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Question

Hi friends, I’d love your advice! We’re planning a trip to Florida as a family of four (with two teenagers). We'll be flying in and out of Miami, and our travel dates are from 16th to 30th December. We’re hoping to visit Tampa and Orlando too. Do you think two weeks is enough time to explore Miami, Tampa, and Orlando? For getting around between cities and for convenience, would it be better to hire a car or rely on public transport? We're not planning to visit the theme parks, as the kids aren't interested. Any recommendations for places to visit, things to see, or other helpful tips would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks

Answer

Two weeks is a very reasonable amount of time to explore Miami, Tampa, and Orlando, especially since you’re not planning to visit the theme parks. This allows you to experience a mix of city culture, beaches, natural areas, and smaller attractions at a relaxed pace.

Getting Around

For a family of four traveling between multiple cities in Florida, hiring a car is highly recommended. Florida is a very car-dependent state, especially if you plan to visit different neighborhoods, beaches, and attractions outside the city centers. Public transportation between cities exists (Amtrak, Greyhound, Megabus) but it is less convenient, slower, and won’t cover areas like beaches or smaller towns easily.

Suggested Itinerary & Highlights

Miami (4–5 days)
- Explore South Beach and Ocean Drive for a classic Miami vibe.
- Visit Wynwood Walls and the Wynwood Arts District for street art and galleries.
- Check out Little Havana for Cuban culture, food, and live music.
- Take a day trip to the Everglades National Park for wildlife viewing (airboat tours are optional but scenic).
- Relax on quieter beaches like Sunny Isles or North Beach if you want to avoid crowds.
Tampa (3–4 days)
- Visit the Tampa Riverwalk for easy walking, cafes, and parks.
- See the historic Ybor City district, famous for Cuban culture and cigars.
- Check out Tampa’s museums, like the Florida Aquarium or Glazer Children’s Museum (teen-friendly options available).
- Drive out to nearby beaches like Clearwater Beach or St. Pete Beach for a relaxing day on the Gulf Coast.
Orlando (3–4 days)
- Even if you’re skipping theme parks, Orlando has plenty to offer: explore Lake Eola Park downtown and Winter Park for its charming streets, cafes, and art galleries.
- Consider Kennedy Space Center for an educational day trip, about 1 hour east of Orlando.
- Drive to nearby natural attractions such as Wekiwa Springs State Park for hiking, kayaking, or swimming.
Travel Between Cities
- Miami ↔ Tampa: ~4.5–5 hours driving via I-75 (Florida’s Turnpike option also scenic in parts).
- Tampa ↔ Orlando: ~1.5 hours driving on I-4.
- Plan your city stays to minimize back-and-forth driving. Ideally, go Miami → Tampa → Orlando → Miami for departure.

Additional Tips

Book accommodations early, especially for December, as it is peak travel season in Florida.
Keep sunscreen, hats, and comfortable walking shoes handy — Florida is sunny and warm in December.
Check local events calendars; you may find festivals, art markets, or concerts that are teen-friendly.
Consider a GPS or navigation app for driving — Florida’s highways are straightforward, but traffic in Miami can be heavy.
For beaches, bring your own towels and chairs if possible, as some locations have rentals, but prices vary.

Overall, a two-week trip with a rental car will give your family a relaxed and flexible experience of South, Central, and Gulf Coast Florida, with plenty of time for sightseeing, beach days, and cultural exploration.

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