Gulf Coast/Miami/Universal Itinerary

[Jasminder1]

Hi, we’re flying into Miami and have 14 nights, I have already booked 5 nights in Miami but looking to work out the best itinerary after this that will take us to Tampa and Universal. We fly out of Tampa. Thoughts were:

5 nights Miami (inc visit to Everglades/poss Ft Lauderdale (is FL worth it)
2 nights in the Keys (not sure which keys to visit?)
1 night Naples (thought this was best half way point)
2 nights either Clearwater/St Petes/Tampa Bay (again not sure which would be best)
3 nights Universal (have Hard Rock Hotel booked for 1 night so far)
1 night (last night) somewhere back near Tampa or in Tampa


Just wondering if there are better options or Recommendations.

We’ve already done WDW a few years back but spent the whole 14 nights on site so didn’t get to see any other parts of Florida.

Any help/advice appreciated

[anji]

Originally Posted by Jasminder1

Hi, we’re flying into Miami and have 14 nights, I have already booked 5 nights in Miami but looking to work out the best itinerary after this that will take us to Tampa and Universal. We fly out of Tampa. Thoughts were:

5 nights Miami (inc visit to Everglades/poss Ft Lauderdale (is FL worth it)
2 nights in the Keys (not sure which keys to visit?)
1 night Naples (thought this was best half way point)
2 nights either Clearwater/St Petes/Tampa Bay (again not sure which would be best)
3 nights Universal (have Hard Rock Hotel booked for 1 night so far)
1 night (last night) somewhere back near Tampa or in Tampa


Just wondering if there are better options or Recommendations.

We’ve already done WDW a few years back but spent the whole 14 nights on site so didn’t get to see any other parts of Florida.

Any help/advice appreciated

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Personally, I wouldn't spend 5 nights on Miami or FL but give the Keys another night at least. How many of you? Any children? You can do the Everglades on the way across to the Gulf Coast from the Keys.

Check out my road trip reports in my signature - we last went in February - as they will give you some ideas.

[saratogajan]

I would agree, less in Miami and then split your days left before universal between the keys and naples. We love naples and much prefer to Clearwater area. Happy planning!

[letty]

3/4 nights Miami
2/3 nights keys, visit Everglades on way to Naples
Stay 3/4 nights Naples
Then travel up to Orlando to universal and stay 3 nights , return to tampa airport from there.

I have visited all you mentioned except keys and Fort Lauderdale .

Our last 3 trips involved gulf coast, universal and Miami
Feels like 3 holidays in one

[7SeasSailor]

For my money Ft Lauderdale is just Miami on a smaller scale but a few miles up the coast.