My 2-Week Florida Adventure: From Theme Parks to Tropical Shores

Why I Chose Florida

After months of juggling work and burnout, I finally gave myself the break I truly needed—a two-week escape to Florida, America’s sun-soaked playground. I’ve been to dozens of places, but nothing prepared me for the stunning variety Florida offers. From beach towns to theme parks, wildlife-rich wetlands to charming small cities—this trip turned into one of my most soul-refreshing experiences.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through my personal 14-day Florida travel itinerary, including where I went, what I loved, what I’d skip, and insider tips I wish I knew before I landed.

Days 1–2: Miami — Art Deco, Cuban Coffee & South Beach Vibes

Base: Miami Beach

I landed in Miami on a humid afternoon, and the heat hit me like a warm hug. My Airbnb was tucked away in South Beach, close enough to the action but just far enough to escape the noise.

What I Did:

• Walked through the Art Deco Historic District in the early morning—less crowded and the pastel-colored buildings looked magical in soft light.

• Sipped my first Cuban coffee at Versailles in Little Havana. It was tiny but packed a punch. I also grabbed empanadas and listened to locals playing dominoes at Domino Park.

• Spent a lazy afternoon on South Beach, people-watching and soaking up the Miami energy.

• Danced (awkwardly) at a salsa bar in Wynwood after admiring street art all evening.

Pro Tip:

Skip the overpriced beach restaurants and eat where the locals do in Little Havana or Calle Ocho.

 Day 3: Day Trip to the Everglades

You can’t visit South Florida without seeing the Everglades. I booked a half-day airboat tour, and while it was touristy, it was still thrilling to skim over the water while spotting gators, turtles, and exotic birds. Our guide was a local Miccosukee man who shared stories about growing up in the glades.

Highlight: Holding a baby alligator (ethically handled, no cruelty) and learning how climate change is impacting the ecosystem.

Days 4–5: The Florida Keys — Key Largo to Key West

Base: Key West

I rented a car and drove the Overseas Highway, one of the most scenic drives I’ve ever done. The turquoise water stretched endlessly on both sides.

Stops:

• Key Largo: Snorkeled in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park—I saw barracudas, angelfish, and even a reef shark!

• Islamorada: Had fresh seafood at Lazy Days Restaurant with a beach view.

• Key West: My favorite. I stayed at a cozy guesthouse, biked around town, and explored Duval Street, the Hemingway House, and watched sunset at Mallory Square with street performers and musicians.

Hidden Gem:

Higgs Beach is less crowded than Smathers and has free parking. The Butterfly & Nature Conservatory was surprisingly magical—like walking inside a fairytale garden.

Days 6–7: Orlando — Disney Magic and Nostalgia

Base: Lake Buena Vista

Orlando felt like a totally different universe. After days of beaches and reefs, I suddenly found myself surrounded by castles, fireworks, and crowds of Mickey-eared kids (and adults).

My Highlights:

• Spent a full day at Magic Kingdom, from rope drop to fireworks. I’m not even ashamed to say I teared up during the parade.

• Rode Space Mountain three times.

• The Dole Whip at Aloha Isle was heaven in a cup.

• Took a second day to explore Universal Studios, mainly for Harry Potter World. Butterbeer + the Hogwarts Express? Yes, please.

What I’d Do Differently:

I underestimated how exhausting the parks are—plan downtime or stay in a hotel with a pool to cool off between days.

Day 8: St. Augustine — America’s Oldest City

Base: St. Augustine Historic District

St. Augustine feels like stepping back in time. I loved wandering the cobblestone streets lined with old Spanish-style buildings.

Top Sites:

• Castillo de San Marcos: The oldest masonry fort in the US. Incredible views of the water and deep history.

• Flagler College: Stunning architecture and a great photography spot.

• Had dinner at The Floridian, a farm-to-table Southern eatery with fresh twists on classics like shrimp & grits.

Favorite Moment:

Watching the sun set over the Matanzas River from the fort walls. Quiet. Peaceful. Reflective.

Days 9–10: Sarasota & Sanibel Island — Art and Nature

Base: Sanibel Island

I stopped in Sarasota to visit The Ringling Museum—don’t skip this! The circus exhibits, the gardens, and especially the Ca’ d’Zan mansion made it one of my favorite museum experiences in the U.S.

Then, it was off to Sanibel, a quiet, nature-rich island perfect for recharging.

What I Did:

• Shell hunting at low tide (Sanibel is famous for it!)

• Biked the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge

• Relaxed in a hammock outside my beachfront inn, reading and watching seabirds swoop through the golden sky

Days 11–12: Siesta Key & Clearwater Beach — Classic Florida Sunshine

Base: Siesta Key

Siesta Beach lives up to the hype—the sand feels like cool powdered sugar. I stayed in a beach bungalow just minutes from the shore and spent my time doing, well… not much. Just how I like it.

Then I drove to Clearwater Beach to experience the gulf coast’s famous sunsets.

What I Loved:

• Sunset drum circle on Siesta Beach

• Jet skiing in Clearwater

• Strolling the Clearwater Beach Walk, eating fresh grouper sandwiches from a beach shack

 Day 13: Grayton Beach State Park — A Quiet Retreat in the Panhandle

Base: Grayton Beach

This was a surprise addition to my itinerary. Grayton Beach is lesser-known but absolutely breathtaking. I hiked along pine-dotted dunes, kayaked through Western Lake, and barely saw another soul.

It reminded me how vast and wild Florida still is beyond the glitz and theme parks.

Day 14: Ichetucknee Springs — Tubing the Crystal River

For my final day, I drove inland to Ichetucknee Springs, where I floated down a clear, cold spring-fed river with nothing but a tube, the sound of cicadas, and overhanging cypress trees. After days of sun and salt, it was the most refreshing way to end the trip.

My Florida Travel Itinerary Summary

Final Travel Tips for Exploring Florida

• Budget Wisely: Florida can be affordable if you skip luxury resorts. Stay in guesthouses, travel in the shoulder season (April–May or Sept–Oct), and eat local.

• Rent a Car: It’s the best way to explore the real Florida—especially islands, small towns, and state parks.

• Protect Nature: Use reef-safe sunscreen, don’t touch wildlife, and leave no trash.

• Mix Your Trip: Balance beach days with cultural spots and a bit of nature or you’ll burn out from either extreme.

 What This Trip Meant to Me

Florida surprised me. I expected beaches and Mickey Mouse, and sure—I got those. But I also found stillness in the Everglades, magic in Key West, art in Sarasota, and childhood joy in Magic Kingdom.

This wasn’t just a vacation—it was a reconnection. With myself, with nature, and with a version of travel that made me slow down, savor, and smile more.

If you’re considering Florida—don’t just stop at Disney. Go deeper. Go wider. Let the state show you its heart.

Pin This Florida Travel Itinerary & Let Sunshine Lead the Way