The Final 2-Week Florida Itinerary – WildJunket Journey Weblog

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 any doubt that Florida is among the finest street 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 now have since returned a number of instances and traveled throughout Florida. For these planning a Florida street journey, right here is our advisable 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 massive cities, we now have 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 must determine 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 one of the best of Florida at a snug tempo. Should you solely have 1 week in Florida, we advise specializing in Miami, the Florida Keys and Everglades Nationwide Park.

Really useful Two Weeks in Florida Itinerary 

• 2 Days in Miami – to take a look at the beautiful Artwork Deco structure at South Seashore
• 3 Days in Florida Keys – to discover a number of 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 one of the best seashores from Marco Island to Sarasota
• 4 Days in Central Florida – to discover Florida’s beautiful pure springs

The way to Get to Florida?

The excellent news is that Florida has loads of well-connected airports. The most well-liked 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 components of the US and internationally is kind of inexpensive. 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 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 method. You can too get nice offers from London, Brussels, Porto, Copenhagen or Oslo.

Seek for Low-cost Flights to Florida

The way to Get Round Florida 

By Automotive/Camper

One of the best ways to get round Florida is by automotive. In our expertise, Florida is among the most inexpensive states for automotive rent. Our final automotive rental in Florida value us $180 for per week together with full insurance coverage, which is round $25 a day. Examine the present charges right here.

Alternatively, you can even do that Florida street journey on a campervan. You may rent a campervan on Outdoorsy for round $150/day. Touring in a campervan might help you save rather a lot on lodging and meals. Seek for a campervan right here.

Whereas driving in Miami can show just a little tough, driving exterior of the massive 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).

Guide Your Automotive Rental!

By Day Journeys

Should you choose to not drive, it IS doable to go to fashionable spots in Florida such because the Everglades Nationwide Park on day journeys. Our favourite website to e-book day excursions is GetYourGuide. They constantly provide one of the best costs and have free cancellations and cellular vouchers.

Most day journeys round Florida value round US$60 and upwards. There are many boat journeys and snorkel excursions in Florida which can be value doing! Listed below are a few of our advisable Florida day excursions:

Finest 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 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 manner 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 among the least costly States within the US. Hiring your personal automotive is probably the most inexpensive solution to expertise one of the best of Florida. Anticipate to pay round round US$360 for a 2-week automotive rental and one other $200 for gasoline. Examine 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 fundamental 3-star lodge. Lodging in Central Florida and the Paradise Coast is just a little cheaper than different states. In off-season, you will get a finances 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 a superb 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 start out your street journey in Florida as its airport is a serious hub. We suggest staying at South Seashore as it’s the hippest space of Miami, with a lovely windswept seashore and classy artwork deco lodges. Try my detailed 3-day Miami itinerary for the complete 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 facet to Miami, take a look at the Wynwood Partitions artwork district, an incredible 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 Seashore is a really cool place to remain however it’s notoriously costly. A beer in a bar alongside South Seashore can value as a lot as $20 and a huge signature cocktail (sufficient for two) can value as much as $40. For these on a finances, keep in Coral Gables or Brownsville close to the airport.

Really useful Excursions in Miami

The place to Keep in Miami

Finances: Hudson Home

It’s exhausting to seek out something lower than $100/evening in Miami, so this trendy 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 loos) and spacious dwelling space. Examine 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 plush patio mirror its historical past, whereas the inside has been utterly revamped in recent times. Examine the charges right here.

Luxurious: 1 Lodge South Seashore

Situated within the coronary heart of South Seashore, that is among the best lodges 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. Examine 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 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 street 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 (made out of 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 also can 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 take a look at Jules Undersea Lodge,  Florida’s solely underwater lodge and one of many most original lodges on the earth.

The place to Keep in Key Largo

Finances: 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 amenities, in addition to outside showers. Learn opinions right here.

Midrange: Gilbert’s Resort

One of many few inexpensive locations on Key Largo, this can be a fashionable motel with an on-site marina and boat dock, in addition to its personal non-public seashore. Take pleasure in fishing off the dock, hire a ship or feast on recent seafood at its Tiki Grill and Bar. Examine the charges right here.

Luxurious: Baker’s Cay Resort Key Largo, Curio Assortment By Hilton

With its personal non-public seashore, this five-star resort is extremely trendy and slick, that includes an all-white design. It’s surrounded by lush landscaping and nature trails, wonderful for nature seekers in search of consolation. Examine 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 probably the most iconic path to the Florida Keys, the Seven Mile Bridge. 

En path to Key West, you’ll move by means of many quirky cities, together with Islamorada, the place you may 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 a number of the finest locations to cease on a street journey in Florida.

We suggest spending 2 nights in Key West, probably 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 useful Excursions in Key West

The place to Keep in Key West

Finances: Seashell Motel

There aren’t many finances lodges in Key West. That is the most cost effective place with dorm beds and cozy lounging areas within the garden. It’s a 15-minute stroll to Duval Road and different sights. Examine the charges right here.

Midrange: Eden Home

Regionally owned and operated since 1975, this artwork deco lodge is positioned within the heart of Outdated City Key West, inside strolling distance of Duval Road. Eden Home has obtained a unusual, retro Florida aptitude, with loads of character as well. That is positively our favourite lodge in Key West. Examine the charges.

Luxurious: Parrot Key Lodge & Villas

A brief drive from historic Outdated City Key West, this tastefully-designed lodge is perched on the seashore 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. Examine the charges right here.

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 manner there, we suggest 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 means of lush forest. In case you have time, head over to Shark Valley Path, a preferred 15 mile spherical journey which might 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 proportion of the Nationwide Park is roofed by swamplands and solely accessible by boat. Examine our expertise cruising the Everglades.

Word: The Everglades Nationwide Park has an entry value of $30 per automotive, legitimate for 7 days.

Really useful Excursions within the Everglades

The place to Keep within the Everglades

Finances: Port of the Islands Everglades Journey Resort

That is the closest finances lodge to the Everglades. It’s a typical old-school Floridian lodge (thus the title!) with comfy sufficient rooms and a swimming pool. Examine the charges right here.

Midrange: Flamingo Adventures at Everglades Nationwide Park

Situated 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 finest! Examine 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 out of doors pool in addition to a tropical waterfall. Examine the charges right here.

Florida Itinerary Day 7: Go to Marco Island

Simply 18 miles away from Everglades Metropolis is Marco Island, considered one of our favourite locations in Florida and truthfully a hidden gem ready to be found. We suggest staying the evening right here as there are manner too many enjoyable issues to do in Marco Island. However costs are excessive, so finances vacationers also can keep at close by Naples.

A necessary exercise is a shelling tour to seek out a number of the most original shells within the USA. We additionally suggest seeing the sinking Cape Romano homes and discovering tortoises that roam freely on Tigertail Seashore. That is half manner level of your Florida street journey, so give your self some down time.

The place to Keep on Marco Island

Finances: Conty’s Motel

Situated in Naples, this motel is a well-priced finances possibility with outside pool and old-school rooms. It’s in want of a revamp, however  the heat and friendliness of the house owners make up for it. Examine the charges right here.

Midrange: The BoatHouse

This motel has massive comfy rooms and a personal dock in addition to an out of doors pool. Company can look ahead to dolphins and manatees or fish from the non-public dock. Examine the charges right here.

Luxurious:  Hilton Marco Island Seashore Resort and Spa

Positively one of the best 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 fun an important day and it was positively one thing particular. Examine 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 Seashore Park in Naples. Whereas we have 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 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 inexpensive and has a relaxed vibe. Don’t miss Cullum’s Bonita Path whereas in Bonita Springs. Maintain 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 Seashore, lauded as one of the best seashore within the USA. Spend 2 nights right here as there are lots of 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 useful Excursions in Sarasota

The place to Keep in Sarasota

Finances: Siesta Inn Motel Sarasota

One of many most cost-effective motels in Sarasota, Siesta Inn presents low costs and newly renovated, comfy rooms. It doesn’t have many amenities, however it’s a quiet spot for these in search of some tranquility. Examine 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 out of doors pool and loads of parking areas. Nice worth for cash! Examine the charges.

Luxurious: Lido Seashore Resort

The beachfront Lido Seashore Resort has an enormous stretch of personal seashore within the coronary heart of Sarasota. It’s positively value splurging on this lodge in the event you’ve been slumming it up to now. This resort (pictured) presents ocean-view rooms for affordable costs. Examine 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 may swim with manatees yr spherical. Be a part of a snorkel tour with naturalist information to be taught extra in regards to the manatee and its pure habitat. Swimming with a manatee was one of many highlights of our Florida street journey!

In winter, it’s doable to see manatees in Blue Springs as they migrate to heat themselves. From Crystal River, it’s a 30-minute drive to some of the picturesque springs in Florida, Rainbow Springs. In summer season (till September 30) it’s doable to finish a 2 hours tube run at Rainbow Springs, among the best rated tube runs in Florida.

The place to Keep in Ocala 

Finances: Howard Johnson by Wyndham Ocala FL

That includes funky and vibrant colours, this finances lodge presents a wonderful worth for cash with room charges as little as $60/evening. Rooms are carpeted and plush, and splashed with vivid orange and blue. Examine 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 heart. Examine the charges right here.

Luxurious: Residence Inn Ocala

Situated off Interstate 75, this lodge has large suites which have cooking amenities. It contains a heated outside pool, sizzling buffet breakfast and free night receptions with drinks from Monday by means of Thursday. Examine 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 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 likely to get very muddy. 

Tip: Should you intend to do a variety of tubing in Florida, buy your personal tube prematurely from a neighborhood 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 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 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 evening at an airport lodge for some a lot wanted relaxation and leisure after two weeks of journey! La Quinta Inn at Orlando Airport is an effective finances possibility, 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 intend 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 route. Drive from Orlando to Key West, and finish your Florida street journey with a bang there. 

Should you’re fascinated with exploring extra of the US, take a look at different articles I’ve written:

Have a blast in your Florida street journey!  You should definitely go away a remark under in case you have any questions.

This publish was written by by Nadia and Mike, journey bloggers from Couple Journey the World.

Disclaimer: This publish incorporates affiliate hyperlinks i.e. I make a small fee while you buy one thing by means of my hyperlinks, at NO further value to you. Thanks in your help!