Miami to Florida Keys with Everglades – 9‑Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Miami & South Beach Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Miami International Airport and check into your hotel in downtown Miami. Take a short walk to the vibrant South Beach boardwalk to stretch your legs and feel the ocean breeze.

Afternoon: Lounge on the iconic sands of South Beach and dip into the turquoise water. Afterwards, stroll along Ocean Drive, admiring the Art Deco architecture and enjoying a casual lunch at a sidewalk café.

Evening: Dine at a trendy restaurant on Lincoln Road and soak up the lively nightlife with live music and street performers.

Day 2: Culture & Street Art in Miami

Morning: Explore the colorful streets of Little Havana, sipping Cuban coffee and watching locals play dominoes at Maximo Gomez Park.

Afternoon: Head to the Wynwood Walls to admire massive murals by world‑renowned artists, then browse boutique galleries and hip cafés in the neighborhood.

Evening: Shop and dine at Bayside Marketplace, catching sunset views over the Biscayne Bay while sampling fresh seafood.

Day 3: Everglades Adventure

Morning: Drive to Everglades National Park for an exhilarating airboat tour, spotting alligators and abundant birdlife across the sawgrass marshes.

Afternoon: Rent a bike at Shark Valley Visitor Center and cycle the 15‑mile loop for panoramic vistas, then walk the Anhinga Trail to observe wading birds up close.

Evening: Return to Miami for a relaxed dinner, reflecting on the wild encounters of the day.

Day 4: Journey to Key Largo & Coral Reefs

Morning: Depart Miami and enjoy the scenic drive over the Overseas Highway, arriving in Key Largo by midday.

Afternoon: Explore John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park with a guided snorkeling tour, swimming among vibrant coral formations and tropical fish.

Evening: Visit the Dolphin Research Center for an interactive program, then dine on fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant.

Day 5: Islamorada & Marine Exploration

Morning: Take a boat trip from Key Largo to Islamorada for a morning of snorkeling at a pristine reef.

Afternoon: Discover the History of Aviation Museum, learning about pioneering seaplane pilots who shaped the Keys' aviation heritage.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner at a local tavern, sampling the famous Key Lime pie.

Day 6: Marathon & The Seven Mile Bridge

Morning: Drive to Marathon and stop at the Marathon Turtle Hospital for a guided tour of the rehabilitation facilities.

Afternoon: Cross the iconic Seven Mile Bridge, pausing at the midway overlook for breathtaking photos of the turquoise waters.

Evening: Relax at a beachfront bar in Marathon, watching the sun dip below the horizon.

Day 7: Big Pine Key & Nature

Morning: Explore the National Key Deer Refuge on a gentle hike, keeping an eye out for the tiny endemic deer.

Afternoon: Visit the mysterious Blue Hole, a freshwater sinkhole that attracts a variety of wildlife.

Evening: Set up camp at a nearby campground or stay in a cozy cottage, enjoying a quiet night under the stars.

Day 8: Arrival in Key West & Duval Street

Morning: Continue the drive to Key West, checking into your boutique hotel.

Afternoon: Wander along Duval Street, popping into historic bars, galleries, and quirky shops.

Evening: Experience the lively sunset celebration at Mallory Square, complete with street performers and local vendors.

Day 9: Historic Key West & Departure

Morning: Tour the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, meeting the famous six‑toed cats that still roam the property.

Afternoon: Stroll through the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, surrounded by colorful butterflies and tropical birds.

Evening: Enjoy a final dinner on the waterfront before heading to the airport for your departure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• South Beach – 2 hrs – $5 (parking)
• Ocean Drive – 1 hr – $0
• Little Havana – 2 hrs – $0
• Wynwood Walls – 1.5 hrs – $15
• Bayside Marketplace – 2 hrs – $0
• Everglades Airboat Tour – 2 hrs – $60
• Shark Valley (bike rental) – 2 hrs – $25
• Anhinga Trail – 1.5 hrs – $0
• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – 3 hrs – $30
• Dolphin Research Center – 2 hrs – $40
• Key Largo Snorkeling – 3 hrs – $75
• History of Aviation Museum – 1.5 hrs – $12
• Marathon Turtle Hospital – 2 hrs – $15
• Seven Mile Bridge – 1 hr – $0
• National Key Deer Refuge – 2 hrs – $0
• Blue Hole – 1 hr – $0
• Duval Street – 2 hrs – $0
• Mallory Square – 2 hrs – $0
• Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum – 1.5 hrs – $14
• Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory – 1 hr – $15
• Total Estimated Cost: $306

Tips

If you have extra days, consider adding a relaxing stop at the tranquil islands of Little Palm Island or a fishing charter out of Key West for a deeper dive into the Keys' marine life. To shorten the trip, you could combine Days 4 and 5 by skipping the separate snorkeling excursion in Islamorada and focusing all water activities in Key Largo, which still offers excellent reefs and marine encounters.