Looking for a trip you will never forget? Want to get the most out of your time? Here is a full itinerary of unforgettable experiences in the sunshine state. This two week road trip along the Southern Florida coast will be an unforgettable vacation for people of any age.
What to expect? Swim with manatees, explore caves, see springs, visit the sponge capital of the world, eat traditional Indian food, touch stingrays, hold an alligator, feed a alligator, watch street performers (buskers),hand feed flamingos, find shark teeth, hand feed tarpon, leave your $ on a wall in more than 1 place, see southernmost spot of the continental united states, shop street vendors, snorkel, hold a parrot, hold a snake, feed a giant tortoise, see street art, catch a shark, go deep sea fishing, sunsets over the ocean, sunrises over the ocean, and you’ll see a couple forts.
This is a fast paced itinerary. If you like to see everything you can while on vacation this is for you. If you are looking for relaxing and sleeping in this is not going to be for you. This is a get up and let’s go, let’s experience everything we can today. Let us know what you think in the comments. For more Florida road trip inspiration, check out our Florida Bucket List.
Day 1
Fun2Dive
135 NE 3rd St. Crystal River, Florida 34429
Arrive: 10:00am Depart: 1:00pm
Cost: Starting at $65 (Check Groupon for Discounts)
What a better start to your Florida road trip then swimming with the manatees?! Take a semi-private, private, or luxury VIP manatee snorkeling tour at Fun2Dive! Read More
Drive: 40 Minutes
Dames Cave
Trail 22, Lecanto, FL 34461, USA
Arrive: 2:00 pm Depart: 5:30pm
Cost: Free
Stop by these amazing caves for some cool exploring. Take a small easy 1.2 mile hike (you can go more to see more) to see 3 awesome caves you can go in. Things you might want to bring; Hiking shoes (shoes with good traction are fine also), Hiking poles, gloves, flashlight, and water ( I like the hydration backpacks or on smaller hikes I like the water bottle carriers with a strap). Don’t forget the camera for some awesome pictures. Read More
Drive: 40 Minutes
Fairfield Inn & Suites
14082 Cortez Blvd, Brooksville, FL 34609
Arrive: 6:30pm Depart: 7:00am
Cost: Moderate in the area
Day one in the books. Recharge for another fun filled day tomorrow! Read More
Drive: 35 Minutes
Day 2
Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park
8737 US-19, Port Richey, FL 34668
Arrive: 7:30 am Depart: 9:30 am
Cost: $3 per car load up to 8
Come and see the one and only Toilet Bowl Springs in Port Richey, Florida. This will be a perfect morning hike to get you going for the day, and who wouldn’t wanna see the Toilet Bowl Springs! Read More
Drive: 30 minutes
Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks
735 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
Arrive: 10:00 am Depart: 1:00 pm
Cost : Free
Tarpon springs sponge docks are awesome! What other place can you watch them bring in the sponges then size them. You can also purchase them at one of the cute shops. They have a dolphin cruise, an aquarium and also a free museum! You can sip on a smoothy or get some lunch, it’s all here. It’s cool just to walk the small town and shop at the little shops and getting to see how they do the sponges is quite interesting. Read More
Drive: 40 minutes
Hindu Temple of Florida
5509 Lynn Rd, Tampa, FL 33624
Arrive: 2:00 pm Depart: 3:00 pm
Cost : Free
The building itself is amazing. You can try some traditional Indian food in the cafeteria. You are also asked to dress modestly with you knees and shoulders covered. You can go in the temple but must take off your shoes. You can however go in the cafeteria with shoes on. This is great place to go if you like trying new foods. Make sure you check the days you will be here if you were trying to get the food because they are only open certain days. Read More
Drive: 45 minutes
Manatee Viewing Center
6990 Dickman Rd, Apollo Beach, FL 33572
Arrive: 4:00 pm Depart: 5:00 pm
Cost: Free
Fantastic Free place to see manatees, dolphins, stingrays, sharks and tarpon in their natural environment. They even have a sting ray touching pool for you to touch the stingrays. And this is how they got on my Florida Bucket list! They have a cute little gift shop also. The manatees only come here for the warm water in the winter months ( November 1st thru April 15th) so plan accordingly. Read More
Drive: 1 hour
Hampton Inn & Suites
4050 Ulmerton Rd, Clearwater, FL 33762
Arrive: 6:00 pm Depart: 8:30 am
Cost : Moderate price in the area (Book 4 Nights)
Day two in the books. Recharge for another fun filled day tomorrow! Read More
Drive: 30 minutes
Day 3
Florida Botanical Gardens
12520 Ulmerton Rd, Largo, FL 33774
Arrive: 9:00 am Depart: 10:30 am
Cost: Free
Free things are always good, especially when they are as cool as the Florida Botanical Gardens! Take a morning walk through the 182 acre garden. Read More
Drive: 30 minutes
John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk
12901 Gulf Ln, Madeira Beach, FL 33708
Arrive: 11:00 am Depart: 6:00 pm
Cost : Free
Stop for some Shopping at cool little one of a kind shops and even a dolphin tour at Hubbard’s Marina. If holding a alligator is more on your list you can also do that at the Alligator and Wildlife Discovery Center. This is a great place to spend a day. You could even go to the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. to grab a bite to eat. If you look close you might even see dolphins playing nearby. This is a Florida bucket list destination. If you are here in November you should go from here to the Sanding ovation this is an awesome 1 or 2 weekend event but has amazing sand castles from amazing artists. It is a 5 minute drive from here. Read More
Drive: 30 minutes
Hampton Inn & Suites
4050 Ulmerton Rd, Clearwater, FL 33762
Arrive: 6:30 pm Depart: 8:00 am
Cost : Moderate price in the area
Day three in the books. Recharge for another fun filled day tomorrow! Read More
Drive: 30 Minutes
Day 4
Fort De Soto
Fort De Soto, FL 33715, USA
Arrive: 8:30 am Depart: 12:00 pm
Cost : $5 Parking fee
Come see the fort and enjoy the beach at Fort De Soto. See if you can find a whole sand dollar or even a starfish! This is a great, quiet beach to spend some time after exploring the fort. Spend your morning searching for shells, crabs, and more. Fort De Soto has all you need for a great morning. Read More
Drive: 30 Minutes
St. Pete Pier™
600 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Arrive: 12:30 pm Depart: 6:00 pm
Cost : Free
Come check out St. Pete Pier. On your way out to the pier you can do some shopping and then grab a drink as you check out the small beach. Once you get hungry you can go to the end of the pier, passing the buskers that are trying their best to show you a great time, and grab something to eat. If you are looking for a café or fine dining they have it all. Or just grab an ice cream and check out the awesome views. Make sure you check out events in the area before you go so you don’t miss anything! Read More
Drive: 30 Minutes
Hampton Inn & Suites
4050 Ulmerton Rd, Clearwater, FL 33762
Arrive: 6:30 pm Depart: 10:00 am
Cost : Moderate price in area
Day four in the books. Recharge for another fun filled day tomorrow! Read More
Drive: 15 Minutes
Day 5
The Dalí (Salvador Dalí Museum)
1 Dali Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Arrive: 10:15 am Depart: 12:30 pm
Cost : $24 adult
Next stop, The Dalí; come see some amazing art work! Relax in the garden and see the amazing melting clock, and much more. They have a store and a café so if you need a little snack stop on your way out. Read More
Drive: 45 Minutes
Pier 60
1 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
Arrive: 1:15 pm Depart: 8:00 pm
Cost : Free
Pier 60 is one of the best places to visit in Florida! There is so much to do here; you will be wanting to come back as soon as you leave! Once you get here you can stroll thru the stores. Grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants, or you can grab a to go drink from one of the bars (not all bars have to go drinks). Then 2 hours before sunset and 2 hours after you can go watch the buskers and take a look at the vendors. They have bounce houses, blow up water slides and more. Don’t forget the sunset celebration every night featuring street performers. If you happen to be here in April check out the Sugar Sand Festival. Pier 60 should be on everyone’s Florida Bucket list, you’ll want to return year after year! Read More
Drive: 30 Minutes
Hampton Inn & Suites Clearwater/St. Petersburg
4050 Ulmerton Rd, Clearwater, FL 33762
Arrive: 8:30 pm Depart: 9:00 am
Cost : Moderate price in area
Day five is in the books, and it’s your last night at this hotel. Get the car packed and ready for day six. Read More
Drive: 1 Hour
Day 6
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
3701 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234, USA
Arrive: 10:00 am Depart: 2:00 pm
Cost : $20 (online)
If you love to feed animals, this should be on your Florida bucket list for sure! You can hand feed flamingos!!!! With more than 200 types of animals you are sure to have the perfect day. Maybe holding a snake is on your list. You can do it all here. They have benches in the shade throughout the park. Parking is free. They also have food and drink and a gift shop. This is a must do for animal lovers or if you just love feeding different types of animals. Read More
Drive: 1 Hour
Caspersen Beach
4100 Harbor Dr, Venice, FL 34285, USA
Arrive: 3:00 pm Depart: 6:00 pm
Cost: Free
Shark teeth!!! This is one of Florida’s best beaches to find shark teeth. You can find them on shore or in the water. It is almost a guarantee you will find some if you spend any time looking really. What a perfect afternoon and to top it all off you can watch the sunset on this quite beach. With a perfect day, and awesome shark teeth souvenirs, this will be a highlight of your trip. Read More
Drive: 15 Minutes
Hotel Venezia
425 U.S. 41 Bypass N, Venice, FL 34285
Arrive: 6:15 Depart: 8:15 am
Cost : Moderate price in area (cheaper than Naples)
Day 6 is in the books. Recharge for another fun filled day tomorrow! Read More
Drive: 1 Hour 45 Minutes
Day 7
Tin City Mart
Naples, FL 34102
Arrive: 10:00 am Depart: 12:00 pm
Cost : Free
Waterfront shopping, but not just any waterfront shopping, it’s Naples Tin City waterfront shopping! They have over 30 small unique shops and a couple restaurants. This awesome collection of little shops will have something for everyone. Even if shopping is not your thing the atmosphere is still great. With a tin roof and all. You can have a ice cream or a lunch either way you will be pleased. This should be on everyone’s Florida bucket list. Read More
Drive: 2 Hour 30 Minutes
Everglades Alligator Farm
40351 SW 192nd Ave, Homestead, FL 33034
Arrive: 2:30 pm Depart: 4:30
Cost : $22 online
An airboat ride is a must if your going to Florida! Everglades Alligator farm offers airboat rides, an alligator show, and even a chance to get your picture taken holding a baby alligator! The drive in is also amazing. You will have a canal on the north side and you can see a ton of alligators and probably some turtles. (weather and time of year permitting). This is an awesome drive even without the airboat. Read More
Drive: 7 Minutes
Robert Is Here Fruit Stand
19200 SW 344th St, Homestead, FL 33034
Arrive: 4:37 pm Depart: 5:00 pm
Cost: Free to browse
Robert Is Here Fruit Stand is a fruit market that specializes in rare and exotic tropical fruits and fresh tropical fruit milkshakes. If you are going by and they are open this is a great place to stop! Read More
Drive: 7 Minutes
Baymont by Wyndham
553 NE 1st Ave, Florida City, FL 33034
Arrive: 6:00 pm Depart: 8:00 am
Cost: Moderate for the area (limited options)
Day seven is in the books. Get a good nights rest, because we are going to the Keys tomorrow! When you leave in the morning and head to the keys you will have some time to stop along the way. Enjoy some shopping, and make sure to keep an eye out for iguanas along the side of the road. Read More
Drive:1 Hour
Day 8
Robbie’s
77522 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
Arrive: 9:00 am Depart: 10:30 am
Cost : Free
Stopping at Robbie’s is a must!!! I stop here every time I come down. They have shopping and a ton of other things to do. On this trip I only have planned enough time for shopping and feeding the tarpon. This one of a kind experience is too cool. Pay a couple of bucks for a bucket of fish and feed the huge tarpon fish from the docks, beware of hungry pelicans. When you’re done leave your mark behind at The Hungry Tarpon a restaurant where you can staple a dollar on the wall. I suggest getting your dollar ready at home before you come. Read More
Drive: 2 Hours
Best Western Hibiscus Motel
1313 Simonton Street Key West, Florida 33040
Arrive: 12:30 pm Depart: 1:00 pm
Cost: Moderate for the area
Hotels in the Keys can be costly, this hotel is usually a budget friendly option. If staying at this hotel hopefully you can check in early and park your vehicle here so you don’t have to pay for parking. If you do have to pay to park it would be best to park as close to Mallory Square as you can, as that will be where you end up. Read More
Walk time: 5 Minutes
Southernmost Point in the Continental U.S.A.
Whitehead St &, South St, Key West, FL 33040
Arrive: 1:05pm Depart: 1:30
Cost : Free
If this is your first time here you can’t miss the Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S.A. It is only 90 miles from Cuba. This is the perfect selfie spot. Read More
Walk: 25 Minutes
Mallory Square
Mallory Square, Key West, FL 33040, USA
Arrive: 2:00 pm Depart: 8:00 pm
Cost : Free
Walking to Mallory Square would take you 25 minutes. You should walk Duval Street and take your time stopping at the stores and taking in the scenery. If you like to leave your mark you can leave another dollar at Willie T’s. Don’t forget to get them ready at home. It’s not easy finding something to write on a dollar while walking down the street. With live music almost everywhere you are, this is definitely on my Florida go to list. Make sure you get to Mallory Square before sunset so you can get in on the sunset celebration. Then you can enjoy the street performers and enjoy the rest of your night in Mallory Square. Then enjoy the fresh night air on your walk back to your hotel. Read More
Walk: 25 minutes
Best Western Hibiscus Motel
Whitehead St &, South St, Key West, FL 33040
Arrive: 8:25 pm Depart: 6:20 am
Cost: Moderate for the area
Day eight is in the books. Get a good nights sleep before you wake up in paradise. Read More
Walk: 23 Minutes
Day 9
Yankee Freedom Dry Tortugas Ferry
100 Grinnell St, Key West, FL 33040
Arrive: 6:45 am Depart: 7:00 am
Cost : $135 plus per person (book ahead)
The only way to Dry Tortugas National Park is by boat, and the best way is by Yankee Freedom Ferry! The Ferry price includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, a narrated tour, admission to the National Park, and Fort Jefferson. As well as complimentary snorkel equipment to explore the clear shallow shoreline. Read More
Ferry Ride: 2:30 hours
Dry Tortugas National Park
Arrive: 10:30 am Depart: 3:00 pm
Cost : Included in ferry ride
The Dry Tortugas National Park is home to Fort Jefferson. Explore them both during your day here. Experience the best snorkeling in Florida. Swim among tropical fish, and beautiful coral. Walk the secluded beach and sunbath in the Florida sun. Read More
Ferry Ride: 2:30 hours
Yankee Freedom Dry Tortugas Ferry
100 Grinnell St, Key West, FL 33040
Arrive: 5:30 pm Depart: 5:30 pm
Cost : Included
Enjoy the boat ride back to Key West. Read More
Walk: 15 minutes
Mallory Square
Key West, FL 33040
Arrive: 5:45 pm Depart: 8:00 pm
Cost : Free
Spend another evening exploring Mallory Square. Have some dinner and watch a street performance. Read More
Walk time: 25 minutes
Best Western Hibiscus Motel
Whitehead St &, South St, Key West, FL 33040
Arrive: 8:00 pm Depart: 9:30 am
Cost: Moderate for the area
Day 9 is in the books. Enjoy your last nigh in the Florida Keys. Read More
Drive: 5 Minutes
Day 10
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
601 Howard England Way, Key West, FL 33040
Arrive: 10:00 am Depart: 5:00 pm
Cost : $7 for 2 people in a car and $.50 for each additional
Come explore Fort Zachary then spend the rest of the day at the beach. They have grills you can have a cookout. Relax in the shade if you need a small break from the sun. Go snorkeling and see some cool fish. Relax and enjoy the Key West sunshine! You can chose to go back to Mallory Square for the night or just drive to the hotel room. The drive is a little over 3 hours. Read More
Drive: 3 Hours
La Quinta Inn & Suites
Miami Cutler Bay, 10821 Caribbean Blvd, Miami, FL 33189
Arrive: 8:00 pm Depart: 9:00 am
Cost: Moderate price for the area
Day ten is in the books. Recharge for another fun filled day tomorrow! Read More
Drive: 30 Minutes
Day 11
Wynwood Walls
Mayan Burners, Miami, FL 33131
Arrive: 9:30 am Depart: 12:30 pm
Cost: $12 per person
Take some time and take in the Wynwood Art District. It is streets full of murals on the side of buildings. They have restaurants and stores but the real amazing thing is the art. Wynwood Walls is here and it is awesome to see. It use to be free but is no longer free. I am not putting it on the list because I’m trying to keep it cheap but it is a great place to go while your here if you are here. This is a definite on my Florida bucket list because it always changes and who doesn’t love art. Read More
Drive: 30 Minutes
South Beach
South Beach, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA
Arrive: 1:00 pm Depart: 5:00 pm
Cost: Pay to Park
Come see what everyone is talking about South Beach! If you are wanting to run into a celebrity, Miami is your best chance. I just have you stopping by the beach and some shops but if your into the nightlife this may be where you want to tweak this plan a little. Miami is known for its nightlife and beautiful beaches. Read More
Drive: 3 Hours
International Palms Resort
1300 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Arrive: 8:00 pm Depart: 6:15 am
Cost: Inexpensive for ocean front (book 2 nights)
Stay at the resort for the amenities. Have some fun in the waterpark. Play some tennis, basketball, or volleyball. Go surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, or bike riding. Get in a workout, and check out the arcade and game room. Have a blast and relax before another day of fun. Read More
Drive: 15 Minutes
Day 12
Sea Leveler Sport Fishing Charters
505 Glen Cheek Dr. Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
Arrive: 6:30 Depart: 8:00 pm
Cost : $500 to $1400 (not including tip or dinner )
Do yourself a favor and go deep sea fishing! I am sure there are a lot of charters out there but this is my go to. I have always been pleased with the days catch and how nice it is. It’s like going with a friend. Rather you do the all day fishing, half day or just the shark fishing you will have a unforgettable time. They bait the hooks and take the fish off. You just reel them in. After your day of fishing and you have kept what fish you want then they clean them and Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar will cook you your catch. This is also on my Florida bucket list to do again and again! Read More
Drive: 15 Minutes
International Palms Resort
1300 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Arrive: 8:15 pm Depart: 9:00 am
Cost: Inexpensive for ocean front
Day 12 is in the books. Relax and recharge for another fun day tomorrow. Wake up early to check out the beautiful sunrise. Read More
Drive: 5 Minutes
Day 13
Ron Jon Surf Shop
4151 North Atlantic Avenue Cocoa Beach FL, 32931
Arrive: 9:00 am Depart: 10:00 am
Cost: Free to browse
You have seen all the signs. Now you have made it to Ron Jon Surf Shop. They have everything water you can think of. Get this off your Florida Bucket list. I still go every time I come. Check your hotel card to see if there is a discount on there for here. Read More
Drive: 5 Minutes
Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier
401 Meade Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Arrive: 10:00 am Depart: 12:00 pm
Cost: Free
There is little shops, restaurants and volleyball. Take a stroll thru the stores. You can fish at the end of the pier. There are many fish types you can catch off the pier. you can also rent the poles here so you don’t need to bring everything with you. Read More
Drive: 15 Minutes
Historic Cocoa Village
600 Florida Ave #104, Cocoa, FL 32922
Arrive: 12:15 pm Depart: 2:00 pm
Cost: Free
You can come shop the little shops. They have a ton of awesome one of a kind things for sale. They have new art, antiques and restaurants. There is something for everyone here. Read More
Drive: 30 Minutes
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
1987 Scrub Jay Way #32782, Titusville, FL
Arrive: 2:30 pm Depart: 5:00 pm
Cost: $10 per vehicle
Come see some wildlife. You can see different types of birds. You can see a ton of alligators. If you are lucky you might even see a wild boar! If you watch the side of the road you might see a old horseshoe crab shell. This is wild life so you may or may not see them. I have never been skunked and I have seen 2 wild boars, 2 armadillos and countless birds and alligators. Read More
Drive: 1:30 hours
Ocean Gate Resort
125 Ocean Hibiscus Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Arrive: 6:30 pm Depart: 10:00 am
Cost: Good price for ocean front
Day 13 is in the books. Last night of vacation, get a good nights sleep. Read More
Drive: 15 Minutes
Day 14
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
1 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Arrive: 10:15 am Depart: 12:00 pm
Cost: $15 per person to go inside
This is where you will want to park for the better part of the day. If you can’t park here that is fine you will be able to take the trolley here and park somewhere else. You can come check out Castillo de San Marcos National Monument then you can cross the street and you will be very close to a trolley ride or you can walk a couple blocks and get to St George St.
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is the oldest masonry fort in the continental united states. You can pay to go thru or you can walk around the outside for free. Either way you won’t be let down. This is an awesome fort unlike any I have seen before. Read More
Walk across the street to the trolly
Old Town Trolley Tours
125 Ocean Hibiscus Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Arrive: 12:00 pm Depart: 7:00 pm
Cost : $33 online
I don’t always think trolleys are the best choice. Here I think it’s great, it makes it easier to get around. You can see more and you only have to pay to park 1 time and find 1 parking spot. If you have a very limited time here I would just go to the fort and down St. George Street. St. Augustine is on my Florida bucket list because I don’t think you could ever see everything it has to offer. Read More
Drive Home
