10-19-2016 12:24 PM
Hi Florida Local Guides,
I'm driving from Orlando to Key West. I need some help choosing the top 3-4 attractions at each stop
We have 2 weeks and would like to spend three days in each of the following cities.
10-19-2016 12:49 PM
@AlexPssn Hey! I was Cape Canaveral and Key West for two National Parks meet-ups that I hosted this summer.
Check out some of the places I visited in Key West here which I definitely recommend, including taking a day trip to Dry Tortugas because if you're all the way down there, you should totally go!
Near Cape Canaveral, I definitely recommend visiting Dixie Crossroads for food, Canaveral National Seashore, Playa Linda and Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge for the sights/activities.
Orlando is where I went to college and visit a few times each year and it depends on your preferences. Are you looking for places to eat, drink or play? Eat at Tibby's in Winter Park, go to Wizarding World of Harry Potter and skip the Orlando Eye.
I don't have many favorites in Fort Lauderdale or Orlando, so I can't share much but @SP31 may be able to help out and we seem to have similar tastes! 🙂
10-19-2016 01:45 PM
Thank you @TraciC, We want to go to Harry Potter, we missed it last year, and Dry Tortugas National Park is on our list.
The links were perfect, I can just add them to my Google Trips app.
10-19-2016 02:40 PM - edited 10-19-2016 02:45 PM
Thanks, @TraciC! 🙂
Hey @AlexPssn! You're coming down at a great time, the heat is finally easing up and the weather should be comfortable. I haven't explored much of Ft. Lauderdale, but I know Las Olas Blvd is the place to be. As far as Orlando, I usually frequent the theme parks, but I do remember having a good dining experience at Hash House a GoGo and I've been wanting to visit the Ice Bar Orlando, which may be of interest to you. Actually, Disney Springs has been revitalized and has a ton of great entertainment and food options now.
As far as Miami, where I'm from, I definitely recommend checking out the Wynwood Art District - they usually have an art walk on the second Saturday evening of the month, but if you are not in Miami at that time, you can easily go during the day to check out some spots such as Wynwood Walls, & Bakehouse Art Complex and great restaurants such as Wynwood Kitchen & Bar and Kush. The Wynwood Yard is also cool! This is a neighborhood in Miami that is growing at a rapid pace and perfect for the arts and dining.
As cliche as it sounds, Miami/South Beach is worth checking out. There's so much to do based on your preferences. Enjoy people watching, shopping, and restaurants? You'll love Lincoln Road Mall and Ocean Drive (long strip of road that goes parallel of the ocean). Enjoy a bit more peace, but also want to be steps away from the beach? Definitely go to South Pointe Park! They completed a ton of renovations and it is absolutely beautiful. There are a few restaurants steps away from the park (Smith & Wollensky, Cibo Wine Bar), the sand and ocean is a few steps from the park, and you can even relax and watch the boats and cruise ships go by on the park's boardwalk. Some places to dine that I'd recommend in the South Beach area include the famous Joe's Stone Crab (they also have a to go restaurant that you can actually dine in for quicker and inexpensive experience), YardBird, and Izzy's.
Coconut Grove is another great Miami neighborhood with a ton of great history, dining, and places of interest. Best place and most popular place in the Grove? Definitely Vizcaya Museums and Gardens. I've got to say, your time in Miami is incomplete without a stop here. Also check out CocoWalk, an outdoor mall that is in the center of the Grove, and it is very lively. Definitely recommend Greenstreet Cafe in the grove for dining. Little Havana is also great for Cuban culture - especially at the epicenter near Domino Park. During the day, the area is very festive, there are cigar shops, some authentic Cuban restaurants, and one of my favorites, Azucar Ice Cream.
Other random tidbits for Miami:
I know its a ton of info, but feel free to let me know if you have any additional or specific questions 🙂 . Enjoy your trip and be safe!
10-19-2016 02:51 PM
Wow @SP31, I'll need 6 weeks to explore Miami only.
Thanks for the tips, we visit Ft Lauderdale (from Canada) every year for Cmas, this is the first time we are going on a road trip. There is a lot on your list we haven't tried in Miami. We'll certainly try to get them all in.
10-20-2016 08:22 AM
Thank you for sharing, @SP31. You are THE source of information on Miami. Hands down!!
10-20-2016 09:20 AM
🙂 Aw, thanks, @TraciC! #ILoveLG