This is the second part of our Florida road trip.
If you have not read the first part yet, it covers the beginning of our journey through the Everglades, Jupiter Island, Port St. Lucie and Kennedy Space Center.
You can read the first part of our travelogue here: Florida Road Trip, Part One – From Alligators to the Stars.
After the first chapter of our trip, we moved on to Orlando, which is literally the capital of entertainment. The absolute highlight was visiting Universal Studios Florida. We spent the whole day there, and it was absolutely fantastic. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter completely pulled us in—walking down Diagon Alley and riding the attractions felt like stepping right into the movie. Likewise, the Mummy ride delivered a massive rush of adrenaline, and Transformers offered a flawless mix of 3D effects and fast-paced action. The atmosphere of the park was unbelievable—music everywhere, incredible details, and a feeling that makes you completely forget about reality for a while.
I bought the tickets about 1.5 months in advance, and they cost 175 USD per person including tax. I originally thought that was quite a lot, but after going on every attraction three times and not wanting to leave, the price felt completely reasonable. The food prices were also fine; I honestly expected a much bigger rip-off. Standard parking costs 35 USD for the whole day, but I actually managed to get a chunk of that money refunded by buying movie tickets. It happened to be "Cheap Tuesday," so two cinema tickets came out to just 12 dollars—saving us on the overall parking costs. This place is absolutely tailor-made for my inner child.
Next up was downtown Orlando. To be honest, it felt like a ghost town—except for a few rather sketchy characters, we were walking around almost completely alone. It seems like the real heart of the city is fully concentrated within Disney and the other amusement parks.
Most of the time, we naturally fed ourselves at Walmart. Whether it was rotisserie chicken, we also tested some typical American foods. We even handled breakfast by buying a burrito for a dollar or a wrap for a dollar—we were never hungry. That said, we also visited various diners and restaurants. Without that, the whole experience wouldn't be complete. Walmart is a whole chapter on its own; my only saving grace is that I travel with a backpack only. But a new pair of Levi's jeans managed to fit inside! :) A little insider tip—at another supermarket chain, Publix, they have delicious sushi for just 5 dollars! I believe it was every Wednesday.
From Orlando, we headed to the nearby community of Celebration, which feels almost like a movie set. Manicured streets, pastel houses, peace, and quiet—a complete contrast to the chaotic amusement parks. It was lovely to just walk around and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. Strict rules clearly apply here regarding how the houses and surroundings must look. The Stepford Wives eat your heart out!
During our transit, we also stopped at Hillsborough River State Park, which was a pleasant change of pace from the busy cities and beaches. The park surprised us with its wild nature—a calm river, moss-draped cypress trees, and trails cutting through the forest created a completely different Florida vibe than the one you know from the coast. The walk was deeply calming, and for a moment, we felt like we were miles away from civilization. It was the perfect short rest in nature before continuing on our journey.
Our next stop was Tampa. We walked through its downtown, which feels modern and alive. A long stroll along the riverwalk was really pleasant. The Clearwater area also thrilled us with its beaches—the fine white sand and calm sea are among the most beautiful things we saw in Florida.
The journey continued through Sarasota toward Fort Myers. Here, we made a stop at Bunche Beach, not far from Sanibel Island. It was a peaceful spot, almost empty, ideal for relaxing and watching the sunset. In Tampa, we came across a steakhouse where I originally wanted a proper piece of meat and ended up with a burger the size of my head, packing a beautiful 1,500 calories. I was completely full until breakfast. Obviously, I'm lying—we still went to a diner for breakfast. Waffles….
Next ahead of us was a longer drive to Key Largo. The journey itself was an experience—endless bridges, water everywhere you look, and that signature Florida Keys atmosphere. From there, we continued on to Miami, where we spent a few days.
We visited Zoo Miami, which is absolutely massive and incredibly pleasant to walk through, and explored downtown with its modern skyscrapers and vibrant Latin American vibe. Of course, we couldn't miss taking a dip at Miami Beach—the turquoise water, wide sandy beach, and classic holiday vibe were the perfect finale to the road trip portion of our Florida adventure.
This whole stage of the trip was incredibly diverse—ranging from amusement parks and quiet communities to tropical beaches and a bustling metropolis. Florida showed us many faces, and every single one of them was worth it. I bought the flights at a promotional price in the summer of 2025. We arranged the car rental through Burger, which came out to about 400 USD for roughly 2 weeks. Instead of a Toyota, we were given a Kia, but it did its job perfectly. It got us from point A to point B, and that’s what matters most.
The biggest experience, of course, is staying directly with the Americans, which is why I used Airbnb. We stayed in gorgeous private residential estates with security checkpoints at every entrance. The houses are all exactly the same type—high beds, large kitchens, and swimming pools. And, of course, wall-to-wall carpets where people normally walk with their shoes on. I took my shoes off a few times before entering, but honestly, when you look at the state of those cream-colored carpets, you're better off keeping your shoes on.
In Miami, we stayed in Little Havana and tasted one of the best burgers ever. The bistro has apparently been there for over 30 years. They have homemade sauces that are so delicious you could eat them on their own, just like honey. And the Cuban cola, Ironbeer—I had to go buy it again at a neighboring market right after; it’s truly delicious!
Miami Beach is sprawling. Naturally, we prefer smaller and more private beaches. Here, it’s literally head-to-head. But visiting was a must. A huge highlight for us was working out at the outdoor gym. That was an absolute blast. We already can't wait for our next trip to the USA. Each state offers a completely different experience.
Where to Stay?
In the USA, we completely relied on Airbnb because the prices were genuinely much better compared to Booking.com. Booking usually offered rather expensive and not very nice accommodations; most of the time, the reviews turned me away.
Day 1: Port St. Lucie – We stayed here just to be closer to the Kennedy Space Center the next day. It was located in a typical American residential neighborhood. 1,320 CZK / night for 2 people. Airbnb Link
Orlando – One of the best accommodations in Florida, again in a family neighborhood. We had the entire room and bathroom to ourselves. The house is located in Orlando, close to Universal Studios. This is also where we stumbled upon the wonderful town of Celebration. Quite the Stepford vibe. 2,415 CZK / 2 nights. Airbnb Link
Tampa – We spent two nights with a Mexican family who rented out a camper/caravan. Unfortunately, we couldn't barbecue at the time, so we bought our food out. 2,447 CZK / 2 nights. Airbnb Link
Cape Coral – We stayed for 2 nights with a lovely gay couple who willingly shared their kitchen, bathroom, pool, and beautiful dogs. 2,800 CZK. Airbnb Link
Homestead – By pure chance, we found a Slovak couple who have been living here for about 20 years. 1,300 CZK / night. Airbnb Link
We definitely intend to return to Florida because we are tempted to drive through the north and central regions. We skipped so many beautiful places.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many days are enough for a Florida road trip?
For a basic Florida road trip, we would recommend at least 7 to 10 days. If you want to combine Miami, the beaches, Key West, the Everglades, and other stops without rushing unnecessarily, 10 to 14 days is much more ideal.
Is it worth renting a car in Florida?
Yes, traveling around Florida without a car is significantly more complicated. A car gives you the freedom to pull over at beaches, adjust your plans according to the weather, and get outside the major cities. For a Florida road trip, a rental car is pretty much essential.
Is Florida suitable for a first trip to the USA?
Yes, Florida can be a great choice for your first trip to the US. It is highly tourist-friendly, has good infrastructure, and offers a combination of cities, beaches, nature, and entertainment. You just need to count on higher prices compared to Europe.
What is a must-see in Florida?
For us, the main highlights are definitely Miami, Key West, the Everglades, the beautiful beaches, and the coastal scenic drives. It highly depends on whether you prefer cities, nature, swimming, or a classic American road trip.
Is a Florida road trip expensive?
Florida is not among the cheapest destinations. The biggest expenses tend to be flights, accommodation, car rentals, parking, and food. However, you can travel more reasonably if you plan ahead, compare accommodations, and don't pay for expensive attractions every single day.
When is the best time to visit Florida?
The best period is usually outside the peak summer heat and the hurricane season. The winter and spring months are often very pleasant—it's warm, but the weather is much more bearable than in the summer. It's always a good idea to check the current weather and season for your specific area before traveling.
Who is Florida suitable for?
For travelers who want a combination of beaches, cities, nature, and a laid-back road trip. It’s perfect for couples, families, and people who want to experience the USA for the first time without complicated travel between states.
Discussion
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.