Explore the Sunshine State: A 7-Day Journey through Florida
Friday, January 5: Arrival in Miami
Start your Florida adventure with an exciting arrival in the vibrant city of Miami. In the morning, soak up the sun at South Beach, known for its stunning sandy shores and lively atmosphere. Grab lunch at a trendy oceanfront restaurant and then head to Wynwood Walls, an outdoor museum showcasing vibrant street art. As the evening approaches, take a leisurely stroll along the iconic Ocean Drive, lined with art deco buildings, trendy bars, and restaurants.
South Beach: Cost estimate and time spent vary.
Wynwood Walls: Cost estimate and time spent vary.
Ocean Drive: Cost estimate and time spent vary.
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Big Pink, a classic American diner located in South Beach. Indulge in their fluffy pancakes and hearty breakfast burritos. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For lunch, try Joe's Stone Crab, a legendary seafood restaurant on Washington Avenue. Feast on their famous stone crab claws and fresh seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $40 per person.
For dinner, visit Prime 112, an upscale steakhouse on Ocean Drive. Savor their perfectly cooked steaks and elegant seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $80 per person.
Saturday, January 6: Everglades National Park
Embark on an unforgettable adventure to the Everglades National Park today. Start your morning with an airboat tour, gliding through the vast wetlands and spotting alligators, birds, and other wildlife. Afterward, explore the park's hiking trails, picnic areas, and visitor centers. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive along the Tamiami Trail, stopping at Shark Valley for an amazing tram ride and breathtaking views of the Everglades. Return to Miami in the evening.
Airboat tour: Cost estimate and time spent vary.
Everglades hiking trails: Cost estimate and time spent vary.
Shark Valley tram ride: Cost estimate and time spent vary.
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Breakfast Club, located in Miami. Indulge in their famous pancakes, omelettes, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, head to Joe's Stone Crab, a legendary seafood restaurant in Miami Beach. Enjoy their signature stone crabs, along with a variety of fresh seafood options. Average cost for a meal is about $40 per person.
In the evening, dine at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar in Miami, known for its mouthwatering fried chicken and southern comfort food. Don't miss their classic bourbon cocktails. Average cost for a meal is about $30 per person.
Sunday, January 7: Orlando Theme Parks
Today is all about fun and excitement as you venture into the heart of attractions. Spend the morning at Walt Disney World, where you can explore one of the magical parks, such as the Magic Kingdom or Epcot Center. Enjoy thrilling rides, meet beloved characters, and immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere. In the afternoon, head to Universal Orlando Resort for more adventures at Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure. Wrap up the day by experiencing the vibrant nightlife and entertainment at CityWalk.
Walt Disney World: Cost estimate and time spent vary.
Universal Orlando Resort: Cost estimate and time spent vary.
CityWalk: Cost estimate and time spent vary.
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Keke's Breakfast Cafe. This charming restaurant offers a wide variety of breakfast dishes, including fluffy pancakes, flavorful omelettes, and crispy bacon. The average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Yellow Dog Eats. This unique eatery offers a creative menu of sandwiches and salads, with options like the "Pastrami Jam" sandwich or the "Garden of Vegan" salad. The average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at The Ravenous Pig. This upscale gastropub features a menu of innovative dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy flavorful dishes like the "Roasted Pork Chop" or the "Florida Shrimp and Grits". The average cost for a meal is about $40 per person.
Monday, January 8: St. Augustine
Discover the historic charm of St. Augustine, the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the continental United States. Start your morning by exploring the Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century fortress overlooking the bay. Walk along the charming streets of the Old Town, lined with colonial architecture, unique shops, and cozy cafes. In the afternoon, visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum for stunning views and maritime history. End the day with a sunset cruise along the Matanzas Bay.
Castillo de San Marcos: Cost estimate and time spent vary.
St. Augustine Old Town: Cost estimate and time spent vary.
St. Augustine Lighthouse: Cost estimate and time spent vary.
Sunset cruise: Cost estimate and time spent vary.
Restaurants
For breakfast in St. Augustine, try The Blue Hen Cafe, a cozy spot that offers delicious farm-to-table dishes. Indulge in their famous brunch menu, with prices averaging around $15 per person.
For lunch, head to Columbia Restaurant, a local institution known for its Spanish and Cuban cuisine. Enjoy their famous 1905 Salad and flavorful paella, with prices averaging around $20 per person.
For dinner, dine at The Floridian, a rustic restaurant specializing in Southern comfort food. Try their shrimp and grits or fried green tomatoes, with prices averaging around $25 per person.
Tuesday, January 9: Kennedy Space Center
Embark on a journey to explore space and innovation at the Kennedy Space Center. Begin your morning by visiting the Rocket Garden and learning about the history of space travel. Attend informative presentations, witness historic launch sites, and even meet astronauts. In the afternoon, experience the thrilling Shuttle Launch Experience and take a bus tour to explore restricted areas of the center. Don't forget to check out the awe-inspiring Atlantis exhibit. Conclude your day by watching a breathtaking IMAX movie about space exploration before heading back.
Rocket Garden: Cost estimate and time spent vary.
Shuttle Launch Experience: Cost estimate and time spent vary.
Bus tour: Cost estimate and time spent vary.
Atlantis exhibit: Cost estimate and time spent vary.
IMAX movie: Cost estimate and time spent vary.
Wednesday, January 10: Key West
Escape to the tropical paradise of Key West, the southernmost point of the continental United States. Begin your day with a visit to the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, where the renowned writer lived and wrote for over a decade. Explore the charming streets of Old Town Key West, filled with colorful houses, unique shops, and lively cafes. In the afternoon, soak up the sun at Smathers Beach or take a snorkeling tour to admire the vibrant marine life. Enjoy the famous sunset celebration at Mallory Square before heading back.
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum: Cost estimate and time spent vary.
Old Town Key West: Cost estimate and time spent vary.
Smathers Beach: Cost estimate and time spent vary.
Snorkeling tour: Cost estimate and time spent vary.
Mallory Square sunset celebration: Cost estimate and time spent vary.
Thursday, January 11: Miami Art Scene
Immerse yourself in the vibrant art scene of Miami on your last full day. Start the morning with a visit to the Pérez Art Museum Miami, showcasing contemporary and modern art from around the world. Stroll through the colorful Wynwood Walls once again, exploring new street art pieces. In the afternoon, make your way to the vibrant neighborhood of Little Havana and experience the Cuban culture through its delicious food, music, and unique atmosphere. Enjoy an evening of live music, dancing, and cocktails before bidding farewell to Florida.
Pérez Art Museum Miami: Cost estimate and time spent vary.
Wynwood Walls: Cost estimate and time spent vary.
Little Havana: Cost estimate and time spent vary.
Live music and dancing: Cost estimate and time spent vary.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For those seeking off the beaten path adventures, consider visiting the breathtaking Dry Tortugas National Park, accessible only by seaplane or boat from Key West. Explore the pristine beaches, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and discover the fascinating Fort Jefferson within the park. Another local favorite is the charming town of Sarasota on the Gulf Coast, known for its stunning beaches, cultural attractions, and vibrant arts scene. Don't miss the chance to explore the Ringling Museum of Art and the breathtaking beauty of Siesta Key.
For hotel and flight bookings, you can check available options and prices on Kayak.