Florida Road Trip - Itinerary Help Please

Question

Hi folks, we (2 adults and 3 kids 9, 8 & 8) are heading to Florida in July for 14 nights. We are flying into and out of Orlando and have a car. We have been to Disney and Universal before so won’t do Disney this time, but plan to finish the trip with a few nights at Universal. Our rough plan is as follows: arrive late afternoon on day 1 and drive to Coco beach. Day 2 Kennedy Space Centre, probably stay at Coco Beach on night 2 (or somewhere else further down the coast for a night?), Day 3,4,5 & 6 Miami (which means our last night there is 4 July which we thought might be fun), day 7, 8 & 9 Key West (we have held The Capitanoa which is on Key West and also Ocean’s Edge which I think is on Stock Island - any ideas on which may be better?), days 10 and 11 (nothing booked - not sure whether to go with tw flow and book something when we get there or book now, maybe 2 days in Sarasota?), days 12, 13 & 14 at Universal (or possibly just 2 days and spend 3 days at the previous stop). We appreciate that there’s a bit of driving involved and don’t mind that. We are looking for a fun, family friendly trip. We like a mix of beach, city and a bit of culture. Any thoughts on our plans would be welcome, thank you

Answer

Your planned Florida road trip sounds like a fantastic mix of beach, city, and cultural experiences for your family. Here's some detailed feedback and suggestions to optimize your itinerary:

Days 1-2: Cocoa Beach / Kennedy Space Center

Arriving late and driving to Cocoa Beach is practical. For night 2, staying another night in Cocoa Beach works well since it keeps you close to Kennedy Space Center, allowing for a full morning or early afternoon visit without long driving.
Alternatively, you could stay in Titusville or Cape Canaveral for night 2 to be slightly closer to the Space Center and potentially save driving time.

Days 3-6: Miami

Four nights in Miami gives you plenty of time to explore beaches, the Art Deco District in South Beach, Little Havana, Wynwood Walls, and family-friendly attractions like Jungle Island or the Miami Seaquarium.
Since your last night in Miami is July 4th, expect large crowds and busy traffic. Plan ahead for any fireworks viewing or events.

Days 7-9: Key West

The Capitanoa is centrally located on Key West, close to Duval Street and many attractions, which is convenient for walking and family sightseeing.
Ocean’s Edge on Stock Island is quieter and more residential, with easy access to the Key West area by car or bike. It may offer a more relaxed stay, particularly if you want to avoid the busier tourist areas.
Both are good options; choose based on whether you prefer central nightlife and attractions (Capitanoa) or a quieter, more spacious stay (Ocean’s Edge).

Days 10-11: Flexible stop

Sarasota is a great choice for a couple of days. It offers beautiful Siesta Key Beach, the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, and the Ringling Museum of Art for a mix of beach and culture.
Booking in advance is recommended for July, as accommodations can fill up quickly. However, if you prefer flexibility, you could decide based on weather or family energy levels once you arrive.

Days 12-14: Universal Orlando

Two or three days at Universal is ideal for your family to enjoy both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, plus Volcano Bay if water parks are of interest.
Since you have visited Disney before, Universal offers a different set of attractions and thrills suitable for your kids' ages.

Additional Tips:

Consider travel time between stops: Orlando → Cocoa Beach ~1 hr, Cocoa Beach → Miami ~4 hrs, Miami → Key West ~3.5 hrs, Key West → Sarasota ~6-7 hrs, Sarasota → Orlando ~2 hrs. Break up long drives if needed for comfort and rest stops.
Make sure to pack snacks, water, and entertainment for longer drives, especially with kids.
Plan for July weather: high heat and humidity, plus afternoon thunderstorms. Morning activities and beach time early in the day are often best.
Reserve popular attractions, tours, and accommodations in advance, particularly in Miami, Key West, and Universal Orlando, to avoid sold-out experiences.

Overall, your plan offers a fun mix of beach, culture, and theme park experiences. Fine-tuning a few nights, particularly in Cocoa Beach, Key West accommodations, and your flexible Sarasota stop, will help reduce stress and maximize enjoyment.