Great South Florida Itineraries
South Florida in One Week
Beautiful beaches and even more beautiful people, pulsing nightlife, striking architecture, fancy yachts, old money, new money, exotic wildlife, and stunning marine life—South Florida’s got it all. One week is hardly enough to explore the region in detail, but it's enough for a sampler platter of this wildly popular vacation destination.
Fort Lauderdale
1 day. Whether you fly into Miami or right into Fort Lauderdale, make the Yachting Capital of the World and the Venice of America your first stop; it's only an hour from the Miami airport. Known for its expansive beaches, show-stopping resort hotels, exploding food scene, and burgeoning cultural scene, Fort Lauderdale has a lot to like, so it may be hard to get your fill in a single day. Take to the waterways to appreciate this coastal beauty. Stroll picture-perfect Las Olas Boulevard, browsing the boutiques and enjoying the eclectic eateries lining Fort Lauderdale’s principal thoroughfare.
Palm Beaches
1 day. Less than two hours north of Fort Lauderdale, the opulent mansions of Palm Beach's Ocean Boulevard give you a glimpse of how the richer half lives. For exclusive boutique shopping, art gallery browsing, and glittery sightseeing, sybarites should wander down "The Avenue" (that's Worth Avenue to non–Palm Beachers). The sporty set will find dozens of places to tee up in the Palm Beaches (hardly surprising given that the PGA is based here), along with tennis courts, polo clubs, even a croquet center. Although there's also a less expensive side to Palm Beach, the area's famous hotels are significantly cheaper after Easter weekend, when the high season ends and the city feels like a different place entirely.
Treasure Coast
1 day. To balance the highbrow with the low-key, head northward for a tour of the Treasure Coast, from Stuart to Sebastian. The region is notable for its outdoor activities and Old Florida ambience. This region was named for the booty spilled by a fleet of Spanish galleons shipwrecked here in 1715, though these days you're more likely to discover manatees and golden surfing opportunities than actual gold. You can also look for the sea turtles that lay their own little treasures in the sands March through October. As you drive north, you may want to stop in Jupiter, especially if you're a dog lover, to see one of the state's most dog-friendly beaches.
Miami
2 or 3 days. Greater Miami lays claim to the country's most celebrated strand—South Beach—and lingering there tops most tourist itineraries. Once you've checked out the candy-color art deco architecture, take time off to ogle the parade of stylish people along Lincoln Road Mall, Ocean Drive, or at the bars, restaurants, and sleek swimming pools within the ever-growing number of trendy hotels in both South Beach and Mid-Beach. Do some credit card damage up in the posh beachfront city of Bal Harbour or inland in the see-and-be-seen Design District. Later merengue over to Calle Ocho, the center of Miami's Cuban community, and pay a visit to bohemian Coconut Grove or the Wynwood Arts District for some more culture.
The Everglades
1/2 day. Miami is the only U.S. city with two national parks and a national preserve in its backyard, deeming it a convenient base for eco-excursions. Especially if you stay three days, keep your car long enough to take a day trip to the Everglades. The easiest access point is Shark Valley, where you can bike along a trail teeming with alligators and herons. Alternatively, get a spectacular view of Florida’s coral reefs from a glass-bottom boat in Biscayne National Park; and then spot some rare wood storks in Big Cypress Swamp, which is best explored via Alligator Alley (Interstate 75).
The Keys
2 or 3 days. Head south from the Florida mainland to the uberrelaxing island chain, planning a pit stop at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo (which offers unparalleled snorkeling and scuba diving) or at Bahia Honda State Park farther south (it has ranger-led activities plus the Keys' best beach). Then plant yourself at the most famous key of all, Key West, where a come-as-you-are, do-as-you-please vibe rules. The Old Town has a funky, laid-back feel, with prolific nods to Ernest Hemingway. If you haven't imbibed too much at one of the renowned watering holes, rent a moped to tour the rest of the island. Clear waters and abundant marine life make underwater activities another must.
