Florida, known as the Sunshine State, offers a diverse range of experiences from its stunning beaches to its vibrant cities. This 13-day itinerary will take you on a journey from the lively shores of Ft Lauderdale to the cultural richness of Tampa, with stops in Miami and Orlando. Florida's history is as colorful as its sunsets, with influences from Native American tribes, Spanish explorers, and Caribbean cultures. The state's cuisine is a delightful fusion of flavors, with fresh seafood, Cuban influences, and Southern comfort food. Whether you're a beach lover, a thrill-seeker, or a culture enthusiast, Florida has something for everyone.

Before diving into the itinerary, it's important to note that Florida's weather can be unpredictable, especially during hurricane season from June to November. Always check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. The best time to visit is during the cooler months from November to April, when the weather is pleasant and the humidity is lower.

Ft Lauderdale at a Glance

• Best Things to Do: Relax on the sandy beaches, explore the historic Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, and take a scenic boat tour of the Intracoastal Waterway.
• Best Places to Eat: Enjoy fresh seafood at 15th Street Fisheries and try the Cuban cuisine at Casa Frida.
• Known For: Its beautiful beaches, boating canals, and vibrant arts scene.
• Best Areas to Stay: Las Olas Boulevard for shopping and dining, and the beachfront for stunning ocean views.

For accommodations in Ft Lauderdale, consider booking through VRBO or Hotels.com for the best options.

Day 1: Arrival in Ft Lauderdale

Afternoon: Arrive in Ft Lauderdale and check into your accommodation. Spend the afternoon unwinding on the beach, soaking up the sun, and enjoying the ocean breeze.

Evening: Head to Las Olas Boulevard for dinner at Louie Bossi's Ristorante, known for its Italian cuisine and lively atmosphere. After dinner, explore the local shops and galleries.

Day 2: Exploring Ft Lauderdale

Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, a historic estate with beautiful gardens and art collections.

Afternoon: Take a scenic boat tour of the Intracoastal Waterway, offering views of luxurious mansions and yachts.

Evening: Dine at 15th Street Fisheries, a waterfront restaurant offering fresh seafood and stunning views of the marina.

Miami in a Nutshell

• Best Things to Do: Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Little Havana and Wynwood, and relax on South Beach.
• Best Places to Eat: Try authentic Cuban dishes at Versailles and enjoy a meal at the trendy Yardbird Southern Table & Bar.
• Known For: Its lively nightlife, diverse culture, and iconic Art Deco architecture.
• Best Areas to Stay: South Beach for nightlife and ocean views, and Brickell for a more upscale experience.

For accommodations in Miami, consider booking through VRBO or Hotels.com for the best options.

Day 3: Travel to Miami

Morning: Travel from Ft Lauderdale to Miami, a short drive of about 30 miles. Consider renting a car for flexibility.

Afternoon: Explore the colorful streets of Little Havana, known for its Cuban culture, music, and cuisine. Don't miss a visit to Domino Park.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at Versailles, a legendary Cuban restaurant, and then head to Wynwood to explore its famous street art and vibrant nightlife.

Day 4: Discovering Miami

Morning: Spend the morning relaxing on South Beach, known for its white sand and turquoise waters.

Afternoon: Visit the Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) for contemporary art exhibits and stunning views of Biscayne Bay.

Evening: Dine at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar, offering Southern comfort food with a modern twist. After dinner, explore the nightlife in South Beach.

Orlando Highlights

• Best Things to Do: Visit Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and explore the charming Winter Park area.
• Best Places to Eat: Enjoy a meal at The Ravenous Pig and try the unique dishes at Se7en Bites.
• Known For: Its world-famous theme parks and family-friendly attractions.
• Best Areas to Stay: International Drive for easy access to theme parks, and Winter Park for a more relaxed atmosphere.

For accommodations in Orlando, consider booking through VRBO or Hotels.com for the best options.

Day 5: Travel to Orlando

Morning: Depart Miami and head to Orlando, approximately a 3.5-hour drive. Consider using Trip.com for flight options if you prefer flying.

Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and spend the afternoon exploring the charming Winter Park area, known for its boutiques and scenic boat tours.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Ravenous Pig, a gastropub offering creative dishes and craft beers.

Day 6-8: Theme Park Adventures

Days 6-7: Spend two days exploring Walt Disney World, including Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom. Be sure to plan your visit with FastPass+ to maximize your time.

Day 8: Visit Universal Studios for thrilling rides and attractions, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Tampa Treasures

• Best Things to Do: Visit the Tampa Riverwalk, explore Ybor City, and enjoy the Florida Aquarium.
• Best Places to Eat: Try the Cuban sandwiches at Columbia Restaurant and enjoy seafood at Ulele.
• Known For: Its cultural diversity, historic neighborhoods, and beautiful waterfront.
• Best Areas to Stay: Downtown Tampa for convenience, and Ybor City for a historic vibe.

For accommodations in Tampa, consider booking through VRBO or Hotels.com for the best options.

Day 9: Travel to Tampa

Morning: Depart Orlando and head to Tampa, a drive of about 1.5 hours. Consider using Trip.com for flight options if you prefer flying.

Afternoon: Explore the Tampa Riverwalk, a scenic path along the Hillsborough River with parks, museums, and restaurants.

Evening: Dine at Ulele, a restaurant offering Native American-inspired dishes and fresh seafood.

Day 10: Discovering Tampa

Morning: Visit the Florida Aquarium, home to a variety of marine life and interactive exhibits.

Afternoon: Explore Ybor City, known for its Cuban heritage and historic architecture. Don't miss a visit to the Ybor City Museum State Park.

Evening: Enjoy a Cuban sandwich at the iconic Columbia Restaurant, the oldest restaurant in Florida.

Day 11-12: Relaxation and Exploration

Day 11: Spend a day at Clearwater Beach, known for its white sand and clear waters. Enjoy water sports or simply relax by the ocean.

Day 12: Explore the Tampa Museum of Art and the historic Hyde Park Village for shopping and dining.

Day 13: Departure from Tampa

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Afternoon: Depart from Tampa International Airport for your return flight to San Jose. Consider using Trip.com for flight options.

This 13-day journey through Florida offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration. From the beaches of Ft Lauderdale to the vibrant streets of Miami, the magical world of Orlando, and the cultural richness of Tampa, this itinerary ensures a memorable experience in the Sunshine State.