Begin at the Freedom Tower, a symbol of Miami's immigrant history and one of the city's most important landmarks. Its Mediterranean-inspired design stands prominently among modern skyscrapers and offers insight into Miami's role as a gateway between the United States and Latin America.
South Florida Grand Adventure: Miami, Biscayne Bay, the Everglades, the Florida Keys & Key West
6 Days + Optional Day 7
Few road trips in America offer the diversity found in South Florida. In a single week, you can wander through vibrant Cuban neighborhoods, stand among the largest subtropical wilderness in North America, kayak over coral reefs in a national park accessible only by water, and follow an island chain stretching into the Caribbean-like waters of the Florida Keys. Along the way, you'll encounter Art Deco architecture, tropical botanical gardens, historic estates, wildlife-filled wetlands, iconic bridges, literary landmarks, and legendary sunsets.
This 6-day itinerary is designed to minimize backtracking while maximizing experiences, grouping attractions by geography as you travel from Miami to Biscayne National Park, through Everglades National Park, down the Florida Keys, and ultimately to Key West. An optional seventh day adds one of America's most remote and spectacular national parks: Dry Tortugas.
Day 1 - Downtown Miami, Wynwood & Little Havana
Your South Florida adventure begins in the cultural heart of Miami. Today introduces the city's fascinating story through historic landmarks, waterfront districts, world-class street art, and the vibrant Cuban traditions that have helped shape Miami into one of America's most distinctive cities.
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Continue along Biscayne Bay to the Torch of Friendship and Bayside Marketplace. Palm-lined waterfront promenades, marinas, and views across the bay create a perfect introduction to Miami's tropical atmosphere.
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Explore Wynwood, where entire city blocks have become open-air canvases for some of the world's most recognized mural artists. The neighborhood blends creativity, culture, and urban reinvention unlike anywhere else in Florida.
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End the evening in Little Havana. Walk Calle Ocho, enjoy live music and Cuban coffee, then dine at the legendary Versailles Restaurant, considered by many the cultural heart of Miami's Cuban community.
Day 2 - South Miami, Coral Gables & Biscayne National Park
Today transitions from urban Miami into South Florida's tropical landscapes. Elegant estates, botanical gardens, and Biscayne National Park reveal a side of the region many visitors never experience.
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This magnificent waterfront estate combines European elegance with tropical surroundings. Formal gardens, sculptures, fountains, and bayfront views make Vizcaya one of South Florida's architectural treasures.
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Stop at Coral Gables' famous Venetian Pool, carved from a former coral rock quarry and surrounded by Mediterranean-inspired architecture.
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Wander through world-renowned collections of tropical plants, palms, orchids, and flowering gardens that showcase the incredible biodiversity of South Florida.
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Historic buildings, mangrove forests, and scenic views across Biscayne Bay combine history and nature in one of Miami's most beautiful preserved estates.
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End the day at Biscayne National Park, where 95% of the park lies underwater. Boat tours reveal mangrove shorelines, coral reefs, tropical fish, seagrass beds, and small islands scattered across turquoise waters. It is one of America's least-visited yet most beautiful national parks.
Day 3 - Everglades National Park & Coral Castle
Today explores one of the world's most unique ecosystems. Vast wetlands, sawgrass prairies, mangrove forests, and abundant wildlife create a landscape unlike anywhere else in North America.
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Spend most of the day exploring Everglades National Park. Boardwalks and scenic drives lead through cypress domes, wetlands, and mangrove ecosystems home to alligators, wading birds, turtles, and countless other species. This immense subtropical wilderness protects one of the most important ecosystems in the world.
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On your return toward Homestead, visit Coral Castle. Built from massive limestone blocks by a single individual, this mysterious attraction remains one of Florida's most unusual engineering achievements.
Day 4 - Upper and Middle Florida Keys
Leave mainland Florida behind as you begin one of America's greatest road trips. Today introduces the coral reefs, turquoise waters, and island landscapes that make the Keys famous.
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Begin in Key Largo at the nation's first underwater state park. Snorkeling, kayaking, glass-bottom boat excursions, and coral reef viewing make this one of the premier natural attractions in Florida.
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Continue south through Islamorada and Marathon while enjoying one of the world's most scenic coastal drives. Ocean views accompany you for much of the journey as the Overseas Highway hops from island to island.
Day 5 - Lower Keys & Arrival in Key West
Today features some of the most iconic scenery in the entire island chain before arriving in colorful and historic Key West.
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Often ranked among Florida's finest beaches, Bahia Honda offers white sand, clear water, and outstanding views of the old railroad bridge stretching toward the horizon.
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Cross the legendary Seven Mile Bridge, one of the most spectacular engineering landmarks in Florida and one of the defining experiences of the Overseas Highway.
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Arrive in Key West and spend the evening exploring the historic district, colorful conch houses, waterfront streets, and island atmosphere that have made this destination legendary among travelers.
Day 6 - Historic Key West
Your final full day explores Key West's remarkable blend of history, literature, architecture, beaches, and sunset traditions.
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Conclude the journey at Mallory Square, where performers, artists, musicians, and visitors gather nightly to celebrate one of the most famous sunsets in America.
Optional Day 7 - Dry Tortugas National Park
For travelers with an extra day, Dry Tortugas National Park provides one of the most extraordinary experiences in the United States. Located roughly 70 miles west of Key West and accessible primarily by ferry or seaplane, this remote marine park feels more Caribbean than American.
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Explore Fort Jefferson, one of the largest masonry forts ever constructed in North America. Surrounded by turquoise water, the massive coastal fortress reflects a fascinating chapter of American military history.
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Clear water, coral formations, tropical fish, sea turtles, and pristine beaches make Dry Tortugas one of the country's premier snorkeling destinations.
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Surrounded by open ocean and far removed from modern development, Dry Tortugas delivers one of the most remote and unforgettable national park experiences in America, providing a spectacular finale to a South Florida adventure.