Salt in the air, ocean breeze blowing my hair, footprint in the sand, body tanned. Palm trees kissed by the sun, this is Key(s) to my heart.
December days in the wintery climate are short and sun is rarely visible.
Cold weather penetrates all the way to the bones, whistling wind blows in the ears, saying I’m here. Crystal snowflakes cover roads, fireplaces are crackling in the houses with the scent of fresh cut wood. Roads freeze and sidewalks are covered with snow. Winter is here and is mind blowing cold.
One of the greatest thing about North America is that in couple of hours’ flight from a wintery climate you can reach the Sunshine State, a destination where there is plenty of outdoor activities, peace and serenity.
The season in Florida Keys starts in December when winter has an amazing combination of temperature and humidity. In Florida, you salt margaritas & tequilas not the sidewalks covered by the snow 🙂
Florida is the place where you can plan your perfect (winter) holiday destination, regardless that you are looking for a family vacation, you want a leisurely approach, adventure packed holiday or a romantic gateway.
There are plenty of activities, which make you enjoy Florida.
In this post, I share my 10 days detailed itinerary and the way I enjoyed this place to the fullest, with my five senses.
Let’s kick it off!
DAY 1 – naples and miami beach
Landed at Fort Myres and on the way to Miami beach we stopped at Naples Beach, where white sand led us up to the dolphin spotting historic Naples Pier to watch the scenic sunset over the Gulf, listen to the song of the birds.
From Naples, we headed towards Miami South Beach and by the time we reached our destination, dark settled on the city. Despite the late hour, South Beach was full of life and activity, with surprisingly large crowd. We kicked off the evening with dinner and drinks at 900 Ocean drive Mango’s Tropical Cafe. Great and exotic place, guests of the restaurant experience classy, creative dance and singing performances on the top of the bar platform in Miami style. Loved the place, music, food, drinks.
Food and drinks followed by a walk at Ocean Drive with nice breeze from the sea, and shining stars decorating the sky. There were a lot of happening clubs, restaurants, art deco buildings, loud music from cars driving by and lots of energy Versace House (Now Casa Casuarina) just on the ocean drive at 11th Street, looks chic as boutique cafe/ hotel.
DAY 2 – On the way to key west
A sunny morning paired up with pleasant ocean breeze, people walking, jogging on the roadside near the sea, Santa girls inviting early raisers to have delicious breakfast on the road side restaurants of Miami Beach. After the well – deserved breakfast we started our 127 miles’ scenic drive to Key West across the Florida Keys Islands and bridges including the famous seven miles’ bridge. On the way to Key West there are multiple stops with some breath-taking views and tons of sea water activities, snorkeling, scuba diving and lot more.
Crossing Key Largo, John Penne Kamp Coral Reef State Park is a great destination for snorkeling, though we have chosen to skip it during this visit, but heard and read good reviews about this place. We have decided to stop by Robbie’s of Islamorada, which is a great place to observe pelicans from very close and feeding massive Tarpons in abundance. Like in any touristic area, here as well local shops for souvenirs, cocktails, seafood and kayaking opportunity were welcoming visitors.
Continued our trip towards Key West and as next stop we have just popped in to Marathon – Dolphin Research Centre, then being lunch time we went to The Marathon Fish restaurant and Tiki bar. Great place for sea food and nice beer. Sitting on the covered outdoor terrace we had an excellent view on nature’s aquarium with needle fish type inhabitants. There was no wifi in the restaurant, by which focus of the guests has not been diluted from the view.
Both Lower Florida Keys at Bahia Honda State Park, and Sandspur Beach Big Pine Key (36850 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043) are beautiful laid back beaches for those glorious locations with palm trees bend over the white sand towards sea water. Indeed, photographer’s paradise, opportunity to click historic broken bridge. A place to visit and enjoy. This was our last stop before reaching the paradise of Key West.
127 miles scenic drive
Robbie’s Islamorada
DAY 3-4 key west
After long night and short sleep, in the morning we drove towards Duval Street and parked the car at one of the day long parking. Best way to explore the island is by biking.
We parked the car at Tropical rentals at 1300 Duval Street. They have discounted day long car parking on taking bikes on rent ($9 each from morning till 5PM for bikes). Bike towards Southernmost Point with the sign post that reads “90 miles from Cuba” (the corner of Whitehead and South street) good place to click some photos for great memories of the place. The line to take pictures can snake up South street, but for a snapshot it’s worth the wait.
Cycle towards Ernest Hemingway house next to Key West Lighthouse, Mile Marker (zero Mile) at 501 Whitehead St. and head towards Fort Zachary Taylor Historic Park with its stretch of serene beaches, park, cafe bar by the beach and wood marker with destination and direction arrow towards couple of cities and their distance from the park. Visit to fort was short yet interesting to explore this historical place. Bike around Duval street full of high end boutiques, restaurants, casual cafe bars, fine dining with the benefit of parking bikes anywhere on the street side poles/ parking lots.
Before sunset, we biked towards Southernmost Beach cafe for amazing sea food and drinks – one of the best Pina Colada in Key West clubbed with conch flitters. White sandy beach, infinite scale blue water in front of us and sunset view from the deck is mesmerizing.
Post sunset, and dinner we decided to drive around streets of Key west, while driving past Calvin Klein’s Octagon House (Also known as Richard Peacon House) at 712 Eaton street and further towards Old Town harbor front around Bahama Village with lot of culture, gastronomy and old bakery with key lime pie and everything else with key lime at Kermits.
Key West is paradise for adventures. This island provides numerous ways to pass the time on the water. Before heading back to the hotel, we made sure to buy tickets from “Sebago Watersports” at 205 Elizabeth Street, Unit 1 Key West for our morning reef snorkeling tour for 3.5 hours starting at 9:00AM. Being in Key West this is a must to do activity in the World’s 3rd largest coral reef. From the same location, there are multiple other tour operators to choose from.
Fourth day started our day with morning Starbucks coffee, parked our car at Old Town Garage, 300 Grinnell Street, Key West – most convenient location near to piers, Mallory Square, Old town and Duval Street, and reasonably priced. Walked towards Elizabeth street and realized there are lot of options for local coffee, would be good to try next time instead of routine Starbucks. Our day started with a little drizzle and rain, mostly cloudy with no sunlight, however spirits of the crew and all of us were high while boarding on to Catamaran Sebago Marquesa.
While rain stopped as we started sailing, we missed the morning sunshine as it was all cloudy. Catamaran had all the snorkeling gear. We made sure to bring plenty of sunscreen, towels and swim gear. Crew was knowledgeable, fun and energetic. We passed through the Mallory Square Piers and Fort Zachory Taylor park with large cruise ships already docked up at the pier on their journey to / from Bahamas / Cuba.
Around 7 miles into the sea and around 1 hour of sailing while observing lot of marine life and birds (No dolphins though), we reached our spot for snorkeling. As we got ready to get down from the catamaran, we were given final instructions by the crew on how, when and what to expect and next thing we were swimming in the sea, in the middle of nowhere with nothing but nature in all its beauty and vastness.
I experienced snorkeling for the first time in such deep into the ocean, with extravagant and colorful sea life, just under the water barely at the depth of 20-30 feet and at places even less deep. Swimming through array of living coral reef and marine life in abundance with its full glory and colors. Is a lifetime experience and once is not enough.
We did snorkeling for about an hour among beautiful sea life, colorful fishes, tranquility and coral reef before heading back to the catamaran. Changed our snorkeling gear, cleaned up with clean water rinse available at the sun dock and headed back towards Key West while sipping through fresh sea breeze along with complementary beer/ wine.
Back to Key West, we headed towards The Commodore Waterfront Restaurant, sea food Caribbean menu with lot of Lobster choices, boat house mango tango cocktail and amazing harbor front views. We had our little appetite filled and walked towards Sloppy Joe’s Bar at Duval street for its authentic key west burgers, live music and drinks by the bar.
It’s said that, there is a season and time for everything.
Nothing lasts forever and indeed, vacations at some point lead to an end, with the scope to start new adventure. For us time arrived to embark our rolling horse and say to Key West “see you soon”. This dream destination, southernmost tip of the continental United States, Conch Republic, a “bijou” 90 miles from Cuba, deserves to be revisited. Filled with great memories, we left this treasure behind us, promising to visit again and do a lot of things more which we could have done or would like to do again in this amazing place. Towards our next destination- Miami South Beach!
Ernest Hemingway House
Mile Marker Zero Mile
Snorkeling
DAY 5-6-7 – everglades national park
Highly recommended to take your sweet time while driving back to Miami. So, did we, hence reached our destination late evening. Checked in to our hotel at Ocean Drive, parked our car at Miami Beach Municipal Parking Garage at 121 13th Street Miami South Beach ($1/ hour, max $20 full day). Great location and reasonably priced.
As a soul and body refresher, we headed for a walk around the scenic Ocean drive, enjoying the smooth and pleasant ocean breeze, touching our hairs and bodies. This place, did not look like as in the next one – two hours would desire to sleep. Night life seemed to just being kicked off. Lot of options to shop Miami style beach wear at various outlets, restaurants inviting visitors by offering their diverse cuisines even at late hours.
Kicking off the fifth day. It’s said to have a breakfast like a king. Being in accordance with this statement, we signed up for a long, relaxing and heavy continental breakfast, at one of the art deco restaurants, lined on Ocean drive, facing these fascinating palm trees across the road, which were stretching up till the crystal blue sky and smiling to the sun.
Florida is famous for many things, including orange farms, beautiful beaches, underwater life, wild animal life, world famous Disney World, Kennedy space station and the list could continue.
Being in the neighborhood of the Everglades National park, we have decided to dedicate our entire fifth day to watch its natural habitat of alligators, birds, flamingos, water bodies and plantation. Beautiful 50 miles’ drive passing through urban criss – cross of flyovers outside Miami, we reached Everglades.
We decided to start our expedition with Everglades Alligator farm, which is 7 miles further to National park. With huge collection of alligators of all ages, turtles, snakes and enjoying alligators feeding show. We started our air boat 25 minutes’ ride by gliding through the wet lands of Everglades. Airboat ride was thoroughly entertaining, skillfully maneuvered with loud noise (noise cancellation ear masks are provided to all) 360 degree spins, coming across alligators and birds in their natural habitat. Truly wet and wild experience. 
We missed alligator show due to time restrictions and headed back towards Everglades national park. Caution – Wear anti mosquito sprays while walking in the park. We drove through the park till the flamingo and the Gulf coast passing through various trails, bird watching, water bodies of rewarding nature. There are lot of opportunities to do boating, kayaking or fishing at various spots.
Spending couple of hours with mother nature, and its creatures, it was time to head back towards Miami South Beach for dinner at Espanola Way. Charming Spanish architecture, overhanging cafe lights, nice restaurants with indoor/outdoor seating. Our Choice of food – Havana 1957 Cuban Cuisine – just on the corner of the street. Cuba Libre drinks – a must try.
As a closure of the night we walked towards Lincoln Road Mall, which is few blocks away between 16th and 17th street. A vibrant and busy pedestrian outdoor mall, buzzing with night life till 11PM, full of restaurants and cafe (indoor and outdoor), stores, luxury brands, street performers and fine art galleries.
Our sixth day we started by picking our bikes and started the day for what Miami is meant for: Beaches!!! Biking on Ocean Drive. Beach hoping, with its many iconic lifeguard stands, soft powder sugar type of sand, light blue water, walking and jogging tracks and lots more. Time to relax and let the sun touch skin and bones. Warm sand cover your feet and listen to the song of the ocean…hours just fly…
We explored the road further on bike, South Pointe Pier with its Oceanic views, observation deck, walk on the pier and watching boats sailing into the blue infinity. Discovered 6th and 7th street where there were lots of opportunities to shop both luxury brands as well as moderate things.
Posh club on Lincoln Road – Juvia. Being at the top of building on 9th floor with indoor and outdoor seating with beautiful views of the Miami South beach, it is exclusive experience. Advance booking recommended to avoid possible long waiting. You may consider to try – Hurricane Rum Cocktail and share your experience with me.
On the seventh day we started our journey via route AIA N Ocean Drive through beautiful beaches of Bal Harbor, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield beach, Palm beach, while making numerous stops and enjoying beach views to finally reach Cocoa beach (Surfers Paradise) late evening to be ready for our next day visit to NASA.
Everglades, Alligator Farm
Air boat
Everglades, baby alligators
Spotted alligator
DAY 8 – n.a.s.a.
Florida visit is incomplete without taking out time and visit Orlando, the land of fairy tale, magic, history, stars and dreams.
Many of the vacationers visit Orlando with families to experience theme parks, especially the world-famous Disney World, & Sea World. Visitors make sure they explore and discover Kennedy Space Center, situated near Merritt Island/ Cape Canaveral. The center is one of the homes of NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration.)
Started our Orlando journey with the visit of N.A.S.A Space Kennedy Center. Booked tickets inclusive of Explore tour to get up and close to Rocket launch pads, Vehicle Assembly Building and the NASA Causeway for panoramic view of NASA and Cape Canaveral’s rocket launch sites.
Explored: Rocket garden, Astronaut Encounter, Science on a Sphere, Journey to Mar’s. Entered I Max Theatre where a 3D film takes audiences through a space-shuttle launch sequence.
Eventually we reached Space shuttle Atlantis building, where post taking us through the journey of US space program, -real life simulation of first space launch-, we entered a huge hall where larger than life “Space Shuttle Atlantis” is kept in all its glory. In the same place, there are loads of games for kids, Shuttle launch experience, Hubble space telescope theatre, souvenir shops and eating place.
Completed the 2.5 hours’ bus journey around NASA’s Space launch systems (SLS) including the iconic Launch Pad 39B. At the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) we have seen one of the world’s largest structure in volume, Apollo and Space Shuttle missions. The painted American Flag on the front side of the building measures 209 feet long and 110 feet wide, with 456 feet high bay doors for movement of assembled rockets (as confirmed on the booklet provided by NASA). As next, we headed to Apollo Saturn V Centre, where we found and touched real moon rock, space suits with moon dust on them. We came back to NASA complex late evening welcomed by fireworks and sound and laser show at the Rocket garden.
After an eventful day, we headed towards Orlando with dinner at Bahamas Breeze Island Grille at International Drive Orlando. Post dinner, we still had some energy to explore International Drive, which is a must visit place with lots of shops, exhibits, eating venues, Wonder Works (Massive Inverted House on the main street). The Orlando Eye at I-Drive and last but not the least Orange County Convention centre.
DAY 9 – walt disney world
The day of Walt Disney World Resort.
Mesmerizing place where there is something for everyone, regardless of age. A place where you let your inner child out to enjoy every bit of the day. There are four parts: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Each of these parks desire a full day or even more. Decided to visit the Magic Kingdom, where the story becomes reality, and the reality turns into a story.
Words cannot describe this place. You need to be there to believe it. Being there you feel like you have landed into the real fairy land where all the cartoon and animation characters, settings, architecture come alive, and take the kid in you outside. Stunning parades, musical street performers, three – dimensional Disney characters. Lot of fascinating rides, however be prepared for loooonnng waiting time, which can go up to even 2 hours or more. Fast pass might be an option, but waiting time applicable for this as well.
We were lucky to have in person meeting with “Mickey Mouse” and participate in his magic show at Town Square Theatre…simply amazing!
Hot tips:
1. Buy tickets in advance to avoid long queues at the entrance (do not need print out if e- tickets accessible on phone).
- Plan well in advance, as there is huge parking time and reaching to the theme park you must onboard either monorail or a ferry.
- Download the mobile app with which you can block up to 3 fast passes in a day (as per availability) to skip those long waiting periods on selected rides / events. Fast passes are free and keep on exhausting fast, hence be quick in your selection.
The best way to close on such an event full day is to watch the massive fireworks show at the Disney world castle (We got lucky as fireworks were scheduled for the same day). One of the best I have experienced with lot of, lights, music, fun, laughter and happiness around.
DAY 10 – sea world
Sea World Orlando, unique place which brings education and fun under one umbrella. Started our day with nerve chilling and exciting Manta Roller-coaster. Followed by Dolphins at the Dolphin Cove, bright orange Flamingo’s enclosure, seaport theatre, flight simulation to wild Arctic to Shamu Stadium for one of the most impressive whale’s show ever. Try to reach at least half an hour early to grab good seats and front rows in case you desire to get refreshed with some water sprinkled on you by the Whales.
Next stop, Dolphin Theatre for another amazing show and experience. Must do once you are in Orlando. After the show, we went to Dolphin encounter, where you can touch and play with Dolphins at a nominal cost. Tickets sell fast and there are limited schedules, hence do make sure to get this booked as soon as you can.
Explored more of Sea world with lots of fascinating animal encounters, Sea Turtles, souvenir shops for shopping and then left for our next destination Disney Springs where we were welcomed by large hot air balloon and sky full of dancing lights making various formations above the lake with drones laser/ light show. Happening place for dining, shopping or just chilling around. Post dinner, started our drive towards Naples for an overnight stay.
DAY 11 – marco island
Early morning started the drive from Naples to Marco Island where you will find one of the best white sand beaches.
Some of the Marco island beaches are famous for shells. Since we had limited time, we relaxed around the beautiful Marco beach and headed towards Tigertail Beach.
Once you enter, the view is only of a lagoon, followed by trees and bushes, however either you take a long walk across or walk through the lagoon water to cross or rent one of the options (kayak, paddle boats etc.) to reach white beach sand with lot of shelling opportunity. Sea water is serene and beachside relaxing and fun.
Post spending max time we could at the beach, it was time to head back to the Naples airport with lot of memories to cherish and reasons to come back again to the beautiful land “Florida”.
Great content and pics!
Thank you