Anyone offer any advice on driving holiday in Florida?
Discussion
Hi all, been to the US a few times but never ventured down to Florida yet!
Me and the girlfriend are looking at going this September for 2 weeks, hiring a car, and traveling about a bit to see a few different places hopefully.
We never go on 'package holidays' as such whenever we travel, we just always buy some flights, look for some hotels on the internet and book them separately and all that kind of thing, but with the Florida trip, we looked at going on 'Fly Drive' holidays with Thomson etc and they seemed horrific. Grossly overpriced for what you get and literally every hotel they put you in on the trip is an absolute dump looking at the photos and the reviews on trip advisor! Plus most of the 'Fly Drives' only give you 1 or 2 nights in each place which seems to be a bit too much moving hotels for us. Maybe we could get away with a few more days in each place and just see the better places of the State?
So... we are back to buying the flights ourselves with SkyScanner or whoever and then picking a few hotels around Florida and booking them independently.
With that in mind, can anyone offer any advice on what is best to do, which places to visit/stay in etc?
4 days in Miami, couple in Key West, few in Orlando? Where else?
I will be grateful for any ideas, route plans or suggestions, and also what not to do!
Thanks
Me and the girlfriend are looking at going this September for 2 weeks, hiring a car, and traveling about a bit to see a few different places hopefully.
We never go on 'package holidays' as such whenever we travel, we just always buy some flights, look for some hotels on the internet and book them separately and all that kind of thing, but with the Florida trip, we looked at going on 'Fly Drive' holidays with Thomson etc and they seemed horrific. Grossly overpriced for what you get and literally every hotel they put you in on the trip is an absolute dump looking at the photos and the reviews on trip advisor! Plus most of the 'Fly Drives' only give you 1 or 2 nights in each place which seems to be a bit too much moving hotels for us. Maybe we could get away with a few more days in each place and just see the better places of the State?
So... we are back to buying the flights ourselves with SkyScanner or whoever and then picking a few hotels around Florida and booking them independently.
With that in mind, can anyone offer any advice on what is best to do, which places to visit/stay in etc?
4 days in Miami, couple in Key West, few in Orlando? Where else?
I will be grateful for any ideas, route plans or suggestions, and also what not to do!
Thanks
This is my reply to a similar topic a couple of weeks back -
Also edited to add - you could also do a river trip to see some Manatees around Orlando area and a trip to the Kennedy Space Centre is also fascinating if this is your sort of thing -
http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/
(info here -
EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK (sorry for shouting!). http://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/index.htm
This is a must and quite easy to do.
We've been a few times - stay in Homestead (40 miles SW of Miami). Plenty of motels there. The main entrance to the park is just outside Homestead. If you only have limited time, then the visitor centre near Homestead is the place to head as the short walks around the lakes near there are an amazing place to see a cross section of all the wildlife of the area in one place.
If you go to Naples afterwards, then there's another entrance to the National Park off the HWY 90 / 41 at Shark Valley. Also along this 90 / 41 is one of the most amazing detour roads in Florida. Directions here http://g.co/maps/75b4x . It's like a prehistoric scene..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lmVb2gEzoY&fea... (not my video, just random one from YT).
Also, if you've flown to Miami, then spend a few days there on the way back. The Biscayne National Park just south of Miami (and close to Homestead) is a great place to go on an organised snorkelling trip.
(Also, don't waste your money on any of the commercial Alligator parks - you'll see LOADS in the wild - even had to swerve / brake for them on the main highway). As this is pistonheads, then don't forget about the air boat rides - http://thedestinationcenter.com/images/tourimages/...
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/evergladesnat... .
Just a few ideas.
Cheers,
Also edited to add - you could also do a river trip to see some Manatees around Orlando area and a trip to the Kennedy Space Centre is also fascinating if this is your sort of thing -
http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/
(info here -
EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK (sorry for shouting!). http://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/index.htm
This is a must and quite easy to do.
We've been a few times - stay in Homestead (40 miles SW of Miami). Plenty of motels there. The main entrance to the park is just outside Homestead. If you only have limited time, then the visitor centre near Homestead is the place to head as the short walks around the lakes near there are an amazing place to see a cross section of all the wildlife of the area in one place.
If you go to Naples afterwards, then there's another entrance to the National Park off the HWY 90 / 41 at Shark Valley. Also along this 90 / 41 is one of the most amazing detour roads in Florida. Directions here http://g.co/maps/75b4x . It's like a prehistoric scene..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lmVb2gEzoY&fea... (not my video, just random one from YT).
Also, if you've flown to Miami, then spend a few days there on the way back. The Biscayne National Park just south of Miami (and close to Homestead) is a great place to go on an organised snorkelling trip.
(Also, don't waste your money on any of the commercial Alligator parks - you'll see LOADS in the wild - even had to swerve / brake for them on the main highway). As this is pistonheads, then don't forget about the air boat rides - http://thedestinationcenter.com/images/tourimages/...
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/evergladesnat... .
Just a few ideas.
Cheers,
Edited by JONSCZ on Wednesday 14th March 13:51
Pretty sure its MattHarper you are looking for, he lives in the states and knows his way about.
Just put my 2 pences worth in while I'm here, 4 days in Miami will be too much IMO. I was there back in October and you could easily do everything here in 2 days.
On my list would be
1. Universal, Sea World and Disney - You just have to even if its only a couple of days (unless you hate theme parks of course)
2. Kennedy Space Centre - 1 day will cover this
3. The Keys - Probably 2-3 days max
4. Miami - As said 2 days max
5. Tampa Bush Gardens - 1 day will do it
6. Somewhere out on the Gulf Coast (Clearwater probably) - chill out a few days here
Can't think of anything else at the minute.
Just put my 2 pences worth in while I'm here, 4 days in Miami will be too much IMO. I was there back in October and you could easily do everything here in 2 days.
On my list would be
1. Universal, Sea World and Disney - You just have to even if its only a couple of days (unless you hate theme parks of course)
2. Kennedy Space Centre - 1 day will cover this
3. The Keys - Probably 2-3 days max
4. Miami - As said 2 days max
5. Tampa Bush Gardens - 1 day will do it
6. Somewhere out on the Gulf Coast (Clearwater probably) - chill out a few days here
Can't think of anything else at the minute.
Agree with ChrisBMW's reply - would also recommend a visit to Discovery Cove in Orlando - you get admission to SeaWorld next door included in price (have a look on TripAdvisor for reviews), definitely a must visit place although may be worth booking in advance due to restricted numbers each day.Also enjoyed a couple of days relaxing in Fort Lauderdale (Sheraton Beach Hotel is good ).
NinjaPower said:
Which Matt?
Could you maybe PM him please?
A poster called MattHarper, he is an expat who lives in orlando, but he travels quite a bit on business I think. I'm sure he will chime in.Could you maybe PM him please?
Seaworld - Its a bit "meh" in my opinion now, mainly because they aren't allowed in the water much during the shows for safety reasons. To be honest I think you can do the place in a morning.
I've stayed over at Clearwater a couple of times, not on the main beach but a little further down at Sand Key, really like it over there and its perfect for chilling out after running around doing theme parks. St Petes is similar I believe.
Busch gardens is a bit of a trek from Orlando but fairly close to Clearwater, its a pretty good day out and offers a bit more than just theme park rides.
Warbird Adventures in Kissimmee.
http://www.warbirdadventures.com/
Take the controls of a WW2 fighter trainer as you spin, roll and loop through the Florida sky. You get photos of your flight plus a dvd of the whole trip from cameras mounted on the plane. One of the very best things that I've ever done. They also have a small aircraft museum on site and fly a different plane from their collection each day.
Here's one of me. I'm in the front seat!!
http://www.warbirdadventures.com/
Take the controls of a WW2 fighter trainer as you spin, roll and loop through the Florida sky. You get photos of your flight plus a dvd of the whole trip from cameras mounted on the plane. One of the very best things that I've ever done. They also have a small aircraft museum on site and fly a different plane from their collection each day.
Here's one of me. I'm in the front seat!!
We visit Florida every November and generally head South after arrival at Miami.
We drive all the way, and mooch about.
Siesta Key / Naples (lovely beaches and good for exotic car spotting!!) / The GuLf Coast / etc.
Depends upon what you like to do. You can just chill out and relax, or explore some of the 'off the beaten track' places.
We had a days fishing on a boat, a few days lazing on a white sandy beach, visited various nature reserves.
Its all there, and driving is easy. Hotels are good value and there are hundreds of places to stop and lodge.
Beer is cold. The sea is warm. Enjoy your adventure !
We drive all the way, and mooch about.
Siesta Key / Naples (lovely beaches and good for exotic car spotting!!) / The GuLf Coast / etc.
Depends upon what you like to do. You can just chill out and relax, or explore some of the 'off the beaten track' places.
We had a days fishing on a boat, a few days lazing on a white sandy beach, visited various nature reserves.
Its all there, and driving is easy. Hotels are good value and there are hundreds of places to stop and lodge.
Beer is cold. The sea is warm. Enjoy your adventure !
NinjaPower said:
With regards to Miami, should I be looking for a hotel in 'Miami' or 'Miami Beach'?
We stayed in the Miami beach area, depends what you are after really.Miami beach is the typical Miami that you would see in the pictures, art deco buildings etc. Miami downtown is like any other big American city IMO
ChrisBMW said:
We stayed in the Miami beach area, depends what you are after really.
Miami beach is the typical Miami that you would see in the pictures, art deco buildings etc. Miami downtown is like any other big American city IMO
Ah excellent, thats just what I wanted to know, thanks! Miami beach is the typical Miami that you would see in the pictures, art deco buildings etc. Miami downtown is like any other big American city IMO
Miami beach it is!
When you arrive at Miami, head to Coconut Grove. We stay at an hotel there and its a bit quieter and less touristy than Miami Beach. You can drive back to the Art Deco area in about 15 mins, and its a pleasant drive ( easy to find).
Coconut Grove has a number of good hotels there. We favour either the 'Mutiny' or the 'Sonesta Bayfront'.
Both have pools, both are two mins safe walk to plenty of shops and restaurants.
If you drive ( or walk) about 1 mile along the road there is a lovely Seafood restaurant called the 'Chart House'. Well recommended !
Also if you fancy hanging out with the local cool dudes, you can enjoy a drink / tapas / food at a great bar on Main st.Sit out on the red settees and watch the world go by. Plenty of people there in the evenings and they are open till 'Late'. Plenty of top knotch cars too.
Coconut Grove has a number of good hotels there. We favour either the 'Mutiny' or the 'Sonesta Bayfront'.
Both have pools, both are two mins safe walk to plenty of shops and restaurants.
If you drive ( or walk) about 1 mile along the road there is a lovely Seafood restaurant called the 'Chart House'. Well recommended !
Also if you fancy hanging out with the local cool dudes, you can enjoy a drink / tapas / food at a great bar on Main st.Sit out on the red settees and watch the world go by. Plenty of people there in the evenings and they are open till 'Late'. Plenty of top knotch cars too.
ChrisBMW said:
Pretty sure its MattHarper you are looking for, he lives in the states and knows his way about.
Just put my 2 pences worth in while I'm here, 4 days in Miami will be too much IMO. I was there back in October and you could easily do everything here in 2 days.
On my list would be
1. Universal, Sea World and Disney - You just have to even if its only a couple of days (unless you hate theme parks of course)
2. Kennedy Space Centre - 1 day will cover this
3. The Keys - Probably 2-3 days max
4. Miami - As said 2 days max
5. Tampa Bush Gardens - 1 day will do it
6. Somewhere out on the Gulf Coast (Clearwater probably) - chill out a few days here
Can't think of anything else at the minute.
All of the above, + Warbird, + An airboat ride in the Everglades Just put my 2 pences worth in while I'm here, 4 days in Miami will be too much IMO. I was there back in October and you could easily do everything here in 2 days.
On my list would be
1. Universal, Sea World and Disney - You just have to even if its only a couple of days (unless you hate theme parks of course)
2. Kennedy Space Centre - 1 day will cover this
3. The Keys - Probably 2-3 days max
4. Miami - As said 2 days max
5. Tampa Bush Gardens - 1 day will do it
6. Somewhere out on the Gulf Coast (Clearwater probably) - chill out a few days here
Can't think of anything else at the minute.
Adenauer said:
ChrisBMW said:
Pretty sure its MattHarper you are looking for, he lives in the states and knows his way about.
Just put my 2 pences worth in while I'm here, 4 days in Miami will be too much IMO. I was there back in October and you could easily do everything here in 2 days.
On my list would be
1. Universal, Sea World and Disney - You just have to even if its only a couple of days (unless you hate theme parks of course)
2. Kennedy Space Centre - 1 day will cover this
3. The Keys - Probably 2-3 days max
4. Miami - As said 2 days max
5. Tampa Bush Gardens - 1 day will do it
6. Somewhere out on the Gulf Coast (Clearwater probably) - chill out a few days here
Can't think of anything else at the minute.
All of the above, + Warbird, + An airboat ride in the Everglades Just put my 2 pences worth in while I'm here, 4 days in Miami will be too much IMO. I was there back in October and you could easily do everything here in 2 days.
On my list would be
1. Universal, Sea World and Disney - You just have to even if its only a couple of days (unless you hate theme parks of course)
2. Kennedy Space Centre - 1 day will cover this
3. The Keys - Probably 2-3 days max
4. Miami - As said 2 days max
5. Tampa Bush Gardens - 1 day will do it
6. Somewhere out on the Gulf Coast (Clearwater probably) - chill out a few days here
Can't think of anything else at the minute.
Great visitor attraction and also the opportunity to have a ride in or drive around the track!Hi and sorry to be so late on this. It sounds like you have some good suggestions offered already. I've lived in central FL for quite some time and travel in the US quite extensively.
It's a bit difficult to make recommendations without knowing what your interests, budget and time-scales are. Additionally, I'm a bit of a miserable old git and am inclined to steer away from obvious tourist hotspots, which can be a little tricky in this State.
I recall making a suggestion to someone else who was visiting last year, which was a circular coastal route, starting and ending in Orlando and taking in Daytona Beach, St Augustine, Tampa, Sarasota, Captiva, Miami, Cocoa and KSC. I'll see if I can unearth it.
Re: FL Keys - an intersting drive, but Key West is a huge disappointment in my opinion. Marathon and Bahia Honda are far, far nicer and less crowded with weirdos, shirt-lifters and spring-breakers.
Hotels do not charge for parking anywhere I've stayed in FL, apart from South Beach and Orlando resorts.
It's a bit difficult to make recommendations without knowing what your interests, budget and time-scales are. Additionally, I'm a bit of a miserable old git and am inclined to steer away from obvious tourist hotspots, which can be a little tricky in this State.
I recall making a suggestion to someone else who was visiting last year, which was a circular coastal route, starting and ending in Orlando and taking in Daytona Beach, St Augustine, Tampa, Sarasota, Captiva, Miami, Cocoa and KSC. I'll see if I can unearth it.
Re: FL Keys - an intersting drive, but Key West is a huge disappointment in my opinion. Marathon and Bahia Honda are far, far nicer and less crowded with weirdos, shirt-lifters and spring-breakers.
Hotels do not charge for parking anywhere I've stayed in FL, apart from South Beach and Orlando resorts.
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