Sunshine Miles: The Ultimate 7-Day Florida Road Trip from Miami to Key West & Orlando

Florida has so many places worth visiting that fitting Miami, the Florida Keys and Orlando into just one week can feel impossible.

Without a smart route, you can lose precious vacation hours backtracking, sitting in traffic or trying to squeeze too many attractions into one day. Instead of enjoying South Beach sunsets or Key West island life, you may spend your trip constantly checking the clock.

Follow this simple south-to-north itinerary. Spend two days experiencing Miami, slow down for the scenic drive to Key West, then finish with two exciting days in Orlando.

Day 1: Arrive in Miami and Explore South Beach

Start your Florida adventure in Miami, where tropical beaches meet energetic city life.

After checking into your hotel, head to South Beach for a relaxed first afternoon. Walk along Ocean Drive, admire the famous Art Deco architecture and spend some time on the sand. Miami Beach is particularly known for South Beach, Ocean Drive and its Art Deco district.

Finish your evening with dinner near South Beach, Brickell or Downtown Miami.

Don’t miss:

• South Beach
• Ocean Drive
• Art Deco Historic District
• Sunset by the ocean

Day 2: Discover Little Havana and Wynwood

Day two is about discovering Miami beyond the beach.

Begin in Little Havana, where Calle Ocho is filled with Cuban restaurants, coffee windows, live music and cultural attractions. Stop for a Cuban coffee, explore Domino Park and enjoy a traditional Cuban lunch.

Later, head toward Wynwood to see colorful murals, galleries and creative spaces. The former warehouse district has become one of Miami’s best-known arts destinations.

Day 3: Miami to Key West — The Scenic Drive

This is the day when your 7-Day Florida Road Trip becomes truly memorable.

Leave Miami early and drive south through the Florida Keys. Key West is approximately 160 miles from Miami, and the drive typically takes around 3.5–4 hours without lengthy stops.

Don’t rush it. The Overseas Highway itself is an attraction, with approximately 110 scenic miles and 42 bridges connecting the Keys.

Stop for ocean views, photos and lunch before reaching Key West.

Day 4: Experience Key West

Give yourself a full day to enjoy Key West’s laid-back atmosphere.

Walk through historic streets, visit the Southernmost Point area, explore Duval Street and spend time around the Historic Seaport. End the afternoon at Mallory Square and enjoy the island’s famous sunset atmosphere.

For something more adventurous, choose a snorkeling, sailing or kayaking experience.

Key West highlights:

• Duval Street
• Southernmost Point
• Historic Seaport
• Mallory Square
• Key lime pie

Day 5: Key West to Orlando

Wake up early because this is your biggest driving day.

Leave the Keys and begin the journey north toward Orlando. Keep this day intentionally light. Take breaks, grab lunch along the way and check into your Orlando hotel in the evening.

Order dinner, relax and recharge—you’ll want your energy for the final two days.

Day 6: Orlando Theme Park Adventure

Orlando is famous for its major theme parks, so dedicate an entire day to the park that interests you most.

Choose between the Walt Disney World Resort parks, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando or another attraction based on your travel style.

Buy tickets in advance and avoid trying to visit multiple major parks in a single day.

Day 7: Explore More of Orlando

Don’t assume Orlando ends at the theme-park gates. The city also offers restaurants, shopping, arts, outdoor activities and entertainment districts.

Spend your final day exploring areas such as International Drive, Disney Springs or one of Orlando’s neighborhoods before heading to the airport.

Final Travel Tips

Book your Miami and Key West hotels early, especially during busy travel periods. Rent a comfortable car, keep some flexibility for Florida’s changing weather and avoid overloading each day with activities.

Most importantly, treat the journey as part of the vacation. From Miami’s Cuban culture to the ocean views of the Florida Keys and Orlando’s attractions, this 7-Day Florida Road Trip packs several very different sides of Florida into one unforgettable week.