Welcome to Florida, the place the solar is at all times shining and the seashores are at all times calling! When you’re on the lookout for a fun-filled week of journey, rest, and pleasure, then you definately’ve come to the precise place. With its beautiful seashores, thrilling theme parks, and numerous cultural sights, Florida has one thing for everybody. Here is a one week itinerary that can enable you benefit from your journey in Central and South Florida.
Florida is a state that gives countless prospects for vacationers, from theme parks and seashores to pure wonders and cultural experiences.
Planning a one-week itinerary will be difficult, as there may be 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 put up, we’ll share our good 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 am going to 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. Break 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. Be certain to get the specific cross so you may skip the traces and benefit from the rides twice. Do not miss the possibility to sip on a frozen butterbeer and take an image in entrance of Hogwarts Fortress. Be certain to remain within the night to look at the citadel illumination and the Dragon breathe fireplace in Diagon Alley!
We had the specific cross as a way to see and do and far as doable! You possibly can see my complete information to the Wizarding World Harry Potter in Orlando proper right here.
We stayed at this lodge for two nights which I extremely advocate!
Day 2: Extra Harry Potter World and Rock Springs State Park
At this time is all about Harry Potter World! Head again to Common Studios and proceed your magical journey by Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Do not miss the possibility to experience Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Escape from Gringotts. When you’re feeling courageous, take a experience on the Jurassic World VelociCoaster, one of many latest and most enjoyable 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 technique to the springs. Benefit from the serene environment and the light move of the river. We did it twice!
Rock Springs State Park is a hidden gem that gives a enjoyable and enjoyable tubing journey. The park has a crystal clear spring that flows right into a lazy river, creating the right setting for tubing. The water is refreshing and funky, making it an effective way to beat the Florida warmth. The park gives tube leases, so all you must carry is your self and a way of journey.
The tubing journey takes about half-hour to finish, and you’ll float downstream by lovely surroundings, together with lush vegetation and towering timber. The river is calm and mild, making it appropriate for all ages and talent ranges. You possibly can take your time and benefit from the surroundings or decide up the tempo and have some enjoyable bouncing over the small rapids.
When you’re feeling adventurous, you can even 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 enjoyable in nature. Rock Springs State Park is an effective way to expertise Florida’s pure magnificence and have some enjoyable within the solar.
From right here, we drove a brief manner close to Crystal River and spent the evening on the Greatest Western Crustal River Resort lodge.
Day 3: Swim with Manatees and Ringling Home
At this time, head to Crystal River and swim with the manatees, one of the unbelievable experiences Florida has to supply. These light giants are curious and pleasant, so do not be afraid to rise up shut and private. You will even have the possibility to discover the beautiful 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 identified for his or her curious and pleasant nature. Nonetheless, it is essential to keep in mind that these are wild animals and there are strict pointers 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 manner. You also needs to keep away from chasing or following them, and by no means try and experience or seize onto them. These actions will be dangerous to the manatees and are unlawful below Florida legislation.
To make sure a secure and pleasing expertise, it is advisable to guide a guided tour with a licensed operator. These excursions will offer you all the mandatory tools, together with wetsuits, masks, and snorkels. The guides can even offer you details about manatees and their conduct, in addition to the principles and rules 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 below risk from air pollution, boat strikes, and habitat loss. As guests to Florida, it is our accountability to respect their house and do our half to guard these unbelievable creatures for future generations to get pleasure from.
For lunch, head to Tarpon Springs, a Greek neighborhood with superb Greek delicacies. Tarpon Springs is an enthralling metropolis positioned on the Gulf Coast of Florida. It is identified for its wealthy historical past and powerful Greek neighborhood, which dates again to the early 1900s. In reality, Tarpon Springs has the best proportion of Greek Individuals of any metropolis within the US.
One of many highlights of a go to to Tarpon Springs is the meals. The town has quite a few Greek eating places and bakeries, serving up scrumptious dishes like moussaka, spanakopita, and gyro sandwiches. Make sure you strive a few of the well-known Greek pastries, like baklava and kataifi.
Along with the meals, Tarpon Springs can be identified for its sponge diving business. The town was as soon as the most important sponge market on the planet, and in the present day you may nonetheless go to the Sponge Docks space and see sponge boats and divers in motion. There are additionally a number of retailers promoting sponges and different nautical-themed souvenirs.
When you’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 house that gives a glimpse into the lives of early settlers.
General, 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 gorgeous 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 Twenties and is positioned on the waterfront in Sarasota, Florida.
The structure of Ca’d’Zan is impressed by Venetian Gothic and Renaissance kinds, with components 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 art work 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 dying in 1936, however was finally restored and opened to the general public as a museum within the Fifties.
At this time, 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 gorgeous gardens and grounds. There’s additionally a museum on web site 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 Seashore. This lovely seaside is thought for its white sand and clear waters. Sadly, throughout our go to, the seaside had Pink Tide, which created plenty of coughing and useless fish. When you encounter Pink Tide throughout your go to, don’t be concerned, 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 evening and stayed on the Siesta Key Seashore Resort.
Day 4: Edison and Ford’s Winter Estates and Everglades
At this time 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 provided guided tour which gave a lot historical past about Edison and his life. It was fascinating! You will 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 together 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 aspect of the highway within the Fifties. A long time later, the fruit stand is now a beloved establishment, with all kinds of unique and tropical fruits that you just will not discover in your typical grocery retailer.
A number of the standout fruits at Robert is Right here Fruit Stand embrace dragon fruit, starfruit, lychee, and fervour fruit. You possibly can pattern lots of the fruits earlier than buying them, and the employees are educated and pleasant. When you’re feeling adventurous, strive certainly one of their well-known milkshakes, which are available 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 teenagers, a mini golf course, and a present store promoting native honey, jams, and different goodies.
General, Robert is Right here Fruit Stand is a enjoyable and quirky place to cease in your Florida itinerary, and an effective 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, protecting an space of roughly 1.5 million acres. It is house 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.
The most effective methods to discover the Everglades is by taking an airboat tour. These excursions are provided by quite a lot of corporations all through the world, and let you glide by the waterways and rise up near the wildlife. You will additionally be taught concerning the historical past and ecology of the area out of your educated information.
When you want a extra low-key expertise, you can even take a strolling or biking tour by 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 very best 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 will be intense. And at all times keep in mind to respect the wildlife and their habitat by conserving a secure distance and following all park guidelines and rules.
General, 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
At this time, head south to the gorgeous Florida Keys, a sequence of islands positioned south of Miami. The Florida Keys are a paradise for seaside lovers and water sports activities fanatics. The crystal clear waters and white sandy seashores are good for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. When you’re a fan of fishing, the Keys are additionally probably the greatest locations on the planet 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 thought for its contemporary seafood and laid-back environment. We had a scrumptious Hogfish sandwich and the well-known Florida Keys pink shrimp.
After lunch, we drove right 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 house, 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 house, often known as the Hemingway Home or the Ernest Hemingway Residence and Museum, is likely one of the hottest sights in Key West. The home was inbuilt 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 gorgeous instance of Spanish Colonial structure, with a red-tiled roof, white stucco partitions, and a lush tropical backyard. Probably the most putting options of the home is its massive, wraparound porch, which gives beautiful views of the backyard and the encircling neighborhood.
Inside the home, guests can see a lot of Hemingway’s private belongings, together with his writing desk, his assortment of searching trophies, and his typewriter. The home additionally has a big assortment of Hemingway’s books, a lot 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. At this time, there are over 50 cats dwelling on the property, all of whom are descendants of Hemingway’s authentic 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 stay music earlier than heading again to our lodge.
Day 6: Florida Keys and Miami
We began the day by visiting Sombrero Seashore, which is positioned within the metropolis of Marathon. The seaside is thought for its tender sand and clear waters, and we spent a number 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 environment.
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 house to many Cuban immigrants. We went to Ball and Chain, a historic bar that has been round because the Nineteen Thirties, and loved some scrumptious Cuban meals and stay music.
We additionally toured a few of the native cigar retailers, which provide a wide range of handmade cigars and equipment. The world has a wealthy cultural heritage, and we loved studying extra concerning the Cuban neighborhood in Miami.
Little Havana is a must-visit neighborhood in Miami, and it is easy to see why. The world is thought for its vibrant Latin American tradition, colourful structure, and scrumptious meals. As quickly as you enter the neighborhood, you will be transported to a distinct world, with Spanish music taking part in within the streets and the odor of Cuban espresso filling the air.
The most effective issues to do in Little Havana is to easily stroll round and discover the world. The streets are lined with colourful buildings and murals, and there are many retailers promoting conventional Cuban items, reminiscent of cigars, guayabera shirts, and handmade jewellery. You may as well 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 making an attempt a few of the scrumptious meals. The world is thought for its Cuban delicacies, with many eating places and cafes serving up basic dishes like black beans and rice, plantains, and Cuban sandwiches. A number of the hottest spots to eat embrace Versailles Restaurant, El Rey de las Fritas, and La Carreta.
When you’re interested by studying extra concerning the historical past and tradition of Little Havana, there are additionally loads of guided excursions accessible. These excursions can take you to a few of the space’s most essential landmarks, such because the Bay of Pigs Museum and the Cuban Memorial Boulevard. You will 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 few of the metropolis’s different sights. We took within the lovely views of the ocean and the enduring Artwork Deco structure. We then walked down Ocean Drive, identified 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 Seashore and a leisurely stroll alongside Ocean Drive. We loved the beautiful views of the ocean and the Artwork Deco structure that Miami Seashore is thought for.
Miami’s Artwork Deco structure is likely one of the metropolis’s most iconic options. This design fashion originated within the Twenties and Nineteen Thirties and is characterised by daring geometric shapes, vibrant colours, and complex detailing. Miami’s Artwork Deco buildings are identified for his or her pastel colours, curved traces, and neon lights, which create a vibrant and playful environment.
A number of the most well-known Artwork Deco buildings in Miami will be discovered within the South Seashore neighborhood. This space is house to over 800 Artwork Deco buildings, a lot of which have been restored to their authentic glory. The buildings are a mixture of resorts, eating places, and retailers, and they’re usually used as backdrops for photoshoots and movies.
The most effective 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 Seashore, mentioning probably the most vital buildings and sharing tales about their historical past and design. You will 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 be house to many up to date artwork galleries and museums. The Pérez Artwork Museum Miami (PAMM) showcases trendy and up to date artwork from all over the world, whereas the Institute of Modern Artwork (ICA) focuses on rising and mid-career artists.
We then visited the Design District, which is thought for its high-end retailers and galleries. We stopped by a few of the native boutiques and galleries, admiring the gorgeous art work and distinctive designs.
Subsequent, we headed to the Wynwood Partitions, a vibrant outside artwork exhibit that options colourful murals and graffiti. We strolled across the space, taking within the beautiful art work and studying concerning the artists behind each bit.
Lastly, we went to the Institute of Modern 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 all over the world, and we spent a number of hours exploring the galleries and studying concerning the completely different artists and their work.
When to Go to Florida
Due to the beautiful climate, there’s actually no dangerous time!
The perfect time of yr to go to Florida for one week actually will depend on your preferences. When you’re on the lookout for heat and sunny climate, then the summer season months of June by August are an excellent choice.
Nonetheless, understand that that is peak vacationer season, so sights and seashores will be crowded and costly. When you want cooler climate, then the autumn months of September by November is usually a nice time to go to. The temperatures are gentle and there are fewer crowds.
Winter months, from December to February, can be a good time to go to in case you’re on the lookout for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, however understand that some sights could have restricted hours or be closed throughout this time.
Spring, from March to Might, can be an excellent time to go to with comfy temperatures and blooming flowers, however once more, it may be crowded throughout spring break season. Finally, it will depend on what you are on the lookout for 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 thought for its thrilling curler coasters and animal reveals. It is an incredible place to spend a day or two in case you’re on the lookout for some adrenaline-fueled enjoyable. One other fashionable vacation spot in Florida is the Kennedy House Heart, 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:
When you’re planning a one-week journey to Florida, there are many superb sights to go to. Here is a instructed itinerary on your good Florida trip.
Day 1: Begin your journey by flying into Orlando and heading straight to Common Studios to discover Harry Potter World. Be certain to get the specific cross to skip the traces and benefit from the rides twice.
Day 2: Head again to Common for extra Harry Potter World and check out a few 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 house. Take pleasure in sundown on the pier and a drink at Sloppy Joe’s.
Day 6: Swim at Sombrero Seashore, 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 the Design District, and go to
Have extra time? Here is what I recommend you do in Florida
When you have extra time to spend in Florida, I extremely advocate visiting Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park. Positioned about 70 miles west of Key West, this distant park is simply accessible by boat or seaplane, but it surely’s positively well worth the effort.
The park is house to Fort Jefferson, an enormous Nineteenth-century brick fortress that was constructed to guard the Gulf of Mexico. At this time, you may discover the fort and study its fascinating historical past. You may as well snorkel within the crystal-clear waters across the fort and see a wide range 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 technique to the water.
There are additionally loads of alternatives for chook watching, because the park is house to a wide range of seabirds, together with frigatebirds, terns, and pelicans.
When you’re planning a go to to Dry Tortugas, understand that there aren’t any amenities on the island, so you will have to carry your personal meals, water, and tenting gear in case you plan to remain in a single day. You may as well guide a day journey or a tenting journey with a tour operator.
General, Dry Tortugas is a singular and delightful park that is positively well 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, you probably have some further time in Florida, you should definitely add it to your itinerary!
You may additionally spend time on Key Biscayne, a gorgeous island positioned simply south of Miami. Right here you may go to the historic lighthouse at Invoice Baggs Cape Florida State Park, loosen up on the picturesque seashores, and even hire kayaks or paddleboards to discover the waters. You may as well go to the close by Miami Seaquarium, which has a wide range of marine reveals and exhibits that includes dolphins, sea lions, and extra.
One other nice choice is to discover the quaint city of St. Augustine, positioned in northeast Florida. This historic city is the oldest constantly inhabited European settlement in the USA and is stuffed with appeal and character. You possibly can go to the Castillo de San Marcos, a Seventeenth-century fortress, stroll alongside the cobblestone streets, and even take a ghost tour at evening. There are additionally loads of retailers and eating places to discover.
One other nice choice for these with extra time is to discover the Gulf Coast of Florida. There are many lovely seashores and charming coastal cities to go to, reminiscent of Sarasota, Naples, and Sanibel Island. You may as well 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’ve 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 good Florida itinerary in the present day and prepare for a trip you will 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 greatest seashores. We additionally realized about Florida’s wealthy historical past and cultural heritage, from the Ringling Home to Little Havana. We hope you get pleasure from your Florida journey as a lot as we did!
General, 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 very best that Florida has to supply and may’t wait to return.
Hope you loved our good one-week Florida highway journey itinerary! When you’re on the lookout for a fun-filled journey that takes you from the theme parks of Orlando to the beautiful seashores of the Florida Keys, then you definately’re in for a deal with. This itinerary covers a few of the greatest locations in Central and South Florida and consists of a mixture of outside actions, cultural experiences, and theme park enjoyable. So pack your baggage, buckle up, and prepare for an unforgettable week of exploring the Sunshine State!