A Week in Florida Itinerary - 5 to 7 Days in Orlando & Miami for First Timers

Florida has so much to offer families - Orlando, Miami, and a side trip to Key West is totally achievable in a week. Read on for the only itinerary you'll need!

Published: July 18, 2024
A week in Florida

What’s better than a family road trip through Florida? The museums, the beaches, the amusement parks – it’s hard not to love this delightful destination. If you’re thinking of spending an adventurous week in Florida but aren’t sure what to put on your must-do list, then check out our sample itinerary for a week-long trek through the Sunshine State.

We’ve grouped the ideas by neighborhood and city, assuming you’ll be able to spend some time in both Orlando and Miami, as well as Tampa, Key West, and more. 

International Drive Attractions: ICON Orlando (formerly Coca-Cola Orlando Eye), WonderWorks, Madame Tussauds Orlando... 
Tampa Bay & St. Petersburg Attractions: Dolphin Racer Speedboat Cruise, Museum of Science & Industry... 
Fort Lauderdale Attractions: Lion Country Safari, Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling Trip... 
South Beach Attractions: Duck Tours South Beach, Miami Bike Rental, Art Deco Walking Tour 
Downtown Miami / Bayside Marketplace Attractions: Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour, Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Cruise, Jungle Island...
 South of Miami Attractions: Key West Day Trip, Zoo Miami, Miami Seaquarium

Planning to visit lots of Miami and Orlando attractions?

With Go City® you won't miss a thing, plus with a pass, you can save up to 50% compared to buying individual entry to everything you want to do - winning! 

☀️Compare Miami passes☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 –  ✈️ Buy a pass ✈️ 

International Drive Attraction Options to Add to Your Itinerary: 

ICON Orlando (formerly Coca-Cola Orlando Eye)

beautiful-cyan-sky-icon-orlando-eye

See the city from the best vantage point possible – 400 feet above the ground! This massive observation wheel is actually the tallest in the Eastern U.S., so it’s worth a ride to enjoy the height. You’ll get to see the theme parks, downtown Orlando, I-Drive, and even Cape Canaveral. The entire ride takes about one hour. 

Getting in: ICON Orlando is separately ticketed.

WonderWorks

If you’re traveling with kids, this is a great option to add to your one week in Florida itinerary. This indoor amusement park has plenty of educational fun to offer kids of all ages, from interactive exhibits to immersive activities. Plus, it’s all located in an upside-down venue! 

Getting In: WonderWorks tickets are included on all Go City® Orlando passes.

Madame Tussauds Orlando

madame-tussauds-pitbull
The images shown depict wax figures created and owned by Madame Tussauds.

If you want to meet a few celebrities during your vacation but don’t have any plans to head to L.A., then Madame T’s is the place to be. These wax replicas are so lifelike that you’ll be fooled (at least for a second) by their staging and presence. Come here to see international stars, as well as local Florida favorites. 

Getting In: Madame Tussauds Orlando is included on all Go City® Orlando passes.

SEA LIFE Aquarium Orlando

If anyone in your group loves aquatic creatures, SEA LIFE Aquarium Orlando is a must-visit destination. Organized into multiple themed and regional areas, including a touch tank, and an ocean tunnel, this aquarium will put a smile on everyone's face. They also have special talks and activities periodically, so check out their website to see what’s on during your visit. 

Getting In: SEA LIFE Aquarium Orlando is included on all Go City® Orlando passes.

Tampa Bay & St. Petersburg Attraction Options to Add to Your Itinerary: 

Starlite Cruises: Majesty Daytime Cruise

If you’re in search of a relaxing cruise, this daytime option from Starlite Cruise is a sure bet. Enjoy striking views of the Clearwater Harbor as you listen to informative narration. Snacks or a sit-down luncheon are available as options. The entire cruise takes around two and a half hours. 

Getting InStarlite Cruises: Majesty Daytime Cruise is separately ticketed.

Museum of Science & Industry

science-industry-museum-manchester-uk

Another one for curious travelers, the Museum of Science and Industry is filled with over 100 interactive exhibits and displays. There’s a sparkling planetarium, a ropes course, and the ever-popular Idea Zone. You could spend hours upon hours here - kids will adore it!

Getting InMuseum of Science and Industry is separately ticketed.

Fort Lauderdale Attraction Options to Add to Your Itinerary: 

Lion Country Safari

Pay a visit to the African Savanna – without leaving Florida, or your car! Drive through Lion Country Safari on a four-mile route to see some of the over 900 animals that call this massive park home. You're likely to see giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and lions (of course!) Then, stop by the Safari World Amusement Park for more fun.

Getting In: Lion Country Safari is included on all Go City® Orlando passes.

Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling Trip

glass-bottom-boat

Cruise through a coral reef on a glass-bottom boat to make the most of this delightful aquatic excursion. You’ll get to see the striking coral structures, vibrant tropical fish, and perhaps even a sea turtle or two. You can opt to stay on the boat, or snorkel alongside to see the sights even closer up. 

Getting In Fort Lauderdale Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling Trip is included on the Go City® All-Inclusive Pass only.

Sawgrass Recreation Park Everglades Airboat Adventures

Everglades National Park

You simply can’t leave Florida without a trip to the iconic Everglades. This striking National Park is too vast to explore in its entirety, but you can enjoy an overview and a good look at nature and wildlife on an airboat trip. The brave can even opt to participate in their “Hold a Baby Alligator Experience,” just to see these fearsome creatures up close (while they're not so fearsome, of course). 

Getting In: Sawgrass Recreation Park Everglades Airboat Adventures are included with the Go City® Orlando All-Inclusive Pass only.

South Beach attraction options to add to your itinerary: 

Duck Tours South Beach

Navigate through the waterfront city of Miami with a vessel that embodies the dual nature of this amazing place – a duck boat! You’ll ride through the streets and sail through the Bay, enjoying the sights and sounds en route. Plus, you’re sure to get a kick out of your entertaining tour guide! This tour takes about an hour and a half. 

Getting In: Duck Tours South Beach tickets are included on all Go City® Miami passes.

Miami Bike Rental

riding-bike-hands-free-park

If you want to stay active on your Florida vacation, then a bike ride is just the thing. Rent a bike and pedal along the boardwalks of South Beach, or use the included map and roam the streets. Your rental is good for a full day, but you can keep it for only a few hours if you have more to do, or don’t want to use it as transit. 

Getting In: Miami Bike Rentals are included on all Go City® Miami passes.

One of Miami’s cultural treasures is its historic Art Deco District. Take a walking tour and learn about the world’s largest concentration of Art Deco architecture. The tours are run by volunteers, and take about an hour and a half. 

Getting In: Art Deco Walking Tour tickets are included on all Go City® Miami passes.

Downtown Miami / Bayside Marketplace attraction options to add to your itinerary: 

Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Take a convenient tour of Miami to see all the sights without the hassle of driving or looking up directions. This hop-on hop-off option from Big Bus offers multiple loops (Beach Loop and City Loop) that you can choose from. Or, you can also opt to ride both!

Getting In: Big Bus tickets are included with all Go City® Miami passes.

Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Cruise

aerial-view-biscayne-bay-miami-skyline

You can’t leave Miami without enjoying the water at least a little bit! Take a fun cruise of Biscayne Bay and soak up the sights, from boundless natural beauty to the impressive homes of the rich and famous along South Beach. The cruise lasts about 80 minutes. 

Getting InBiscayne Bay Sightseeing Cruise tickets are included with the Go Miami Card.

Jungle Island

kid-feeding-macaw-parrot-tropical-zoo

Host to a plethora of wild and wonderful species, Jungle Island is filled with exhibits that animal lovers won’t want to miss. Enjoy observing, or participate in hands-on interactive experiences alongside a keeper. They also host periodic shows throughout the day, like “Wild Encounter” and “Winged Wonders,” so check out the schedule before your visit to see what’s happening.

Don't miss the new Neo Splash Water Park pop-up this summer, one of the best new features that was added during Jungle Island's recent renovation. 

Getting In: Jungle Island tickets are included on all Go City® Miami passes.

Miami Children’s Museum

A delightful place for younger kids and their families, the Miami Children’s Museum is filled with dozens upon dozens of engaging exhibits. All are designed to encourage children to learn through play, so it’s a nice combination of entertainment and education. Featured exhibits include Castle of Dreams, Ocean Odyssey, Everglades Park, and several more. 

Getting In: Miami Children’s Museum tickets are included on all Go City® Miami passes.

Pérez Art Museum Miami

Exhibits here emphasize Miami’s unique geographic and cultural role, with art from all across the Americas. You’ll find plenty of rotating special exhibitions, family programming, and even fun limited events (typically separately ticketed). Take a free tour of the museum, and don’t forget to ask for a family pack at the desk if you’re traveling with kids. 

Getting In: Pérez Art Museum Miami tickets are included on all Go City® Miami passes.

South of Miami attraction options to add to your itinerary: 

Key West Day Trip

key-west

This trip to the southernmost tip of the continental U.S. will take an entire day of your week in Florida, but it’s so worth it. Head down to Key West from Miami and enjoy the best of what this charming little island has to offer. While you’re there, you’ll get to explore the island on your own. You could enjoy activities and attractions like an eco-kayak tour, a visit to the Hemingway House, a trolley ride, and more. 

Getting In: Key West Day Trip tickets are included with the Go City® All-Inclusive Miami pass only.

Zoo Miami

little-kid-boy-watching-feeding-giraffe

If the kids (or you!) simply can’t get enough of animal adventures, Zoo Miami should be on your list. See animals from around the world and across the globe, including species that hail from Africa, Asia, the Amazon, Australia, and, of course, the Everglades. Feed select animals, enjoy featured keeper talks, and let the kids roam free in exhibit areas like Playworld Playground. 

Getting In: Zoo Miami tickets are included on all Go City® Miami passes.

Miami Seaquarium

One more for our animal lovers! The Miami Seaquarium offers plenty of fun alongside important education. Learn all about their renowned conservation efforts, see playful critters in recreated habitats, and enjoy a variety of exhibits from “Tortuga Passage” to “Penguin Isle.” 

Getting In: Miami Seaquarium tickets are included with all Go City® Miami passes.

Save up to 50% on Orlando and Miami attractions  

Discover our full line-up of Orlando and Miami attractions from Kennedy Space Center to Zoo Miami.

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.    

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 

Pick whichever Miami attraction pass suits you best, and go see it all!

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

Beach
Blog

Miami Itinerary – 3 Days in Miami for First Timers

Spending a long weekend in Miami and aren’t sure what to do with your time? Check out this popular 3 Days in Miami Itinerary for ideas on what to do and where to go. This 3 day itinerary includes: Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Sightseeing Tour Little Havana (free!) Everglades Tour from Miami Key West Day Trip Duck Tours South Beach Art Deco Walking Tour Miami Seaquarium Only have a few days in Miami? We’ve also put together a 1 day and 2-day itinerary to help you with your planning. On the flip side, if you have more vacation time, we recommend you spend some additional time down in Key West - this Florida Keys road trip itinerary is a fun way to explore Miami and everything in between Key West. DAY 1 Stop #1: Big Bus Miami Sightseeing Tour This hop-on, hop-off tour is an ideal introduction to the city of Miami itself. Big Bus Miami will take you throughout the city and the surrounding neighborhoods, hitting all the major highlights and hotspots. Some included sights on your tour include the Vizcaya Museum, the Freedom Tower, and much much more. Remember to pick up your ticket in advance at the Big Bus Miami Central Station. You can choose to hop on or off at any of the stops along the way, or, stay on for the full length of the tour (which will take about 3 hours). Stop #2: Little Havana (free!) Something you should not miss on your Miami vacation is the chance to explore on of the city's most famous neighborhoods – Little Havana. It's the locus of a whole bunch of cultural, social, and culinary traditions with a primarily Cuban influence (although many other Hispanic cultures are also represented here). You'll find frequent festivals and special events (so check an event calendar before your visit). Cultural Fridays are a recurring one that should be easy to check out. Or, if you just want to get a taste for the area – literally – hit up one of their authentic restaurants. Stop #3: Everglades Tour This Everglades Alligator Farm & Airboat Tour is the perfect way to see and experience the fantastic natural world of the Florida Everglades. It’s a half-day-long excursion that exposes you to the wild and wonderful throughout the swamplands. Take an airboat ride, marvel at the Wildlife Nature Show, stroll the Jungle Walkway, and more at this enchanting attraction. Don’t forget your camera to capture some photos of the iconic Florida alligator (from a safe distance, of course)! This tour lasts approximately 5 hours. DAY 2 Stop #1: Key West Day Tour Today is your day for total relaxation and fun. Take a Key West Day Trip and do nothing but lounge and enjoy the sunshine and waves. Or, you can opt to shop, dine, and otherwise explore Key West itself. Some optional activities you can do while in Key West include paying a visit to the Hemingway house, hopping aboard an eco-kayaking adventure, or setting sail on a dolphin-watching cruise. Whatever suits your fancy, you’ve got all day in Key West to enjoy it. Be sure to time your trip so that you see the setting sun in Mallory Square – you'll get some of the most beautiful photos you'll ever take. This tour will take the entire day, beginning early in the morning. DAY 3 Stop #1: Duck Tours South Beach Take your last day in Miami to spend a little more time in South Beach. The Duck Tours South Beach will give you a broad overview of the highlights and hotspots of South Beach and beyond, providing some really stellar photo opportunities. Some highlights of your tour will include the Art Deco District, Fisher Island, Millionaire’s Row, and Star Island, among many others. Plus, your tour guide is a professionally trained actor and comic who is sure to delight passengers the entire time. This tour lasts approximately 90 minutes. Stop #2: Art Deco Walking Tours Another excellent perspective on South Beach comes with a stroll through its famous historic Art Deco district. Featuring the largest concentration of Art Deco buildings in the entire world (you read that right), this neighborhood is a must-see for architecture nuts and history buffs. This tour will take approximately 90 minutes, and is conducted on foot. We recommend comfy shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunblock. Stop #3: Miami Seaquarium Located on lovely Virginia Key, the Miami Seaquarium is the premier destination for all things marine life in Miami. Filled with exciting animal shows, educational exhibits, and informative presentations, an afternoon at the Seaquarium will delight the whole family. This institution is also dedicated to wildlife conservation and rescue, so many of the creatures that call the Seaquarium home have actually been rescued and rehabilitated from the wild. Be sure to pay a visit to the manatees, who represent the single largest population of rescued marine creatures at the park. We recommend reserving about 2 hours for this attraction. Save on Attraction Admission This 3 days in Miami itinerary is designed to combine the best of beachy, relaxing attractions with entertainment and education. Our suggested list of things to do will also help you really get a feel for the area, and allow you to leave knowing you’ve made the most of your limited time. Pick up a 3-day pass for Miami by Go City® and save big on combined admission prices vs paying at the gate. Remember, this 3-day itinerary is just one of many ways to experience Miami. Go City® gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose from dozens of top attractions and create a vacation tailored to your interests.
Katie Sagal
Miami Teaser
Blog

Things to Do in Miami in Spring

Miami is a wonderful spring destination. Temperatures are warm without being overly hot or humid, yet lines are shorter and major attractions have less traffic. If you’re looking for things to do in Miami in spring, check out our list of some of the best activities and attractions, including... Miami Seaquarium Zoo Miami Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Miami Pérez Art Museum Art Deco Walking Tour Everglades Airboat Tour Miami Children's Museum Key West Day Trip Tour the City with Big Bus Miami It's especially important for first-time visitors to Miami to get a real feel for the city. Jumping on a Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Miami tour is a great idea to really see the top sights, neighbourhoods and landmarks throughtout the city. A few top attractions you'll see on this tour include the Freedom Tower, the Vizcaya Museum, and many more. Opt for a hop-on hop-off option that gives you the maximum flexibility to see exactly what you want and to explore at your own pace; hop-off and take as long as you like exploring the city's landmarks and simply hop-on again to continue your guided tour of Miami. Visit the P érez Art Museum   Miami's favorite museum is the Pérez Art Museum. It's a delightful destination filled with exciting regular and temporary exhibits, all with a focus on international and local art. They specifically focus on modern and contemporary art, but it's all got a special international flair – just like Miami itself. Make the most of your visit with a guided tour of the museum lead by experts who will show you all the best bits and if you're with kids, don't forget to ask for a family pack that's full of exciting goodies to keep them entertained whilst you take it all in. You'll also get phenomenal views of Biscayne Bay from this institution, so it's a worthwhile place to visit just for the sightseeing component, too. Hop Aboard an Everglades Tour From sawgrass to swampland, the Everglades have some pretty stunning views of their own to offer. If you’re interested in exploring this marvelous (and massive!) National Park, an airboat tour is a great way to get around. To kick off your alligator adventure, take a visit to the Everglades Alligator Farm – home to over 2,000 alligators. Here you can get involved with shows, talks and feedings before hopping on an airboat tour with your guide. Keep an eye out for those iconic gators, as you're sure to see several! Just be careful not to lean too far over the edge of the boat... Miami Children’s Museum For those visiting Miami with kids, the exciting and fascinating Miami Children’s Museum is a must. With numerous interactive exhibits that focus on everything from the natural world to global culture, there’s something for all interests at this family favorite attraction. The educational exhibits, such as the Music Makers Studio, Pet Central and the Construction Zone, will provide hours of entertainment for kids of all ages, so be sure to pop this one onto your spring vacation itinerary. Save on Springtime Activities in Miami Did you miss anything from your spring vacation itinerary? Here, we've put together just a few ideas of things to do in Miami in the spring. Regular admission to a number of these attractions are available with a pass for Miami by Go City®. Choose as you go from top visited attractions and save on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Learn more about our Miami passes, attractions and prices.
Katie Sagal

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.