Miami Excursions

For me it would be unthinkable to go to Miami without spending at least one day at The Everglades. Go, have a look whilst it is still there. Take the kids, it is a much cheaper day out than the zoo. They can tell all their friends at school that they have seen an enormous alligator.

Lots of people combine a trip to Miami with a trip to Orlando. I have never been to visit Mickey so can’t offer any advice on this particular part of Florida but it is an easy 3.5 to 4 hour drive between South Beach and Orlando.

Sunset celebrations at Mallory Square, Key West

Miami is also a great jumping off point for a trip down the Florida Keys. I love the Keys, in particular Key West. I like to meander around the art galleries, chill out at the beach, take a boat trip out to the reef, watch the sun set over the ocean and listen to bands in rowdy bars whilst drinking an ill advised assortment of cocktails. What’s not to like? Our guide to the Florida Keys will be coming soon.

Another two centre option from Miami is to head for the Gulf coast and one of the resorts there. Sanibel and Captiva are particularly lovely.

Entrance to The Kennedy Space Center

Finally, another good option for a road trip is to head north up the coast following highway 1A. You can stop off at a range of places and take as long as you like. A good stop to aim for is the Kennedy Space Center which is a fabulous day out. If you go on the interstate this is about a 3.5 hour drive from South Beach but if you wend your way up highway 1A it takes a good while longer. Cocoa Beach is a good place to stay if you are going to the Space Center. Plan to arrive as soon as it opens and to spend the whole day there – there is so much to see. If you go in the summer do the outdoor exhibits first in the cool of the morning. The IMAX theatre will be a welcome relief on a muggy afternoon. You may also be lucky enough to be able to time your visit with a satellite launch. We have never managed it but NASA publishes a timetable if you are interested.   http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/events/