Are you looking for some travel inspiration for your next road trip? You are in the right place.

 

It’s no secret that I absolutely LOVE to travel (although i can’t stand flying) and I HATE the freezing cold weather. It became a need for me planning a holiday during the winter season; after all, there is no better feeling than putting on a bikini and lying under the sunshine when everyone else at home is wearing hugs and wool scarves.

 

And let’s face it, in London is cold all year long!! No signs of springs over here..

 

So, after embarking on several solo trips in the past winter seasons, visiting BALI, the Dominican Republic and India, this year I had to accommodate my other half by letting him choose our next travel destination. To be honest, you can pick almost any country in the world and I’ll be ready to plan and pack in hours.

 

After lots of thoughts and consideration, we have decided to fly & drive to Miami and the Florida Keys for a romantic winter road trip.

 

If you are after a chilled out holiday and you envision yourself spending your days sightseeing, driving around in your convertible and relaxing at the beach, then Miami & the Florida Keys might be the perfect places for you.

 

After carrying out my usual research:

 

– Browsing & analysing every possible travel blog & forum;

– Reading my trusted Lonely Planet guide on Miami and the Florida Keys (you can get it here) and TripAdvisor;

– Finding cool and unusual accommodations on Airbnb (we rented out a flat with THE MOST STUNNING view over downtown Miami. The sunset from our private balcony and the view at night was out of this world. If you’ve never tried Airbnb before, you should check it out NOW – You can also grab a £17 discount code to spend on your first Airbnb experience from this link ;) 

– and spotting cool pictures on Pinterest to get in the right Miami mood (check out my Miami and Florida Keys Pinterest board for further inspiration) 

 

The 8 days itinerary came out naturally.

 

Are you ready to fly & drive to Miami & the Florida Keys?

 

Here you are my 8 days Travel Guide with recommendations on must do, must see and must eat!

 

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8 Days – MIAMI & FLORIDA KEYS ITINERARY

 

DAY 1 – South Beach

Spend the day discovering South Beach and soaking up its unique Art Déco style & vibe. Walk to Lincoln Road Mall, Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue and Espanola Way. Check out the hotels (such as the historic Marlin Hotel, The Carlyle, the Colony Hotel etc), the Versace Mansion and the colourful Art Déco buildings. You’ll most certainly be jet lagged..find a spot at the beach or take a stroll on Lummus Park.

If you’re up for a typical American breakfast, you can’t miss the 11th Street Diner. There is plenty of choice to properly treat yourself! After all, breakfast is the most important meal of the day!

For your evening, head to Downtown Miami for a NBA Basketball game at the American Airlines Arena. You can also grab dinner at the nearby Bayside Marketplace.

TOP TIP: You won’t find ANY busses for South Beach after a basketball game. Pre book a taxi, rent a car or why don’t you try a water taxi instead? Also remember to bring exact coins for your bus journeys. They won’t give you any change.

 

DAY 2 – Miami

If you don’t have a car in Miami (we rented it to drive to the Florida Keys) then the best way to visit Miami is with the Hop-on Hop-off bus so that you can reach all those areas outside South Beach, such as Downtown Miami, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Little Havana and Calle Ocho and the Design District, just to name a few. The cost is $ 40 for 1 day or £ 45 for 2 Days. They have 3 different tours that run daily every 30 minutes.

I recommend you starting with the City Loop stopping at : Coconut Grove, Coral Gables and Little Havana (especially Maximo Gomez Domino Park for a real Cuban atmosphere). Then switch to the Uptown Loop and enjoy the view from the bus, before heading back to South Beach with the Beach Loop.

You can also get two discounts online from here & here!

RECOMMENDED LUNCH SPOT: The Local in Coral Gables.

RECOMMENDED SMOOTHIES / FRUIT SPOT: LOS PINAREÑOS, a short walk from Domino Park. Treat yourself to a banana café batido (a banana milkshake with cuban coffee) or to some exotic fruits and head back to Domino Park to check out the locals playing Dominos.

 

DAY 3 – South Beach

After being out and about the previous day, it’s time to relax again in South Beach. Rent a bike and cycle to the harbour area. There is a beautiful pathway that starts at the end of South Beach and leads you up to the top. You’ll see people cycling, walking or jogging. It’s a lovely way to discover this area.  Then bask under the sunshine at the beach or go shopping.

RECOMMENDED LUNCH SPOT: Naked Taco for a true Mexican experience. You can also hop to their rooftop terrace (of the Dream Beach Hotel) and enjoy margaritas by the pool. At sunset time you MUST be at the Sunset Lounge of the Mondrial Hotel for an unbeatable and romantic view over downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay.

 

DAY 4 – Road trip to the Florida Keys – Part 1

It’s time to rent your convertible car and drive to the Florida Keys. Enjoy the ride, the view and the villages you come across. On our first day we drove up to Tavernier and we couldn’t have made a better choice. We found the most romantic and secluded hotel you can hope to find in this area, the Coconut Palm Inn. It was definitely one of the highlight of this trip and I so wished we stayed longer.

Spend the day chilling out on the hammocks, read a book, swim in the pool, enjoy the kayaks or paddle boards. You got it all there. Most of all, enjoy the sunset from the front row and plan a BBQ on the sand at night. It can’t get more romantic than that. With all those bulb lights it feels to be eating in a Greek tavern. MUST MUST stay.

RECOMMENDED BRUNCH SPOT: Made 2 Order. 

 

DAY 5 – Road trip from Tavernier to Key West – Part 2

On your way to Key West, you will enjoy a pit stop at Robbie’s. You can check out the tropical open air market, grab a bite to eat or feed the tarpons! Then, after driving through the 7 Mile Bridge, it’s time for Key West! 

Once in Key West, take a walk on their main street, Duval Street, and admire the colonial houses. Your must stop for sunset is obviously Mallory Square, the most southern point of the US, located on the waterfront in Key West’s historic Old Town. Every day of the year you will find arts and crafts exhibitors, street performers and food carts. It seems to be on a fair and it’s a real fun place.

RECOMMENDED DESSERT SPOT: The Key West Key Lime Pie Company  for the best Key Lime Pie on the Florida Keys (it’s true).

 

DAY 6 – Road trip from Key West to South Beach

 

After revisiting Duval Street, it’s time to drive back to South Beach.

Recommended spots along the way are: Bahia Honda State Park and especially Morada Bay.  You will most certainly find a singer entertaining you over lunch.

You’re almost at the end of your trip.

It’s time for you to book a table at the most romantic restaurant in Downtown Miami: AREA 31 on the 16th floor of the Epic Hotel in Miami. 5 stars view, open-air terrace bar lounge, elegant atmosphere and delicious food (the best we had in our entire trip actually). This was truly an amazing and romantic night. Highly recommended! The view is to die for.

You MUST eat here! 

 

DAY 7 – Miami

You can’t leave Miami without wandering around at the Vizcaya Museum and spending some time at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne, where the locals hang out. It’s a peaceful place, much nicer than South Beach. After relaxing for a few hours and if you are up for some designer shopping, you should consider driving up to SawGrass Mills Mall, one of the biggest outlets in the US.

And if you love cheesecakes, you should consider having dinner or grab a takeaway dessert at the Cheesecake Factory.  

 

DAY 8 – Last Day in Miami

You are about to head back home.

You’ll definitely want to have the most relaxing and romantic day possible, before boarding your long flight.

We didn’t have any doubt. We head back to Area 31 to treat ourself to a long day by the pool, topping up our tan, enjoying cocktails and an amazing brunch from Area 31. Super super recommended.

 

 

If you are planning your destination wedding, elopment or perhaps a romantic honeymoon shoot in Miami or the Florida Keys, why don’t check out my portfolio or get in touch here! I’d love to capture your love in such a fun & beautiful country!!

 

 

RECOMMENDED READING for this super chilled out holiday: VAGABONDING by Rolf Potts

 

 

Feel free to SHARE THE POST with you travelling addicted friends :)

 

 

Did you like this Romantic Road trip to Miami and the Florida Keys? Let me know your thoughts in the comment below, I’d love to hear your travelling experience!