With its sun-soaked beaches, wild swamps, vibrant cities, and laid-back island vibes, Florida offers a slice of paradise for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re chasing theme park thrills in Orlando, art-deco glamour in Miami, or a slow-paced sunset in the Keys, the Sunshine State delivers with color and charm.
This two-day Florida itinerary offers a diverse taste of what makes this state one of the most visited—and beloved—destinations in the U.S.
Day 1: Coastal Culture and Ocean Breezes – Miami to the Keys
Morning: Art Deco and Ocean Drive in Miami Beach
Start your Florida adventure in Miami Beach, where pastel buildings and swaying palms line the famous Ocean Drive. Grab a fresh juice or café con leche from The Front Porch Café and stroll past the vibrant Art Deco Historic District. These 1930s and ‘40s buildings are a photographer’s dream, especially when bathed in the morning light.
If you’re up for it, rent a bike or rollerblades and cruise the Miami Beach Boardwalk, soaking in the salty breeze and tropical atmosphere.
Mid-Morning: Wynwood Walls and Cuban Coffee
Head inland to Wynwood, Miami’s artistic soul. Wander through Wynwood Walls, an open-air street art museum covered in large-scale murals from global artists. The neighborhood is also full of indie boutiques, cafés, and galleries.
Before leaving the city, make a quick stop in Little Havana. Sip a strong cafecito, try a Cuban pastelito, and visit Domino Park, where locals gather for lively games and conversation in Spanish.
Lunch: Seafood on the Road to the Keys
Start driving south on the scenic Overseas Highway (US-1), a 113-mile ribbon of road that hops across islands and bridges all the way to Key West.
Stop in Key Largo or Islamorada for a seafood lunch at Lazy Days Restaurant, where fresh mahi-mahi, conch fritters, and key lime pie await you right on the water.
Afternoon: Snorkeling in the Keys
Once in Islamorada or Marathon, consider booking a snorkeling tour to explore the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The coral reefs here are the only barrier reefs in the continental U.S. and offer a dazzling array of marine life—parrotfish, rays, and maybe even a sea turtle.
Prefer to stay dry? Visit the Theater of the Sea for marine animal shows and up-close encounters with dolphins and sea lions.
Evening: Key West Sunset and Duval Street
By sunset, arrive in Key West, the southernmost point of the continental U.S. Head to Mallory Square, where every evening locals and visitors gather for the Sunset Celebration. Street performers, live music, and stunning ocean views set the stage for a magical golden hour.
For dinner, try Blue Heaven—a colorful, laid-back eatery famous for its Caribbean flavors, live music, and free-roaming chickens. Afterward, take a walk down lively Duval Street, packed with bars, galleries, and quirky shops.
Day 2: Wild Nature and Orlando Magic
Early Morning: Sunrise Drive and the Everglades
Get an early start and head back north toward mainland Florida, detouring into Everglades National Park, one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. Take an airboat tour to skim across the “River of Grass” and spot alligators, herons, and the elusive Florida panther if you’re lucky.
Alternatively, paddle a kayak through mangrove tunnels and freshwater marshes—peaceful, immersive, and deeply Floridian.
Lunch: Roadside Classic or Naples Charm
Stop in Everglades City for a traditional lunch of gator bites and stone crab claws (seasonal) at Triad Seafood Market & Café, a humble but beloved local spot on the water.
If you prefer a more upscale bite, head to Naples, a sophisticated Gulf Coast city with white-sand beaches, elegant shops, and a thriving food scene. Enjoy a coastal Italian lunch at Campiello on Third Street South.
Afternoon: Drive to Orlando – Theme Park Capital
After lunch, make your way northeast to Orlando, the theme park capital of the world. The drive from the Gulf Coast takes about 3.5 hours, but you’ll roll into a city brimming with energy and imagination.
If you’re arriving early enough, choose your theme park:
- Walt Disney World for magic and nostalgia
- Universal Studios Florida for thrilling rides and Harry Potter World
- EPCOT for futuristic fun and global flavors
Even if you don’t enter a park, Disney Springs and CityWalk offer shopping, dining, and entertainment without an admission fee.
Evening: Icon Park and Dinner with a View
Spend your final Florida evening at ICON Park, a lively district with restaurants, music, and the Orlando Eye, a 400-foot observation wheel offering panoramic views of the city.
Dine at The Hampton Social for beachy-chic vibes and coastal dishes or Tapa Toro for lively Spanish tapas near the wheel.
Cap off your night with a cocktail under the stars, or return to your hotel for a restful evening after a whirlwind tour of Florida’s best.
Where to Stay in Florida
- Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne (Miami) / Four Seasons Orlando
- Mid-range: Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort (Marathon) / Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando
- Budget: Blue Marlin Motel (Key West) / Avanti Palms Resort Orlando
Tips for Visiting Florida
- Best Time to Visit: November to April (dry season and cooler temperatures)
- Getting Around: A car is essential for exploring multiple areas
- Weather: Hot and humid in summer, hurricane season from June to November
- Wildlife Caution: Never feed wild animals (especially gators) and keep a safe distance
- Packing Essentials: Sunscreen, mosquito repellent, comfortable shoes, swimsuit, reusable water bottle
Florida: A World Within a State
Few places offer the kind of variety Florida does. One day, you’re snorkeling over coral reefs; the next, you’re gliding past alligators or wandering through a wizarding world. With its eclectic mix of tropical landscapes, urban energy, and Southern soul, Florida is more than just beaches and theme parks—it’s an entire world waiting to be discovered.
