Welcome to Florida, the place the solar is all the time shining and the seashores are all the time calling! In case you’re searching for a fun-filled week of journey, rest, and pleasure, then you definately’ve come to the best place. With its beautiful seashores, thrilling theme parks, and various cultural points of interest, Florida has one thing for everybody. Here is a one week itinerary that can enable you 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 might be difficult, as there’s a lot to see and do. Nonetheless, with cautious planning, you possibly can discover the highlights of Central and South Florida in simply seven days. On this weblog put up, we are going to 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 possibly can discover the snowy village of Hogsmeade and take a journey on the Hogwarts Specific to Diagon Alley at Common Studios. Ensure that to get the specific go so you possibly can skip the strains 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. Ensure that to remain within the night to look at the citadel illumination and the Dragon breathe hearth in Diagon Alley!
We had the specific go so as to see and do and far as doable! You possibly can see my total 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 the moment is all about Harry Potter World! Head again to Common Studios and proceed your magical journey via Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Do not miss the possibility to journey Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Escape from Gringotts. In case you’re feeling courageous, take a journey 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 possibly can float down a real-life lazy river for simply $3! We rented inflatable tubes simply down the street on the bar- you actually cannot miss it as you make your solution to the springs. Benefit from the serene environment and the light stream 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 right setting for tubing. The water is refreshing and funky, making it a good way to beat the Florida warmth. The park presents tube leases, so all you should convey is your self and a way of journey.
The tubing journey takes about half-hour to finish, and you’ll float downstream via lovely surroundings, together with lush vegetation and towering timber. The river is calm and delicate, making it appropriate for all ages and ability ranges. You possibly can take your time and benefit from the surroundings or choose up the tempo and have some enjoyable bouncing over the small rapids.
In case you’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 possibly can convey 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 means 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 the moment, head to Crystal River and swim with the manatees, one of the unimaginable 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 possibility to discover the beautiful Three Sisters Springs.
Swimming with manatees is a really unforgettable expertise. These light creatures are often called the “sea cows” of Florida and are identified for his or her curious and pleasant nature. Nonetheless, it is necessary to keep in mind 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 necessary to maintain a respectful distance and keep away from touching or harassing them in any means. You also needs to keep away from chasing or following them, and by no means try and journey or seize onto them. These actions might be dangerous to the manatees and are unlawful beneath Florida regulation.
To make sure a protected and pleasurable expertise, it is really helpful to ebook a guided tour with a licensed operator. These excursions will offer you all the required tools, together with wetsuits, masks, and snorkels. The guides will even offer you details about manatees and their habits, in addition to the foundations and rules for swimming with them.
It is also necessary to concentrate on the environmental influence of swimming with manatees. Manatees are a protected species and their habitat is beneath risk 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 unimaginable creatures for future generations to take pleasure in.
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 robust Greek neighborhood, which dates again to the early 1900s. The truth is, Tarpon Springs has the very 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. Town has quite a few Greek eating places and bakeries, serving up scrumptious dishes like moussaka, spanakopita, and gyro sandwiches. Remember to strive among the well-known Greek pastries, like baklava and kataifi.
Along with the meals, Tarpon Springs can be identified for its sponge diving trade. Town was as soon as the most important sponge market on the earth, and at this time you possibly can 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.
In case you’re fascinated by historical past, Tarpon Springs has a number of museums value visiting. The Tarpon Springs Space Historic Society Museum showcases the town’s previous, whereas the Safford Home Museum is a restored Victorian-era dwelling 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 an exquisite instance of the opulence and luxurious of the Gilded Age. Ca’d’Zan, which implies “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 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 paintings collected by John and his spouse, Mable Ringling.
The Ringlings hosted many lavish events and occasions at Ca’d’Zan, entertaining friends just like the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and the Astors. The mansion fell into disrepair after John’s loss of life in 1936, however was ultimately restored and opened to the general public as a museum within the Fifties.
At the moment, guests can take a guided tour of Ca’d’Zan and marvel at its grandeur and historical past. The tour contains entry to the primary and second flooring of the mansion, in addition to the attractive gardens and grounds. There’s additionally a museum on web site that showcases the Ringling’s in depth 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 Purple Tide, which created loads of coughing and lifeless fish. In case you encounter Purple 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 the moment is a day of studying and journey. Begin your day by touring the Edison and Ford winter estates, the place you possibly can be taught concerning the life and innovations of two of essentially 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 may additionally see a group of Ford’s vehicles.
Afterward, cease by Robert is Right here Fruit Stand, the place you possibly can 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 vegatables and fruits on the facet of the street within the Fifties. Many years 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 few of the standout fruits at Robert is Right here Fruit Stand embody dragon fruit, starfruit, lychee, and keenness fruit. You possibly can pattern lots of the fruits earlier than buying them, and the employees are educated and pleasant. In case you’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 possibly can 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.
General, 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 possibly can 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 presents a singular alternative to expertise one of many state’s most iconic pure wonders.
Among the best methods to discover the Everglades is by taking an airboat tour. These excursions are provided by quite a few corporations all through the realm, and help you glide via 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.
In case you choose a extra low-key expertise, you may also take a strolling or biking tour via 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.
Irrespective of the way you select to discover the Everglades, be sure that to convey loads of bug spray and sunscreen, because the mosquitos and solar might be intense. And all the time bear in mind to respect the wildlife and their habitat by maintaining a protected 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 the moment, 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 good for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. In case you’re a fan of fishing, the Keys are additionally among the finest 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 possibly can 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 recent seafood and laid-back ambiance. 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 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, often known as the Hemingway Home or the Ernest Hemingway Residence and Museum, is among the hottest points of interest 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 an exquisite instance of Spanish Colonial structure, with a red-tiled roof, white stucco partitions, and a lush tropical backyard. One of the vital placing options of the home is its massive, wraparound porch, which presents beautiful views of the backyard and the encompassing neighborhood.
Inside the home, guests can see lots 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, lots of that are first editions.
One of the vital 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 the moment, 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 wide ranging 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 Seashore, which is positioned within the metropolis of Marathon. The seaside is thought for its comfortable sand and clear waters, and we spent just a few 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 among the native cigar outlets, which supply quite a lot 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 simple 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 may be transported to a unique world, with Spanish music enjoying within the streets and the odor of Cuban espresso filling the air.
Among the best 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, similar to cigars, guayabera shirts, and handmade jewellery. It’s also possible to discover many artwork galleries and boutiques, showcasing the work of native artists and designers.
In fact, no go to to Little Havana could be full with out attempting among the scrumptious meals. The world is thought for its Cuban delicacies, with many eating places and cafes serving up traditional 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.
In case you’re fascinated by studying extra concerning the historical past and tradition of Little Havana, there are additionally loads of guided excursions out there. These excursions can take you to among the space’s most necessary 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 the town’s tradition and identification.
After our time in Little Havana, we spent the night in Miami exploring among the metropolis’s different points of interest. We took within the lovely views of the ocean and the long-lasting 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 among the metropolis’s most iconic options. This design fashion originated within the Nineteen Twenties and Thirties and is characterised by daring geometric shapes, vibrant colours, and complicated detailing. Miami’s Artwork Deco buildings are identified 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 might be discovered within the South Seashore 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 resorts, eating places, and outlets, and they’re typically used as backdrops for photoshoots and movies.
Among the best 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 essentially the most vital buildings and sharing tales about their historical past and design. You may additionally be taught concerning the position that Artwork Deco performed in shaping Miami’s identification as a glamorous and trendy vacation spot.
Along with the historic Artwork Deco buildings, downtown Miami can be dwelling 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 Up to date Artwork (ICA) focuses on rising and mid-career artists.
We then visited the Design District, which is thought for its high-end outlets and galleries. We stopped by among 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 beautiful paintings and studying concerning the artists behind every 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 the town. The museum options a variety of latest artwork from all over the world, and we spent just a few hours exploring the galleries and studying concerning the totally different artists and their work.
When to Go to Florida
Due to the beautiful climate, there’s actually no dangerous time!
The very best time of yr to go to Florida for one week actually is dependent upon your preferences. In case you’re searching for heat and sunny climate, then the summer time months of June via August are a very good choice.
Nonetheless, remember that that is peak vacationer season, so points of interest and seashores might be crowded and costly. In case you choose cooler climate, then the autumn months of September via November could be a nice time to go to. The temperatures are delicate and there are fewer crowds.
Winter months, from December to February, can be a good time to go to when you’re searching for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, however remember that some points of interest could have restricted hours or be closed throughout this time.
Spring, from March to Might, can be a very good time to go to with comfy temperatures and blooming flowers, however once more, it may be crowded throughout spring break season. Finally, it is dependent upon what you are searching for in a trip and what actions you wish to do whereas in Florida.
Another choice could 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 a fantastic place to spend a day or two when you’re searching for some adrenaline-fueled enjoyable. One other widespread vacation spot in Florida is the Kennedy Area Middle, positioned on the east coast of Florida. Right here, you possibly can 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:
In case you’re planning a one-week journey to Florida, there are many superb points of interest to go to. Here is a instructed itinerary to your good Florida trip.
Day 1: Begin your journey by flying into Orlando and heading straight to Common Studios to discover Harry Potter World. Ensure that to get the specific go to skip the strains and benefit from the rides twice.
Day 2: Head again to Common for extra Harry Potter World and check out among 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. Get pleasure from 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, take a look at the graffiti at Wynwood Partitions, stroll via the Design District, and go to
Have extra time? Here is what I counsel you do in Florida
If in case 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 barely accessible by boat or seaplane, but it surely’s positively definitely worth the effort.
The park is dwelling to Fort Jefferson, a large Nineteenth-century brick fortress that was constructed to guard the Gulf of Mexico. At the moment, you possibly can discover the fort and study its fascinating historical past. It’s also possible to 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 possibly can 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.
In case you’re planning a go to to Dry Tortugas, remember that there aren’t any services on the island, so you may must convey your personal meals, water, and tenting gear when you plan to remain in a single day. It’s also possible to ebook a day journey or a tenting journey with a tour operator.
General, Dry Tortugas is a singular and delightful park that is positively definitely worth the journey. Whether or not you are fascinated by historical past, wildlife, or simply absorbing the solar, this park has one thing for everybody. So, when you’ve got some further time in Florida, you’ll want to add it to your itinerary!
You might additionally spend time on Key Biscayne, an exquisite island positioned simply south of Miami. Right here you possibly can go to the historic lighthouse at Invoice Baggs Cape Florida State Park, chill out on the picturesque seashores, and even hire kayaks or paddleboards to discover the waters. It’s also possible to 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 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 filled 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 outlets 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, similar to Sarasota, Naples, and Sanibel Island. It’s also possible to take a scenic drive alongside the Tamiami Path and spot alligators, birds, and different wildlife within the Everglades.
Irrespective of how a lot time you may have in Florida, there’s all the time one thing new and thrilling to find. From theme parks to nationwide parks, seashores to museums, this state really has all of it. So, begin planning your good Florida itinerary at this time 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 greatest 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!
General, our week in Florida was full of 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 good one-week Florida street journey itinerary! In case you’re searching 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 among the greatest locations in Central and South Florida and contains 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!
