Itinerary help!
Hi
My husband and I (mid fifties) will be coming to Florida late October/early November for 10 days. We will fly in and out of Miami. We plan to spend a couple of days in the Keys and a couple of days in Miami. For the remainder of our trip (four days) we would like to head to somewhere low key without the highrises and craziness and endless strip malls (I appreciate that much of Florida has this so don't shoot. me down!)
We like relatively unspoilt beaches, leisurely cycles, sitting in a coffee bar, quaint local restaurants, walkable historic downtowns. Maybe hiring a kayak or paddle board. We were either thinking of heading up to St Augustine and then Amelia Island/Fernandina Beach (I appreciate this is a 5 hour plus drive from Miami). Is it worth stopping on the way (Vero Beach or Stuart or Delray Beach) on the way up for a night. Time is a little tight so that would mean less time up near St Augustine. We don't fly back until late evening so planning on doing a long drive straight to Miami airport on our last day.
Failing that we were thinking of Naples/Marco Island area but that looks a bit built up?
I have spent hours and hours on the internet but have been going round in circles so your help would be appreciated. Either suitability of above or other places that would suit us.
Thanks
For a 10-day Florida trip in late October/early November, your plan to balance the Keys, Miami, and a quieter northern or western destination is very doable, though the distances do require some consideration. Since you want unspoilt beaches, leisurely cycles, quaint restaurants, and walkable historic downtowns, certain areas stand out more than others.
Starting with the Keys and Miami, 2 days each is reasonable if you’re selective about your activities. Key Largo or Islamorada are excellent for quiet beaches, kayaking, and small local dining spots, while Miami offers more urban culture, Art Deco architecture, and restaurants. Staying in Mid-Beach or Coconut Grove can also provide a calmer experience than South Beach.
For the quieter 4-day portion of your trip, your two main ideas—St. Augustine/Amelia Island versus Naples/Marco Island—offer very different experiences:
- St. Augustine / Amelia Island:
- St. Augustine is a historic town with cobblestone streets, boutique shops, museums, and beaches that are relatively quiet outside the main tourist areas. Kayak tours and paddle boarding are available nearby.
- Amelia Island / Fernandina Beach has charming historic streets, boutique hotels, low-rise development, and pristine beaches. It’s excellent for cycling and beach walks.
- Driving from Miami to St. Augustine is about 5–6 hours without stops. Adding a stop in Vero Beach, Stuart, or Delray Beach is feasible if you want to break up the drive, but it will reduce your time in St. Augustine/Amelia Island. Vero Beach has a relaxed vibe and good coffee and dining, Stuart has a quaint downtown, and Delray Beach has a lively but manageable artsy district.
- This route is best if you enjoy scenic drives and don’t mind some road time, and it offers the classic “old Florida” feel with low-rise towns and historical charm.
- Naples / Marco Island:
- These areas are beautiful with beaches and some upscale dining, but they are more developed and less “old Florida.”
- They are quieter than Miami or Fort Lauderdale but still have resort-style hotels, golf courses, and some areas with dense vacation condos. For your preferences, they might feel a bit built up compared to Amelia Island or St. Augustine.
- If you choose this area, staying a little south of Naples in Bonita Springs or nearby small communities can give a quieter experience with access to beaches and local restaurants without the dense condo development.
Other considerations:
- Stopping overnight along the east coast on the way north from Miami can make the trip more enjoyable, especially if you want to avoid fatigue. Vero Beach and Stuart are excellent for a night in a smaller, local environment with charming coffee shops and quiet beaches.
- If you choose the northern route, plan your return to Miami for the last day with enough time to account for the ~5–6 hour drive, possibly leaving early afternoon to comfortably reach the airport by evening.
- In general, for the “low-key” Florida experience you are seeking, focus on smaller towns with boutique accommodations, low-rise hotels, and historic areas, rather than the more heavily developed gulf coast destinations.
Suggested Itinerary Outline:
- Days 1–2: Key Largo / Islamorada (quiet beaches, kayaking, snorkeling)
- Days 3–4: Miami (Mid-Beach or Coconut Grove, explore art, dining, cycling along the boardwalk)
- Days 5: Optional overnight stop in Vero Beach, Stuart, or Delray Beach to break up drive north
- Days 6–9: St. Augustine & Amelia Island (historic downtowns, beaches, kayaking, cycling, quaint restaurants)
- Day 10: Drive back to Miami for late evening flight
Overall, the St. Augustine/Amelia Island route aligns better with your preferences for quiet beaches, cycling, historic towns, and relaxed local dining, while Naples/Marco Island is more developed and resort-like, which may not feel as intimate or low-key.
