Sunshine Trails
Explore what makes Florida such a magnificent state: its gorgeous beaches, tropical islands and exciting amusement parks.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Miami arrival
Arrive in the Sunshine State of Florida. Pick up your rental car and proceed to your hotel.
Day 2: Miami - Key West
Today's journey takes you south, crossing 42 bridges and 32 islands as you drive on the Overseas Highway (US1) all the way to Key West, only 90 miles away from Cuba. Key Largo is the first in a chain of coral islands known as the Keys. The star visitor attraction is undoubtedly the only underwater park in the US, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Continue on to Key West and walk the Pelican Path or take the Conch Tour Train to get a flavor of Key West. Don't miss the Hemingway House, one of Key West's most famous celebrity shrines.
Day 3: Key West - Key Largo
Today retrace your journey along the Keys en route to Key Largo. Be sure to stop along the way to capture photos of this unique stretch of road and enjoy some freshly caught fish at the restaurant of your choice. Overnight in Key Largo.
Day 4: Key Largo - Everglades National Park - Naples
Today cross "Alligator Alley" via the Everglades National Park. Spend time at the visitor center and we suggest you hop aboard an airboat for a thrilling experience. Continue to the swanky town of Naples where designer shopping and fine dining compliment the beautiful Gulf Coast beaches.
Day 5: Naples
A full day to relax and enjoy Naples.
Day 6: Naples - Sarasota
Continue north to Sarasota, passing the popular Fort Myers and Venice beaches. Stop to visit the winter residence of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford outside Fort Myers. Consider taking a side trip to the tropical barrier islands of Sanibel and Captiva (toll bridge). Visit Ding Darling State Park on Captiva where you can rent bicycles to enjoy the Floridian flora and fauna, or take a kayak trip through the mangroves.
Day 7: Sarasota - Crystal River
Travel north and inland today as you head for Crystal River. Stop en route at Homosassa Springs, home to Nature World, a nature reserve for endangered manatees.
Day 8: Crystal River - St. Augustine
This morning, visit Silver Springs Park where the first Tarzan movies were filmed or enjoy a glass bottom boat ride on the crystal clear waters of Silver Springs. Cross the Ocala National Forest via Palatka to St. Augustine. Ponce De Leon landed here in 1513 in search of eternal youth. You can visit the mythical Fountain of Youth during your stay.
Day 9: St. Augustine - Orlando
Today, visit famous Daytona Beach before swinging inland and following Interstate 4 to the theme park capital of the world, Orlando, your base for the next three nights.
Day 10: Orlando
The main decision during your stay will be deciding which parks to visit. Choose between Disney's Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, MGM and Animal Kingdom, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure or SeaWorld. A good sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. (Admission not included)
Day 11: Orlando
A full day at leisure to discover what inspires this city built on imagination.
Day 12: Orlando - Cocoa Beach
Drive east to the Space Coast of Florida and land in Cocoa Beach, home of the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame. You may want to explore the universe at NASA's Kennedy Space Center or walk the famous Cocoa Beach pier and enjoy the shops, food and ocean air.
Day 13: Cocoa Beach - Miami Departure
Continue to Miami in time to return your rental car before your return flight.
Customise this itinerary to travel at your own pace.
Highlights worth seeing along the way
Virginia's Atlantic Coastline - Enjoy Virginia's Atlantic Coastline with its broad beaches and warm water.
South Beach - Discover South Beach, Miami's hot spot for fun.
Overseas Highway - Cross the Overseas Highway, an engineering feat, to the wonderful world of the Florida Keys.
Pelican Path - Wander through Key West's colorful history along Pelican Path.
Key West - Climb aboard the Conch Tour Train and experience the wonder of Key West.
Florida's Everglades - Explore Florida's Everglades, a subtropical refuge to a unique array of wildlife.
Naples - Experience an exquisite sunset in Naples, the crown jewel of Southwest Florida.
Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge State Park - Bird watch in Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge State Park.
Sarasota - Experience an abundance of sun, sand and water in Sarasota.
Crystal River - Encounter the unspoiled splendor of Crystal River, the gem of Florida's Nature Coast.
Silver River - Take a glass bottom boat ride in the 99.8% pure waters of the Silver River.
St. Augustine - Visit St. Augustine, the nations oldest permanently occupied European settlement.
Our favourite places to stay:
• Sleep Inn Miami Airport, Miami
• 24 North Hotel Key West, Key West
• Marina Del Mar Resort and Marina, Key Largo
• Gulfcoast Inn, Naples
• Best Western Plus Seista Key Gateway, Sarasota
• Plantation on Crystal River, an Ascend Hotel Collection, Crystal River
• The Ponce St. Augustine Hotel, St.Augustine
• Grand Hotel Orlando at Universal Boulevard, Orlando
• La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Cocoa Beach-Port Canaveral, Cocoa Beach
Choosing your Rental Car
Take into consideration the size of the vehicle you require. We recommend a minimum of a medium sized SUV for two adults. This will give you space and freedom when you're travelling, and room for those extra purchases that you may make along the way. Book your car with House of Travel before leaving home as this will save money and ensure you get the car of your choice.
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HOT Code: CMPBUSA2904
