What better way to celebrate my milestone 35th birthday than a 9 night Florida trip to some of the state’s most exciting cities? From the vibrant streets of Miami to the thrilling theme parks of Orlando, the tranquil waters of Crystal River, and the charm of Jacksonville, this trip had it all! Here’s the full breakdown of this unforgettable journey taken with my husband, son, mom, and nephew.
Day 1: Arrival in Miami
Day 1 was quite eventful! We were supposed to arrive early morning into Miami and enjoy a Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Tour in the afternoon, however our American Airlines outbound flight was cancelled. Therefore, we ended up making the trek from Richmond, Virginia down to Miami, Florida. Starting at 11:00 PM, and with a bunch of stops included, we made it there around 4:00 PM.
Dinner at Joe’s Stone Crab
After getting to our hotel, Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, Autograph Collection, we just relaxed for a bit and then made our way to dinner at Joe’s Stone Crab. In 1913, Joe Weiss opened a humble lunch counter on Miami Beach—before Miami Beach was even a city. Locals would drop by for friendly conversation and a delicious fish sandwich with fries. Little did they know, this was just the start of an incredible story waiting to unfold. Today, this restaurant is a Miami staple for both locals and travelers alike. My husband definitely enjoyed his crabs and crab dip, while I enjoyed the lobster mac and cheese and mussels. The service was top notch as well!
Day 2: Art, Cuban Culture & Poolside Relaxation
After a hearty breakfast at Donna Mare Trattoria inside the hotel, we set off for the day. We set off to explore the Wynwood Walls via golf cart, followed by an authentic Cuban food.
Wynwood Walls Golf Cart Tour
Exploring Wynwood Walls is a vibrant dive into art history and culture like no other. This iconic outdoor museum is a masterpiece of urban street art, showcasing murals by renowned artists from around the globe. As you wander—or better yet, ride through on a golf cart tour—you’ll be immersed in the stories behind the art, expertly shared by knowledgeable guides. Our tour guide brought the walls to life, weaving together tales of the artists, the creative process, and the cultural significance of this ever-evolving canvas. Wynwood Walls is a must-visit for anyone craving inspiration and a deeper connection to the art world. Our tour guide also had her own art as one of the installations.
Exploring Miami’s vibrant art scene on a golf cart was the perfect way to beat the heat. The colorful murals of Wynwood were breathtaking, and we stopped frequently for photos along the way.
Authentic Cuban Food & Traditions in Little Havana
Calle Ocho is the pulsating heart of Little Havana, where vibrant culture, rich history, and lively rhythms come together. Strolling through this iconic street, you’ll encounter colorful murals, hand-rolled cigar shops, and the aroma of fresh Cuban coffee wafting from cafés. It’s a cultural treasure trove that offers an authentic glimpse into Miami’s Cuban heritage.
We went on a flavorful journey with the #1 food tour in Miami, immersing ourselves in Little Havana’s celebrated Cuban community. We tasted our way through family-owned favorites, savoring traditional dishes like croquetas, empanadas, mojitos, and guava pastries. This tour is a feast for the senses and a must-do for food lovers seeking an authentic slice of Cuban culture.
Day 3: Pool, Beach & Immersive Art
We dedicated this day to soaking up the sun and relaxing at the hotel and beach. After breakfast, we lounged around at the pool, followed by a walk along the popular Collins Avenue to browse the shops. Later we hit the beach for some fun sandcastle building and a photoshoot.
South Beach, the crown jewel of Miami Beach, is a paradise for sun-seekers and adventure enthusiasts alike. Its iconic Art Deco architecture, crystal-clear waters, and lively atmosphere set the perfect stage for fun. Dive into thrilling watersports like jet skiing, parasailing, or paddleboarding for a splash of adrenaline. When you’re ready to unwind, the soft sands and turquoise waves invite you to relax and soak up the sun. By evening, South Beach comes alive with vibrant nightlife, trendy restaurants, and stylish boutiques, making it the ultimate destination for an unforgettable Miami experience.
Evening at the Superblue Museum
After some much needed beach family and relaxation time, the immersive exhibits at Superblue Museum were interesting. Even for those like me who aren’t particularly art lovers. Cole especially loved the interactive light displays, and the adults had just as much fun! We ended the night with an Italian family dinner at Donna Mare Trattoria. Toasting to our final evening in Miami!
Day 4: Everglades Adventure & Drive to Orlando
Early in the morning we checked out of our hotel and hit the road for the Everglades National Park. A visit to the Everglades is a journey into one of the world’s most unique ecosystems. This vast subtropical wilderness is teeming with diverse wildlife, from majestic alligators to vibrant bird species. We explored the wetlands on an airboat tour where we glided through sawgrass marshes and mangrove forests. Guided by experts sharing fascinating stories about the area’s rich natural history. Whether you’re spotting wildlife, hiking scenic trails, or simply marveling at the serene beauty, the Everglades offers a one-of-a-kind adventure that connects you to the heart of Florida’s wild side.
Captain Jack’s Airboat Tour
Zooming through the twisting mangrove tunnels and grasslands of the Everglades was an unforgettable experience! We spotted alligators, learned about local wildlife, and enjoyed a post-tour stroll along the boardwalk. I highly recommend Captain Jack’s Airboat Tours. The 110 minute combo tour included Zip through the famous mangrove tunnels of Everglades City, Boardwalk, The Grassland, Alligator Show, and Animal sanctuary. Highly recommend!
After lunch at Camellia Street Grill, we made our way to Orlando. We checked into Universal’s Endless Summer – Surfside Inn & Suites and had a relaxing evening with pizza and snacks by the pool.
Day 5: Universal Studios Orlando
On Day 5, we had an unforgettable adventure with park hopper tickets. Which provided us access to both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The flexibility allowed us to cover a lot of ground in just ONE day. And for Harry Potter fans, the best part was riding the Hogwarts Express between the parks—truly magical! Whether it was thrilling rides, immersive experiences, or iconic landmarks, this day was packed with excitement!
Day 6: Walt Disney World Orlando
On Day 6 of our 9 Night Florida Trip, we headed to “The Most Magical Place on Earth“: Walt Disney World! We only had time to visit two incredible theme parks: Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom. My husband, being a huge movie buff loved Hollywood Studios. And Magic Kingdom is of course great for kids of all ages. The day was filled with iconic moments and Disney magic! From the thrills of the Tower of Terror and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios to the classic magic of Cinderella’s Castle and beloved rides like Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom.
Day 7: Relaxing in Crystal River
We checked out of our Orlando hotel and drove to Crystal River, Florida. Hoping to tick off one of my biggest bucket list items for 35 – swimming with manatees! Crystal River, Florida, lovingly known as the “Home of the Manatee,” is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts. This charming coastal town offers unique opportunities to swim alongside gentle manatees in their natural habitat. Crystal River is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves wildlife, crystal-clear waters, and unforgettable adventures. Whether kayaking through serene waterways or exploring the stunning Three Sisters Springs.
Plantation Resort on Crystal River
This charming resort offered the perfect escape. After checking in, we enjoyed a laid-back evening by the pool and a delicious dinner at West 82 Bar & Grill. While it did rain off and on, we generally didn’t mind the cooler air and we didn’t have any major plans this day anyway.
Day 8: Swimming with Manatees
One of the highlights of the trip was our Small Group Manatee Snorkel Tour with Salty Siren Tours. Guided by trained professionals, we swam alongside these gentle giants in their natural habitat—a once-in-a-lifetime experience! After a relaxing lunch nearby, we drove to Jacksonville, Florida. Our fourth and final stop on this 9 Night Florida Trip.
Dinner at River & Post
We arrived just in Jacksonville, just in time for dinner at River & Post. With stunning views of Jacksonville’s skyline. We were so happy to meet up with our good friends, The Amarantes.
Day 9: Full Day in Jacksonville
The final days of our trip were spent at leisure with family in Jacksonville. We stayed at the Residence Inn Jacksonville Airport, a close drive to our friend’s house. Where Cole had fun playing with his new friend, Enzi.
While our only goal was visiting our friends here, Jacksonville offers a lot for tourists. Jacksonville, Florida, is a vibrant city that offers something for everyone. Explore its 22 miles of pristine beaches, stroll along the picturesque Jacksonville Riverwalk, or indulge in the city’s thriving food scene featuring fresh seafood and Southern flavors. Art lovers will enjoy the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. While nature enthusiasts can hike through Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. For family fun, visit the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, or catch a game at TIAA Bank Field. Jacksonville is the perfect mix of outdoor adventure, culture, and relaxation!
Day 10: Headed Back Home
This last day was spent drive back home – from Jacksonville, FL to Richmond, VA. Overall this was a really great 9 Night Florida trip itinerary.
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