7-day Florida tour: map + itinerary

Discover the Sunshine State with this 7-day Florida tour. Ideal for visiting the must-sees of this southern US state, this road trip will immerse you in the hustle and bustle of Miami, the wilderness of the Everglades and the laid-back lifestyle of the Keys.

Follow me for 7 idyllic days under the Florida sun!
 

Map of Florida tour

Road trip summary

Days 1-2 : Miami

Your Florida tour begins with a visit to Miami! This dynamic, sunny city will win you over in no time. In just two days, you'll have the chance to discover the must-see treasures of this seaside metropolis. Start with an invigorating stroll along the famous South beach, on the Miami Beach peninsula. You can relax on the white sand and admire the turquoise horizon of the Atlantic Ocean. The colourful lifeguard stations provide great photo opportunities.

Continue your visit by exploring Miami's art deco district to see its pastel-coloured buildings with their iconic geometric shapes. Take a stroll down Ocean Drive, a lively avenue lined with trendy restaurants, bars and boutiques, to soak up the bling!

For a cultural immersion, head to Little Havana, where you'll discover the Cuban soul of Miami. Stroll the bustling streets, soak up the delightful aromas of café cubano and enjoy the festive atmosphere of Calle Ocho. If you're a fan of contemporary art, pay a visit to the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), which houses an impressive collection of works by local and international artistes.

To see Miami from a completely different angle, with its manatees, dolphins and celebrity mansions, take a Biscayne Bay zodiac tour. Young and old alike will love this fascinating tour.

Finally, don't leave Miami without a visit to the Wynwood District, known for its incredible murals and alternative arts scene. Explore the contemporary art galleries, take photos of the colourful works that adorn the Wynwood Walls, and stop off at one of the many trendy cafés for some delicious food.

Cosmopolitan and vibrant, Miami is sure to enchant you and leave you with unforgettable memories.

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Under the Sun

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• Road Trip
• 9 days

Days 3-5 : The Keys (265 km)

After picking up your rental car in Miami, head south to the legendary Florida Keys. Since you've got three days to explore this idyllic destination, you'll have time to discover all the must-sees of this dream archipelago in the very south of Florida.

Start your tour with a visit to Key West, the lively and colourful city at the southern tip of the Keys. Stroll along the famous Duval Street in historic Old Town, steeped in a bohemian and eclectic atmosphere, and stop to admire a spectacular sunset from Mallory Square.

Continue your exploration with a visit to the home of the great writer Ernest Hemingway, and don't miss Southernmost Point, which is, as the name suggests, the southernmost point in the continental United States. Be sure to immortalize the moment with a few pictures. If you can, go early in the morning or at the end of the day to avoid the hordes of tourists who had the same idea.

For an original experience, treat yourself to snorkeling in Key West. Exceptional ocean floors and plenty of exotic fish await you.

On the second day, set off on new adventures by taking the magnificent Overseas Highway in the opposite direction. This scenic route linking the islands of the Keys is an attraction in its own right. In fact, I highly recommend taking breaks to visit the 10 most beautiful stops on the Overseas Highway. You can also stop in Marathon, where you can visit Turtle Hospital and learn about the conservation efforts being made to protect these fascinating marine creatures. Then stop off in Islamorada, renowned for its outstanding water sports.

To wrap up your tour of the Keys, head to Key Largo, the scuba diving capital of the world. Explore the ocean floor with a scuba diving or snorkeling excursion in the turquoise waters of John Pennekamp State Park. If you prefer something less strenuous, opt for a glass-bottom boat cruise to admire the magnificent coral reefs and fish without getting your feet wet.

The Keys offer a wide range of activities and landscapes to discover. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, this tropical destination offers a taste of paradise.

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Day 6 : Everglades (245 km)

Your Florida tour continues! Now it's time to leave the Keys and hit the road for Everglades National Park, famous for its alligator swamps! You can start with an airboat tour through the swamps. This alligator safari will give you the chance to get up close and personal with the reptiles, exotic birds and aquatic plants of this unique ecosystem.

Stroll along the wooden walkways overlooking the wetlands around the Royal Palm Visitor Center. You'll be able to see the wildlife without disturbing the animals. In this part of the park, the Anhinga Trail and Gumbo-Limbo Trail are a must. The Pa-hay-okee Overlook is an observation platform with a stunning panoramic view of the Everglades. It's sure to be a highlight of your visit!

You can also go canoeing or kayaking along the winding rivers and mangroves, for an immersive experience in the heart of these fascinating wetlands. Birding enthusiasts will be delighted to visit bird watching areas such as Shark Valley, where you can spot a wide variety of species, including ibis, herons and egrets.

The Everglades are home to a wealth of flora and fauna. To make the most of the day, don't forget to bring:

• a good mosquito repellant
• sunscreen
• your camera
• binoculars

Day 7 : Miami (43 km)

Back in Miami for the last day of your Florida vacation, take the opportunity to visit Coral Gables. It's a delight to stroll through this chic neighbourhood with its Mediterranean feel. Before returning your rental car and heading home, pay a visit to Venetian Pool. This gorgeous outdoor swimming pool is the perfect place for a swim and one last drink on the patio.

It would be a shame to visit Miami without taking the time to see the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. This impressive residence built by a wealthy industrialist in 1916 is well worth a visit. Finally, don't miss the Fairchild Tropical Garden. This beautiful, exotic botanical garden is home to 2,500 species of plants and trees, some of which are rare or endangered. You're in alligator, lizard and iguana territory, so don't be surprised by an impromptu encounter!

Our 7-day Florida tour ends here. I hope this itinerary has given you some ideas and inspiration for your next vacation. If, after the East Coast, you'd like to take another trip to the United States, why not try a road trip in the American West? You won't be disappointed!

If you have any recommendations or questions, feel free to share them in the comments below.