Florida Travel Guide
Nicknamed the sunshine state, Florida truly is the place to have fun in the sun. All along the coast lie long stretches of white-sand beaches, vibrant metropolises, and luxury resorts. Florida is also home to three national parks and dynamic ecosystems, ranging from primeval swamps to one of the world’s largest reef systems. Our favorite Florida experience, however, is driving the Florida Keys: a mini paradise at the southern tip of continental US.
Florida Itinerary
Driving from Miami to Key West is one of the best road trips in the USA. White sandy beaches, palm trees, beautiful aquamarine water, warm sunny skies…sounds nice, right? Add in tropical drinks, alfresco dining, a few slices of key lime pie, a national park or two (or even three), and some of the most beautiful sunsets in the US, and you have an awesome road trip destination. In this guide, learn how to put all of this together into the perfect Florida Keys itinerary.
7 – 10 Day Florida Keys Itinerary: Miami, Key West & the National Parks
Key West
18 Great Things to Do in Key West, Florida
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Key West? Gorgeous sunsets from Mallory Square? Bar hopping on Duval Street? Lounging on the beach in the shade of a palm tree? Key West may be a small place, but there’s a lot here to keep you busy. In this guide, […]
Best Restaurants in Key West: 20 Great Places to Eat & Drink
Many people travel to Key West for the beaches, sunsets, and nightlife, but Key West is also home to many great restaurants. In fact, one of the best things to do in Key West is eat. Key lime pie, conch fritters, Cuban food, coffee, fresh seafood, lobster rolls…the choices are endless. In this post, we […]
Cruising around Key West on a Tiki Boat
If you have plans to visit Key West and you are looking for something unique to do, how about a ride on a floating tiki boat? Imagine cruising around beautiful Key West, sipping tropical drinks, all while seated at a tiki bar. Does this sound like something you would like to do? What’s a Tiki […]
Florida Keys Bucket List: 25 Awesome Things in the Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are one of the best spots in the US to go on a road trip. In just 100 miles, hop from key to key, go snorkeling, dine at seafood restaurants, try key lime pie, go shopping, and enjoy endless views of brilliant aquamarine water. It’s a gorgeous drive with lots to do. […]
Where to Stay in Key West in 2025 (for First Timers)
With luxury resorts, boutique hotels, historic Victorian mansions, and budget hotels, you have a lot of options to choose from when deciding where to stay in Key West. One of the most important things to consider is the location. Do you want to stay within walking distance of the bars and restaurants along Duval Street […]
Everglades National Park
When you think of the Everglades, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Mosquitos, alligators, and hot, humid weather? Yes, you can find those things here (and in great abundance depending on the time of year you visit), but there is so much more to the Everglades than hot, sticky weather and dangerous wildlife.
One Perfect Day in Everglades National Park
Biscayne National Park
10 Best Things to Do in Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park protects one of the largest reef systems in the world. This park is 95% water, so the best way to explore it is by boat, making it very unique from many of the US national parks. If you love snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, or simply cruising around by boat, you will love this underrated gem of park. In this guide, we cover the best things to do in Biscayne National Park, with lots of tips to help you plan your visit.
Dry Tortugas National Park
7 Awesome Things to Do in Dry Tortugas National Park
Sitting seventy miles west of Key West is the last group of islands in the Florida Keys. This is the location of Dry Tortugas National Park, an underrated gem in the national park system. In this guide we cover everything you need to know on how to visit Dry Tortugas National Park, including the best […]
How to Get to Dry Tortugas National Park: Ferry, Seaplane & Private Charter
Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most remote national parks in the USA. There are two ways to get here: by boat or by seaplane. Both come with their advantages and disadvantages, and which one you choose depends on cost, how much time you have, if you plan to camp on Garden Key, […]
Top Experiences in Florida
Drive the Florida Keys.The Florida Keys are one of the best spots in the US to go on a road trip. In just 100 miles, hop from key to key, go snorkeling, dine at seafood restaurants, try key lime pie, go shopping, and enjoy endless views of brilliant aquamarine water. It’s a gorgeous drive with lots to do.
Key West.At the southernmost tip of the continental United States lies a mini paradise: Key West. Lounge on the white-sand beaches in the shade of a palm tree, watch a gorgeous sunset from Mallory Square, bar hop on Duval Street, and ride a floating tiki boat while sipping tropical drinks. Key West may be a small place, but there’s a lot here to keep you busy.
Everglades National Park. Everglades National Park is one of the largest parks in the United States, and unless you have a boat, you can only visit a fraction of the park. With one day you can drive through a portion of the park, go on short walks, look for alligators and manatees, and even go kayaking or take a ride in an airboat.
Biscayne National Park. Biscayne National Park protects one of the largest reef systems in the world. This park is 95% water, so the best way to explore it is by boat, making it very unique from many of the US national parks. If you love snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, or simply cruising around by boat, you will love this underrated gem of a park.
Dry Tortugas National Park. Sitting seventy miles west of Key West is the last group of islands in the Florida Keys. This is the location of Dry Tortugas National Park, an underrated gem in the national park system and a sanctuary for marine life. Here, you can experience some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the country, and it is exhilarating to stroll the impressive fort and remote island.
St Augustine. As the nation’s oldest permanent settlement, St Augustine’s cobbled streets flow with Spanish renaissance architecture and red roofed steeples. Walk the battlements on Castillo de San Marcos, explore the Colonial Quarter, and relax on St. Augustine’s calm beaches.
Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale is a popular vacation get-away location that has a calm beach vibe and a hint of ocean adventure. Go to Las Olas Boulevard to duck into shops and sip some cocktails, discover Lauderdale’s murals, and go to the Flamingo Gardens: a botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary.
Miami. If you are looking for a place to party and have fun in the sun, Miami is the city for you. It’s an exciting and vibrant metropolis with white-sand beaches, towering skyscrapers, and an active nightlife. The city also offers incredible Cuban cuisine and cultural neighborhoods centered around Latin-inspired restaurants, murals, and shops.
Tampa. Tampa is a destination for family-fun, with outdoor activities, aquariums, retro neighborhoods, theme parks, and great eateries. Nearby are some of Florida’s best beaches, such as Clearwater Beach, Siesta Beach, and St. Pete’s Beach.
Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. Walt Disney World and Universal Studios are places for people of all ages to have a truly magical experience. Connect with some of your favorite childhood characters, explore its multitude of theme parks, and soar through the sky on its exhilarating roller coasters.
Kennedy Space Center. If you are passionate about space or simply want to try astronaut food, visit the Kennedy Space Center for an unforgettable experience. The Center’s visitor complex offers interactive exhibits that bring guests a deeper understanding of the legacy of space exploration. Here you can tour actual launch sites, feel like an astronaut through the Astronaut Training Experience, and you can even live on Mars for a day.
Florida beaches. You can’t visit Florida without spending a day on its white-sand beaches. All along the coast are a host of fabulous beaches and there are many to pick from. Clearwater Beach and Siesta Beach are some traveler favorites on the west coast, as well as Cocoa Beach and Hollywood Beach on the east coast.
Best Time to Visit Florida
The best time to visit southern Florida is between December and May, for Florida has pleasant temperatures and low rainfall at this time. December through February is peak season for visitors, so expect larger crowds and more expensive prices, but you also get the best weather. The summer months, from June through October, are hot, humid, and wet, and you have the chance of a hurricane.
If visiting northern Florida, the best time to visit is in the spring or the fall, as weather is pleasant and the storms are less frequent.
US National Parks
The Ultimate Guide to the 63 US National Parks
The US National Parks make an excellent travel destination, whether you are planning a cross-country road trip or a weekend getaway. In our guide to the national parks, get detailed trip planning information, advice on which parks to visit by season, and itineraries to help simplify your travel planning process.