10 day trip Miami area - April 2026

Question

We are hoping to visit the Miami area from the UK around April 21 next year for 10 days

We are are a mature couple aged 81 and 70,which may influence any feedback offered.

We will be flying into Miami airport.

We don’t want to drive,so we will be dependent on public transport

As we don’t have a car this will mean we will not be travelling long distances.

Our initial thoughts are as follows below.

We will be grateful for any advice or guidance from local forum residents.

1). Miami/Miami Beach - 5 nights

(We like cities and their attractions)

2). Fort Lauderdale - 3 nights.

(This seems a nice town to relax in after the bustle of Miami)

3). Key West - 1/2 nights

(We would like to travel the Overseas Highway and staying overnight means we are not on the coach for 8 hours in one day - which seems too long)

These are our preliminary ideas.

Any thoughts on our destinations and the duration of our stays are welcome.

A final note - am I correct in thinking that arriving on 21 April is after the “Spring Break”

Thank you for your help.

Answer

Your planned 10-day itinerary for the Miami area in late April 2026 sounds very reasonable, especially given that you won’t be driving and prefer shorter, manageable travel segments. Here’s a detailed look at each part of your trip along with suggestions and tips:

1) Miami / Miami Beach – 5 nights

Five nights in Miami and Miami Beach gives you ample time to enjoy both the city’s cultural attractions and the vibrant beach scene. For a mature couple, you might prefer a slower pace and more comfortable transport options.

Areas to stay: South Beach if you want a lively atmosphere and easy walking access to restaurants, shops, and the beach; Brickell or Downtown Miami for a more urban, quieter feel with museums and galleries.
Attractions: Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), Little Havana for a cultural experience, Wynwood Walls for outdoor murals, and strolling along Lincoln Road Mall or Ocean Drive.
Transport: Miami Beach has a free trolley service covering many areas. For Downtown and Brickell, Metromover is a convenient and free option. Otherwise, ride-share services are plentiful.

2) Fort Lauderdale – 3 nights

Fort Lauderdale is an excellent choice to relax after the hustle of Miami. The city is very walkable along Las Olas Boulevard and the beach area.

Things to do: Take a stroll along Las Olas Boulevard for restaurants, shops, and galleries; enjoy the Fort Lauderdale Beach promenade; consider a scenic boat tour through the canals (“Venice of America”).
Transport: Fort Lauderdale’s Sun Trolley and water taxi provide good options for moving around without driving.

3) Key West – 1–2 nights

Spending a night in Key West is ideal if you’re traveling the Overseas Highway and wish to break up the journey. The drive from Miami to Key West is about 4–5 hours non-stop, but a slower trip with stops at scenic keys will make it more enjoyable.

Things to do: Explore Duval Street at a relaxed pace, visit the Ernest Hemingway Home, stroll through Mallory Square, and enjoy the sunset celebration.
Transport: Consider taking a shuttle or tour bus from Miami if you prefer not to drive. In Key West, many attractions are within walking distance, and taxis or bike rentals can help for slightly longer trips.

General Tips

April 21 is well after the typical Spring Break period (which usually ends by mid-April), so you should avoid the peak crowds and enjoy more relaxed surroundings.
Since you won’t have a car, prioritize accommodations close to main attractions and with easy access to public transport or shuttle services.
Pack light, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a small backpack for day trips.

Overall, your proposed itinerary is sensible: longer stays in Miami to soak in the city, a short, relaxing stop in Fort Lauderdale, and a brief overnight in Key West to break up the drive. You’ll be able to enjoy both urban culture and scenic beauty at a comfortable pace for your ages.

10 day trip Miami area - April 2026

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