Day 1 - Fly from the UK to Miami

Spend two nights in Miami, discovering the nightlife, the beaches and the surrounding area and soaking up the Miami vibe in its countless cafes and boutique-lined boulevards.

The Miami lifestyle evokes visions of South Beach – stunning art-deco buildings, great expanses of beach dotted with colourful beach chairs and umbrellas, volley ball games on the sand and people cruising up and down Ocean Drive, whether in a convertible, on rollerblades or by foot. Spend your day soaking up the atmosphere and visiting one of the unique neighbourhoods such as Little Havana or Coconut Grove, but make sure you save some energy for the nightlife! Bars, restaurants and nightclubs abound – whether you’re looking for fine dining, exotic cocktails or somewhere to dance until dawn, you’ll find it in Miami!

Day 3 - Miami to Key West, approx. 165 miles

Collect your rental car and head for Key West. 

Take your time driving the scenic and historic route south over the 42 bridges that connect the Florida Keys. As you make your way down the Keys, you will enjoy the crystal clear, lapis blue and emerald green waters; stop for photographs and perhaps a lunch at one of Islamorada’s seafood restaurants. After you cross the Seven-Mile Bridge, consider a visit to Bahia Honda State Park where you can walk along the beach then up a section of the old bridge for some amazing photographs. Arriving in Key West will usually start with a sunset celebration. Mallory Square has artists, street performers and vendors to keep you entertained. Then move on to Duval Street for the Duval Crawl.

Stay five nights in Key West .

Days 4-7 - Key West

Old Town Key West is ideal for walking or cycling, so you don’t need to keep your hire car while you are here if you don’t want to. Visit the Key West Lighthouse where you can climb to the top for a stunning view of the island and make sure you pose for a picture at the Southern-most Point. Not to be missed is also Ernest Hemingway’s Historic House, where guides will take you on a fun-filled tour of the house and gardens. At the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory can stroll through tropical gardens as hundreds of colourful butterflies weave in and out of the flowers.

Visit Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. Referred to by locals as Fort Elizabeth Taylor, the fort is one of four pre-Civil War forts built in Key West. Take a tour of the fort and then relax on the beach as you watch the many boats come through the Key West harbour.

You’ll definitely want to take to the water while you are here! Boat tours will take you out to the Dry Tortugas National Park and historic Fort Jefferson. Take a guided tour of the fort, snap some photographs, and then head to the beach for sunning, swimming and snorkelling. Alternatively, you could head out on a tour or rent your own kayak, paddle board or wave-runner. And not forgetting your hotel or guest house will most likely have a pool and loungers for soaking up the Florida sun, before you head out for the evening. 

Key West comes alive at sunset and whether it’s cocktail bars, live music venues or fine dining, you’re sure to find something to suit your mood! The one constant along Duval Street is the abundance of restaurants, especially those serving fresh seafood, and almost all offer outdoor dining for fun pedestrian viewing. Complete your evening with one of the renowned Drag Shows – these nightly shows offer colourful, talented female impersonators with a mission to make you smile, laugh, and forget your worries.

Day 8 - Depart from Key West International airport

If you kept your car while in Key West, drive to the airport, alternatively just take a short taxi ride, and you’ll have really maximised your time in Key West. Fly to a gateway city for your connecting flight back to the UK.