Rental!
By Day Journeys
Should you want to not drive, it IS potential to go to in style spots in Florida such because the Everglades Nationwide Park on day journeys. Our favourite web site to ebook day excursions is GetYourGuide. They persistently provide one of the best costs and have free cancellations and cellular vouchers.
Most day journeys round Florida price round US$60 and upwards. There are many boat journeys and snorkel excursions in Florida which are value doing! Listed here are a few of our really useful Florida day excursions:
Finest Time to Do a Florida Highway Journey
The wonderful thing about Florida is that it’s a year-round vacation spot. The coldest it will get in Florida is round 60°F (15°C) in January. July is the warmest month in Florida, when temperatures can rise to as much as 90°F (32°C).
Our favourite time to go to Florida is in fall between September to November. The climate is ideal round 75°F (24°C), that means you may nonetheless go swimming and benefit from the seashores and is derived with out getting fried by the warmth.
Fall can be off-season in Florida, earlier than the snowbirds and Christmas arrivals have made their means down, so costs and crowds are significantly decrease. Excessive season is throughout winter between November and February, anticipate costs to be the best then.
How A lot Does a Florida Highway Journey Price?
Fortunately, Florida is without doubt one of the least costly States within the US. Hiring your personal automobile is essentially the most reasonably priced technique to expertise one of the best of Florida. Anticipate to pay round round US$360 for a 2-week automobile rental and one other $200 for gasoline. Test present automobile rent charges right here.
Miami is notoriously an costly place to remain the place lodging can set you again US$150 for a fundamental 3-star resort. Lodging in Central Florida and the Paradise Coast is just a little cheaper than different states. In off-season, you will get a price range resort for US$60-80 per night time and round $100-150 per night time for a 4-star resort.
Tenting in state parks in Florida prices between US$30-50 per night time. An exception to this rule is the Florida Keys, which prices between US$40-50 per night time. There are numerous big-chain diners all through the State the place you will get a great meal for round $10 plus tax and tip.
My Florida Highway Journey Itinerary
Florida Itinerary Days 1 & 2: Discover Miami
Miami is the only option to begin your street journey in Florida as its airport is a significant hub. We advocate staying at South Seaside as it’s the hippest space of Miami, with a gorgeous windswept seaside and classy artwork deco inns. Try my detailed 3-day Miami itinerary for the total particulars.
Over the subsequent two days, cool off within the stunning Venetian Pool in Coral Gables and take a wander round Little Havana, a vibrant Cuban neighborhood in Miami. For a distinct aspect to Miami, try the Wynwood Partitions artwork district, an incredible show of avenue artwork from artists all around the world. Spend a day chilling at Key Biscayne or take a sightseeing flight for a view of Miami from above.
South Seaside is a really cool place to remain however it’s notoriously costly. A beer in a bar alongside South Seaside can price as a lot as $20 and a huge signature cocktail (sufficient for two) can price as much as $40. For these on a price range, keep in Coral Gables or Brownsville close to the airport.
Advisable Excursions in Miami
The place to Keep in Miami
Price range: Hudson Home
It’s exhausting to search out something lower than $100/night time in Miami, so this fashionable home is a uncommon discover. We stayed right here as soon as after an extended flight (it’s close to the airport) and it was an ideal place to relaxation up. Hudson Home is made up of a number of double rooms (with shared bogs) and spacious dwelling space. Test the charges.
Midrange: Biltmore Lodge
One of many iconic landmarks of Miami, the Biltmore Lodge is housed in a Spanish colonial constructing harking back to yesteryears. The plush decor and luxurious patio mirror its historical past, whereas the inside has been utterly revamped in recent times. Test the charges right here.
Luxurious: 1 Lodge South Seaside
Positioned within the coronary heart of South Seaside, that is among the best inns in Miami. The upscale property has oceanfront rooms and spacious residences with spectacular views. It additionally has 2 swimming swimming pools, together with one adults-only rooftop poo. Test the charges right here.
Florida Itinerary Day 3: Drive to Florida Keys
It’s now time to pump your street journey playlist as you hit the street in the direction of the Florida Keys! The Keys are a coral cay archipelago situated off the southern coast of Florida. To get there, you’ll be driving alongside the U.S. Route 1, and this is without doubt one of the greatest street journeys within the USA.
Make Key Largo your first cease within the Florida Keys. This cute beachside city is the most important city within the Keys with nice seashores and seafood eating places. You’ll want to strive the signature dishes of the Florida Keys: Key Lime Pie and Conch fritters (constructed from giant sea snails).
Strive native craft beer at Florida Brewing Firm or go kayaking within the seagrass beds of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Divers may take the afternoon to go diving on the Spiegal Grove wreck. Try Globo Surf for one of the best snorkeling and dive websites in Florida. Scuba geeks ought to try Jules Undersea Lodge, Florida’s solely underwater resort and one of many most original inns on the planet.
The place to Keep in Key Largo
Price range: John Pennekamp State Park Campground
Should you get pleasure from tenting, keep in a single day on the park’s campground which prices $43 USD an evening together with tax. There are additionally RV parking and services, in addition to out of doors showers. Learn critiques right here.
Midrange: Gilbert’s Resort
One of many few reasonably priced locations on Key Largo, this can be a in style motel with an on-site marina and boat dock, in addition to its personal personal seaside. Take pleasure in fishing off the dock, hire a ship or feast on recent seafood at its Tiki Grill and Bar. Test the charges right here.
Luxurious: Baker’s Cay Resort Key Largo, Curio Assortment By Hilton
With its personal personal seaside, this five-star resort is extremely fashionable and slick, that includes an all-white design. It’s surrounded by lush landscaping and nature trails, glorious for nature seekers searching for consolation. Test the charges right here.
Florida Itinerary Days 4 & 5: Go to Key West
Proceed the subsequent day alongside U.S. Route 1. The final stretch of the freeway can be essentially the most iconic path to the Florida Keys, the Seven Mile Bridge.
En path to Key West, you’ll go by way of many quirky cities, together with Islamorada, the place you may hand feed large tarpon at Robbies. Additionally go to the turtle hospital in Marathon, the place they’re doing nice work to rehabilitate wild turtles. These are positively among the greatest locations to cease on a street journey in Florida.
We advocate spending 2 nights in Key West, essentially the most well-known city within the Florida Keys and the southernmost level of continental US. Go to the well-known Ernest Hemingway Home and the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. Don’t miss these free issues to do in Key West.
Advisable Excursions in Key West
The place to Keep in Key West
Price range: Seashell Motel
There aren’t many price range inns in Key West. That is the most affordable place with dorm beds and cozy lounging areas within the garden. It’s a 15-minute stroll to Duval Avenue and different points of interest. Test the charges right here.
Midrange: Eden Home
Domestically owned and operated since 1975, this artwork deco resort is situated within the middle of , inside of . Eden Home has bought a unusual, retro Florida aptitude, with loads of persona as well. That is positively our favourite resort in Key West. Test the charges.
Luxurious: Parrot Key Lodge & Villas
A brief drive from historic Outdated City Key West, this tastefully-designed resort is perched on the seaside and surrounded by lush gardens. That is positively a particular spot to remain at for these celebrating an event. There’s additionally a free shuttle to the Outdated City. Test the charges right here.
Day Journey to Dry Tortugas
When you’ve got a while to spare, we extremely advocate a day journey to Dry Tortugas, Florida’s greatest saved secret. At 70 miles off the coast of Key West, it’s one among America’s least visited nationwide parks. Go to the historic Fort Jefferson or dive off the seaside right into a world of turtles, large barracudas and parrot fish.
To get there, take the Yankee Freedom ferry. The two.5-hour ferry experience is a magical journey over turquoise waters, and leaves you about 4-5 hours on the island. It features a ranger-led tour of Ft. Jefferson and prices $195 per individual for the day journey. Learn right here to plan your day journey.
Florida Itinerary Day 6: Tour the Everglades
You will have to set off early from the Florida Keys, because it takes roughly 3 hours to succeed in the Everglades Nationwide Park. In your means there, we advocate making a cease at Bahia Honda State Park. That is the place you’ll discover one of the best seashores within the Florida Keys.
From Bahia Honda, drive in the direction of the Anhinga Path, one of the best brief path (0.8 miles spherical journey) to identify an alligator on foot within the Everglades. Close to the Anhinga Path is the Gumbo Limbo Path, one other brief path (0.4 miles spherical journey) by way of lush forest. When you’ve got time, head over to Shark Valley Path, a preferred 15 mile spherical journey which could be accomplished on foot, by tram tour or bike.
Proceed in the direction of the State Route 41 to get to Everglades Nationwide Park, one of many prime nationwide parks in US. An Everglades Airboat Tour is one of the simplest ways to expertise the Everglades because the huge share of the Nationwide Park is roofed by swamplands and solely accessible by boat. Examine our expertise cruising the Everglades.
Notice: The Everglades Nationwide Park has an entry price of $30 per automobile, legitimate for 7 days.
Advisable Excursions within the Everglades
The place to Keep within the Everglades
Price range: Port of the Islands Everglades Journey Resort
That is the closest price range resort to the Everglades. It’s a typical old-school Floridian resort (thus the identify!) with comfy sufficient rooms and a swimming pool. Test the charges right here.
Midrange: Flamingo Adventures at Everglades Nationwide Park
Positioned inside the nationwide park, this cool eco lodge is made up of luxurious tents (pictured) with correct beds and sitting space. All of them look out to the water and make for an ideal base to get near nature. That is glamping at its greatest! Test the charges right here.
Luxurious: Ivey Home
This eco-friendly mattress and breakfast is a 15-minute stroll from the Museum of the Everglades. It gives canoe and kayak leases and it has an outside pool in addition to a tropical waterfall. Test the charges right here.
Florida Itinerary Day 7: Go to Marco Island
Simply 18 miles away from Everglades Metropolis is Marco Island, one among our favourite locations in Florida and truthfully a hidden gem ready to be found. We advocate staying the night time right here as there are means too many enjoyable issues to do in Marco Island. However costs are excessive, so price range vacationers may keep at close by Naples.
An important exercise is a shelling tour to search out among the most original shells within the USA. We additionally advocate seeing the sinking Cape Romano homes and discovering tortoises that roam freely on Tigertail Seaside. That is half means level of your Florida street journey, so give your self some down time.
The place to Keep on Marco Island
Price range: Conty’s Motel
Positioned in Naples, this motel is a well-priced price range choice with out of doors pool and old-school rooms. It’s in want of a revamp, however the heat and friendliness of the homeowners make up for it. Test the charges right here.
Midrange: The BoatHouse
This motel has large comfy rooms and a non-public dock in addition to an outside pool. Company can look ahead to dolphins and manatees or fish from the personal dock. Test the charges right here.
Luxurious: Hilton Marco Island Seaside Resort and Spa
Undoubtedly one of the best resort on Marco Island, this Hilton resort (pictured) has outdone itself with its luxurious suites and beautiful panoramas in each nook. We stayed right here as soon as to have a good time an important day and it was positively one thing particular. Test the charges right here.
Florida Itinerary Days 8-10: Discover the Paradise Coast
From Marco Island, it’s a brief 30 minute drive to the attractive beachside city of Naples. Dolphins are sometimes noticed at Lowdermilk Seaside Park in Naples. Whereas we had been there, a gaggle of dolphins got here inside inches of an area fisherman which was wonderful to witness.
A hop away from Naples is its forgotten little sister, Bonita Springs, presumably one of the best saved secret of the Paradise Coast. In our opinion, Bonita Springs is a greater place to remain than Naples as it’s extra reasonably priced and has a relaxed vibe. Don’t miss Cullum’s Bonita Path whereas in Bonita Springs. Hold an eye fixed out for rabbits and gopher turtles working across the trails.
Proceed from Bonita Springs in the direction of Sarasota the place you’ll discover Siesta Key Seaside, lauded as one of the best seaside within the USA. Spend 2 nights right here as there are various issues to do in Sarasota. See the Unconditional Give up Statue and the beautiful Ringling Museum of Artwork (usually $25 an individual, however free on Mondays!).
Advisable Excursions in Sarasota
The place to Keep in Sarasota
Price range: Siesta Inn Motel Sarasota
One of many least expensive motels in Sarasota, Siesta Inn presents low costs and newly renovated, comfy rooms. It doesn’t have many services, however it’s a quiet spot for these looking for some tranquility. Test the charges.
Midrange: Regency Inn & Suites Sarasota
All modern-style rooms at this midrange motel are giant, spacious and well-equipped. There’s additionally an outside pool and loads of parking areas. Nice worth for cash! Test the charges.
Luxurious: Lido Seaside Resort
The beachfront Lido Seaside Resort has an enormous stretch of personal seaside within the coronary heart of Sarasota. It’s positively value splurging on this resort if you happen to’ve been slumming it up to now. This resort (pictured) presents ocean-view rooms for cheap costs. Test the charges.
Florida Itinerary Day 11: Swim with Manatees
Our #1 factor to do in Florida is to go to the quite a few pure springs. We advocate spending 3 nights to see the greatest pure springs in Florida. Learn my information to swimming with manatees.
A 2-hour drive north from Sarasota is the Three Sisters Spring at Crystal River, the one place in Florida the place you may swim with manatees 12 months spherical. Be a part of a snorkel tour with naturalist information to be taught extra concerning the manatee and its pure habitat. Swimming with a manatee was one of many highlights of our Florida street journey!
In winter, it’s potential to see manatees in Blue Springs as they migrate to heat themselves. From Crystal River, it’s a 30-minute drive to one of the picturesque springs in Florida, Rainbow Springs. In summer time (till September 30) it’s potential to finish a 2 hours tube run at Rainbow Springs, among the best rated tube runs in Florida.
The place to Keep in Ocala
Price range: Howard Johnson by Wyndham Ocala FL
That includes funky and vibrant colours, this price range resort presents a superb worth for cash with room charges as little as $60/night time. Rooms are carpeted and plush, and splashed with shiny orange and blue. Test the charges right here.
Midrange: Nation Inn & Suites by Radisson
Inside a couple of minutes’ drive from the Paddock Mall, the midrange resort has giant and clear rooms. There’s additionally an indoor pool, scorching tub and health middle. Test the charges right here.
Luxurious: Residence Inn Ocala
Positioned off Interstate 75, this resort has enormous suites which have cooking services. It incorporates a heated out of doors pool, scorching buffet breakfast and free night receptions with drinks from Monday by way of Thursday. Test the charges right here.
Florida Itinerary Days 12-14: Tubing within the Springs
An hour’s drive north from Rainbow Springs is the well-known Ginnie Springs, the place you may go stand-up paddle boarding, tubing and kayaking all 12 months spherical.
You are able to do a day journey right here from Ocala, or keep within the closest giant city, Gainsville which is a 40-minute drive away. There’s additionally tenting accessible in Ginnie Springs, at $22.43 per grownup per night time though the bathroom blocks are inclined to get very muddy.
Tip: Should you intend to do numerous tubing in Florida, buy your personal tube prematurely from an area Walmart or Publix.
Florida Itinerary Day 15: Drive to Orlando
From Gainesville, head again down in the direction of Orlando. Make a cease at Juniper Springs within the Ocala Nationwide Forest. This is without doubt one of the oldest recreation areas on the East Coast, constructed within the Nineteen Thirties by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
We advocate flying out of Orlando to save lots of you the drive again to Miami. From Juniper Springs, it’s a 1.5-hour drive to Orlando (or a 4-hour drive again to Miami).
Spend your remaining night time at an airport resort for some a lot wanted relaxation and leisure after two weeks of journey! La Quinta Inn at Orlando Airport is an effective price range choice, whereas Wingate by Wyndham is nearer to the airport however has barely larger costs.
Take pleasure in Your Florida Highway Journey!
And that’s a wrap! I hope our Florida street journey planner has helped you propose your personal journey. In our opinion, that is one of the best Florida street journey you are able to do, mixing up nature, seashores and metropolis sightseeing.
You can too do the identical Florida itinerary within the reverse course. Drive from Orlando to Key West, and finish your Florida street journey with a bang there.
Should you’re keen on exploring extra of the US, try different articles I’ve written:
Have a blast in your Florida street journey! You’ll want to depart a remark beneath in case you have any questions.
