Welcome to Florida. Excellent One Week Florida Itinerary, Central and South Florida tour. The place the solar is at all times shining and the seashores are at all times calling! Should you’re on the lookout for a fun-filled week of journey, rest, and pleasure, then you definitely come to the suitable place.
With its gorgeous seashores, thrilling theme parks, and various cultural points of interest, Florida has one thing for everybody. This is a one week itinerary that can make it easier to profit from your journey in Central and South Florida.
Florida is a state that gives infinite prospects for vacationers, from theme parks and seashores to pure wonders and cultural experiences.
Planning a one-week itinerary could be difficult, as there’s a lot to see and do. Nevertheless, with cautious planning, you may discover the highlights of Central and South Florida in simply seven days. On this weblog submit, we’ll share our excellent 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.
This is a map of all of the locations I will 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 journey on the Hogwarts Specific to Diagon Alley at Common Studios. Be sure that 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 Fort. Be sure that to remain within the night to observe the fortress illumination and the Dragon breathe hearth in Diagon Alley!
We had the specific cross as a way 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 resort for two nights which I extremely suggest!
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 way of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Do not miss the possibility to journey Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Escape from Gringotts. Should you’re feeling courageous, take a journey on the Jurassic World VelociCoaster, one of many latest and most fun 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 street on the bar- you actually cannot miss it as you make your strategy to the springs. Benefit from the serene environment and the mild 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 proper 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 it’s worthwhile to carry is your self and a way of journey.
The tubing journey takes about half-hour to finish, and you’ll float downstream by way of stunning surroundings, together with lush vegetation and towering timber. The river is calm and delicate, making it appropriate for all ages and talent 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.
Should you’re feeling adventurous, it’s also possible to discover the park’s mountain climbing trails and pure springs. The park has a number of picnic areas, so you may carry a lunch and spend the day stress-free 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 method close to Crystal River and spent the evening on the Greatest Western Crustal River Resort resort.
Day 3: Swim with Manatees and Ringling Home
At this time, head to Crystal River and swim with the manatees, some of the unbelievable experiences Florida has to supply. These mild 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 gorgeous Three Sisters Springs.
Swimming with manatees is a very unforgettable expertise. These mild creatures are often called the “sea cows” of Florida and are identified for his or her curious and pleasant nature. Nevertheless, it is necessary 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 necessary to maintain a respectful distance and keep away from touching or harassing them in any method. You also needs to keep away from chasing or following them, and by no means try to journey or seize onto them. These actions could be dangerous to the manatees and are unlawful below Florida legislation.
To make sure a secure and pleasurable expertise, it is really helpful to ebook a guided tour with a licensed operator. These excursions will give you all the required gear, together with wetsuits, masks, and snorkels. The guides may also give you details about manatees and their conduct, 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 below menace 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 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 powerful Greek neighborhood, which dates again to the early 1900s. The truth is, Tarpon Springs has the best share of Greek People 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 to strive among the well-known Greek pastries, like baklava and kataifi.
Along with the meals, Tarpon Springs can also be identified for its sponge diving trade. The town was as soon as the biggest sponge market on this planet, and at this time 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.
Should you’re involved in historical past, Tarpon Springs has a number of museums price visiting. The Tarpon Springs Space Historic Society Museum showcases the town’s previous, whereas the Safford Home Museum is a restored Victorian-era house that gives a glimpse into the lives of early settlers.
Total, Tarpon Springs is a novel 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 ravishing 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 Nineteen Twenties and is positioned on the waterfront in Sarasota, Florida.
The structure of Ca’d’Zan is impressed by Venetian Gothic and Renaissance types, 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 dying in 1936, however was finally restored and opened to the general public as a museum within the Nineteen 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 attractive gardens and grounds. There’s additionally a museum on website 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 stunning seaside is thought for its white sand and clear waters. Sadly, throughout our go to, the seaside had Crimson Tide, which created a variety of coughing and lifeless fish.
Should you encounter Crimson 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 study in regards to 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 may additionally see a set of Ford’s vehicles.
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 very 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 aspect of the street within the Nineteen Fifties. A long time later, the fruit stand is now a beloved establishment, with all kinds of unique and tropical fruits that you simply 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. Should you’re feeling adventurous, strive one in every of 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 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.
Total, 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 unlimited wetland ecosystem that spans throughout south Florida, masking 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 novel alternative to expertise one of many state’s most iconic pure wonders.
Probably the greatest methods to discover the Everglades is by taking an airboat tour. These excursions are provided by various firms all through the realm, and will let you glide by way of the waterways and stand up near the wildlife. You may additionally study in regards to the historical past and ecology of the area out of your educated information.
Should you choose a extra low-key expertise, it’s also possible to take a strolling or biking tour by way of 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 supply maps and knowledge on the most effective trails to discover.
Irrespective of the way you select to discover the Everglades, be sure to carry loads of bug spray and sunscreen, because the mosquitos and solar could be intense. And at all times keep in mind to respect the wildlife and their habitat by protecting a secure distance and following all park guidelines and rules.
Total, the Everglades is a must-visit vacation spot in Florida, providing a novel 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 attractive Florida Keys, a series 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 excellent for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Should you’re a fan of fishing, the Keys are additionally top-of-the-line locations on this 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, an area favourite.
Hogfish Bar and Grill is thought for its contemporary 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 practice tour to study in regards to 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 superbly 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 Dwelling and Museum, is likely one of the hottest points of interest in Key West. The home was in-built 1851 and was bought by Hemingway in 1931.
Hemingway and his spouse Pauline spent over a decade residing 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 ravishing instance of Spanish Colonial structure, with a red-tiled roof, white stucco partitions, and a lush tropical backyard. One of the hanging options of the home is its massive, wraparound porch, which gives gorgeous views of the backyard and the encompassing 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.
One of the distinctive options of the Hemingway Home is its inhabitants of six-toed cats. Hemingway was given a six-toed cat by an area fisherman, and the cats have been residents of the home ever since. At this time, there are over 50 cats residing 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 avenue 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 resort.
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 just a few hours swimming and absorbing the solar.
After the seaside, we headed to Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen, an area 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 house 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 stay music.
We additionally toured among the native cigar retailers, which supply quite a lot of handmade cigars and equipment. The world has a wealthy cultural heritage, and we loved studying extra in regards to 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 special world, with Spanish music enjoying within the streets and the scent of Cuban espresso filling the air.
Probably the greatest 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 retailers promoting conventional Cuban items, corresponding to cigars, guayabera shirts, and handmade jewellery. You may as well discover many artwork galleries and boutiques, showcasing the work of native artists and designers.
In fact, no go to to Little Havana can be full with out making an attempt 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 number of the hottest spots to eat embrace Versailles Restaurant, El Rey de las Fritas, and La Carreta.
Should you’re involved in studying extra in regards to the historical past and tradition of Little Havana, there are additionally loads of guided excursions obtainable. 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 study in regards to 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 stunning 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 resort 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 gorgeous 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 type originated within the Nineteen Twenties and Thirties and is characterized by daring geometric shapes, vivid colours, and complicated detailing. Miami’s Artwork Deco buildings are identified for his or her pastel colors, curved traces, and neon lights, which create a vibrant and playful ambiance.
A number of the most well-known Artwork Deco buildings in Miami could 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 inns, eating places, and retailers, and they’re usually used as backdrops for photoshoots and movies.
Probably the greatest 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, stating probably the most important buildings and sharing tales about their historical past and design. You may additionally study in regards to the function 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 also 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 world wide, 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 retailers 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 gorgeous paintings and studying in regards to 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 world wide, and we spent just a few hours exploring the galleries and studying in regards to the completely different artists and their work.
When to Go to Florida
Due to the attractive climate, there’s actually no dangerous time!
The very best time of 12 months to go to Florida for one week actually is determined by your preferences. Should you’re on the lookout for heat and sunny climate, then the summer time months of June by way of August are an excellent possibility.
Nevertheless, remember that that is peak vacationer season, so points of interest and seashores could be crowded and costly. Should you choose cooler climate, then the autumn months of September by way of November generally is a nice time to go to. The temperatures are gentle and there are fewer crowds.
Winter months, from December to February, will also be a good time to go to when you’re on the lookout 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, will also be an excellent time to go to with comfy temperatures and blooming flowers, however once more, it may be crowded throughout spring break season. In the end, it is determined by what you are on the lookout for in a trip and what actions you wish 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 a terrific place to spend a day or two when you’re on the lookout for some adrenaline-fueled enjoyable. One other standard vacation spot in Florida is the Kennedy Area Middle, positioned on the east coast of Florida. Right here, you may study in regards to the historical past of house exploration and even see actual rockets and spaceships up shut.
At a look, Florida One Week Itinerary
Should you’re planning a one-week journey to Florida, there are many superb points of interest to go to. This is a recommended itinerary to your excellent Florida trip.
Day 1: Begin your journey by flying into Orlando and heading straight to Common Studios to discover Harry Potter World. Be sure that 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 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 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, take a look at the graffiti at Wynwood Partitions, stroll by way of the Design District, and go to
Have extra time? This is what I recommend you do in Florida
When you’ve got extra time to spend in Florida, I extremely suggest 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 undoubtedly definitely 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 find out about its fascinating historical past. You may as well 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 may watch the turtles lay their eggs on the seaside and see the hatchlings make their strategy to the water.
There are additionally loads of alternatives for chook watching, because the park is house to quite a lot of seabirds, together with frigatebirds, terns, and pelicans.
Should you’re planning a go to to Dry Tortugas, remember that there are not any amenities on the island, so you will must carry your personal meals, water, and tenting gear when you plan to remain in a single day. You may as well ebook a day journey or a tenting journey with a tour operator.
Total, Dry Tortugas is a novel and delightful park that is undoubtedly definitely worth the journey. Whether or not you are involved in historical past, wildlife, or simply absorbing the solar, this park has one thing for everybody. So, if in case you have some further time in Florida, be sure you add it to your itinerary!
You might additionally spend time on Key Biscayne, a ravishing island positioned simply south of Miami. Right here you may go to the historic lighthouse at Invoice Baggs Cape Florida State Park, chill out on the picturesque seashores, and even lease kayaks or paddleboards to discover the waters. You may as well 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 possibility is to discover the quaint city of St. Augustine, positioned in northeast Florida. This historic city is the oldest constantly inhabited European settlement in america and is stuffed with attraction 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 possibility for these with extra time is to discover the Gulf Coast of Florida. There are many stunning seashores and charming coastal cities to go to, corresponding to 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.
Irrespective of how a lot time you might have 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 excellent Florida itinerary at this time 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 joys of the Jurassic World Veloci Coaster, 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!
Total, our week in Florida was crammed with journey, tradition, and pure magnificence. From the theme parks in Orlando to the seashores of the Keys, we skilled the most effective that Florida has to supply and may’t wait to return.
Hope you loved our excellent one-week Florida street journey itinerary! Should you’re on the lookout for a fun-filled journey that takes you from the theme parks of Orlando to the gorgeous seashores of the Florida Keys, then you definately in for a deal with.
This itinerary covers among the greatest locations in Central and South Florida and consists of 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!
