A week in Florida

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

Visit both of these Florida hotspots for a sun-soaked vacation to remember
By Katie Sagal

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!

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.    

😎 >> 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

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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
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Miami Spring Break 2019 - Things to Do in February & March During Your Vacation

Miami is a fabulous spring break city. It’s on the top of every vacation list for many reasons, and you won't be surprised to hear that it's a popular destination among couples and groups of friends traveling during this spring vacation season. It's also a great family destination, with much to offer in the way of arts, culture, and outdoorsy fun. Check out our list of popular spring break attractions in Miami, including: Vizcaya Museum Biscayne Bay Cruise Zoo Miami Key West Day Trip and more! Many of the attractions listed here are included on the Go Miami® Card. Choose as you go from dozens of top Miami attractions and save up to 55% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Relax on Beaches City Tours A great idea for families visiting Miami is to take a tour of the city. It's the perfect opportunity to see more of the city than you'd be able to explore on your own without an expert guide, and it's a lot of fun, too. Choose a hop-on hop-off option for the most flexibility to choose your own attractions and make your own itinerary, or select a duck boat tour for an incredibly fun time that incorporates land and water explorations. Getting In: Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Miami tickets and South Beach duck boat tickets are both included with the Go Miami® Card. Day Trip to Key West Art Deco Architecture Art Museums Cruises, Cruises, Cruises The Everglades Animal Parks Whether you’re an avid animal lover, or you just enjoy the sight of a few tropical fish now and again, Miami has something to keep you happy. Pay a visit to Zoo Miami and meet some of your favorite critters as they romp around spacious and modern enclosures. This zoo has a great deal of variety, housing creatures from across the globe. You'll get opportunities to feed selected animals, too. For those of you who prefer aquatic creatures to furry ones, then the Miami Seaquarium is an excellent option. Known for their rescue and rehabilitation efforts, the Miami Seaquarium joins conservation, education, and fun into one fantastic experience. Getting In: Admission to Zoo Miami and admission to the Miami Seaquarium are both included with the Go Miami® Card. The Miami Children's Museum If you're traveling with the whole family for your Spring Break trip, then you'll want to devote some time to something the kids are sure to love. That's where the Miami Children's Museum comes in -- a totally interactive environment that encourages learning through exploration and play. Come here to see the myriad of exhibits, activities, classes, and special programs that go on daily at this local mainstay. Getting In: Admission to the Miami Children's Museum is included with the Go Miami Card. Frost Museum of Science Enjoy Shopping & Parks Don't forget to leave some time to explore Bayside Marketplace, a fun little shopping and dining destination located right by your cruise pickup location. Have lunch or dinner here, and save some time for souvenir hunting. The nearby Bayfront Park also has a lot to explore, from the beautiful fountain to amphitheaters and open-air pavilions. There may be an event or two going on during your stay, so be sure to check it out for any outdoor concerts or plays! Save on Admission So there you have it – a fabulous list of suggested attractions that makes the most of all that Miami has to offer visitors during their Spring Break vacation. Whether you’re available for a long weekend or for more time, we’re sure you’ll find something to love about sunny South Beach.
Katie Sagal

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