📍
United States
FLORIDA ULTIMATE: BARRIER ISLANDS TO TROPICAL KEYS PARADISE
Watch manatees in crystal springs, witness a rocket launch and meet alligators in the Everglades. Florida has more surprises than you'd expect.
≈ 28
Days
2228
Km
25
Stops
Cross Florida like an adventure novel: Amelia Island and its Victorian charm, St. Augustine and its Spanish lanes, Cape Canaveral and space conquest. Descend to Crystal River and its manatees, follow the Gulf Coast, dive into the Everglades, then end at Key West, where every sunset becomes celebration.
- Key West: sunset celebration tropical end
- Everglades: alligator wilderness sawgrass marshes
- St. Augustine: Spanish colonial oldest city
- Cape Canaveral: rockets space coast launch
- Crystal River: manatee springs sanctuary
Your day-by-day itinerary
1
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Amelia Island - Where Southern Charm Meets Atlantic Shores: This barrier island just south of Georgia has captured the hearts of the jet set with its blend of historic downtown Fernandina Beach, pristine Atlantic beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. The island receives more visitors than all other Florida barrier islands combined, yet maintains a peaceful, uncrowded character.
2
Historic Fernandina Beach - Victorian Elegance Preserved: Wander through 50 blocks of beautifully restored Victorian architecture housing family-owned shops, galleries, and local businesses. This is Old Florida at its most charming, where southern hospitality remains genuine.
Activities
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World-Class Golf - Links Among the Live Oaks: Multiple championship courses have established Amelia Island as a premier golfing destination, with fairways winding through maritime forests draped in Spanish moss.
Next stop
Distance:
50 km
Travel time:
45min
2
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Jacksonville - Florida's Largest City by Land Area: Located 30 minutes from Georgia, this sprawling metropolis spreads across both banks of the St. Johns River, offering urban attractions alongside easy beach access.
2
Five Points Neighborhood - Where Hip Meets Historic: Browse antique shops, sample craft brews at local gastropubs, and experience Jacksonville's most eclectic district, where Victorian homes neighbor trendy boutiques.
3
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens - Face-to-Face with Big Cats: This acclaimed facility features one of the most impressive tiger habitats in the Southeast, allowing visitors remarkable proximity to these magnificent cats.
Activities
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St. Johns River Water Taxi - See the City from the Water: Cruise between attractions while enjoying panoramic views of Jacksonville's skyline reflecting off the river that defines the city.
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Jacksonville Beaches - 30 Minutes to Paradise: Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach, and Jacksonville Beach offer distinct personalities along miles of Atlantic shoreline, from family-friendly to surf-focused.
Next stop
Distance:
65 km
Travel time:
55min
3
Day
8 photos
Discover
1
St. Augustine - The Oldest City in America: Founded in 1565, this remarkable city predates the Pilgrims by 55 years. Cobblestone streets wind past architecture spanning five centuries, from Spanish Colonial to Gilded Age grandeur.
2
Castillo de San Marcos - The Oldest Masonry Fort in the Continental United States: This Spanish fortress, built between 1672 and 1695 using native coquina shell stone, has never been captured despite numerous sieges. The unique shell construction actually absorbed cannonballs rather than shattering.
3
Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse - Education in Colonial America: Dating to the early 1700s, this remarkably preserved structure offers insight into schooling during Spanish rule, with original cypress and cedar construction still intact.
Activities
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Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tours - Centuries of History at Your Pace: Navigate between dozens of historic sites aboard trolleys that connect the city's Spanish Quarter, lighthouse, fort, and Flagler College-a stunning former luxury hotel.
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St. George Street - The Heart of Historic St. Augustine: Stroll this pedestrian-only thoroughfare lined with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings dating back centuries.
Next stop
Distance:
95 km
Travel time:
1h15
4
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Daytona Beach - The World's Most Famous Beach: Twenty-three miles of hard-packed white sand have earned this Atlantic destination its legendary status. This is one of the few beaches where you can drive directly onto the sand and park steps from the surf.
2
Daytona International Speedway - The World Center of Racing: Home to the Daytona 500 and numerous NASCAR events throughout the year, this 2.5-mile tri-oval track also hosts concerts and special events. Tours take visitors behind the scenes of racing history.
3
Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier - Classic Americana: This oceanfront landmark features arcades, rides, shops, and restaurants stretching along the shore, anchored by the historic pier extending into the Atlantic.
Activities
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Beach Driving - A Florida Tradition Since 1903: Early automobile pioneers raced on this hard-packed sand, and today visitors can experience the unique thrill of parking their vehicle right on the beach with waves crashing nearby.
Next stop
Distance:
90 km
Travel time:
1h10
5
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Kennedy Space Center - Where Humans Reach for the Stars: This historic launch complex has sent every American astronaut into orbit since the 1960s. The visitor complex offers encounters with real astronauts, full-scale rocket displays, and the actual Space Shuttle Atlantis.
2
Rocket Garden - Walk Among Giants: Stand beneath authentic rockets from every era of American spaceflight, from Mercury through Apollo, experiencing the scale of humanity's greatest engineering achievements.
3
Canaveral National Seashore - 24 Miles of Undeveloped Atlantic Coast: NASA's need for privacy created this unintended benefit-a pristine refuge protecting sea turtle nesting beaches and 1,000+ plant species.
Activities
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Rocket Launch Viewing - Watch History Being Made: Multiple companies now launch from Cape Canaveral, with public viewing areas offering front-row seats to thundering liftoffs that shake the ground miles away.
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IMAX Theater and 4D Experience - Space Exploration Immersion: State-of-the-art theaters present the wonders of space exploration through footage shot by astronauts aboard the International Space Station.
Next stop
Distance:
30 km
Travel time:
25min
6
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Cocoa Beach - The Authentic Florida Surf Town: This laid-back community has never strayed from its beach-town roots. From Ron Jon Surf Shop to classic Florida motels, the area welcomes visitors to experience genuine coastal living.
2
Ron Jon Surf Shop - The World's Most Famous Surf Shop: This 52,000-square-foot temple to beach culture operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, selling everything from surfboards to souvenirs across two floors.
Activities
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Surfing the Space Coast - Catch Your First Wave: Consistent Atlantic swells make Cocoa Beach one of the best places in Florida to learn surfing, with numerous schools offering lessons for all ages and skill levels.
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Rocket Launch Viewing from the Beach - Front Row to Space: Many beachfront locations offer unobstructed views of launches from Kennedy Space Center, combining beach time with the spectacle of spaceflight.
Next stop
Distance:
95 km
Travel time:
1h15
7
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Walt Disney World Resort - The Most Magical Place on Earth: Four distinct theme parks-Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom-spread across 25,000 acres, making this the world's most-visited vacation resort. Magic Kingdom's iconic Cinderella Castle anchors an experience that has defined family entertainment for over 50 years.
2
Universal Orlando Resort - Where Movies Come to Life: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, spread across two parks connected by the Hogwarts Express, offers complete immersion into J.K. Rowling's magical universe. Beyond Potter, attractions based on Transformers, Jurassic World, and The Simpsons thrill visitors of all ages.
3
SeaWorld Orlando - Marine Life Meets Thrilling Rides: This hybrid theme park combines world-class aquariums and animal encounters with some of Florida's most exhilarating roller coasters.
4
LEGOLAND Florida - Built for Kids 2-12: Located in nearby Winter Haven, this theme park designed specifically for younger children features over 50 rides, shows, and building experiences.
Activities
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International Drive - Orlando Beyond the Parks: This 11-mile corridor of attractions includes the Orlando Eye observation wheel, Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE Aquarium, and countless dining and entertainment options.
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Orlando's Diverse Dining Scene - A Global Culinary Journey: The city's melting pot population has created authentic international cuisines from Vietnamese to Puerto Rican, all outside the theme park gates.
Next stop
Distance:
180 km
Travel time:
2h10
8
Day
7 photos
Discover
1
Blue Spring State Park - Summer Swimming, Winter Manatee Watching: This remarkable spring offers completely different experiences by season. Summer visitors swim in the constant 72-degree water, while winter brings hundreds of manatees seeking warmth as ocean temperatures drop.
2
Manatee Viewing Boardwalks - Gentle Giants by the Hundreds: Elevated walkways provide extraordinary views of Florida's beloved marine mammals, with peak season (November-March) bringing the largest congregations anywhere in the state.
Activities
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Spring Head Diving Competition - Local Kids at Play: Watch (or join) as children compete to see who can free dive deepest into the spring's blue depths, a time-honored tradition at this beloved swimming hole.
Next stop
Distance:
130 km
Travel time:
1h40
9
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Rainbow Springs State Park - Florida's Fourth Largest Spring: Crystal-clear water in impossible shades of blue and green flows from one of Florida's most beautiful spring heads. The spring-fed Rainbow River maintains a constant cool temperature year-round.
2
Rainbow River Tubing - Float Through Paradise: Drift downstream on the crystal-clear, spring-fed river, passing beneath canopies of live oaks while fish swim visibly in the sandy bottom below your tube.
Activities
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Paddling the Rainbow River - Kayak Through Living Color: The remarkable clarity of this spring-fed waterway reveals an underwater world of fish, turtles, and aquatic plants that make every paddle stroke a discovery.
Next stop
Distance:
85 km
Travel time:
1h10
10
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Gainesville - A Funky College Town with Serious Natural Wonders: Home to the University of Florida, this eclectic city combines vintage shops, dive bars, and craft coffee with some of Florida's most remarkable geological sites.
2
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park - Wild Horses and Bison in Florida: This 21,000-acre savanna south of Gainesville is one of the few places in Florida where wild horses and bison roam free across grasslands that once fed cattle drives to the port of St. Augustine.
3
Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park - A Sinkhole Garden of Eden: This 120-foot-deep sinkhole creates a miniature rainforest ecosystem where 232 steps descend past waterfalls and ferns to a primeval world.
4
University of Florida Campus - Architectural Beauty and Gator Pride: Wander through expansive greens surrounded by red brick buildings at one of America's largest public universities.
Activities
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Devil's Den Spring - Prehistoric Underground Pool: This privately owned spring inside a dry cave offers year-round snorkeling and scuba diving in 72-degree water where ancient fossils have been discovered.
Next stop
Distance:
160 km
Travel time:
2h
11
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge - The Manatee Capital of the World: Every winter, hundreds of manatees gather in the warm spring waters here, creating the most accessible manatee-watching experience on Earth.
2
Three Sisters Springs - Snorkel with Manatees: This unique opportunity allows swimmers to enter the water with these gentle giants, observing them feeding, resting, and socializing in their natural winter habitat.
Activities
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Manatee Snorkeling Tours - Face to Face with Florida's State Marine Mammal: Licensed operators guide small groups into the springs for close encounters with manatees, an experience unavailable anywhere else on the planet.
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Kings Bay Kayaking - Paddle Through Crystal Waters: Explore the spring-fed bay and its network of tributaries where manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles share the remarkably clear waters.
Next stop
Distance:
130 km
Travel time:
1h40
12
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Clearwater Beach - Sugar Sand and Turquoise Water: Consistently rated among America's best beaches, this Gulf Coast gem offers powdery white sand and the calm, crystal-clear water the region is famous for.
2
Clearwater Marine Aquarium - Home of Winter the Dolphin: Made famous by the 'Dolphin Tale' films, this rescue facility rehabilitates marine animals while educating visitors about ocean conservation. Meet the animals that inspired the movies.
3
Pier 60 - Sunset Celebration Capital of Florida: This famous pier extends into the Gulf of Mexico, hosting nightly sunset celebrations with street performers, artisans, and spectacular views.
4
Caladesi Island State Park - Florida's Most Pristine Beach: Accessible only by boat, this Gulf island remains one of the last undeveloped barrier islands in Florida, offering unspoiled beaches and nature trails.
Activities
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Sunset at Pier 60 - A Nightly Festival: Join locals and visitors for the daily celebration of Florida's legendary Gulf Coast sunsets, complete with entertainment and crafts.
Next stop
Distance:
100 km
Travel time:
1h20
13
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
St. Petersburg - The Sunshine City: This bayside community consistently breaks records for consecutive sunny days, combining beach-town relaxation with an increasingly sophisticated arts scene.
2
The Dalí Museum - The World's Most Comprehensive Salvador Dalí Collection: This striking waterfront museum houses over 2,400 works by the surrealist master, including seven of his 18 monumental 'masterwork' paintings.
3
St. Pete Murals - An Open-Air Gallery: Over 700 murals transform the city into one of America's largest outdoor art exhibitions, with new works constantly appearing on buildings throughout downtown.
4
The Don CeSar - The Pink Palace of St. Pete Beach: This iconic 1928 resort, painted its distinctive Pepto-Bismol pink, has hosted everyone from F. Scott Fitzgerald to Franklin D. Roosevelt.
+1 Places visited
Activities
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St. Pete Beach Water Sports - Gulf Coast Adventures: The calm, warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico provide ideal conditions for paddleboarding, parasailing, and kayaking.
Next stop
Distance:
35 km
Travel time:
40min
14
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Tampa Bay - Where Theme Parks Meet Championship Sports: This Gulf Coast metropolis combines world-class attractions with a thriving food and drink scene that rivals any city in Florida.
2
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay - Theme Park Meets World-Class Zoo: This unique combination of African wildlife preserve and thrill ride destination features one of the country's best roller coaster collections alongside remarkable animal habitats.
3
Historic Ybor City - Tampa's Latin Quarter Since 1885: Once the cigar capital of the world, this National Historic Landmark District preserves Cuban, Spanish, and Italian heritage through architecture, restaurants, and the ongoing cigar-rolling tradition.
4
Tampa Riverwalk - 2.6 Miles of Waterfront Wonder: This continuous pedestrian path connects downtown museums, parks, restaurants, and attractions along the Hillsborough River and Tampa Bay.
Activities
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Tampa Craft Beer Trail - Florida's Brewing Capital: Pioneering breweries like Cigar City and Coppertail have established Tampa Bay as a craft beer destination, with dozens of taprooms offering local brews.
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Tampa Bay Sports - Championship Caliber: Home to the NFL's Buccaneers and NHL's Lightning-both recent champions-the region offers professional sports events year-round.
Next stop
Distance:
35 km
Travel time:
40min
15
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Sarasota - Where Beach Vibes Meet Big City Culture: This Gulf Coast gem combines laid-back coastal living with world-class cultural institutions, creating an unusually sophisticated beach destination.
2
The Ringling - A Compound of Museums Celebrating Art and Circus: John Ringling's legacy includes his massive art collection, the Museum of the Circus, and Ca' d'Zan-his lavish Venetian Gothic mansion overlooking Sarasota Bay.
3
Siesta Key - America's Best Beach Sand: The quartz crystal sand of Siesta Key Beach stays remarkably cool even in blazing heat, a unique quality that has earned it 'best beach' titles from numerous publications.
4
Lido Beach - Siesta's Quieter Neighbor: Less crowded but equally beautiful, Lido Key offers a more laid-back alternative with the same stunning Gulf water.
+1 Places visited
Activities
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Siesta Key Village - Beachside Bohemia: Browse surf shops, sample local brews at hole-in-the-wall bars, and soak up the relaxed atmosphere of this beloved beach community.
Next stop
Distance:
120 km
Travel time:
1h35
16
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Fort Myers and Sanibel Island - Gateway to Island Paradise: This Southwest Florida region combines historic Edison and Ford estates with some of the most beautiful barrier island beaches in the state.
2
Edison and Ford Winter Estates - Where Genius Took Vacations: Thomas Edison and Henry Ford were neighbors in Fort Myers, and their adjacent estates now form a 20-acre museum showcasing inventions, gardens, and the friendship between two of history's greatest innovators.
3
Sanibel Island - World-Famous Shelling Destination: The island's unique east-west orientation acts as a net for Gulf shells, creating what collectors call the 'Sanibel Stoop' as visitors bend to gather treasures along the shore.
4
J.N. 'Ding' Darling National Wildlife Refuge - 6,400 Acres of Protected Paradise: This wildlife sanctuary covers nearly half of Sanibel Island, protecting crucial habitat for roseate spoonbills, alligators, and hundreds of other species.
Activities
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Fort Myers Beach - Tiki Bars and Gulf Sunsets: This laid-back beach town offers classic Florida experiences with seafood shacks, tourist shops, and miles of sandy shoreline.
Next stop
Distance:
65 km
Travel time:
55min
17
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Naples - The Paradise Coast Lives Up to Its Name: Sugary white sand, glimmering blue-green water, and spectacular sunsets define this sophisticated Gulf Coast destination.
2
Naples Botanical Garden - 170 Acres of Global Flora: This world-class garden showcases plant communities from around the world, from Brazilian rainforest to Caribbean islands, across beautifully designed landscapes.
3
Historic Naples Pier - Sunset Central: This 1,000-foot fishing pier extending into the Gulf has anchored Naples since 1888, offering spectacular sunset views and excellent fishing.
4
Fifth Avenue South - Sophisticated Strolling: Naples' premier shopping and dining district features upscale boutiques, galleries, and restaurants along a beautifully landscaped promenade.
Activities
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Everglades City Access - Gateway to the Ten Thousand Islands: This nearby outpost provides boat access to the western Everglades, where a maze of mangrove islands shelters manatees, dolphins, and countless bird species.
Next stop
Distance:
130 km
Travel time:
1h40
18
Day
5 photos
Discover
1
South Beach - Where Art Deco Meets the Atlantic: The pastel-hued Art Deco Historic District along Ocean Drive preserves over 800 buildings from the 1920s-40s, creating the world's largest collection of Art Deco architecture steps from white sand beaches.
2
Downtown Miami - Big City Glamour on Biscayne Bay: Soaring towers, world-class museums, and sophisticated dining define Florida's largest urban center. The Pérez Art Museum, Frost Museum of Science, and Vizcaya Museum provide cultural anchors.
3
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens - An Italian Renaissance Villa in Florida: This 1916 estate built by industrialist James Deering features 34 decorated rooms filled with European antiques, surrounded by 10 acres of formal gardens overlooking Biscayne Bay.
4
Little Havana - The Heart of Cuban-American Culture: Calle Ocho (8th Street) pulses with domino games, cigar shops, Latin music, and authentic Cuban cuisine in the neighborhood formed by exiles in the 1950s.
+2 Places visited
Activities
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Miami's Cultural Mosaic - Every Neighborhood a Different World: From Haitian Little Haiti to Brazilian cafes in North Miami, the city's immigrant communities have created authentic global experiences throughout the metropolitan area.
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South Beach Nightlife - Dancing Until Dawn: World-renowned clubs and rooftop bars keep the party going until sunrise along Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue.
Next stop
Distance:
50 km
Travel time:
45min
19
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Fort Lauderdale - The Venice of America: Over 300 miles of navigable waterways have earned Fort Lauderdale its nickname, with yacht-lined canals and waterfront mansions creating a unique urban landscape.
2
Las Olas Boulevard - Fort Lauderdale's Downtown Heartbeat: This tree-lined thoroughfare extends from downtown to the beach, lined with boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and sidewalk cafes.
3
Fort Lauderdale Beach - Where Families Replaced Spring Breakers: The wide, clean beach along A1A has evolved from its wild spring break reputation into a family-friendly destination with excellent hotels and restaurants.
4
Biscayne National Park - 95% Water, 100% Wonder: Florida's second-largest national park protects pristine coral reefs, mangrove shorelines, and Elliott Key, the largest island in the park's 173,000 acres.
Activities
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Water Taxi - Cruise the Canals: Hop aboard water taxis that navigate Fort Lauderdale's intricate canal system, connecting waterfront restaurants, shops, and attractions throughout the city.
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Biscayne Snorkeling and Diving Tours - Explore Underwater Paradise: Boat tours depart daily from the Biscayne Institute for snorkeling adventures over coral reefs and dives to underwater wrecks.
Next stop
Distance:
65 km
Travel time:
1h
20
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
West Palm Beach - Florida's Emerging Cultural Capital: This rapidly developing city has cultivated world-class dining, entertainment venues, and high-end shopping while maintaining easy access to pristine Atlantic beaches.
2
Palm Beach - Billionaire's Row: Across the Intracoastal Waterway, Palm Beach proper showcases some of America's most valuable real estate, with beachfront mansions owned by the nation's wealthiest families.
3
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park - Preserved Paradise: This barrier island park protects one of the last remaining undeveloped stretches of the Palm Beach coast, with hiking trails, kayaking, and swimming on a pristine Atlantic beach.
4
Norton Museum of Art - World-Class Collection in the Tropics: This recently expanded museum houses significant European, American, and Chinese art collections in stunning galleries designed for natural light.
Activities
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Jupiter - Palm Beach's Best-Kept Secret: This small northern town offers outstanding beaches, historic lighthouse tours, and a laid-back atmosphere that contrasts with Palm Beach's formality.
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Delray Beach and Boca Raton - Atlantic Avenue Strolling: These neighboring beach communities offer vibrant downtown districts filled with restaurants, boutiques, and galleries steps from the ocean.
Next stop
Distance:
160 km
Travel time:
2h10
21
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Everglades National Park - The River of Grass: This UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve protects 1.5 million acres of subtropical wilderness, home to the endangered Florida panther and millions of alligators.
2
Shark Valley - Fourteen Miles into the Wild: Cycle or tram through sawgrass prairie to an observation tower offering 360-degree views across seemingly endless wetlands teeming with alligators and wading birds.
3
Anhinga Trail at Royal Palm - Guaranteed Wildlife Encounters: This half-mile boardwalk trail at Royal Palm provides some of the most reliable wildlife viewing in Florida, with alligators, anhingas, herons, and turtles visible year-round.
4
Flamingo Visitor Center - Where Fresh Water Meets Salt: This southern outpost provides access to Florida Bay's mangrove estuaries, with kayaking, camping, and dolphin-watching opportunities.
Activities
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Airboat Tours - Skimming the River of Grass: These flat-bottomed boats powered by aircraft propellers are the traditional way to explore the Everglades, accessing areas no other vessel can reach.
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Backcountry Camping - Sleep Among the Chickees: Platform campsites called 'chickees' allow overnight stays in the heart of the wetlands, an unforgettable wilderness experience.
Next stop
Distance:
80 km
Travel time:
1h10
22
Day
5 photos
Discover
1
Key Largo - The Diving Capital of the World: The first of the Florida Keys greets visitors with warm, clear water and pristine coral reefs that have made this the premier diving destination in North America.
2
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park - America's First Underwater Park: This 70-nautical-square-mile marine sanctuary protects the only living coral reef in the continental United States, with snorkeling and diving tours departing daily to technicolor underwater wonderlands.
3
Christ of the Abyss - An Underwater Shrine: This nine-foot bronze statue rests in 25 feet of water at Key Largo Dry Rocks, a beloved destination for snorkelers and divers seeking a unique spiritual experience.
Activities
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Snorkeling and Scuba Diving - Explore the Only Living Coral Reef in the Continental USA: Daily boat tours transport visitors to shallow reefs teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and kaleidoscopic coral formations.
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Glass-Bottom Boat Tours - Reef Views Without Getting Wet: For those who prefer to stay dry, glass-bottom vessels reveal the underwater world through clear viewing panels.
Next stop
Distance:
35 km
Travel time:
35min
23
Day
6 photos
Discover
1
Islamorada - The Sport Fishing Capital of the World: This stretch of islands has earned its title through legendary catches of sailfish, marlin, mahi-mahi, and tarpon that draw anglers from around the globe.
2
Robbie's Marina - Hand-Feed Giant Tarpon: This quirky marina has become famous for its resident tarpon, massive silver fish that leap from the water to snatch bait from visitors' hands.
3
Indian Key Historic State Park - A Ghost Town in the Gulf: This small island, accessible only by kayak or boat, preserves the ruins of a wrecking town destroyed by Seminoles in 1840.
Activities
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Deep Sea Fishing Charters - Battle the Big Ones: Charter boats depart daily for offshore adventures targeting the gamefish that made Islamorada famous.
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Kayaking to Indian Key - Paddle to History: Launch from Robbie's Marina for a short paddle to explore overgrown foundations and the stories of frontier Florida.
Next stop
Distance:
130 km
Travel time:
1h40
24
Day
9 photos
Discover
1
Key West - The Southernmost Point in the Continental USA: This legendary island 90 miles from Cuba has attracted pirates, wreckers, artists, and eccentrics for centuries, creating a culture unlike anywhere else in America.
2
Duval Street - More Than 40 Bars in One Mile: This legendary strip stretching from Gulf to Atlantic hosts Key West's famous nightlife, from Sloppy Joe's to the Green Parrot.
3
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum - Where the Master Wrote: Tour the Spanish Colonial house where Hemingway lived throughout the 1930s, penning classics while surrounded by his famous six-toed cats whose descendants still roam the property.
4
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park - Civil War History and Key West's Best Beach: This star-shaped fortress built between 1845 and 1866 sits atop the island's finest swimming beach, combining history with crystal-clear water.
+1 Places visited
Activities
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Mallory Square Sunset Celebration - A Nightly Festival: Street performers, artists, psychics, and food vendors gather each evening to celebrate Key West's legendary sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico.
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Key West Sunset Cruises - Watch Day Turn to Night from the Water: Sail catamarans, schooners, and party boats offer front-row seats to the sunset spectacle.
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Smathers Beach - Key West's Longest Stretch of Sand: This half-mile beach on the Atlantic side offers calm water, paddleboard rentals, and fewer crowds than downtown.
Next stop
Distance:
113 km
Travel time:
2h53
25
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Dry Tortugas National Park - America's Most Remote National Park: Located 70 miles west of Key West, this small chain of islands requires a ferry or seaplane to reach, rewarding visitors with pristine beaches, exceptional snorkeling, and a massive Civil War fortress.
2
Fort Jefferson - The Largest Masonry Structure in the Americas: This hexagonal fortress rises from Garden Key, its walls constructed from 16 million bricks yet never completed despite 30 years of construction. Its most famous prisoner was Dr. Samuel Mudd, convicted of conspiracy in Lincoln's assassination.
Activities
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Snorkeling the Pristine Reefs - Caribbean Waters in American Territory: The clear, protected waters surrounding the islands offer some of the best snorkeling in North America, with coral formations and tropical fish rivaling any Caribbean destination.
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Camping Under the Stars - Sleep in the Fortress Shadow: Limited primitive camping allows overnight visitors to experience the islands after day-trippers depart, with star-filled skies unspoiled by light pollution.
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❓ Frequently asked questions
What weather should you expect?
Spring (April-May): Perfect weather across most regions (15-25°C) with blooming landscapes, moderate crowds, and excellent conditions for national parks and cities. Ideal for diverse activities nationwide.
Autumn (September-October): Excellent temperatures with spectacular fall foliage, harvest festivals, and comfortable weather. Perfect for outdoor activities, cultural events, fewer crowds than summer.
Summer (June-August): Peak season with warmest weather but highest crowds and prices. Excellent for northern regions, challenging in southwestern deserts, perfect for beaches and national parks.
Winter (December-February): Variable conditions from tropical Florida to snowy Colorado. Perfect for skiing, southern destinations, indoor attractions, lowest prices outside holiday periods.
How many days should I plan?
We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 22 and 34 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.
What to discover in United States?
Continental diversity with iconic landmarks, cultural melting pot, and endless possibilities. Experience natural wonders, vibrant cities, and authentic American dreams from coast to coast. The country offers incredible diversity with modern amenities and cultural richness. United States provides life-changing experiences with natural beauty and cultural authenticity.