Best of Florida Road Trip

Itinerary

4 Nights – Orlando
3 Nights – Tampa or Clearwater/St. Pete
2 Nights – Sarasota
4 Nights – Naples
3 Nights – Key West
3 Nights – Miami

Don’t fancy Orlando? Fly to Tampa to start your adventure there, either reducing the duration of the trip or spending longer at some of the other stops.

Option to visit the Florida Everglades..

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✈️ Orlando (4 nights):  Your adventure will begin in Orlando, home to some of the world’s biggest and best theme parks. Whether you want to experience the magic of Walt Disney’s parks, including Magic Kingdom, Epcot, or Animal Kingdom, or immerse yourself in the world of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, there’s so much to see and do. But Orlando isn’t just about theme parks. Take a break with a round of golf at one of the world-class courses or indulge in a shopping spree at one of the huge malls.

🚗 Tampa or Clearwater/St. Pete (3 Nights): After soaking up the excitement of Orlando, you’ll swap the theme parks for some R&R on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Whether you choose Tampa, Clearwater, or St. Pete Beach, you’ll find huge stretches of soft sand and calm waters. This coast faces west, so each day ends with a spectacular sunset view over the ocean. Tampa, the largest of the three, has more of a city feel, with a lively downtown, fantastic restaurants, museums, and attractions such as Busch Gardens. Perfect if you’re still in the mood for a few more rides or want a bit of culture. Clearwater Beach, with its lively atmosphere, is busier and more resort-like, especially around Pier 60, where you’ll find sunset festivals and street performers. A little further south, St. Pete Beach offers a quieter, more laid-back vibe. It’s ideal for families, with clean, uncrowded beaches perfect for sunbathing, beach walks, and spotting sand dollars in the shallows. While you’re in the area, visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, once home to Winter the dolphin, famous for her prosthetic tail and inspiring story. Although Winter passed away in 2021, her legacy lives on at the centre which supports marine conservation and education.

🚗 Tampa or Clearwater/St. Pete to Sarasota (2 Nights):  From the Gulf Coast, you’ll take the short drive south to Sarasota. The beaches here are considered some of the best in the state, with Siesta Key often topping national ‘best beach’ lists for its pure white sand and shallow waters. You can also enjoy live music and watch the sunset at Siesta Key Village, a lovely area of shops, restaurants, and tiki bars just steps from the beach. Sarasota is also home to the renowned Ringling Museum of Art, which has collections of European art and a beautiful circus museum. The Ringling’s legacy is tied to P.T. Barnum’s legendary circus, which inspired the film The Greatest Showman. Explore the beautifully restored circus wagons, original costumes, props, vintage posters, and memorabilia from famous circus acts. The museum’s gardens are equally enchanting, with statues, fountains, and a secret garden where John and Mable Ringling are buried.

🚗 Sarasota to Naples (4 Nights): Next, you’ll head to Naples on Florida’s southwestern coast. This charming town is known for its upscale shopping, fine dining, and pristine beaches. Popular beaches include Vanderbilt Beach, with its soft, white sands, and Clam Pass Park, which has a boardwalk through mangrove trees leading to a quiet stretch of beach. You can also take a tram directly to the beach if you prefer not to walk. In downtown Naples, the iconic Naples Pier, dating back to 1888, offers stunning ocean views, especially at sunset. A short stroll from the pier, Fifth Avenue South boasts boutique shops, art galleries, and outdoor cafés.  Perfect for relaxing with a drink and soaking up the atmosphere. Naples also serves as a great base for exploring the Everglades National Park, Florida’s famous wetlands. The nearest entrance at Everglades City is only about an hour’s drive away, where you can take airboat rides through the maze of mangrove waterways and spot alligators hiding in the reeds and a wide array of birds.

🚗 Naples to Key West (3 Nights):  From Naples, you’ll head to Key West, the southernmost point of the USA’s mainland. The journey takes about 5 or 6 hours, but the drive itself is a highlight. First, you’ll pass through the heart of Everglades National Park along the Tamiami Trail, offering breathtaking views of this wild, untamed landscape. If you’d prefer a faster route, you can take the I-75 (Alligator Alley).  Then, as you head further south, you’ll travel along the Overseas Highway, with stunning views of turquoise waters and the chain of islands that make up the Florida Keys. Key West itself is one of the more characterful islands in the archipelago, known for its historic charm, lively streets, and laid-back beaches. It was also the home of author Ernest Hemingway, now a museum, where you can explore the rooms where he lived and worked, filled with personal artefacts. Another highlight is the sunset celebration at Mallory Square, where locals and visitors gather each evening to watch the sun set behind the Gulf of Mexico. The square comes alive with street performers, food stalls, and activities. Just off the coast, the coral reefs offer wonderful opportunities to snorkel or dive among colourful fish, sea turtles, and occasional manatee, with plenty of boat trips on offer.

🚗 Key West to Miami (3 Nights):  You’ll finish your Florida road trip on a high in the energetic city of Miami. This fascinating place blends beautiful beaches, Latin culture, and an exciting nightlife scene. Explore the creative heart of the city in Wynwood, home to Wynwood Walls, which is an outdoor museum featuring massive murals and graffiti by some of the world’s top street artists.  Also head to the Cuban-influenced Little Havana, known for its bright murals, Latin music, deliciously strong coffee, and lively streets. For some relaxation, head to the famous South Beach and soak up the rays, or people-watch along Ocean Drive and admire the Art Deco architecture while enjoying the lively cafés. A great way to get around the city is on the Miami Trolley, which allows you to hop on and hop off at various stops, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

✈️ Miami to UK:  Time to pack your suitcases, return the hire car and head back to the UK, having experienced some of the best of Florida’s theme parks, wildlife, beaches, and culture.