Grand Cayman, Florida Keys and Everglades

Question

We are from the UK and have not travelled in the USA much. We are planning a trip early next year. The flights we could get with British Airways are in and out of Atlanta but we will work with that using connecting flights.

We have 16 days. We would like 3-4 days on Grand Cayman to visit a friend. Then move on to Florida, pick up a hire car and spend 4-5 days in Florida Keys, a day in the Everglades doing a tour with a strong conservation theme and a day or two visiting a relative on Marco Island.

Then somehow back to Atlanta and home.

Can any clever folk advise on the best way to put this together ? We would like to avoid driving longer than four hours in any given day so I am reserving some time for stop offs.

Answer

Your 16-day itinerary sounds fantastic, and it's great that you're planning to explore both the Florida Keys and Everglades while visiting family and friends. Given your travel preferences and the need to limit driving to 4 hours or less per day, here’s a suggested itinerary that should balance travel time, exploration, and relaxation:

Day 1-4: Grand Cayman
Start your trip with 3-4 days in Grand Cayman to visit your friend. Fly into Grand Cayman and spend a few days relaxing, snorkeling, or exploring the island's famous Seven Mile Beach. This is a great way to ease into your trip before heading to the mainland US.
Day 5: Fly to Florida Keys
After your stay in Grand Cayman, take a flight to Florida (Miami or Fort Lauderdale are the closest major airports to the Keys). From there, pick up your hire car and drive to your accommodation in the Florida Keys. Depending on your arrival time, you may want to head to Key Largo or Islamorada for the night (both are about a 1-2 hour drive from Miami or Fort Lauderdale airports).
Day 6-8: Florida Keys
Spend the next 3-4 days in the Florida Keys. Here's a suggested stop for each day:
- Day 6: Key Largo – Visit John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park for snorkeling or a glass-bottom boat tour.
- Day 7: Islamorada – Known for its fishing, but also explore the History of Diving Museum and enjoy the island’s seafood restaurants.
- Day 8: Key West – Make your way down to Key West, about a 2-2.5 hour drive. Spend the day exploring Ernest Hemingway's Home and Museum, Mallory Square, and the Sunset Celebration. If you have time, check out the Southernmost Point and Duval Street for the lively atmosphere.
Day 9: Everglades National Park
From Key West, head north to the Everglades National Park, which is about a 3-hour drive. You could either do a day tour that focuses on conservation or take a more relaxed approach by exploring the park’s natural beauty, wildlife, and swamps. Be sure to check out the Royal Palm Visitor Center and the Anhinga Trail.
Day 10-11: Marco Island
Drive about 1.5 hours from the Everglades to Marco Island to visit your relative. Spend the next day or two relaxing on the beaches or exploring the area. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy like kayaking, boating, or just taking in the beautiful surroundings.
Day 12: Return to Atlanta
After your stay in Marco Island, drive back towards Atlanta. If you don’t want to drive straight through (it’s a roughly 7-hour drive from Marco Island to Atlanta), consider stopping in Naples, Fort Myers, or Sarasota for a night to break up the trip.
Day 13-14: Explore Sarasota or St. Petersburg (Optional Stop)
Spend some time in Sarasota or St. Petersburg, both of which are lovely places with art museums, beautiful beaches, and vibrant downtown areas. If you're interested in history or culture, visit the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota or the Salvador Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg.
Day 15-16: Final Drive to Atlanta
On the last day or two, continue your drive north to Atlanta. You could take a leisurely drive back, stopping along the way for any sights you may have missed. Alternatively, you can catch a short flight from one of Florida’s airports back to Atlanta if you prefer to shorten your travel time.

This itinerary gives you a balance of scenic driving, wildlife experiences, and family time, while respecting your preference to limit driving to around 4 hours per day. The Florida Keys and Everglades will give you the full Floridian experience, and Marco Island offers a great opportunity to relax. You’ll also have the chance to explore Sarasota or St. Petersburg if you wish to make the return journey a bit more leisurely.

In terms of flights, flying from Grand Cayman to Florida and then flying back to Atlanta from a Florida airport (such as Miami or Fort Lauderdale) would save you some time compared to a long drive back. Just be sure to factor in the travel time when booking your return flights.

Hope this helps, and enjoy your trip!

Grand Cayman, Florida Keys and Everglades

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