Orlando fly drive to Miami

Venture beyond the magical city of Orlando with its endless activities and experience the stunning beaches, sophisticated cities, world-class culture, and national parks, the Sunshine State has to offer.

Orlando, home to more than a dozen theme parks, the area needs no introduction to many visitors. Most travellers, especially those with children, know about its largest parks – Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Animal Kingdom, Universal Orlando’s Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Here, families can enjoy exciting rides and shows, visits with storybook characters, parades, and fireworks. Nearby, Old Town Kissimmee features old-fashioned carnival rides, entertainment, and shops.

Tampa is home to Busch Gardens, an African-themed park with animal viewing areas and thrilling rides. While in Tampa, also plan to visit the award-winning Lowry Park Zoo, home to giant tortoises, African penguins, Florida panthers and many other species. Across town, at the Florida Aquarium, why not swim with sharks or take a dolphin-watching cruise. Nearby, the historic Ybor City neighbourhood was once the centre of Latin life in Tampa and home to many Cuban and Spanish cigar factories. Today, it is a lively dining and nightlife destination, where you can still see cigars being hand-rolled.

For Myers is a two and a half hour drive further south. Fort Myers is home to the historic Edison and Ford Winter Estates, where friends and famous inventors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford spent winters in adjacent homes, so make sure to take a tour of their iconic homes once here. After your look at local history, it is time to head to the beach, some of the prettiest along Florida’s Gulf coast. For an active, sporty beach experience, stay in Fort Myers Beach. For serenity and beautiful white sands, choose the laid-back barrier islands of Sanibel and Captiva, also known for stellar shell collecting.

Naples is a further one hour drive south. Stop at Naples Beach for your overnight stay and relax by the waters of the Gulf of Mexico before visiting the UNESCO Everglades National Park. Outside the official boundaries of the Everglades National Park, small independent companies offer airboat rides for visitors to zip through the watery wilderness. Join a kayak or canoe tour or ‘swamp hike’ in wetlands past hardwood hammocks to see alligators, manatees, white-tailed deer and more than 350 species of birds. Some park activities are seasonal, so check ahead.

Miami is your final stop on this East Coast Florida self-drive tour. Miami is a bustling, cosmopolitan city with a distinctly Latin flavour. In the Little Havana neighbourhood, taste traditional Cuban dishes, sip on café con leche and watch a lively dominoes game in a public park. Head to famous South Beach to rub elbows with glamourous people, tour Art Deco landmarks and enjoy some of the USA’s best nightlife. The city’s many museums and lush botanic gardens are also great sightseeing stops. Drop your car off and utilise Miami’s Free Metromover and Trolley Service to see the sights in Miami

Please find our suggested length of stays below:

Orlando - 4-6 nights
Tampa - 3 nights
Fort Myers & Sanibel - 2 nights
Naples - 2 nights
Miami - 3 nights