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!

By Katie Sagal
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 In: Starlite 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 In: Museum 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 In: Biscayne 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.

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Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Couple in Miami
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Romantic Things to Do in Miami for Valentine's Day

Miami is an incredibly romantic city. Warm weather, breezy beaches, great nightclubs, delicious food – you name it, Miami’s got the perfect date night in store. If you’re going to be spending Valentine’s Day in sunny South Beach, or on another romantic occasion, then you’re probably searching for a few ideas. Fortunately for you, we've got a few suggestions in mind: Enjoy a day trip to Key West Tour the city's Art Deco district Peruse the Pérez Art Museum Tour Florida's Everglades Dine on world-class cuisine And more! Soak Up Artistic Inspiration Prefer paintings and sculptures? The Pérez Art Museum is a must-see for you. It’s filled with amazing, internationally and internationally-inspired artwork from predominantly modern and contemporary styles. They often have rotating special exhibits, too, like this year's "On the Horizon," featuring contemporary Cuban art. Or, if you love architecture and artwork, then you will not want to miss out on a visit to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, one of the most magnificent buildings in the entire state and truly the most beautiful estate as a whole. Depending on when you take your romantic vacation to Miami, there are also likely to be a number of film or art festivals floating around – like the Coconut Grove Arts Festival that happens annually in February. Roam the Beaches It may seem like a no-brainer, but spend some time outside while you’re in Miami this February! The weather is going to be lovely (and possibly much warmer than where you’re used to), so take advantage of its temperate climate and enjoy a little beach time. South Pointe Beach and Key Biscayne are typically recommended as having the best views, but there are a ton of other options, too. If you want to be out but the beaches sound too touristy for you, try a walk along the very romantic pedestrian walkway on Lincoln Road. Or, opt for something more active with a bike ride around South Beach. Take a Nighttime Tour of the City If you're new to Miami and want to see a bit of the city, but hope to do so in a more romantic way, then a night tour seems like a good fit. This option from Big Bus will highlight the sexy and sultry aspects of Miami at night - including the evening illuminations that distinguish Miami's skyline. Of course, it's also a smart sightseeing opportunity, too, because the tour will showcase Miami's best landmarks and hotspots. It will give you some ideas for what to do the next day, too! Remember to Save on Attraction Admission So there you have it. Our list of some romantic things to do in Miami, just in time for Valentine's Day. Remember, some of these great options are included on the pass for Miami by Go City®, where you can save on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the special events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with your pass.
Katie Sagal
Blog

Christmas in Miami

Christmas in Miami Miami is a fantastic place to visit any time of the year, though we especially love it around Christmastime. Though the city often conjures up the image of long days spent at the beach, we can assure you that it’s a great spot to visit in the winter. This is largely because it’s shoulder season, meaning that the crowds have calmed down and the weather is more comfortable for touring. Still, with its perennial subtropical climate, the city is never fully cold-cold, so you can enjoy most of the area’s fantastic outdoor attractions just as you normally would. In addition, Miami pulls out all the stops for Christmastime, with fantastic activities and events cropping up all over the shop. Still not sure how to plan your trip to Miami during December? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! If you’re making your way to the Magic City during the festive season and aren’t quite sure where to start, have a read through our list of what to see and do in the area. However you choose to enjoy the best time of the year, we’re sure it’ll be just magical. See the Sites As one of the most popular visitor hotspots in the United States, Miami has countless points of exploration and adventure to be enjoyed. If you’re looking to see the sites during the holidays, you’ll be in luck, since many of the attractions pull out all of the stops for Christmas. There are so many places to choose from, but one of our favorites has got to be Zoo Miami for its true dedication to exotic wildlife and conservation initiatives. We especially love this spot because it’s a fantastic place to see animals without putting them in any discomfort. If you’re the type who likes to see wildlife up close, this place offers animal encounters, feedings, and educational presentations – so don’t miss out! During the holiday season, you’ll find that the zoo switches it up with a dazzling light show, glowing animals and a Santa Claus meet-and-greet. In addition, there are rides, themed nights and arts and crafts to be enjoyed. Combining the allure of the animal world with the magic of Christmas, there’s absolutely no way to hate this one. Unlike a lot of other American cities, Miami’s weather doesn’t noticeably cool down in the wintertime. This means that Christmas is actually one of the best times to explore the city‘s wonderful outdoor attractions. If you’re looking for something out in the wonderful natural backdrop of area, we recommend checking out Jungle Island. Combining the lush tropical greenery of Florida with a jungle full of extraordinary animals, this place is recognized as one of the oldest tourist attractions in the Miami area. The attraction was first opened under the name ‘’Parrot Jungle’’ in 1936, and still lives up to its original basis with an expansive collection of native and exotic birds. Still, that’s not all there is to see here. Visitors can also expect to see everything from giraffes and hippos to lions and tigers. During the holidays, the park transforms into a dazzling Chinese lantern festival, with enormous, handcrafted pieces representing every type of animal you could think of. Whether you’re travelling with kids or just looking to capture that perfect Instagram shot, this place should rank way up high on the itinerary. Get Festive When travelling, it’s always a good idea to explore the city's art scene. Creative types and lovers of the performed arts will be pleasantly surprised by what the city has to offer during the jolliest time of the year. Supporting a wide array of local talent, City Theatre’s Winter Shorts has been a longtime winter classic for visitors and locals alike. Running from early December, this fun play festival is known for its focus on short seasonal pieces. From indisputable classics like A Christmas Carol and popular musicals to fun humor pieces, there’s a little something for everybody here. One of the event’s most popular showstoppers is Santa Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, which runs each and every year without fail – but of course, since the plays are only around ten minutes or so long, you’ll be able to squeeze in a number of pieces. Showcasing a true dedication to theater, music and comedy, we couldn’t think of a better way to get into the holiday spirit. A fantastic visual and cultural experience, this one is great for those of all ages. Soak Up the Atmosphere Whilst Orlando may usually have the monopoly on theme parks in the United States, things are a little bit different when Christmastime rolls around. Recognized as one of the world’s largest Christmas-themed amusement parks, Santa’s Enchanted Forest is where it’s at for those who like to go all out the holidays. Boasting over 100 rides, games, and shows to be enjoyed, this pop-up seasonal attraction is the perfect spot for spending time with friends and family. Aside from all of the hustle and bustle, there are seasonal snacks, captivating light displays and the grand opportunity to take a photo with Santa himself! We recommend setting an entire day aside for this one, because it’s incredibly busy and there’s so much to see and do here. We love this place because it truly rekindles our sense of childlike wonder. If you’re travelling away from home during the holidays but still want to soak up those sweet Christmas vibes, you might enjoy the next item on our list. Taking place during Christmas day, the Winterfest Boat Parade is a great seasonal event with fun and festivities all around. Kicking off from downtown Fort Lauderdale, this can’t-miss extravaganza gives a uniquely Miami twist to the meaning of Christmas. The parade draws in over a million visitors each year, making it one of the city’s most popular seasonal attractions. At the event, spectators can enjoy live music, entertainment, and corporate mega yachts adorned with hundreds of thousands of lights. Dubbed as ‘’the best show on H20’’, this spectacular event is not to be missed. With so much to experience and endless amounts of holiday cheer, we couldn’t think of a better place to spend Christmastime than Miami. And now, you don’t have to miss out! Enjoy 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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Outdoor Activities Miami

Miami has very warm weather and a lot of sunshine, making it the perfect place for outdoor activity. In fact, even if you choose to visit in the wintertime, the temperatures should still be great for those who like to get out in the open air. Trust us when we say that there’s a lot to do here. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, something educational, or just to kick back with a book at the beach, you’re sure to find something for you. If you’re not quite sure where to begin, don’t worry – we've done all the heavy lifting for you! So, if you’re planning a visit to the Magic City, have a read through our list of the best outdoor activities in the area. See the Sites When travelling, visiting the zoo is a great idea for a day out. Honestly, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a sunny day in the city. Ranking high up on our itinerary, Zoo Miami is a total crowd-pleaser, merging the beautiful backdrop of the area with some wonderful wildlife. What makes this place a little different is that it’s the only tropical zoo in the continental United States. The park houses over 3, 000 animals and has over 100 exhibits in total – so if you’re an animal lover, this is the place to be. Prepare to see everything from river otters and ostriches to Asian elephants and Bengal tigers. The coolest part about this spot is probably its animal encounters, feedings and rides that it offers. In addition, the zoo has several spacious play areas for kids. A fantastic educational excursion, you won’t want to miss out on this one. For those who are looking for something a little different, we’ve got you covered! Merging history, architecture, and art, Coral Castle is a fantastic historical attraction that’s sure to keep you guessing. Carved out of over 1,100 tons of oolite limestone in a time where no modern construction advances were available, this one-of-a-kind outdoor exhibit stands as both a curious scientific anomaly and jaw-dropping testament to the artist’s handiwork. Because of its mind-bending backstory, the structure has been featured in countless books, magazines and television shows since its conception. In fact, the piece is so well-recognized that Billy Idol even wrote a song about the place, entitled ‘’Sweet Sixteen.’’ So, what can you expect? Well, upon entrance visitors can see awe-inspiring sculptures in a wide variety of shapes, as well as a stunning fountain and sundial. For history lovers and art enthusiasts alike, this world-famous structure is not to be missed. Get Some Fresh Air If you’re looking to spend some time in nature, look no further than Everglades National Park. An average of one million people visit the park each year – and with good reason! Covering over 2, 000 square miles of tropical wetlands and flatwoods, this place is the third largest national park in the United States. Characterized by its unusually rich biodiversity, the Everglades’ ecosystem is completely unique to this area of Florida. Walking through the park, visitors are sure to notice the area’s wonderful greenery and the protected species which thrive there. Amongst the many activities to do here, you’ll find that hiking, birdwatching, airboat tours, and kayaking are all popular choices. Quite possibly one of the most beautiful areas in America, this place is sure to blow you away. Seated along the southeastern coastline, Miami is well-recognized for its year-round tropical weather and all of the greenery that comes along with it. If you’re looking to discover the true natural beauty of the area, there’s no better place to be than Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Founded and designed in 1936 by Robert H. 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. For those who just want to soak up the sun, there’s an area with beach chairs where you can take some time for yourself uninterrupted. Fun, refreshing, and luxurious, too, we love this spot because it just has so much to offer. It goes without saying that one of the best things to do in Miami is hit the beach. The city is home to countless great seaside tourist hotspots, but our top pick has got to be South Beach. With its clear waters and pristine shores, this picturesque place is pretty much perfect for catching some rays. Visitors can rent out lounge chairs and umbrellas for a small fee for a great relaxing beach experience. Still, this stop is no one-trick pony. For those who like to stay active, there are a wide array of water sports, including surfing, paddleboarding, longboarding and sailing – it's just up to you to decide! We also recommend taking some time to explore the surrounding area. 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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