We spent a week in early January touring the Florida pan handle by car, with our route taking in Orlando, Sarasota and Naples along the  west coast, across the Everglades to Key Largo, out along the Keys to Key West, back to Miami and finally returning to Orlando. 

 

 

Link to still image montage of our road trip from Orlando along the coastal routes down to the Keys and back:-

https://youtu.be/MbKk0GP6bkk

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Florida roadtrip

As there are regular flights from Dublin to Orlando, we chose to start our trip by taking the Florida west coast route down to the Keys, returning via Miami and the Florida east coast route back to Orlando. We covered nearly 1400m by car during one week self directed road trip, all the while at a very leisurely relaxed pace. 

Because of its warm subtropical climate, Florida is known as the "Sunshine State.” The bulk of the State is a peninsula that is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the west, the Strait of Florida to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.

Florida is a popular American tourist destination for its many beaches, wildlife in areas like the Everglades, large cities such as Miami, and a myriad of theme parks in Orlando. 

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Sense of Florida

Tourism is the largest sector of Florida's economy. As Florida is surrounded by water, much of it is low-lying and flat. It has an average January low temperature of 7C degrees  and a July high of 32C degrees. Miami, on the other hand, has a January low of 15C degrees  and a July high of 24C degrees. Rain is common year-round in Florida. The State is also prone to hurricanes. Florida has the fourth highest population of any State in the U.S. and it is one of the country's fastest growing. 

In addition to Florida’s biodiversity, large cities, and famous theme parks, Florida is also known for its well-developed university system. There are a number of large public universities in the state, such as Florida State University and the University of Florida, as well as many large private universities and community colleges. Florida's population is considered to be Hispanic, although the majority of the State is Caucasian. South Florida also has significant populations of people from Cuba, Haiti, and Jamaica. Additionally, Florida is known for its large retirement communities.

Having English and a smattering of Spanish makes conversing and getting-around simpler. The variety of experiences and cultures is what made this trip memorable. Miami’s Art Deco hotels and beaches are most enjoyable to visit. Other wonderful hotels that we stayed in included the Portofino in Orlando, the Marriott Beachside in Key West and the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Course with its wonderful sunsets.

 

Recommendations for Florida

Once you get your schedule sorted, it is then very easy to search for and book your own accommodation, on the fly, using one or the many search engines.

A cost effective way to travel at your own pace is by car, enjoying the wonderful scenery along the iconic routes, like the Florida Keys drive down to Key West. In our opinion, the Keys and Key West are more akin to New Orleans and Cuba, in terms of having a more bohemian atmosphere and culture relative to the rest of the US states.

  

Best Things we found to Do in Florida:

• Walt Disney World;

• Universal Studios;

• Naples;

• Everglades National Park;

• The Florida Keys drive;

• South Beach, Miami;

• Museum Of Science and Discovery, Fort Lauderdale;

• Legoland Florida;

• Gatorland;

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Our must see recommendation for a trip to Florida:-

(1) There is loads to see in Florida – Disney World, Everglades,  the Florida Keys, Miami etc.

(2) The drive down the Florida Keys was awesome. 

(3) The small west coast town of Naples was wonderful.

(4) The trip on the air boat into the Everglades National Park was unforgettable.

(5) Our three day stay in Key West was the highlight of the entire trip.

(6)      A stay in South Beach and a stroll along Ocean Drive. 

 

“You should travel away from home, to really appreciate the value of what you have at home, on your return.”

 

“Happiness is found in the journey and rarely in the destination, alone.”