White sand beaches, Everglades alligators, Miami Art Deco and a road across the ocean: Florida is perfect for a self-drive tour. Here are the stops not to miss.
Miami and Miami Beach
Start with Ocean Drive and the Art Deco district of South Beach, with its pastel facades and neon lights. Don't miss the murals of Wynwood and the Cuban atmosphere of Little Havana.
The Everglades
Everglades National Park, a vast UNESCO-listed wetland, is home to alligators, manatees and hundreds of bird species. An airboat ride or a walk on the boardwalk trails is enough to feel its magic.
The Keys and the road to Key West
The Overseas Highway links the mainland to Key West over about 180 km, island-hopping across some forty bridges, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge. In Key West, the southernmost point of the USA, enjoy sunset at Mallory Square and Hemingway's house.
The Gulf Coast
Heading north along the west coast, Naples, the islands of Sanibel and Captiva, then Sarasota offer quieter beaches and spectacular sunsets.
Orlando, Cape Canaveral and St. Augustine
Inland, Orlando and its theme parks appeal to families. On the Atlantic coast, the Kennedy Space Center tells the story of space exploration, and St. Augustine, founded in 1565, is the oldest city in the United States.
When to go to Florida?
The best period is November to April: dry, sunny weather and pleasant temperatures. Summer is hot and humid, and hurricane season runs from June to November.
How long?
Allow 8 days for Miami, the Everglades and the Keys, and two weeks for a grand tour of the peninsula. Florida also combines very well with Louisiana and the Old South.
Our Florida self-drive tours are built with our USA specialist, to suit your wishes and pace.
