Two weeks in May - itinerary

Question

Views please on our itinerary for 2 weeks in mid May, as first time visitors to Florida. Plus any ideas for good mid-range hotels – we like space to relax and ideally some cooking facilities, but prefer a hotel rather than AirBnB. Ideally we’d like to stay in a few places for longer but would consider an overnighter for a special place.

We’re an older couple, very active and keen on nature/ wildlife as well as some history. We have zero interest in the theme parks and aren’t keen on beach life.

We land at Orlando (the only direct flight from Manchester) and don’t plan to stay there. The outline plan is:

Catch Brightline to Miami and spend 4 nights there (as we’ll be late arriving on the first day so that gives us 3 days). We’re keen to see the art deco area BUT as we’re not into resorts might it be better to stay in the downtown area and just do a day trip there? There doesn’t seem to be any advantage to staying in South Beach and a lot of the hotel reviews complain about noise, plus the hotels seem expensive.

Then we plan to pick up a rental car and head to the Keys, staying probably 2 places, including Key West where the main attractions for us are Hemingway and Dry Tortugas. (I still need to read up on whether to fly or take the ferry.) Should the other stop on the keys be around Marathon or Upper Keys – I love the look of Kona Kai resort as we’re keen gardeners? I was assuming 5 or 6 nights for this stage, and whether to go first or second to Key West

After that we want to visit the Everglades (I wondered about Flamingo Lodge for a night) and finally (probably) Sarasota, 2 /3 nights then flying home late on the last day.

OR should we do it in reverse pick up a car at Orlando and drop it off in Miami?

Given the loop I’ve described have I missed any must see places off or are any of my planned stays too long/ too short?

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

Answer

Your proposed two-week Florida itinerary in May is well thought out and provides a nice balance of urban culture, nature, history, and scenic drives. Since you’re not interested in theme parks or beach lounging, your focus on Miami, the Keys, the Everglades, and Sarasota makes for a varied and enriching trip. Here’s a detailed review and suggestions to optimize your plan:

Miami & Art Deco / Downtown:

Since you’re not keen on the party or resort scene of South Beach, staying downtown or in Brickell is a great idea. It’s quieter, still has excellent restaurants, museums, and galleries, and gives easy access to day trips to the Art Deco Historic District and Wynwood Walls.

Downtown / Brickell hotels with kitchen facilities: Consider suites in Residence Inn Miami Downtown/Brickell, Homewood Suites, or Element Miami. These have kitchens or kitchenettes and comfortable spaces for relaxing.
Day trips: You can easily do a half-day or full-day trip to South Beach for a walk along Ocean Drive and the Art Deco architecture, without staying there.
Other attractions: Vizcaya Museum & Gardens and Little Havana are also excellent for history and culture lovers.

Florida Keys:

The Keys portion could be structured to maximize exploration and minimize driving stress. A logical approach is to start in the Upper or Middle Keys and then finish in Key West:

Upper Keys / Key Largo / Tavernier: This is convenient after picking up your rental car from Miami. Staying here for 2–3 nights allows you to explore John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center.
Middle Keys / Marathon: Staying here for 2 nights, Kona Kai Resort is a good choice for its gardens and peaceful setting. You can explore Sombrero Beach, the Turtle Hospital, and nearby state parks.
Key West: Finish your Keys portion with 2–3 nights. Focus on Ernest Hemingway Home, Dry Tortugas National Park (reachable by ferry or small plane from Key West), Mallory Square for sunsets, and local galleries. Flying to Dry Tortugas is quicker and less tiring for a one-day trip.

Everglades:

Flamingo Lodge in Everglades National Park is ideal for an overnight stay if you want to explore the park more deeply. You can do kayaking or take an airboat tour to see wildlife. One night is sufficient unless you plan a longer hike or photography focus.

Sarasota / Gulf Coast:

Ending your trip in Sarasota is logical for a more relaxed pace before flying home. Two or three nights is a good balance. Focus on:

Ringling Museum of Art and Ca’ d’Zan Mansion
Myakka River State Park for wildlife and scenic walks
Downtown Sarasota and St. Armands Circle for dining and shopping

Route / Car Rental:

Given your loop, it makes sense to take Brightline to Miami first, then pick up the car for the Keys → Everglades → Sarasota portion. Returning the car in Sarasota and flying out is straightforward. This avoids unnecessary backtracking and gives you more flexibility in the Keys and Everglades.

Additional Suggestions / Must-Sees:

Consider a visit to Coral Castle near Homestead if you enjoy quirky history.
In the Keys, Bahia Honda State Park is worth a stop for a short walk and photo opportunities even if you’re not focused on beach time.
For wildlife lovers, a short airboat tour in the Everglades can be thrilling and educational.
On the drive from the Keys back to Sarasota, consider a stop in Naples or Marco Island for a quick lunch and scenic stroll.

Hotel Recommendations (Mid-Range, with Kitchens/Space):

Miami: Residence Inn Miami Downtown/Brickell, Homewood Suites Miami Brickell, Element Miami
Upper/Middle Keys: Kona Kai Resort (Marathon), Amara Cay Resort (Key Largo), or Bayside Inn Key Largo
Key West: Hyatt Centric Key West, Heron House (small boutique with kitchenettes), or Silver Palms Inn
Everglades: Flamingo Lodge & Marina (Everglades NP)
Sarasota: Residence Inn Sarasota, Homewood Suites Sarasota, Lido Beach Resort (has kitchens and comfortable suites)

Overall Timeline & Stays:

Miami: 3–4 nights – good for urban culture, museums, and day trips
Keys: 5–6 nights – allows for two stays plus Key West exploration
Everglades: 1 night – sufficient for wildlife viewing and a nature-focused stay
Sarasota: 2–3 nights – relaxing end to your trip with art, history, and nature

This itinerary balances longer stays in a few locations with shorter overnight experiences, and it provides a mix of culture, history, nature, and scenic drives without focusing on theme parks or beaches. You’ve planned well; just consider starting the Keys from the Upper Keys down to Key West and renting the car in Miami to avoid extra logistics.

Two weeks in May - itinerary

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