Final Up to date on Might 17, 2023 by Nellie Huang
Planning an epic Florida highway 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 among the finest highway journey locations in america. The Sunshine State has countless miles of broad, 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 really met in Florida 20 years in the past, and we’ve got since returned a number of instances and traveled throughout Florida. For these planning a Florida highway journey, right here is our advisable 2-week Florida itinerary, together with the perfect 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 massive cities, we’ve got designed this Florida highway 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 must resolve the place your curiosity lies.
We’ll be giving a day-to-day breakdown of this Florida itinerary, please proceed studying. We suggest a minimal of two weeks in Florida to see and expertise the perfect of Florida at a cushty tempo. If you happen to solely have 1 week in Florida, we propose specializing in Miami, the Florida Keys and Everglades Nationwide Park.
Really helpful 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 finest 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 the perfect 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. must current a unfavourable COVID-19 check, taken inside three days of worldwide departure. For these touring to Florida from different states, there aren’t any present journey restrictions or quarantine mandates. Verify the Florida vacationer board web site for up-to-date data.
It’s vital to have journey insurance coverage for journey in the course of 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 another sickness so long as it was not contracted earlier than your protection begin date. Consult with my journey insurance coverage information for extra particulars.
The best way 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 cost effective.
On this Florida itinerary, we’re driving from Miami to Orlando.Flying into Florida each from different elements of the US and internationally is sort of reasonably priced. You may fly from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale for as little as $300 return (5-hour flight). For the perfect fares, we all the time use Skyscanner as they’ve constantly 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. It’s also possible to get nice offers from London, Brussels, Porto, Copenhagen or Oslo.
Seek for Low-cost Flights to Florida
The best way to Get Round Florida
By Automotive/Camper
The easiest way to get round Florida is by automotive. In our expertise, Florida is among the most reasonably priced states for automotive rent. Our final automotive rental in Florida price us $180 for every week together with full insurance coverage, which is round $25 a day. Verify the present charges right here.
Alternatively, you can too do that Florida highway journey on a campervan. You may rent a campervan on Outdoorsy for round $150/day. Touring in a campervan can assist you save lots on lodging and meals. Seek for a campervan right here.
Whereas driving in Miami can show a bit difficult, driving exterior of the massive cities could 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).
By Day Journeys
If you happen to want to not drive, it IS potential to go to common spots in Florida such because the Everglades Nationwide Park on day journeys. Our favourite web site to e book day excursions is GetYourGuide. They constantly supply the perfect 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 might be price doing! Listed here are a few of our advisable Florida day excursions:
Greatest Time to Do a Florida Highway Journey
The beauty of 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), which means you possibly can nonetheless go swimming and benefit from the seashores and comes with out getting fried by the warmth.
Fall can also be off-season in Florida, earlier than the snowbirds and Christmas arrivals have made their method down, so costs and crowds are significantly decrease. Excessive season is throughout winter between November and February, anticipate costs to be the very best then.
How A lot Does a Florida Highway Journey Price?
Fortunately, Florida is among the least costly States within the US. Hiring your individual automotive is essentially the most reasonably priced method to expertise the perfect of Florida. Count on to pay round round US$360 for a 2-week automotive rental and one other $200 for gasoline. Verify present automotive rent charges right here.
Miami is notoriously an costly place to remain the place lodging can set you again US$150 for a primary 3-star lodge. Lodging in Central Florida and the Paradise Coast is a bit cheaper than different states. In off-season, you will get a price range lodge for US$60-80 per evening and round $100-150 per evening for a 4-star lodge.
Tenting in state parks in Florida prices between US$30-50 per evening. An exception to this rule is the Florida Keys, which prices between US$40-50 per evening. There are a lot of big-chain diners all through the State the place you will get an excellent meal for round $10 plus tax and tip.
My Florida Highway Journey Itinerary
Florida Itinerary Days 1 & 2: Discover Miami
Miami is your best option to begin your highway journey in Florida as its airport is a significant hub. We suggest staying at South Seaside as it’s the hippest space of Miami, with a lovely windswept seaside and trendy artwork deco resorts. Take a look at my detailed 3-day Miami itinerary for the complete particulars.
Over the subsequent two days, cool off within the lovely Venetian Pool in Coral Gables and take a wander round Little Havana, a vibrant Cuban neighborhood in Miami. For a unique aspect to Miami, take a look at the Wynwood Partitions artwork district, a tremendous show of avenue artwork from artists everywhere in 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 big 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.
Really helpful Excursions in Miami
The place to Keep in Miami
Price range: Hudson Home
It’s exhausting to search out something lower than $100/evening 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 awesome place to relaxation up. Hudson Home is made up of a number of double rooms (with shared loos) and spacious dwelling space. Verify the charges.
Midrange: Biltmore Lodge
One of many iconic landmarks of Miami, the Biltmore Lodge is housed in a Spanish colonial constructing paying homage to yesteryears. The plush decor and luxurious patio replicate its historical past, whereas the inside has been fully revamped in recent times. Verify the charges right here.
Luxurious: 1 Lodge South Seaside
Positioned within the coronary heart of South Seaside, that is top-of-the-line resorts 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. Verify the charges right here.
Florida Itinerary Day 3: Drive to Florida Keys
It’s now time to pump your highway journey playlist as you hit the highway in direction of the Florida Keys! The Keys are a coral cay archipelago positioned off the southern coast of Florida. To get there, you’ll be driving alongside the U.S. Route 1, and this is among the finest highway journeys within the USA.
Make Key Largo your first cease within the Florida Keys. This cute beachside city is the biggest city within the Keys with nice seashores and seafood eating places. You should definitely attempt the signature dishes of the Florida Keys: Key Lime Pie and Conch fritters (produced 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 also take the afternoon to go diving on the Spiegal Grove wreck. Take a look at Globo Surf for the perfect snorkeling and dive websites in Florida. Scuba geeks ought to take a look at Jules Undersea Lodge, Florida’s solely underwater lodge and one of many most original resorts on the earth.
The place to Keep in Key Largo
Price range: John Pennekamp State Park Campground
If you happen to take pleasure in 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 outside showers. Learn opinions right here.
Midrange: Gilbert’s Resort
One of many few reasonably priced locations on Key Largo, this can be a common motel with an on-site marina and boat dock, in addition to its personal non-public seaside. Take pleasure in fishing off the dock, hire a ship or feast on recent seafood at its Tiki Grill and Bar. Verify the charges right here.
Luxurious: Baker’s Cay Resort Key Largo, Curio Assortment By Hilton
With its personal non-public seaside, this five-star resort is extremely trendy and slick, that includes an all-white design. It’s surrounded by lush landscaping and nature trails, glorious for nature seekers in search of consolation. Verify 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 also be essentially the most iconic path to the Florida Keys, the Seven Mile Bridge.
En path to Key West, you’ll go via many quirky cities, together with Islamorada, the place you possibly can hand feed big 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 finest locations to cease on a highway journey in Florida.
We suggest 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.
Really helpful Excursions in Key West
The place to Keep in Key West
Price range: Seashell Motel
There aren’t many price range resorts in Key West. That is the most cost effective place with dorm beds and comfy lounging areas within the garden. It’s a 15-minute stroll to Duval Avenue and different points of interest. Verify the charges right here.
Midrange: Eden Home
Domestically owned and operated since 1975, this artwork deco lodge is positioned within the middle of , inside of . Eden Home has acquired a unusual, retro Florida aptitude, with loads of persona in addition. That is positively our favourite lodge in Key West. Verify the charges.
Luxurious: Parrot Key Lodge & Villas
A brief drive from historic Outdated City Key West, this tastefully-designed lodge 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. Verify the charges right here.
Day Journey to Dry Tortugas
If in case you have a while to spare, we extremely suggest a day journey to Dry Tortugas, Florida’s finest saved secret. At 70 miles off the coast of Key West, it’s one in all America’s least visited nationwide parks. Go to the historic Fort Jefferson or dive off the seaside right into a world of turtles, big barracudas and parrot fish.
To get there, take the Yankee Freedom ferry. The two.5-hour ferry journey 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 particular person 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 achieve the Everglades Nationwide Park. In your method there, we suggest making a cease at Bahia Honda State Park. That is the place you’ll discover the perfect seashores within the Florida Keys.
From Bahia Honda, drive in direction of the Anhinga Path, the perfect 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) via lush forest. If in case you have time, head over to Shark Valley Path, a preferred 15 mile spherical journey which may be accomplished on foot, by tram tour or bike.
Proceed in 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 best ways to expertise the Everglades because the huge proportion 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 automotive, legitimate for 7 days.
Really helpful 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 lodge to the Everglades. It’s a typical old-school Floridian lodge (thus the identify!) with snug sufficient rooms and a swimming pool. Verify the charges right here.
Midrange: Flamingo Adventures at Everglades Nationwide Park
Positioned throughout 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 awesome base to get near nature. That is glamping at its finest! Verify 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 offers canoe and kayak leases and it has an outside pool in addition to a tropical waterfall. Verify the charges right here.
Florida Itinerary Day 7: Go to Marco Island
Simply 18 miles away from Everglades Metropolis is Marco Island, one in all our favourite locations in Florida and actually a hidden gem ready to be found. We suggest staying the evening right here as there are method too many enjoyable issues to do in Marco Island. However costs are excessive, so price range vacationers may also 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 suggest seeing the sinking Cape Romano homes and discovering tortoises that roam freely on Tigertail Seaside. That is half method level of your Florida highway 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 possibility with outside pool and old-school rooms. It’s in want of a revamp, however the heat and friendliness of the homeowners make up for it. Verify the charges right here.
Midrange: The BoatHouse
This motel has massive snug rooms and a personal dock in addition to an outside pool. Friends can look ahead to dolphins and manatees or fish from the non-public dock. Verify the charges right here.
Luxurious: Hilton Marco Island Seaside Resort and Spa
Undoubtedly the perfect lodge on Marco Island, this Hilton lodge (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 a special day and it was positively one thing particular. Verify 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 a neighborhood fisherman which was wonderful to witness.
A hop away from Naples is its forgotten little sister, Bonita Springs, probably the perfect 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. Maintain a watch out for rabbits and gopher turtles operating across the trails.
Proceed from Bonita Springs in direction of Sarasota the place you’ll discover Siesta Key Seaside, lauded as the perfect 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!).
Really helpful Excursions in Sarasota
The place to Keep in Sarasota
Price range: Siesta Inn Motel Sarasota
One of many most cost-effective motels in Sarasota, Siesta Inn presents low costs and newly renovated, snug rooms. It doesn’t have many services, however it’s a quiet spot for these searching for some tranquility. Verify 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! Verify 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 price splurging on this lodge should you’ve been slumming it to date. This resort (pictured) presents ocean-view rooms for cheap costs. Verify 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 suggest spending 3 nights to see the finest 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 possibly can swim with manatees yr spherical. Be a part of a snorkel tour with naturalist information to study extra concerning the manatee and its pure habitat. Swimming with a manatee was one of many highlights of our Florida highway 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 crucial picturesque springs in Florida, Rainbow Springs. In summer season (till September 30) it’s potential to finish a 2 hours tube run at Rainbow Springs, top-of-the-line 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 lodge presents a wonderful worth for cash with room charges as little as $60/evening. Rooms are carpeted and plush, and splashed with shiny orange and blue. Verify the charges right here.
Midrange: Nation Inn & Suites by Radisson
Inside a couple of minutes’ drive from the Paddock Mall, the midrange lodge has giant and clear rooms. There’s additionally an indoor pool, sizzling tub and health middle. Verify the charges right here.
Luxurious: Residence Inn Ocala
Positioned off Interstate 75, this lodge has big suites which have cooking services. It incorporates a heated outside pool, sizzling buffet breakfast and free night receptions with drinks from Monday via Thursday. Verify 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 possibly can go stand-up paddle boarding, tubing and kayaking all yr 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 out there in Ginnie Springs, at $22.43 per grownup per evening though the bathroom blocks are inclined to get very muddy.
Tip: If you happen to intend to do numerous tubing in Florida, buy your individual tube upfront from a neighborhood Walmart or Publix.
Florida Itinerary Day 15: Drive to Orlando
From Gainesville, head again down in direction of Orlando. Make a cease at Juniper Springs within the Ocala Nationwide Forest. This is among the oldest recreation areas on the East Coast, constructed within the Thirties by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
We suggest flying out of Orlando to avoid wasting 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 ultimate evening at an airport lodge for some a lot wanted relaxation and rest after two weeks of journey! La Quinta Inn at Orlando Airport is an efficient price range possibility, whereas Wingate by Wyndham is nearer to the airport however has barely increased costs.
Take pleasure in Your Florida Highway Journey!
And that’s a wrap! I hope our Florida highway journey planner has helped you intend your individual journey. In our opinion, that is the perfect Florida highway journey you are able to do, mixing up nature, seashores and metropolis sightseeing.
It’s also possible to do the identical Florida itinerary within the reverse path. Drive from Orlando to Key West, and finish your Florida highway journey with a bang there.
If you happen to’re excited about exploring extra of the US, take a look at different articles I’ve written:
Have a blast in your Florida highway journey! You should definitely depart a remark under if in case you have any questions.
