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

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 a week in Florida on an amazing adventure but aren’t sure what to put on your must-do list, then check out our sample itinerary for a week-long trek through this sunny state. We’ve grouped the ideas together 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: Florida Aquarium, Dolphin Racer Speedboat Cruise… 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

Save on Attraction Admission

Many of the top attractions on this Florida itinerary are included with the Go Miami® and Go Orlando® Cards. This itinerary is only one of the many ways you could save with these all-inclusive passes. Choose the attractions you’re most interested in, and save up to 55% (in Miami) or 50% (in Orlando) on combined admission prices versus paying at the gate. See all available attractions, passes, and prices – learn more.

International Drive Attraction Options to Add to Your Itinerary:

ICON Orlando (formerly Coca-Cola Orlando Eye)

See the city from the best vantage point possible – from 400 feet above the ground! This massive observation wheel is actually the tallest in the Eastern U.S., so it’s definitely 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 tickets are included with the Go Orlando Card.

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 with the Go Orlando Card.

Madame Tussauds Orlando

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 tickets are included with the Go Orlando Card.

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 areas, including a touch-tank, an ocean tunnel, and regionally-specific tanks, this aquarium has something to keep everyone happy. They also have special talks and activities on a periodic basis, so check out their website to see what’s on during your visit. Getting In: SEA LIFE Aquarium Orlando tickets are included with the Go Orlando Card.

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

Starlite Cruises: Majesty Daytime Cruise

If you’re in search of a relaxing and refreshing 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 about two to two and a half hours. Getting In: Starlite Cruises: Majesty Daytime Cruise tickets are included with the Go Orlando Card.

Florida Aquarium

Recently ranked one of the top ten aquariums in the entire country, the Florida Aquarium should also be on your to-do list. Come here to enjoy various habitats and exhibits, including “Wetlands Trail,” “Bays and Beaches,” “Coral Reef,” “Dragons Down Under,” and many more. Getting In: Florida Aquarium tickets are included with the Go Orlando Card.

Dolphin Racer Speedboat Cruise

Want to enjoy a cruise, but prefer something a little more exhilarating than a leisurely sail through the harbor? The Dolphin Racer Speedboat Cruise is a fast-paced, action packed ride through the clear blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico that also comes with the promise of some dolphin sightings. This cruise lasts about an hour and a half. Getting In: Dolphin Race Speedboat Cruise tickets are included with the Go Orlando Card.

Museum of Science & Industry

Another one for the curious travelers, the Museum of Science and Industry is filled with over 100 interactive exhibits and displays. There’s also a planetarium, a ropes course, and the ever-popular Idea Zone. You could spend hours upon hours here! Getting In: Museum of Science and Industry tickets are included with the Go Orlando Card.

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 could see giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and lions (of course), plus many more. Then, stop by the Safari World Amusement Park for more fun.bi Getting In: Lion Country Safari tickets are included with the Go Orlando Card.

Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling Trip

Cruise through a natural 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 Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling Trip tickets are included with the Go Orlando Card.

Sawgrass Recreation Park Everglades Airboat Adventures

You simply can’t leave Florida without a trip to the iconic Everglades. This striking National Park is too massive to explore entirely, but you can enjoy an overview and a good look at the nature and wildlife on an airboat trip. You can even opt to participate in their “Hold a Baby Alligator Experience,” just to see these fearsome creatures up close (when they are not so fearsome, of course). Getting In: Sawgrass Recreation Park Everglades Airboat Adventures tickets are included with the Go Orlando Card. 

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 with the Go Miami Card.

Miami Bike Rental

If you want to stay active on your Florida vacation, then a bike ride sounds like 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 with the Go Miami Card.

Art Deco Walking Tour

One of Miami’s cultural treasures is their historic Art Deco District. Take a walking tour to explore the various buildings that populate 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 with the Go Miami Card.

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) you can choose from, or you can also opt to ride both. Getting In: Big Bus tickets are included with the Go Miami Card.

Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Cruise

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 the boundless beauties of nature to the impressive homes of the rich and famous along South Beach. The cruise last about 80 minutes. Getting In: Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Cruise tickets are included with the Go Miami Card.

Jungle Island

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 when. 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 with the Go Miami Card.

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 interactive and engaging exhibits. All exhibits are designed to encourage children to learn and explore 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 with the Go Miami Card.

Pérez Art Museum Miami

Exhibits here emphasize Miami’s unique geographic and cultural role, with artists 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, docent-led 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 with the Go Miami Card.

South of Miami Attraction Options to Add to Your Itinerary:

Key West Day Trip

This trip will take an entire day of your week in Florida, but it’s so totally 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 Miami Card.

Zoo Miami

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 with the Go Miami Card.

Miami Seaquarium

Another one for the 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 the Go Miami Card.

Let’s Recap 

We hope you’ve enjoyed this list of our favorite Florida attractions. Consider adding a few of these top attractions to your trip plans, and don’t forget to save big on admission with the Go Orlando and Go Miami Cards, or the Build Your Own Pass to include a mixture of attractions you pick from across the state. Happy travels!