Itinerary advice please

Question

I'm a 67 year old planning on spending a week in Florida next April and have the following itinerary in mind. Any comments would be helpful. I appreciate I could spend a month there as a tourist and not see everything, but here goes....

Day 1 arr Tampa Bay

2. Day in Tampa

3 Day trip to Clearwater (swimming with manatees)

4. Fly (or bus / ferry) to Key West

5-6 Two days in Key West

7 Greyhound to Miami

8 Day in Miami

9 Fly back to UK

The flight back is an evening flight so really a day and a half in Miami. Not much but then I'm told it's a young person's city anyway!

Thoughts?

Answer

Your planned itinerary for Florida in April looks well-balanced and gives you a nice mix of city, beach, and island experiences. April is generally a great time to visit Florida, with warm but not overly hot temperatures, lower humidity than summer, and fewer crowds compared to peak winter months.

Here are some thoughts and suggestions for each part of your itinerary:

Days 1-2 in Tampa: Arriving in Tampa gives you access to a variety of cultural and historic sites. Consider visiting the Tampa Riverwalk, the historic Ybor City district, and perhaps the Tampa Museum of Art or the Florida Aquarium. For a more relaxed pace, stroll along Bayshore Boulevard or enjoy a riverfront cafe.
Day 3 – Clearwater and swimming with manatees: Clearwater is a beautiful beach area, and swimming with manatees is a memorable experience. Morning trips tend to be calmer and the manatees are more active then. Also, allow some time to relax on Clearwater Beach, which is consistently rated among the top beaches in the US.
Day 4 – Travel to Key West: Flying is faster and more convenient, especially given your age and comfort. The scenic drive over the Overseas Highway is spectacular if you rent a car and take the 6–7 hour drive, but a flight will maximize your time on Key West. Ferry options exist but can be lengthy and less flexible.
Days 5-6 – Key West: Two days is sufficient to explore the main highlights. Key West is compact, so walking and biking are popular. Consider visiting the Ernest Hemingway Home, Mallory Square for sunset celebrations, and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. Relaxing at the beaches or enjoying a harbor cruise can add balance to sightseeing.
Day 7 – Travel to Miami: The Greyhound bus is economical, but it is a long ride (6–8 hours) and less comfortable. If budget allows, a short flight may be preferable to save time and energy. Driving can also be an option if you enjoy scenic coastal stops along the way.
Day 8 – Miami: Even with a short stay, you can focus on the highlights. South Beach offers iconic Art Deco architecture, oceanfront walks, and cafes. Little Havana gives a taste of Cuban culture, and the Wynwood Walls offer vibrant street art. Pick one or two neighborhoods to explore to avoid feeling rushed.
Day 9 – Departure: With an evening flight, you may have a half-day in Miami for a leisurely breakfast, a short beach walk, or a quick visit to a museum or park near your hotel.

Additional tips for comfort and convenience:

Consider using internal flights instead of buses for long distances to save energy and time.
Book accommodations close to the main attractions to reduce travel within cities.
Plan key activities in the morning when temperatures are cooler and crowds are smaller.
April weather is warm, so lightweight clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Overall, your itinerary provides a nice mix of Florida experiences without being too rushed. You have a combination of cultural sites, beach time, and natural experiences, which should make for a memorable trip. Just factor in travel times between locations to keep the pace comfortable.

Itinerary advice please

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