Good One Week Florida Itinerary: Central and South Florida
Welcome to Florida, the place the solar is at all times shining and the seashores are at all times calling! If you happen to’re in search of a fun-filled week of journey, rest, and pleasure, then you definitely’ve come to the precise place. With its gorgeous seashores, thrilling theme parks, and numerous cultural points of interest, Florida has one thing for everybody. Here is a one week itinerary that can allow you to take advantage of your journey in Central and South Florida.
Florida is a state that gives limitless prospects for vacationers, from theme parks and seashores to pure wonders and cultural experiences.
Planning a one-week itinerary may be difficult, as there’s a lot to see and do. Nonetheless, with cautious planning, you may discover the highlights of Central and South Florida in simply seven days. On this weblog publish, we’ll share our excellent one-week Florida itinerary, which incorporates visits to Orlando’s theme parks, swimming with manatees, touring historic estates, and exploring the colourful metropolis of Miami.
Here is a map of all of the locations I will cowl:
Day 1: Harry Potter World at Common Studios Orlando
Begin your journey in Orlando, the theme park capital of the world. Your first cease: the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Common Studios. Cut up over two parks, this magical world is a must-see for any Harry Potter fan. Begin your day at Islands of Journey, the place you may discover the snowy village of Hogsmeade and take a experience on the Hogwarts Specific to Diagon Alley at Common Studios. Make sure that to get the specific cross so you may skip the strains and benefit from the rides twice. Do not miss the prospect to sip on a frozen butterbeer and take an image in entrance of Hogwarts Citadel. Make sure that to remain within the night to look at the fort illumination and the Dragon breathe fireplace in Diagon Alley!
We had the specific cross with the intention to see and do and far as attainable! You’ll be able to see my whole information to the Wizarding World Harry Potter in Orlando proper right here.
We stayed at this lodge for two nights which I extremely suggest!
Day 2: Extra Harry Potter World and Rock Springs State Park
In the present day is all about Harry Potter World! Head again to Common Studios and proceed your magical journey by means of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Do not miss the prospect to experience Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Escape from Gringotts. If you happen to’re feeling courageous, take a experience on the Jurassic World VelociCoaster, one of many latest and most fun rides within the park.
Within the afternoon, take a brief drive to Rock Springs State Park, the place you may float down a real-life lazy river for simply $3! We rented inflatable tubes simply down the highway on the bar- you actually cannot miss it as you make your solution to the springs. Benefit from the serene environment and the light movement of the river. We did it twice!
Rock Springs State Park is a hidden gem that gives a enjoyable and stress-free tubing journey. The park has a crystal clear spring that flows right into a lazy river, creating the proper setting for tubing. The water is refreshing and funky, making it a good way to beat the Florida warmth. The park gives tube leases, so all it’s worthwhile to carry is your self and a way of journey.
The tubing journey takes about half-hour to finish, and you’ll float downstream by means of stunning surroundings, together with lush vegetation and towering timber. The river is calm and delicate, making it appropriate for all ages and talent ranges. You’ll be able to take your time and benefit from the surroundings or choose up the tempo and have some enjoyable bouncing over the small rapids.
If you happen to’re feeling adventurous, you may also discover the park’s mountaineering trails and pure springs. The park has a number of picnic areas, so you may carry a lunch and spend the day stress-free in nature. Rock Springs State Park is a good way to expertise Florida’s pure magnificence and have some enjoyable within the solar.
From right here, we drove a brief approach close to Crystal River and spent the night time on the Greatest Western Crustal River Resort lodge.
Day 3: Swim with Manatees and Ringling Home
In the present day, head to Crystal River and swim with the manatees, one of the vital unbelievable experiences Florida has to supply. These light giants are curious and pleasant, so do not be afraid to stand up shut and private. You may even have the prospect to discover the gorgeous Three Sisters Springs.
Swimming with manatees is a really unforgettable expertise. These light creatures are referred to as the “sea cows” of Florida and are recognized for his or her curious and pleasant nature. Nonetheless, it is essential to do not forget that these are wild animals and there are strict tips in place to make sure their security and well-being.
When swimming with manatees, it is essential to maintain a respectful distance and keep away from touching or harassing them in any approach. You must also keep away from chasing or following them, and by no means try and experience or seize onto them. These actions may be dangerous to the manatees and are unlawful beneath Florida legislation.
To make sure a protected and pleasing expertise, it is really helpful to e book a guided tour with a licensed operator. These excursions will offer you all the mandatory tools, together with wetsuits, masks, and snorkels. The guides will even offer you details about manatees and their habits, in addition to the principles and laws for swimming with them.
It is also essential to pay attention to the environmental influence of swimming with manatees. Manatees are a protected species and their habitat is beneath menace from air pollution, boat strikes, and habitat loss. As guests to Florida, it is our accountability to respect their dwelling and do our half to guard these unbelievable creatures for future generations to take pleasure in.
For lunch, head to Tarpon Springs, a Greek group with superb Greek delicacies. Tarpon Springs is a captivating metropolis positioned on the Gulf Coast of Florida. It is recognized for its wealthy historical past and powerful Greek group, which dates again to the early 1900s. Actually, Tarpon Springs has the very best share of Greek Individuals of any metropolis within the US.
One of many highlights of a go to to Tarpon Springs is the meals. Town has quite a few Greek eating places and bakeries, serving up scrumptious dishes like moussaka, spanakopita, and gyro sandwiches. You’ll want to strive a number of the well-known Greek pastries, like baklava and kataifi.
Along with the meals, Tarpon Springs can also be recognized for its sponge diving business. Town was as soon as the most important sponge market on the earth, and as we speak you may nonetheless go to the Sponge Docks space and see sponge boats and divers in motion. There are additionally a number of outlets promoting sponges and different nautical-themed souvenirs.
If you happen to’re interested by historical past, Tarpon Springs has a number of museums price visiting. The Tarpon Springs Space Historic Society Museum showcases town’s previous, whereas the Safford Home Museum is a restored Victorian-era dwelling that gives a glimpse into the lives of early settlers.
Total, Tarpon Springs is a singular and charming vacation spot that gives a style of Greek tradition and historical past within the coronary heart of Florida.
After lunch, take a tour of the Ringling Home, Ca’d’Zan, a European-style palace in Florida. The Ringling Home is a stupendous instance of the opulence and luxurious of the Gilded Age. Ca’d’Zan, which suggests “Home of John” in Venetian dialect, was the winter residence of John Ringling, one of many 5 Ringling brothers who owned and operated the well-known Ringling Bros. circus. The mansion was constructed within the early Nineteen Twenties and is positioned on the waterfront in Sarasota, Florida.
The structure of Ca’d’Zan is impressed by Venetian Gothic and Renaissance types, with parts like intricate carvings, stained glass home windows, and a hovering tower resembling St. Mark’s Campanile in Venice. The inside of the mansion is equally spectacular, with ornate furnishings, tapestries, and paintings collected by John and his spouse, Mable Ringling.
The Ringlings hosted many lavish events and occasions at Ca’d’Zan, entertaining company just like the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and the Astors. The mansion fell into disrepair after John’s demise in 1936, however was finally restored and opened to the general public as a museum within the Fifties.
In the present day, guests can take a guided tour of Ca’d’Zan and marvel at its grandeur and historical past. The tour consists of entry to the primary and second flooring of the mansion, in addition to the attractive gardens and grounds. There may be additionally a museum on website that showcases the Ringling’s intensive artwork assortment, together with works by Rubens, Van Dyck, and Velázquez.
Within the night, take within the sundown at Siesta Key Seaside. This stunning seaside is understood for its white sand and clear waters. Sadly, throughout our go to, the seaside had Purple Tide, which created lots of coughing and useless fish. If you happen to encounter Purple Tide throughout your go to, don’t fret, there are many different seashores to discover in Florida.After lunch, tour the Ringling Home, Ca’d’Zan, a European-style palace in Florida. Finish the night with sundown at Siesta Key seaside.
We drove to Sarasota that night time and stayed on the Siesta Key Seaside Resort.
Day 4: Edison and Ford’s Winter Estates and Everglades
In the present day is a day of studying and journey. Begin your day by touring the Edison and Ford winter estates, the place you may be taught concerning the life and innovations of two of probably the most well-known inventors in historical past. We took the supplied guided tour which gave a lot historical past about Edison and his life. It was fascinating! You may additionally see a set of Ford’s automobiles.
Afterward, cease by Robert is Right here Fruit Stand, the place you may style unique fruit and even order a milkshake along with your fruit buy. Robert is Right here Fruit Stand is a really distinctive and must-visit spot in Florida. It was based by a younger boy named Robert, who started promoting his household’s surplus vegetables and fruit on the facet of the highway within the Fifties. Many years later, the fruit stand is now a beloved establishment, with all kinds of unique and tropical fruits that you simply will not discover in your typical grocery retailer.
A few of the standout fruits at Robert is Right here Fruit Stand embody dragon fruit, starfruit, lychee, and keenness fruit. You’ll be able to pattern most of the fruits earlier than buying them, and the workers are educated and pleasant. If you happen to’re feeling adventurous, strive one among their well-known milkshakes, which are available in flavors like key lime, mango, and banana.
The fruit stand additionally has a petting zoo, the place you may work together with goats, pigs, and different animals. There’s additionally a playground for youths, a mini golf course, and a present store promoting native honey, jams, and different goodies.
Total, Robert is Right here Fruit Stand is a enjoyable and quirky place to cease in your Florida itinerary, and a good way to strive some new and unique fruits. Do not miss it!
Finish the day within the Everglades, the place you may see alligators and different wildlife up shut and private. The Everglades is an enormous wetland ecosystem that spans throughout south Florida, overlaying an space of roughly 1.5 million acres. It is dwelling to a various array of plant and animal species, together with alligators, panthers, and manatees. Exploring the Everglades is a must-do exercise on any Florida itinerary, because it gives a singular alternative to expertise one of many state’s most iconic pure wonders.
Among the finest methods to discover the Everglades is by taking an airboat tour. These excursions are supplied by quite a lot of firms all through the realm, and permit you to glide by means of the waterways and stand up near the wildlife. You may additionally be taught concerning the historical past and ecology of the area out of your educated information.
If you happen to desire a extra low-key expertise, you may also take a strolling or biking tour by means of one of many many trails within the Everglades. That is what we opted for. There are a number of customer facilities and ranger stations all through the park that provide maps and data on the perfect trails to discover.
Regardless of the way you select to discover the Everglades, make sure that to carry loads of bug spray and sunscreen, because the mosquitos and solar may be intense. And at all times bear in mind to respect the wildlife and their habitat by conserving a protected distance and following all park guidelines and laws.
Total, the Everglades is a must-visit vacation spot in Florida, providing a singular and unforgettable expertise for nature lovers and journey seekers alike.
From right here, we drove to Fairfield Inn in Marathon Key, we stayed right here 2 nights.
Day 5: Florida Keys
In the present day, head south to the attractive Florida Keys, a sequence of islands positioned south of Miami. The Florida Keys are a paradise for seaside lovers and water sports activities lovers. The crystal clear waters and white sandy seashores are excellent for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. If you happen to’re a fan of fishing, the Keys are additionally among the best locations on the earth for deep-sea fishing, with all kinds of fish species to catch.
Snorkel in Bahia Honda State Park, the place you may see an array of tropical fish and even spot some sea turtles. Afterward, cease for lunch at Hogfish, a neighborhood favourite.
Hogfish Bar and Grill is understood for its contemporary seafood and laid-back ambiance. We had a scrumptious Hogfish sandwich and the well-known Florida Keys pink shrimp.
After lunch, we drove all the way down to Key West, the southernmost level within the continental United States. We hopped on a prepare tour to be taught concerning the historical past of the island, which was as soon as a thriving port and residential to many well-known writers and artists, together with Ernest Hemingway.
We additionally toured Ernest Hemingway’s dwelling, which is now a museum. The home is fantastically preserved, and we noticed Hemingway’s writing studio and realized about his life on the island. Ernest Hemingway’s dwelling, also called the Hemingway Home or the Ernest Hemingway Dwelling and Museum, is without doubt one of the hottest points of interest in Key West. The home was in-built 1851 and was bought by Hemingway in 1931. Hemingway and his spouse Pauline spent over a decade dwelling in the home, and it was right here that Hemingway wrote a few of his most well-known works, together with “For Whom the Bell Tolls” and “The Snows of Kilimanjaro.”
The home is a stupendous instance of Spanish Colonial structure, with a red-tiled roof, white stucco partitions, and a lush tropical backyard. Probably the most hanging options of the home is its massive, wraparound porch, which gives gorgeous views of the backyard and the encircling neighborhood.
Inside the home, guests can see lots of Hemingway’s private belongings, together with his writing desk, his assortment of looking trophies, and his typewriter. The home additionally has a big assortment of Hemingway’s books, lots of that are first editions.
Probably the most distinctive options of the Hemingway Home is its inhabitants of six-toed cats. Hemingway was given a six-toed cat by a neighborhood fisherman, and the cats have been residents of the home ever since. In the present day, there are over 50 cats dwelling on the property, all of whom are descendants of Hemingway’s unique cat.
We watched the sundown on the pier, which was a panoramic sight, and watched the various road performers. There have been musicians, acrobats, singers, and extra. Then weheaded to Sloppy Joe’s, a historic bar that was frequented by Hemingway himself. We had a drink and listened to some dwell music earlier than heading again to our lodge.
Day 6: Florida Keys and Miami
We began the day by visiting Sombrero Seaside, which is positioned within the metropolis of Marathon. The seaside is understood for its mushy sand and clear waters, and we spent a couple of hours swimming and absorbing the solar.
After the seaside, we headed to Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen, a neighborhood restaurant that’s well-known for its key lime pie and conch fritters. The meals was scrumptious, and we loved the laid-back ambiance.
It would not be the last word journey to Florida if we did not cease in Miami!
From there, we drove to Miami and spent the night in Little Havana, a vibrant neighborhood that’s dwelling to many Cuban immigrants. We went to Ball and Chain, a historic bar that has been round for the reason that Thirties, and loved some scrumptious Cuban meals and dwell music.
We additionally toured a number of the native cigar outlets, which supply quite a lot of handmade cigars and equipment. The realm has a wealthy cultural heritage, and we loved studying extra concerning the Cuban group in Miami.
Little Havana is a must-visit neighborhood in Miami, and it is simple to see why. The realm is understood for its vibrant Latin American tradition, colourful structure, and scrumptious meals. As quickly as you enter the neighborhood, you may be transported to a special world, with Spanish music taking part in within the streets and the scent of Cuban espresso filling the air.
Among the finest issues to do in Little Havana is to easily stroll round and discover the realm. The streets are lined with colourful buildings and murals, and there are many outlets promoting conventional Cuban items, reminiscent of cigars, guayabera shirts, and handmade jewellery. You can too discover many artwork galleries and boutiques, showcasing the work of native artists and designers.
After all, no go to to Little Havana can be full with out attempting a number of the scrumptious meals. The realm is understood for its Cuban delicacies, with many eating places and cafes serving up basic dishes like black beans and rice, plantains, and Cuban sandwiches. A few of the hottest spots to eat embody Versailles Restaurant, El Rey de las Fritas, and La Carreta.
If you happen to’re interested by studying extra concerning the historical past and tradition of Little Havana, there are additionally loads of guided excursions obtainable. These excursions can take you to a number of the space’s most essential landmarks, such because the Bay of Pigs Museum and the Cuban Memorial Boulevard. You may additionally get to be taught concerning the experiences of Cuban immigrants in Miami, and the way they’ve helped form town’s tradition and id.
After our time in Little Havana, we spent the night in Miami exploring a number of the metropolis’s different points of interest. We took within the stunning views of the ocean and the long-lasting Artwork Deco structure. We then walked down Ocean Drive, recognized for its colourful buildings and bustling nightlife.
The place to remain: we stayed at this lodge in Miami.
Day 7: Miami
On our final day in Florida, we began with breakfast on Miami Seaside and a leisurely stroll alongside Ocean Drive. We loved the gorgeous views of the ocean and the Artwork Deco structure that Miami Seaside is understood for.
Miami’s Artwork Deco structure is without doubt one of the metropolis’s most iconic options. This design model originated within the Nineteen Twenties and Thirties and is characterised by daring geometric shapes, vibrant colours, and complex detailing. Miami’s Artwork Deco buildings are recognized for his or her pastel colours, curved strains, and neon lights, which create a vibrant and playful ambiance.
A few of the most well-known Artwork Deco buildings in Miami may be discovered within the South Seaside neighborhood. This space is dwelling to over 800 Artwork Deco buildings, lots of which have been restored to their unique glory. The buildings are a mixture of lodges, eating places, and outlets, and they’re usually used as backdrops for photoshoots and movies.
Among the finest methods to discover Miami’s Artwork Deco structure is to take a guided strolling tour. These excursions will take you thru the streets of South Seaside, declaring probably the most important buildings and sharing tales about their historical past and design. You may additionally be taught concerning the function that Artwork Deco performed in shaping Miami’s id as a glamorous and trendy vacation spot.
Along with the historic Artwork Deco buildings, downtown Miami can also be dwelling to many modern artwork galleries and museums. The Pérez Artwork Museum Miami (PAMM) showcases trendy and modern artwork from around the globe, whereas the Institute of Up to date Artwork (ICA) focuses on rising and mid-career artists.
We then visited the Design District, which is understood for its high-end outlets and galleries. We stopped by a number of the native boutiques and galleries, admiring the attractive paintings and distinctive designs.
Subsequent, we headed to the Wynwood Partitions, a vibrant out of doors artwork exhibit that options colourful murals and graffiti. We strolled across the space, taking within the gorgeous paintings and studying concerning the artists behind each bit.
Lastly, we went to the Institute of Up to date Artwork Miami, which is a contemporary artwork museum positioned within the coronary heart of town. The museum options a variety of up to date artwork from around the globe, and we spent a couple of hours exploring the galleries and studying concerning the totally different artists and their work.
When to Go to Florida
Due to the attractive climate, there’s actually no dangerous time!
The most effective time of 12 months to go to Florida for one week actually is determined by your preferences. If you happen to’re in search of heat and sunny climate, then the summer season months of June by means of August are a superb possibility.
Nonetheless, needless to say that is peak vacationer season, so points of interest and seashores may be crowded and costly. If you happen to desire cooler climate, then the autumn months of September by means of November is usually a nice time to go to. The temperatures are gentle and there are fewer crowds.
Winter months, from December to February, will also be a good time to go to for those who’re in search of cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, however needless to say some points of interest could have restricted hours or be closed throughout this time.
Spring, from March to Could, will also be a superb time to go to with comfy temperatures and blooming flowers, however once more, it may be crowded throughout spring break season. Finally, it is determined by what you are in search of in a trip and what actions you need to do whereas in Florida.
Another choice can be to cease in Tampa and take a look at Busch Gardens. This amusement park is understood for its thrilling curler coasters and animal reveals. It is a terrific place to spend a day or two for those who’re in search of some adrenaline-fueled enjoyable. One other well-liked vacation spot in Florida is the Kennedy House Middle, positioned on the east coast of Florida. Right here, you may be taught concerning the historical past of area exploration and even see actual rockets and spaceships up shut.
At a look, Florida One Week Itinerary:
If you happen to’re planning a one-week journey to Florida, there are many superb points of interest to go to. Here is a recommended itinerary in your excellent Florida trip.
Day 1: Begin your journey by flying into Orlando and heading straight to Common Studios to discover Harry Potter World. Make sure that to get the specific cross to skip the strains and benefit from the rides twice.
Day 2: Head again to Common for extra Harry Potter World and check out a number of the different rides within the park. Within the night, go to Rock Springs state park to drift on the lazy river.
Day 3: Go to Crystal River to swim with the manatees earlier than heading to Tarpon Springs for lunch. Tour the Ringling Home and finish your day watching a sundown on Siesta Key seaside.
Day 4: Tour Edison and Ford’s winter estates, cease at Robert is Right here Fruit Stand for some unique fruit, and finish your day within the Everglades.
Day 5: Head to the Florida Keys for some snorkeling in Bahia Honda, lunch at Hogfish, and a tour of Ernest Hemingway’s dwelling. Take pleasure in sundown on the pier and a drink at Sloppy Joe’s.
Day 6: Swim at Sombrero Seaside, have some key lime pie and conch fritters at Mrs. Mac’s, and spend the night in Little Havana in Miami.
Day 7: Have breakfast on Miami seaside, try the graffiti at Wynwood Partitions, stroll by means of the Design District, and go to
Have extra time? Here is what I counsel you do in Florida
When you have extra time to spend in Florida, I extremely suggest visiting Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park. Positioned about 70 miles west of Key West, this distant park is barely accessible by boat or seaplane, but it surely’s positively definitely worth the effort.
The park is dwelling to Fort Jefferson, an enormous Nineteenth-century brick fortress that was constructed to guard the Gulf of Mexico. In the present day, you may discover the fort and find out about its fascinating historical past. You can too snorkel within the crystal-clear waters across the fort and see quite a lot of marine life, together with colourful fish, sea turtles, and even shipwrecks.
One of many highlights of visiting Dry Tortugas is seeing the nesting sea turtles. From April to September, you may watch the turtles lay their eggs on the seaside and see the hatchlings make their solution to the water.
There are additionally loads of alternatives for chook watching, because the park is dwelling to quite a lot of seabirds, together with frigatebirds, terns, and pelicans.
If you happen to’re planning a go to to Dry Tortugas, needless to say there aren’t any services on the island, so you may must carry your individual meals, water, and tenting gear for those who plan to remain in a single day. You can too e book a day journey or a tenting journey with a tour operator.
Total, Dry Tortugas is a singular and delightful park that is positively definitely worth the journey. Whether or not you are interested by historical past, wildlife, or simply absorbing the solar, this park has one thing for everybody. So, when you have some additional time in Florida, you should definitely add it to your itinerary!
You can additionally spend time on Key Biscayne, a stupendous island positioned simply south of Miami. Right here you may go to the historic lighthouse at Invoice Baggs Cape Florida State Park, chill out on the picturesque seashores, and even lease kayaks or paddleboards to discover the waters. You can too go to the close by Miami Seaquarium, which has quite a lot of marine reveals and exhibits that includes dolphins, sea lions, and extra.
One other nice possibility is to discover the quaint city of St. Augustine, positioned in northeast Florida. This historic city is the oldest repeatedly inhabited European settlement in america and is filled with allure and character. You’ll be able to go to the Castillo de San Marcos, a Seventeenth-century fortress, stroll alongside the cobblestone streets, and even take a ghost tour at night time. There are additionally loads of outlets and eating places to discover.
One other nice possibility for these with extra time is to discover the Gulf Coast of Florida. There are many stunning seashores and charming coastal cities to go to, reminiscent of Sarasota, Naples, and Sanibel Island. You can too take a scenic drive alongside the Tamiami Path and spot alligators, birds, and different wildlife within the Everglades.
Regardless of how a lot time you will have in Florida, there’s at all times one thing new and thrilling to find. From theme parks to nationwide parks, seashores to museums, this state actually has all of it. So, begin planning your excellent Florida itinerary as we speak and prepare for a trip you may always remember!
Our one week Florida itinerary was full of journey, tradition, and pure magnificence. We skilled the magic of Harry Potter World and the fun of the Jurassic World VelociCoaster, swam with manatees, explored hidden gems like Robert is Right here Fruit Stand, and soaked up the solar on a few of Florida’s finest seashores. We additionally realized about Florida’s wealthy historical past and cultural heritage, from the Ringling Home to Little Havana. We hope you take pleasure in your Florida journey as a lot as we did!
Total, our week in Florida was stuffed with journey, tradition, and pure magnificence. From the theme parks in Orlando to the seashores of the Keys, we skilled the perfect that Florida has to supply and may’t wait to return.
Hope you loved our excellent one-week Florida highway journey itinerary! If you happen to’re in search of a fun-filled journey that takes you from the theme parks of Orlando to the gorgeous seashores of the Florida Keys, then you definitely’re in for a deal with. This itinerary covers a number of the finest locations in Central and South Florida and consists of a mixture of out of doors actions, cultural experiences, and theme park enjoyable. So pack your baggage, buckle up, and prepare for an unforgettable week of exploring the Sunshine State!
