Florida is the perfect state for a road trip. There is so much to do with pristine beaches, crystal clear springs, metropolitan cities, amusement parks, Everglades National Park, and so much more! Keep reading to discover the perfect one-week Florida road trip itinerary.
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One Week Florida Road Trip Itinerary
Table of Contents
- Day 1: Miami
- Day 2: Key Biscayne and Drive to Orlando
- Day 3: Disney World’s Magic Kingdom
- Day 4: Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal
- Day 5: King’s Landing and Drive to Gulf Coast
- Day 6: Clearwater, Honeymoon Island, and Tarpon Springs
- Day 7: Fort De Soto, Dolphin Tour, Siesta Key
Day 1: Miami
- Check into hotel
- Lunch at Havana 1957
- Afternoon airboat tour
- Relax at South Beach
- Dinner in Little Havana
Check Into Your Hotel
Depending on when your flight lands and when check-in is available, you’ll want to get settled into your hotel.
The Goodtime Hotel is a trendy boutique hotel in Miami Beach that is close to restaurants, shops, and the beach.
The hotel features a pool and the Instagram-worthy Strawberry Moon cafe. Guests will also have access to free bikes and beach chairs.
Lunch at Havana 1957
For a taste of Cuba, head to Havana 1957 on Espanola Way.
Enjoy Cuban sandwiches and fried sweet plantains in a tastefully decorated space that is reminiscent of 1950s Cuba.
Afternoon Airboat Tour
The eastern edge of Everglades National Park is only about a 25-minute drive from downtown Miami.
Here you will find Coopertown Airboats, the first tour operator to take guests on guided airboat tours through the Everglades.
Tours last about 45 minutes as you glide along the “river of grass”.
The tour guides know where the gators like to hang out so your chances of seeing alligators are very high.
You’ll also learn some interesting facts about the Everglades and see other wildlife and plants that are unique to the area.
Relax at South Beach
South Beach is the most iconic beach in Miami and is located only a short distance from the Goodtime Hotel.
After your airboat tour, take some time to relax on the sandy shore, pose for photos with the brightly colored lifeguard stands, and visit the shops at the nearby Espanola Way.
Dinner in Little Havana
Little Havana is a colorful Cuban neighborhood that boasts a vibrant nightlife.
Check out the shops and stands lining Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street) in the heart of Little Havana, and then stop in at the Versailles restaurant for some traditional homemade Latin dishes.
Their signature dish is the Cuban sandwich with yellow rice, beans, and plantains on the side. A few other popular items include empanadas, croquettes, and caramel flan.
For more things to do in Miami, check out our guide How to Spend 48 Hours in Miami.
Day 2: Key Biscayne and Drive to Orlando
- Breakfast at Donut Gallery Diner
- Boating at Biscayne Bay
- Lunch at Rusty Pelican
- Afternoon at Key Biscayne
- Dinner at Delray Beach
- Drive to Orlando and check into your hotel
Breakfast at Donut Gallery Diner
Start your day off in the quiet residential community of Key Biscayne. Key Biscayne is one of Miami’s barrier islands that can be reached by crossing the Rickenbacker Bridge.
Stop in at the Donut Gallery Diner for their famous “Ted Special” that made Thrillist’s list of the ’50 Things You Need to Eat in Miami Before You Die’.
This small family-owned diner has been a neighborhood favorite for the past 50 years.
Explore Biscayne Bay
After breakfast, rent a boat or take a boat tour to explore Biscayne Bay.
If you’re interested in renting a boat, Boatsetter is like the Airbnb of boat rentals and has a variety of boats available to rent.
If you prefer a guided boat tour of the bay, try reserving a spot on a vintage yacht, or take a millionaire home tour for only $30!
You can also take a relaxing sightseeing boat tour or a thrilling speed boat sightseeing tour.
Whether you are renting a boat or taking a tour, you’ll want to check out Star Island. This man-made island is home to celebrities and some of Miami’s wealthiest residents.
Be sure to take a cruise up the Miami River that cuts right through downtown.
Stiltsville is also an interesting place to visit.
It is located at the southern end of the bay where you’ll find a collection of derelict buildings that once housed some of Miami’s hottest social clubs back in the 1930s.
There are also several sandbars in Biscayne Bay that attract throngs of people on the weekends.
Lunch at the Rusty Pelican
The Rusty Pelican is a popular waterfront restaurant. It is conveniently located at the Rickenbacker Marina so you can pop over for lunch after your boat tour.
They serve fresh seafood, including tasty crab cakes, calamari, and fried snapper.
The Rusty Pelican Board is also a great option to sample different foods.
Afternoon at Key Biscayne
After lunch, spend some time exploring Key Biscayne.
Relax on the white sand beaches at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and take a tour of the Cape Florida Lighthouse.
You can also visit the abandoned ruins of the Crandon Park Zoo, buy local produce and gifts at the farmers market, rent bikes and explore the Bear Cut Preserve, or take a snorkel tour to see a sunken ship at the Half Moon Archaeological Site.
For more information and recommendations, see our guide 4 Fun Things to Do in Key Biscayne.
Dinner at Delray Beach
Later in the afternoon, hit the road for the 3 1/2 hour drive to Orlando. On your way, stop in Delray Beach and grab a bite to eat at Lulu’s Cafe & Cocktails.
This trendy neighborhood cafe is located in the design district of Pineapple Grove.
Try the Steak Sandwich or Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with a fresh salad or bowl.
Delray Beach is a charming beach town that was voted Most Fun Small Town by USA Today in 2012.
If you have more time to spend in the area, check out the shops on Atlantic Avenue or walk along the elevated boardwalk at Wakodahatchee Wetlands and look for alligators.
You can also snorkel through a sunken steamship at Delray Wreck, or play unlimited retro pinball games at the Silverbell Museum.
Drive to Orlando and Check Into Your Hotel
Drive to Orlando and check into your hotel. If you want to stay by Disney’s Magic Kingdom, I would recommend staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
If you want to stay by Universal, consider Universal’s Aventura Hotel.
Both hotels include perks to the parks like early access an hour before the parks open. Universal hotel guests even get complimentary Express Passes.
Day 3: Disney World’s Magic Kingdom
You can’t come to Orlando and NOT visit Disney World! You’ll definitely want to set aside a day to spend at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
You could easily spend an entire week at Disney World, but there’s so much more to see on a seven day Florida road trip so we just planned for one day.
Plan to arrive early for rope drop, and be sure to purchase the Genie + Lightning Lane Passes in order to make the most of your day.
For more help planning your time at Disney, see our guide Magic Kingdom Tips & Tricks.
And if you’re looking for food recommendations in the park, see our guide for the Best Snacks at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
Day 4: Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando is much bigger and better than the one in Hollywood, so you’ll definitely want to spend at least one day here!
If you want to get the full Harry Potter World experience, you’ll need to purchase a two-park pass to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
Islands of Adventure is home to Hogsmeade while Universal Studios is home to Diagon Alley. Guests with a two-park pass can hop aboard the Hogwarts Express to visit both lands.
If you only have one week on your Florida road trip, then it’s possible to do both parks in one day.
However, if you have extra time then it would be ideal to spend two days at Universal so that you’re not rushed.
For more help planning your day, check out our guide Wizarding World of Harry Potter Tips & Tricks.
Day 5: King’s Landing and Drive to Gulf Coast
- Grab a bite to eat at the World’s Largest McDonald’s
- Afternoon kayaking at King’s Landing
- Drive to the Gulf Coast and check into your hotel
Grab a Bite to Eat at the World’s Largest McDonald’s
After going hard at amusement parks for two days, you’ll want to sleep in and have a slow morning.
Before heading out of Orlando, stop at Epic McD located at 6875 Sand Lake Rd. Orlando, FL 32819 and grab a bite to eat.
This two-story 19,000 square foot McDonald’s is the largest McDonald’s in the world. It also features a menu different from any other McDonald’s you’ve ever been to.
In addition to the standard burgers and fries, you can also order wood-fired pizza, customized pasta dishes, and even a slice of three-layer chocolate cake!
The Play Place is also bigger and better than your typical McDonald’s. It even includes an extensive arcade area with over 100 games!
If you have more time to spend in Orlando, see our guide 7 Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks for more recommendations.
Afternoon Kayaking at King’s Landing
After you eat, drive about 25 miles northwest of Orlando to Apopka.
Here you’ll find Rock Springs, one of the most beautiful natural springs in the state.
Rock Springs Run is often rated as the top paddle run in Central Florida and it has even been designated as a National Wild and Scenic River.
King’s Landing is the launch site that gives access to the Rock Springs River. You can either take a guided tour, rent a kayak, or launch your own kayak.
The kayak trip is absolutely beautiful as you follow along the crystalline waters, paddle under tunnels of trees, and stop at the stunning Emerald Cut.
For more details and information see our guide Tips for Kayaking at King’s Landing Florida.
Drive to the Gulf Coast and Check into Your Hotel
After you finish your kayak trip, hop in the car and head to the Gulf Coast.
The drive across Central Florida to the Gulf Coast takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes, so you’ll want to stop and grab a bite to eat along the way before checking into your hotel.
We chose to stay at the Marriott Residence Inn at Treasure Island and I would highly recommend it!
It sits right on the beach and is centrally located to various Gulf Coast destinations.
The beach in front of the hotel is a popular nesting ground for sea turtles. If you’re lucky you may catch the hatchlings emerging from their shells and making their way to the ocean at night.
Just be sure to always keep your distance and never disturb their nests.
Day 6: Clearwater, Honeymoon Island, and Tarpon Springs
Spend the Morning at Clearwater Beach
Head to Clearwater Beach and start your morning with a Cinnamon Bun French Toast from Clear Sky Cafe.
Spend some time playing in the waves or sunbathing at this pristine beach.
Walk along Pier 60 to spot dolphins, stop in at Hulk Hogan’s Beach Shop, or visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium which was once home to Winter from Dolphin Tale.
Many tour operators are also located at the Clear Water Beach Harbor.
Consider taking a dolphin tour on Little Toot, board a Pirate Ship for some swashbuckling fun at sea, or take a leisurely cruise on a catamaran.
For more details and recommendations, see our guide 7 Things to do in Clearwater.
Make a Stop at Honeymoon Island
As you head further north, make a stop at Honeymoon Island.
Honeymoon Island State Park is located on a barrier island about 20 minutes north of Clearwater and is considered one of the best state parks in Florida.
The name comes from a businessman that purchased the island in the late 1930s and constructed 50 honeymoon cottages as a destination for newlyweds.
While on the island, be sure to stop by the Rotary Club Centennial Nature Center to see photos of the cottages.
Bike rentals are also available at the Nature Center where visitors can bike along the Osprey Trail. The trail leads through one of the last remaining virgin slash pine forests in Florida.
You can also take a 20-minute ferry ride from Honeymoon Island to the remote Caladesi Island.
The island can only be reached by water and boasts 3.5 miles of white sand beaches and mangroves.
Lunch at Tarpon Springs
The last destination of the day is Tarpon Springs.
Tarpon Springs dates back to the early 1900s when it first became known for its thriving sea sponge industry.
Tarpon Springs also has a strong Greek influence. Sponge divers from Dodecanese Island had experience diving for sponges in the Aegean Sea and migrated to Tarpon Springs looking for more work.
They settled here over a century ago, but you can still find a strong Greek influence in Tarpon Springs today. The cobblestone streets and Greek shops in the historic district are an echo of the past.
Be sure to stop for lunch at Hellas Restaurant and order a gyro for lunch, then pick up a slice of baklava cheesecake from the restaurant bakery.
The sea sponge industry is still thriving in Tarpon Springs as well.
Walk along the sponge docks to see the boats, and pick up some unique souvenirs made of sea sponges. You can also take a boat tour to watch a sea sponge diver in action.
Sunset at the Beach
Head back to your hotel at Treasure Island and pick up some pizza at the nearby Britt’s Coal Fire Pizza for dinner.
After dinner, grab some gourmet milkshakes from Shake Shop that is also located just in front of the Marriott Treasure Island hotel.
Spend the evening relaxing on the beach at Treasure Island and enjoying a glorious sunset as the sun sinks into the Gulf.
Day 7: Fort De Soto, Dolphin Tour, Siesta Key
Visit Fort De Soto Park
In the morning, head out to Fort De Soto Park. This county park is made up of five keys connected by bridges and causeways.
Here you can find the remains of an old Spanish-America War era military bunker located on Mullet Key.
You can even see the remains of Battery Bigelow that collapsed into the gulf during a hurricane in the 1920s
A few other popular attractions at Fort De Soto include visiting the Quartermaster Museum, renting bikes and riding along the 7-mile paved bike path, renting kayaks and exploring the mangroves, fishing from the pier, taking a ferry to Egmont Key, or going tide pooling at North Beach
Go on a Dolphin Tour
Book an afternoon tour with Dolphin Racer at St. Pete’s Beach, it’s affordable and so fun for the whole family!
For the tour, you’ll hop aboard one of the largest speedboats in the US and enjoy a thrilling ride while the dolphins jump and play in the large wake.
The boat cruises around the bay before heading out into the Gulf and then making its way back to the harbor.
While in the bay, you’ll even get an up-close look at some of the largest oceanfront mansions in Tampa Bay.
We saw so many dolphins while on the tour, and you are guaranteed to see at least one dophin or your next tour is free.
Sunset at Siesta Key Beach
As you make your way back to Miami, stop at Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota to enjoy the sunset.
In 2015, Siesta Key Beach was voted #1 overall on Trip Advisor’s USA Traveler’s Choice for Best Beach.
In 2011 it was also voted Best Beach in America by Dr. Beach.
The long stretch of powdery white sand, warm turquoise water, colorful lifeguard stands, central location, dreamy sunsets, and modern amenities helped this beach to secure the top spot.
The beach is a tourist magnet, but the ample parking and wide sandy beach help accommodate the large crowds.
It’s the perfect spot to enjoy your last sunset in Florida before heading back to Miami.
After the beach, continue on to Miami and snag a hotel close to the airport so you can get a good night’s sleep before your flight home the next day.
And that wraps up our one-week Florida road trip itinerary. I hope this helps you plan your perfect Florida vacation!
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