Reach Shark Valley Visitor Centre by 1 or 2pm and do the 15 miles cycle through Everglades National Park (2-3 hours). While you are there check out Brew Urban Café an open-air café that opens up to the train tracks in the back and inspiring street art. Kona Kai Motelis a no frills hotel that has a pool and is not far from the beach. Mid-Range:The Historic District is the perfect place to be in the middle of all the action, with a variety of restaurants, tours, and attractions. It offers all the necessary amenities and is only a short drive from the beach. First stop is the United States oldest city, St. Augustine settled by the Spanish in 1565. Almost everyone comes to Orlando for the theme parks. With the state being so large, there’s no way you can cover every square inch of the state, so here is a fun itinerary for a road trip in Florida devised to get you to see some of the most unique sites both natural and manmade around the Sunshine State. We were quite happy to be back and to spend the last days of our Florida road trip in the house in Longboat Key… which we rounded off with a fun day paddle boarding and a few more sunset Bloody Mary’s . Starting in New York City and ending in Miami. The best restaurant in my opinion to get Cuban food is Versailles. It is a full day trip to the Kennedy Space Center, which is why I recommend staying in Cocoa Beach for the night. Daytona Beach is famous for being the spring break destination for countless college spring breakers over the years, and of course the Daytona Speedway. It is right on the waterfront and is where luxury lounges. Luxury: Hilton Cocoa Beach is a full blown resort located 30 minutes away from Kennedy Space Center. You can’t go to Florida without going gator-spotting, or encountering one in the wild- so come here to learn life saving tips and techniques in case you ever encounter one on your trip! Starting in the $400s USD it is definitely a luxurious option in Tampa. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. First stop: Universal Studios in Orlando. The Cuban American neighborhood is my favorite place to go for food. The Ponte Vedra Inn & Club is a AAA Five-Diamond rated resort and is perfect for the golf and quiet beach lover. Known for its Spanish Colonial Architecture and the Fountain of Youth, this city will have your heart from the moment you step foot here. This road trip showcases the best of North Florida, from the state's biggest waterfall to the nation's oldest city, and so much in between. is the perfect place to park your RV or pitch your tent. An up and coming city in Florida there is a lot to do. If you’re within the United States already, you can either fly to Orlando or drive there if you’re in a state close by. Below I have broken up the three areas that are a must on any trip to Miami. You cannot say you have been to Miami without having tried a Cuban Sandwich with a Cubano coffee. Seat space in economy is definitely limited and meals were below average. With the state being so large, there’s no way you can cover every square inch of the state, so here is a fun itinerary for a road trip in Florida devised to get you to see some of the most unique sites both natural and manmade around the Sunshine State. Fat Village is a creative enclave, community center, art gallery, and hosts a sweet art walk. Being from Ireland, I had to apply for ESTA – this is a mandatory travel authorization which allows me (and many other nationalities) to travel to the USA without a US visa. I. t is amazing to think that Florida is larger than many countries, and with its amazing wildlife and conservation area, incredible beaches and happening cities, a Florida road trip is sure to be a trip of a lifetime. Daytona Beach is famous for being the spring break destination for countless college spring breakers over the years, and of course the, Between Daytona and Cocoa Beach is the famous Space Coast, a 95 mile section of Route 1 that’s home to the. Here’s the itinerary for my 2 week southern US road trip. This time we wanted to cover the entire state and were so grateful when Visit Florida offered to help us. Starting at $160 USD it is luxury at half the cost. Book an Airbnb ahead of time if you do not want to pay exorbitant prices on hotels. Definitely a splurge at $200 – 300, but one of the best hotels in the area. But all of them have that lovely white, fine sand and excellent sunset views. ), Florida’s Gulf Coast from Anna Maria Island to St. Armands, great deals to Orlando’s best theme parks here, Florida Travel Guide: Things to do around Longboat Key & Anna Maria Island, Florida Travel Guide: Best restaurants & bars on Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island & St. Armands, Life in Kisii, Kenya: Of drop hole toilets, bucket baths & cockroaches. This place is a perfect resting spot before heading to Fort Lauderdale. What better way to start off a holiday than by recharging your batteries, especially after a long winter in Europe? Check out St. George Inn to stay inside the old city walls. Feb 2, 2017 - We’ve included everything you need to know to follow our amazing 2-week Florida road trip, from attractions to restaurants to hotels. If the beach is still calling your name you can drive a half hour to Clearwater Beach- recently named the. There is no shortage of luxury options in Miami Beach, but some the best in my opinion are: 1 Hotel South Beach, Loews Miami Beach Hotel, and SLS South Beach. Starting in the $400s USD it is definitely a luxurious option in Tampa. James and I tested this route over the winter period to escape our first Midwest freeze. Try and have a meal beforehand or bring snacks. With an extra week, you can really explore the East Coast’s most significant historical and cultural attractions. Just a friendly note the park is closed on Fridays. So, we decided to spend the night in a roadside motel. It’s not walking distance to Miami Beach though so keep that in mind. :D). If you want to do both parks, you should really spend two days in Orlando. Also, not to be missed are the multitude of vintage/secondhand shops, upscale shopping, cafes, and bars that are open till the wee hours of the morning. You can enjoy the sunset from one of the beach bars serving up delicious Bloody Mary’s or organise your own picnic on the beach. Luxury: There is no shortage of luxury options in Miami Beach, but some the best in my opinion are: 1 Hotel South Beach, Loews Miami Beach Hotel, and SLS South Beach. But one can’t complain too much with £450 for two direct flights. So, we decided to spend our first and last days of the trip on Florida’s Gulf Coast. I have to really complement you and the..." New York to Los Angeles on Route 66 "Great tour, but Intrepid should have definitely declared it as a youth tour. Fort Lauderdale Beach is a hidden Florida treasure, since many tourists drive by it to get straight to Miami. We had about 11 full days in Florida and a house in Longboat Key we could stay in for free. To help plan your trip to Florida, here’s a little Florida travel guide with a two week road trip itinerary and the best places to go. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge. Pro Tip: Head to Sea Breeze Cafe where you will have the perfect vistas of the ocean breakfast, lunch or dinner. It offers on site restaurants, a tiki bar, on- site surfing lessons, and a beautiful oceanfront deck. Find out my tops tips for Longboat Key and surrounding areas in your guide to Florida’s Gulf Coast from Anna Maria Island to St. Armands, including the best beaches and top activities. Starting at $300 USD and up, be sure to get the best of the best here. Also, if you want to go to Dry Tortugas National Park save a whole day for that and be prepared to budget $250 dollars per person to get there. We decided to skip Key West as there is not much to do (except pose next to the famous Southernmost point buoy) and it’s quite a long drive from Miami/the Everglades. Casa Marina Key West Waldorf Astoria Luxury. We landed in Orlando where we picked up our sexy ride for the next two weeks: A Mustang 5L GT which we booked with National Car (we were upgraded from a standard convertible!). Florida Road Trip Timetable We had an amazing time. It starts at $65 USD for a 4-bed dorm. The rooms start from $200 USD and up. First and foremost, Miami has long been known for its’ nightlife and beaches, but it also has a very culturally rich art and food scene due to its’ melting pot of cultures. The Spanish Fort has phenomenal views of the ocean and city. Starting at $130 USD it is well worth the money and works for many budgets. It starts at $65 USD for a 4-bed dorm. The Everglades is an easy day trip from Miami. One of the most important things to do before any trip to the United States is to look up if you need a visa or not and be sure to apply well in advance. The railroad tycoon Henry Morrison Flagler developed the property in 1896, basing it off of the Italian Renaissance style at Villa Medici of the 1400s. Florida Road Trip Days 1 to 3: Arriving in Orlando, Florida Itinerary Day 5-6: Cocoa Beach/ Kennedy Space Center, Racism, Civil Rights and Rebuilding Selma – Reflections From Alabama, 40 Unique Things To Do in Iceland In Winter, 9 Best Travel Gifts For Her: The Travel Lover In Your Life, 21 Unique Things To Do in Sri Lanka - Ultimate Travel Guide. For our family trip we planned 2 weeks in Orlando, taking in the major parks and factoring in some essential days for relaxing, shopping and checking out Orlando’s smaller attractions. Starting from $500 USD and up. It’s quick and easy to apply online, and should not take more than a few days to be approved. an open-air café that opens up to the train tracks in the back and inspiring street art. Starting at $130 USD it is well worth the money and works for many budgets. With Happy Hour from 4pm-6pm and Margarita Mondays 6pm-10pm this is the place to be! It’s worth a photo stop but there is not too much else to do. Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center. Come check out the Flamingos at  J.N. Economical: Generator Miami Hostel Starting at $25 US , right before the toll bridge the hotel is in the harbor on the mainland however it is beautiful and gives you luxury at a reasonable price. We drove down from Orlando after a long day in Universal and were facing lots of traffic making this a 4-5 hour journey. First stop is the United States oldest city, St. Augustine settled by the Spanish in 1565. Paddle out on your SUP, go surfing, rent a jet ski. Miami is much more than South Beach, it has a unique Latin flavor and Caribbean feel that makes you feel like you have left the USA. It is a medium-paced itinerary taking in Florida’s most famous and lesser-known attractions, compiled from a lot of research and recommendations. It is the perfect time to relax enjoy the beach, roam around beach and Las Olas Boulevard on one of the many electrical scooters, and partake in some watersports. Historical Route from Boston to Savannah – 2-Week East Coast USA Road Trip Itinerary. It felt like Harry and I were some of the youngest people there most of the time (it is quite the retirement place). There are a number of amazing spots whether eating on Cocoa Beach Pier, or go shopping in the Historic Victorian Cocoa Village. Orlando is a trip in and of itself, but with a huge airport and the most car rental options I chose to begin this wonderful journey here. Is a beautiful hotel that is right on one of the many canals of the Fort Lauderdale Marina. Cocoa Beach is a surfers paradise, with decent waves and the largest. is a AAA Five-Diamond rated resort and is perfect for the golf and quiet beach lover. It makes it easy to see the city/beach because you can stop, pause, and zoom around the city however your please. However, if you are going to be indulging in the big cities ensure you include that in your road trip USA budget. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. That’s what we did because we wanted to do the Shark Valley bicycle tour through the National Park. Sanibel Island is a quiet respite and the perfect place to relax before you start wrapping up your road trip. A must to do in the Fort Lauderdale or what locals like to call “The Venice of America” is a boat tour. Luxury: W Fort Lauderdale has the best rooftop pool in Fort Lauderdale. Blue Spring State Park is home to manatees that come to the springs for the consistent warm temperatures. We left completely soaked after I insisted we HAVE to do all the water rides…. You can find more information about. Dec 28, 2018 - We’ve included everything you need to know to follow our amazing 2-week Florida road trip, from attractions to restaurants to hotels. The island’s turquoise waters, pearl white sand, and shells galore will have you think you are in a Caribbean Paradise. Miami Beach, Florida. The rooms start from $200 USD and up. Economical: Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina Is a beautiful hotel that is right on one of the many canals of the Fort Lauderdale Marina. Casa Ybel Beach Resort is a beautiful oceanfront resort and makes every part of your experience feel like paradise. A must to do in the Fort Lauderdale or what locals like to call “The Venice of America” is a boat tour. It offers all the necessary amenities and is only a short drive from the beach. is affordable in the city center and a block down from the free trolley. Depending on what you fancy, whether that is feeling as if you are in the movies with Harry Potter World at Universal Studios or getting the rush of meeting Mickey Mouse for the first time at Disney World there is something for everyone here. is home to manatees that come to the springs for the consistent warm temperatures. You better have a car or rent some bicycles. Get a Hotel with a shuttle to and from the parks, a perk that most offer for free. The prices start at $200 USD and up. And that takes us to the end of our two week road trip around Florida. If you’re within the United States already, you can either fly to Orlando or drive there if you’re in a state close by. If you’re looking for a warm beach vacation in winter, our 2-week road trip is packed with plenty of fun family friendly ideas. To find out of your country is eligible for ESTA and thus visa free travel to the USA, Depending on what you fancy, whether that is feeling as if you are in the movies with Harry Potter World at Universal Studios or getting the rush of meeting Mickey Mouse for the first time at, If you want a less obvious experience in Orlando, Florida, I would head over to. Casa Marina Key West Waldorf Astoria Luxury is the most luxurious hotel in Key West. If you’re outside the United States you can look out for cheap flights to Orlando by searching on. You can find great deals to Orlando’s best theme parks here. Walk the narrow and gorgeous St. George Street lined with small shops and restaurants, see the. From St. Augustine take Route 1 or A1A, the twin highway that runs up and down the east coast all the way to Key West. With waterfront cabins available you could also come here without a tent. The park is open from sunup to sun down and costs $8 USD per vehicle to enter. Below I have broken up the three areas that are a must on any trip to Miami. really good restaurants (fancy a romantic seaside dinner? Stop for cinnamon roles and fresh smoothies at Knauss Berry Farm. Turns out, they’re actually quite pricey for what they offer. Clothes to Pack for a Trip to Florida . Miami is much more than South Beach, it has a unique Latin flavor and Caribbean feel that makes you feel like you have left the USA. Just a friendly note the park is closed on Fridays. 2. With cities like Miami and Orlando, everyone has heard of it and thus a lot of travelers are dreaming of a visit to Florida. Apart from beaching, there’s plenty of opportunity for you to get active. We hadn’t done too much prior planning and only booked our hotel for Miami with a rough idea of an itinerary. It costs only $5 dollars per vehicle and there is camping here if you wish to extend your trip! Highlights: Everything … Planning an epic Florida road trip? 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