Florida in 7 Days: Orlando, Tampa and Miami

Florida in 7 days at a glance

• Days 1–3: Orlando and the Space Coast
• Days 4–5: Tampa Bay
• Days 6–7: Miami and South Florida

Day 1: Kennedy Space Center

Give the Space Coast a full day. The complex is about an hour east of Orlando by car, and you will want time for the bus tour to the launch pads as well as the exhibits. Check the launch schedule before you go: a launch day changes crowds and road access.

• Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: rockets, the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit and astronaut programmes.

Day 2: Orlando wildlife and family attractions

Spend a lighter day closer to the city. Mornings are cooler and better for the animals; save indoor stops for the afternoon heat or a summer storm.

• Gatorland: alligators, crocodiles and a boardwalk through a breeding marsh.
• Crayola Experience Orlando: hands-on, indoor activities for younger children.
• Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Sanford, north of the city.

Day 3: Beyond the theme parks

If you are not spending the day in a big theme park, head south of Orlando for an airboat ride or cool off at a water park.

• Wild Florida: airboat tours and a drive-thru safari near Kenansville.
• Island H2O Water Park in Kissimmee.
• Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, an easy add-on if you are already on the Space Coast.

Days 4–5: Tampa Bay

Tampa is about an hour and a half west of Orlando on the I-4. Base yourself downtown or in Clearwater if you want the beach.

• Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: roller coasters and an animal park in one ticket; plan a full day.
• The Florida Aquarium on the Channelside waterfront.
• ZooTampa at Lowry Park, strong on Florida wildlife and manatee care.
• Henry B. Plant Museum: a Gilded Age hotel turned museum on the University of Tampa campus.
• Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a rescue and rehabilitation centre about 40 minutes west.

Days 6–7: Miami

The drive from Tampa to Miami takes around four hours on the I-75 across Alligator Alley. Split the two days between the city and its southern edge.

• Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Museum Park, with a planetarium and aquarium.
• Zoo Miami: large, open-air and best visited early.
• Deering Estate: a historic waterfront estate on Biscayne Bay.
• Flamingo Gardens in Davie, on the way up to Fort Lauderdale.

Practical tips

• A car is the easiest way to do this route; public transport between the three cities is limited.
• Summer brings afternoon thunderstorms almost daily, so plan outdoor visits for the morning.
• Book timed tickets for the busiest attractions ahead, especially on weekends and school holidays.