Florida road trip (10 nights in Feb)

Question

I would like to ask the helpful and experienced members of this forum board for critique/advice on our road trip plans for next February. We're landing in Orlando on a Thursday, hiring a car and then flying back from Miami the following Sunday. Our tentative plan is:

Thursday Feb 5: Drive to Cocoa Beach. Overnight in Cocoa Beach

Friday Feb 6: Kennedy Space Center. Overnight in Cocoa Beach

Saturday Feb 7: Drive south with a few stops along the way. Overnight in Fort Lauderdale

Sunday Feb 8: Continue driving south, stops in Shark Valley and Honestead. Overnight in Flamingo (Everglades)

Monday Feb 9: Kayaking and exploring the Everglades, hit a few trails. Overnight in Flamingo (Everglades)

Tuesday Feb 10: Drive south, snorkeling at John Pennekamp coral reef SP. Overnight in Key West

Wednesday Feb 11: Explore Key West. Overnight in Key West

Thursday Feb 12: Drive north with stops along the Keys. Overnight in Miami

Friday Feb 13: Explore Miami. Overnight in Miami

Saturday Feb 14: Explore Miami. Overnight in Miami

Sunday Feb 15: Fly out of Miami

We're flying from far away so would like to maximise sightseeing however without sacrificing the enjoyment of the trip! We've gone through a few variations of the itinerary and have decided to drop the west coast (Crystal River/St Petersburg/Sanibel island/Naples) and spend more time in the Everglades. If you have any suggestions on must-do/must-visit trails/stops along the route or more optimal overnight places then I'd love to hear them! One specific question I have is about manatees - what are the chances to see some around Flamingo during the winter? We would love to see them in real life so could include Blue Spring or Canaveral National Seashore.

Thanks!

Answer

Your Florida road trip itinerary looks well-structured and covers a good balance of space coast, Everglades, Keys, and Miami. With 10 nights, you have enough time to explore without rushing, but there are a few points to consider for optimization and enhancing your experience.

Firstly, your choice to drop the west coast is sensible if you want to spend more time in the Everglades and the Keys. This allows for more relaxed travel days and less long-distance driving.

Suggestions for your itinerary:

Cocoa Beach & Kennedy Space Center: Staying in Cocoa Beach is perfect for KSC visits. Consider arriving at KSC early to see the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit and the Rocket Garden without crowds.
Fort Lauderdale stop: Depending on your route south, you could consider stopping in West Palm Beach or Delray Beach for a scenic lunch or short beach stroll before reaching Fort Lauderdale.
Everglades/Flamingo: Two nights in Flamingo is ideal for exploring the southern Everglades. Key trails and spots include:
- Anhinga Trail – excellent for wildlife viewing and easy walk.
- Gumbo Limbo Trail – short, shaded boardwalk.
- Coastal Prairie Trail – for kayaking or birdwatching.
Manatee viewing: In winter, manatees tend to gather in warm waters like Blue Spring State Park (near Orlando) and Canaveral National Seashore. In Flamingo, sightings are less common, but you can still see them occasionally in the backcountry creeks if kayaking early in the morning.
Keys portion: Snorkeling at John Pennekamp is excellent. Consider adding a short stop at Bahia Honda State Park on your way to Key West for its beaches and scenic views. Key West itself offers plenty of walking tours, Hemingway House, and sunset at Mallory Square.
Miami stay: Staying 3 nights in Miami allows you to explore different neighborhoods. Consider:
- South Beach for classic Art Deco and beach walk.
- Little Havana for cultural experience and local cuisine.
- Wynwood Walls and Design District for art and dining.

Other tips to maximize sightseeing without exhausting yourselves:

Start early each day to avoid afternoon traffic, especially when driving through Miami or the Keys.
Pack snacks and water for longer drives in the Everglades and Keys.
Check sunrise and sunset times; for wildlife photography, early mornings are best.
Reserve Key West accommodations and Pennekamp snorkeling in advance, as February is a busy tourist month.

Overall, your itinerary is realistic and balanced. If seeing manatees is a priority, consider substituting one Cocoa Beach night with a night closer to Blue Spring State Park or Canaveral for a higher likelihood of sightings.

Enjoy your trip – it’s a beautiful route with a mix of beaches, wildlife, and cultural stops!