South Florida Travel Guide: Miami, Key West & More Adventures
South Florida is the perfect place for a tropical escape. With warm beaches, Cuban flavors, and endless adventures, it is a destination full of culture and natural beauty. On our recent trip, we explored Miami and Key West, flying with Southwest Airlines. The journey was easy and comfortable with upgraded Wi-Fi, in-seat power, and friendly service. From city life to island vibes, South Florida gave us the best of both worlds.
Things to Do in Miami
Miami is the heart of South Florida. We stayed at Hotel Cardozo, owned by Gloria and Emilio Estefan, which put us close to the beach and nightlife.
- Little Havana & Calle Ocho
One of our favorite stops was La Trova by Michelle Bernstein in Little Havana. Julio Cabrera and his team brought the Cuban spirit alive with handcrafted cocktails, live music, and Cuban-inspired food. Calle Ocho itself is a vibrant street filled with murals, music, and local landmarks like the Walk of Fame. - Art & Culture
The Perez Art Museum is a must-visit. Since opening in 2013, it has showcased modern and contemporary art, celebrating Miami’s diverse community. - Nightlife & Beaches
South Beach is famous for its turquoise waters and lively atmosphere. From sunrise to late-night salsa, Miami offers something for everyone.
Driving the Overseas Highway
After a few days in Miami, we rented a car and drove the Overseas Highway. It is one of the longest overwater roads in the world and connects Miami to the Florida Keys. The views of the ocean on both sides were unforgettable.
Exploring Key West
Key West is known as the southernmost city in the continental United States, only 90 miles from Cuba.
- Duval Street
We stayed near Duval Street to be close to the shopping, food, and entertainment. - Aquarium Encounters
A highlight of our trip was Aquarium Encounters, where we met stingrays, sharks, turtles, and seahorses up close. - Hemingway Home
The Ernest Hemingway Home is one of the most iconic landmarks. Walking through his studio and gardens, with the famous six-toed cats, felt like stepping back in time. - Smathers Beach
For sun and sand, we spent time at Smathers Beach, the largest public beach in Key West.
If you visit in March, don’t miss the Baila Conmigo Music Festival, a Latin music celebration full of energy and rhythm.
More South Florida Highlights
While Miami and Key West are incredible, South Florida has even more to explore:
- Fort Lauderdale – Known as the “Venice of America” with canals, beaches, and a lively boating scene.
- Palm Beach – Luxury shopping on Worth Avenue and beautiful resorts.
- Everglades National Park – Take an airboat ride to see alligators, birds, and unique wetlands.
- Biscayne National Park – Great for snorkeling, boating, and spotting coral reefs.
Travel Tips for South Florida
- Best Time to Visit: November to April offers warm weather without heavy summer rain.
- Getting Around: Renting a car makes it easy to explore multiple cities.
- Packing Tip: Bring light clothes, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes for walking.
Final Thoughts
South Florida is more than just a vacation—it’s an experience of beaches, culture, and adventure. From Miami’s Cuban spirit to the island charm of Key West, every stop brought something new. Add in places like Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, and the Everglades, and you have a trip filled with sunshine and memories.
Tropical paradise, natural island beauty, beautiful beaches, arts and culture and a travel breeze on Southwest Airlines makes South Florida a perfect ESCAPADITA.
Plan your South Florida adventure today, and get ready for tropical fun!
