2023-08-12 09:00:00
With its natural treasures, golden beaches, and bustling cities, Florida offers a myriad of experiences for the whole family. Le Figaro reveals its advice for discovering the charms and key activities of the Sunshine State over an unforgettable 12-day circuit.
Before basking in the sun on the beaches of Miami, we take advantage of a road trip in Florida to fill up on thrills in the amusement parks of Orlando, discover the wild nature of the Everglades and enjoy the island soul. Keys. A 12-day tour through this eclectic and sunny state, which is best visited between October and May.
Read alsoFlorida: five stops for a crossing of the Keys on the mythical “Overseas Highway”
Stage 1 : Orlando
2 days – Leisure – City Break
Take advantage of these two days in Orlando to visit Universal Studios Florida and its Islands of Adventures park. TOimages – stock.adobe.com
After a 10 hour flight from Paris, we landed at Orlando International Airport where we picked up a rental car. Before hitting the roads of Florida, take advantage of these two days to have fun in the famous amusement parks that make the city a world capital of entertainment and a key first step, full of sensations.
Our must-sees in Orlando
Discover the four theme parks of Walt Disney World, the largest amusement park in the world. Immerse yourself in the universe of Spider Man, King Kong, Harry Potter or even the Simpsons by visiting Universal Studios Florida and its Islands of Adventures park. Marvel at NASA rockets and space shuttles at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, 50 minutes from Orlando (remember to reserve admission).
Stage 2: Sanibel & Fort Meyers
2 days – Nature
258 Km – 3h drive
Sanibel Island is renowned for its unspoiled nature. Henryk Sadura – stock.adobe.com
We leave Orlando in the direction of southwest Florida. We take advantage of the journey to discover the charms of Sarasota, on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, before stopping at Fort Myers. From there, you take a 5 km long bridge (paying access depending on the period) to reach the island of Sanibel, renowned for its unspoiled nature.
Our must-sees in Sanibel and Fort Meyers
Visit the winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, transformed into a museum and surrounded by magnificent tropical gardens. Kayak among the Manatee Park manatees (equipment available on site). Take a walk on the beaches of Sanibel Island at sunrise and admire sublime seashells belonging to more than 400 different species. Venture into the JN “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, the country’s largest natural mangrove ecosystem, home to more than 245 varieties of birds and 35 species of mammals.
Step 3: Napoli
2 days – Beach – Shopping
67 Km – 1 hour drive
Further south, Naples is a peaceful city renowned for its superb white sand beaches and palm-lined avenues. jovannig – stock.adobe.com
From Fort Myers, drive south until arriving in Naples, a peaceful city renowned for its superb white sand beaches and its palm-lined avenues where art galleries, luxury boutiques and elegant restaurants rub shoulders. We take advantage of these two days to indulge in the joys of idleness and recharge our batteries.
Our essentials in Naples
Contemplate the sunset while strolling on the pier.
Lounge on the soft sands of Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park Beach and watch the antics of dolphins swimming offshore. Discover more than 1,000 varieties of exotic plants and flowers by visiting the Botanical Garden of Naples. Shop at the boutiques on Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South.
Step 4: Everglades & The Keys
3 days – Nature – Adventure
60 km – 50 minutes by road
Board an airboat to spot the park’s wildlife, including alligators. JUAN CARLOS MUÓOZ ROBREDO / JUAN CARLOS MUNOZ – stock.adobe.
Our essentials in the Everglades and the Keys
South of Naples, Everglades City offers an excellent access point to Everglades National Park. Less frequented than the other entrances, it allows you to venture into the part of the park irrigated by the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. From there, take US Highway 41 to reach Key Largo (180 Km – 2h20 drive) and discover the Keys by driving on the Overseas Highway, one of the most beautiful scenic roads in the United States, offering views superb on the turquoise waters.
Board an airboat to observe the park’s wildlife, including alligators. Kayaking among the islands and mangrove forests of Ten Thousand Islands. Admire the enchanting landscapes offered by the Snake Bight Trail and Long Pine Key Nature Trail hiking trails. Snorkel in Key Largo to admire the coral reefs and exotic fish of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Soak up the charms of Key West, the southernmost city in the country, and visit Ernest Hemingway’s home.
Step 5: Miami
3 days – Beach – Culture – Shopping
265 Km – 3h30 drive
Magic City is the perfect stopover to end this road trip in Florida on a high note. miami2you – stock.adobe.com
Our must-sees in Miami
From Key West, we go up the Overseas Highway in the direction of Miami and we take advantage of the journey to stop for a few moments on the islands of Big Pine Key, Marathon, Islamorada and Tavernier. Cosmopolitan and vibrant, the one we call Magic City is the perfect stopover to end this road trip in Florida on a high note.
Stroll through the South Beach district and admire the city’s emblematic Art Deco buildings. Soak up the Caribbean atmosphere of the neighborhoods of Little Havana and Little Haiti. Shop in the modern malls and designer boutiques of the Miami Design District. Enjoy the warm sands of Miami Beach and try out different water sports. Perfect your swing on one of the many golf courses scattered around the city and its surroundings. Discover Miami’s nightlife while sipping a cocktail in the lively bars of Ocean Drive.
Then head to the airport to return the rental car and take the plane back to Paris. If this 12-day road trip in Florida provides an overview of the natural riches of Sunshine Statea few more days would allow you to discover the paradisiacal islands of the Bahamas, all close to the coast of the State.
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