Planning a trip to Florida and wondering how to make the most of just 5 days? Florida offers an incredible variety of attractions, from beautiful beaches and vibrant cities to thrilling theme parks and natural wonders. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both, you can create an unforgettable Florida vacation itinerary even in a short amount of time.
Here’s a 5-day itinerary that highlights the best Florida has to offer, covering some of the top destinations including Miami, the Everglades, Key West, and Orlando. This plan offers a mix of beach relaxation, cultural exploration, natural beauty, and amusement park excitement.
Day 1: Miami – Art, Culture, and Beaches
Morning: Explore Miami’s Art and Culture
- Start your Florida adventure in Miami. Miami is famous for its vibrant art scene, so head to the Wynwood Walls to see colorful street art and murals by some of the world’s best graffiti artists.
- If you’re an art lover, you might also want to check out the Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), which features contemporary art and offers beautiful views of Biscayne Bay.
Afternoon: South Beach and Ocean Drive
- No trip to Miami is complete without a visit to South Beach. Stroll along Ocean Drive, where you can see the iconic pastel-colored Art Deco buildings and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
- Relax on the beach, take a dip in the ocean, and soak up the sun.
Evening: Little Havana for Dinner and Live Music
- Head to Little Havana to experience Miami’s Cuban culture. Walk along Calle Ocho, taste Cuban food (try a Cuban sandwich or ropa vieja), and enjoy some live Latin music.
- Stop by Ball & Chain, a historic jazz club with live salsa music, to get a true taste of the local culture.
Alternative Activity: If you’re interested in marine life, consider visiting the Miami Seaquarium, where you can see dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees up close.
Day 2: The Florida Keys – Key Largo and Key West
Morning: Scenic Drive Along the Overseas Highway
- Start early and take the Overseas Highway (US Route 1) from Miami to Key West. The drive is stunning, with 42 bridges and endless ocean views on both sides. Plan to stop along the way to take photos and enjoy the scenery.
- On the way, stop in Key Largo to visit John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater park in the U.S., where you can snorkel, dive, or take a glass-bottom boat tour.
Afternoon: Key West Sights
- Arrive in Key West and explore its charming Old Town, filled with colorful conch-style houses and tropical plants.
- Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, where the famous author lived and wrote. You might even spot one of the six-toed cats that roam the property.
- Stop by the Southernmost Point buoy for a quick photo at one of the most famous landmarks in Key West.
Evening: Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square
- Key West is famous for its breathtaking sunsets, so head to Mallory Square to join the Sunset Celebration. Enjoy live music, street performers, and local vendors as the sun sets over the Gulf of Mexico.
- Afterward, enjoy a seafood dinner at one of Key West’s many excellent restaurants. Try Blue Heaven or Hogfish Bar & Grill for a true taste of the Keys.
Travel Tip: If you’re not renting a car, consider taking a shuttle or joining a guided tour that covers transportation to and from Key West.
Day 3: Everglades National Park – Nature and Adventure
Morning: Everglades Airboat Tour
- Start the day with a trip to Everglades National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the largest subtropical wildernesses in the U.S. and is famous for its diverse wildlife.
- Book an airboat tour to explore the unique wetlands. Airboats are a thrilling way to see the Everglades, and you’ll likely spot alligators, turtles, and a variety of birds. There are several airboat companies near Miami and in Everglades City.
Afternoon: Hiking and Wildlife Watching
- After the airboat tour, spend some time exploring the park on foot. Popular hiking spots include the Anhinga Trail and Gumbo Limbo Trail, where you can see the Everglades up close.
- Visit the Shark Valley area for a tram tour or bike ride along a 15-mile loop, where you can see alligators lounging along the trail.
Evening: Return to Miami or Drive to Naples
- Head back to Miami to spend the night or, if you’re up for a change of scenery, drive west to Naples, a beautiful coastal city on the Gulf side of Florida. Naples offers lovely beaches and a quieter vibe compared to Miami.
Alternative Activity: If you’re not interested in the Everglades, consider spending the day in the nearby Florida Keys for more beach time or exploring the natural beauty of the Biscayne National Park.
Day 4: Orlando – Theme Parks and Attractions
Morning: Choose Your Theme Park Adventure
- Head to Orlando early in the morning for a full day of theme park fun. Orlando is known for its incredible parks, so pick one that interests you the most:
- Walt Disney World: The world-famous resort has four theme parks – Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Magic Kingdom is ideal for families, while EPCOT is a great choice for adults interested in culture and food.
- Universal Studios Florida: Perfect for movie buffs and thrill-seekers, Universal has attractions based on popular movies and TV shows. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, don’t miss The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
- SeaWorld Orlando: Known for its marine life shows and attractions, SeaWorld is a good option if you want to see animals and enjoy thrilling rides.
Afternoon and Evening: Explore the Park
- Spend the whole day enjoying rides, shows, and attractions. Most of these parks have extensive dining options, so grab lunch and dinner on-site to make the most of your time.
- For dinner, check out the international cuisine options at EPCOT’s World Showcase (if you’re at Disney) or grab a meal at CityWalk if you’re at Universal.
Travel Tip: Purchase your tickets in advance to save time and consider getting express passes if you want to skip the lines, especially during peak seasons.
Day 5: Relax and Unwind on the Gulf Coast Beaches
Morning: Clearwater Beach or St. Pete Beach
- After a busy day at the theme parks, head to the beautiful beaches on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach are popular choices known for their soft white sand and calm waters.
- Spend the morning relaxing on the beach, swimming, or trying some water sports like paddleboarding or jet skiing.
Afternoon: Explore St. Petersburg
- Head to St. Petersburg for a bit of culture and art. Visit the Dali Museum, which houses the largest collection of Salvador Dalí’s works outside of Europe.
- Wander around the St. Pete Pier and explore the downtown area, which is full of cafes, shops, and street art.
Evening: Sunset and Dinner
- End your Florida adventure with a stunning Gulf Coast sunset. Clearwater Beach has a nightly Sunsets at Pier 60 celebration with street performers, live music, and local vendors.
- Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the beachside restaurants, like Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill in Clearwater Beach or The Hurricane in St. Pete Beach.
Alternative Option: If you’d like to stay closer to Orlando, consider spending the day at Cocoa Beach on Florida’s Atlantic Coast instead. Cocoa Beach is about an hour from Orlando and offers a lively beach atmosphere and the famous Ron Jon Surf Shop.
Final Tips for a Perfect 5-Day Florida Vacation
- Book in Advance: Florida’s attractions can get crowded, so make sure to book accommodations, theme park tickets, and tours (like the airboat ride) in advance.
- Prepare for the Weather: Florida can be hot and humid, so pack sunscreen, hats, and light clothing. Afternoon showers are common, especially in summer, so bring a rain jacket or umbrella.
- Travel by Car: Renting a car is recommended to make the most of your time and to explore different regions at your own pace.
- Keep It Flexible: Florida has so much to offer, so don’t be afraid to adjust your plans based on your interests and energy levels.
With this 5-day itinerary, you’ll get a taste of Florida’s highlights, from vibrant cities and beautiful beaches to thrilling theme parks and natural wonders. Safe travels, and enjoy your Florida adventure!
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