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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.    

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

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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One Day in Miami Itinerary - Experience Miami in a Day for Under $100

In Miami with limited time to explore? We’ve put together a handy guide to help you make the most of your one day in Miami, complete with top attractions, free activities, and even dining options. This one day itinerary includes: Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Sightseeing Tour Miami Seaquarium Miami Beach Botanical Garden (free!) Bike and Roll Bike Rental OR Duck Tours South Beach Spending more time in Miami? Take a peek at one of our sample 2 day or popular 3 day itineraries. Save on Attraction Admission Visit all of these attractions with the 3-Choice Miami & The Keys Explorer Pass® and save on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Remember, this one day itinerary is just one of many ways to experience Miami, there are so many attractions and things to do in Miami to choose from. Depending upon which attractions you choose, you could save up to 40%! Our pass 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. There are tons of great things to do down in Key West, too. Check out our Florida Keys road trip itinerary for ideas on ways to expand your vacation! Stop #1: Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Sightseeing Tour Stop #2: Miami Seaquarium Stop #3: Miami Beach Botanical Gardens (free!) Stop #4 (Option 1): Bike and Roll Bike Rental Stop #5 (Option 2): Duck Tours South Beach End the day with an entertaining-yet-relaxing 90-minute Duck Tour of South Beach. One of the loveliest parts of Miami, this famed beachfront locale has plenty of sights and sounds for tourists to enjoy. You'll get to see sights from both land and sea in the famed amphibious vessels that travel on both roads and in the water. Some of the amazing places you'll see on this informative tour include the Art Deco District, Fisher Island, Millionaire's Row, Star Island, and more. And besides, who doesn't love the aquatic fun of a duck tour? Be sure to bring your cameras -- you'll go by lots of iconic landmarks on this interactive tour! Reservations are required for South Beach Duck Tours, so be sure to make them in advance, and arrive a fifteen minutes before your scheduled departure time. Getting In: Duck Tours South Beach tickets are available as an option on the Miami & The Keys Explorer Pass. Let's Recap Follow this one day in Miami itinerary and save on combined admission to the Miami Seaquarium, Duck Tours South Beach, and a Bike and Roll Bike Rental with the 3-Choice Miami Explorer Pass®. Or, choose from over 25 included attraction options to make a sightseeing itinerary tailored to your interests. Either way, your one day in Miami is sure to be tons of fun! The Go Miami® Card is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility during your vacation. Pick whichever Miami attraction pass works for you and get exploring!
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Romantic Things to Do in Miami for Valentine's Day

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Montgomery, this place works to house the expansive plant collection of avid botanist David Fairchild. Covering over 83 acres, this wonderful space has over 10, 000 species of exotic and native flora to show. Those looking to escape all the hustle and bustle of the city will find solace in this sensational space. Soak up the Sun Miami can get pretty hot and humid, especially around the summertime. If you’re looking for a place to cool off, we recommend checking out the Venetian Pool. An aquatic attraction unlike any other, this spot provides an idyllic escape from the hectic pace of city life. Built into an abandoned coral rock quarry in 1921, the pool’s unique Mediterranean Revival style sets it apart from other attractions of its kind. Filled with 820, 000 gallons of fresh water from artesian wells, this is the largest freshwater pool in the US of A. This place is great for a relaxing day with the family, with a kiddie pool for the little ones. 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There’s a wonderful boardwalk, beautiful Art Deco architecture, and many cafes and stores to be enjoyed. Set aside a whole day for this to take some time away from the sprawling city. Boasting perennial warm weather and clear blue skies, Miami is the perfect place to take things outdoors. Explore the city to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris

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