Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
United States - Florida - Miami - The Keys
100% customisable for you
Make sure alarms are set and bags are packed, because your Florida road trip begins today with an early morning flight to Miami. Head to the airport, whizz through security and enjoy a coffee in the lounge before boarding your ten-hour flight, which lands in Miami at midday.
Once you touchdown, hop in a private transfer to your hotel. You have four nights in this star-studded southern Florida city, so for today, unpack, relax and ready yourself for the exploration ahead. Or, if you’re raring to go, we can recommend the best places to wine and dine the night away. What better way to kickstart your holiday?
The spirited city of Miami boasts buckets of sun, sea and culture. Over the next three days, discover a labyrinth of trendy bars and restaurants set against a backdrop of pristine coastline and warm lapping waves.
To help you get your bearings, start your Miami adventure with a private tour. Spend the morning getting to know the city’s iconic beach neighbourhoods with a local guide, from the glitz and glamour of Ocean Drive to the culture and community of Spanish Village, complete with tapas and Mediterranean-style architecture.
Once you’ve found your feet, the next few days are yours for the taking. Overheating in the sun? Head to one of the many postcard-perfect beaches or the iconic Venetian Pool in Coral Gables to cool off in the sparkling water. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, venture to a local restaurant – there are plenty of mouth-watering spots for foodies, and our clued-up Concierge is on hand to share some hidden gems.
After a few days of touring and tanning in Miami, it’s time to collect your hire car and begin your Florida road trip. Today it’s onto Duck Key, a two-and-a-quarter-hour drive south that skirts Biscayne Bay and crosses the southern tip of the Everglades. Along the way, stop in Key Largo, best known for its John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – a snorkeller’s paradise.
Once you’ve soaked in Key Largo’s beauty, set off on the legendary Overseas Highway. This concrete stretch ricochets from island to island, offering dolphin spotting as far as Islamorada (cameras at the ready!). After driving through Layton, arrive at Duck Key and its marina, where you’ll hang your hat for the night.
Today, head down to Key West, a city whose Eden-esque beauty has long inspired famous writers like Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams. Nowadays, this paradise between land and sea is home to plenty of bars and cafes that have retained a historic charm.
Head to Sloppy Joe's Bar, where Hemingway frequently enjoyed a rum daiquiri, and the terrace of La Concha Hotel, where Williams sipped perfectly-crafted cocktails while writing A Streetcar Named Desire. Spend the evening chasing the setting sun at Mallory Square’s nightly Sunset Celebration, or take to the waters and enjoy drinks on board a sunset cruise.
It's time to hit the road again today, so drive two hours back towards the mainland to the fishing mecca of the Keys, Islamorada. This coral archipelago comprises six islands and is one of the last coral reefs in the Straits of Florida, so it’s the perfect place for diving enthusiasts. If you’re a non-diver, don’t worry – you can still enjoy the waters on a fishing trip, or stay on land and walk through the botanical gardens. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, sample some fresh seafood specialities in a rustic quayside café, before settling in for the night.
Today, it’s time to say goodbye to Islamorada and hop back in the car for a three-hour drive towards Naples (no, not the Italian one), a sun-soaked city on the Gulf of Mexico. Once you arrive, we’ve arranged a private tour of the Everglades by airboat, so spend an action-packed hour with a local guide discovering these scenic wetlands. Crisscross through the park and get up close and personal with the incredible wildlife, including some skulking alligators…
It’s your final day in Florida, so it’s up to you how you spend it, whether you’d rather explore Naples’ beautiful beach and pier, wander through the old town’s trendy galleries and boutiques or leave the bustling centre behind completely. Those in search of secluded serenity can explore one of many nature reserves, where vast mangroves, swampy plains and walks down wooded paths await.
Fancy yourself an animal aficionado? Take a boat trip to Naples Bay in search of manatees. Thanks to dedicated conservation programmes, an estimated 7,000 to 11,000 of these 'sea cows' live in the warm waters of Florida, so keep your eyes peeled. End your evening with a tasty dinner and drink at a local restaurant, reminiscing on a road trip well spent.
Sadly, it’s time to head home today. There are two possible routes to take towards Miami, so it’s your choice for the final drive of your road trip – you can’t go wrong.
The first route is two hours and runs horizontally to the east of the Florida peninsula, heading towards Fort Lauderdale, a small ‘American Venice’. The second is 20 minutes longer, but 12 miles shorter – it follows the famous Tamiami Trail, running through the Big Cypress National Preserve and the Everglades, before arriving in the heart of Miami.
Once you’ve made the scenic journey, it’s time to return your hire car to the airport and head to the lounge for one last holiday tipple. It’s an overnight flight home, so you’ll arrive in the UK the next day, ready to research your next epic road trip.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
