Travel Report Florida

Florida: dream beaches, major cities and natural paradises. From Miami to Tampa in 14 days

Miami Airport and entry
Miami International Airport (DXB) is conveniently located near the center of Miami, only about 13 kilometers away. You can reach the airport using a variety of transportation options, including cabs, ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft, public buses and the Metrorail, and as is usually the case in the USA, immigration takes a little longer and you should plan 60-90 minutes.

Safety in Miami and Florida in general
The crime-ridden parts of the city are around Miami Airport and towards the Everglades and Downtown Miami. An overview of the current crime situation can be found at www.spotcrime.com, then Florida, then Miami. The latest robberies, murders, burglaries, etc. are reported to the police on a daily basis and marked on the map. As always, it is better to be safe than sorry. Miami Beach, on the other hand, can be considered very safe, as can Naples, Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island, as well as Sanibel Island.

Where is Florida?

What you should definitely think about:

National currencies: The US dollar is the legal currency in the United States of America. The international ISO currency code is USD. The currency symbol is $. Credit cards are accepted everywhere without any problems, as are other online payment methods (e.g. Apple Pay). There are plenty of ATMs and banks and you should at least have some cash ready for tips, e.g. in hotels.

Vaccinations: Coming from Germany, no vaccinations are required. However, the standard vaccinations are recommended, see suggestions from the German Foreign Office, and an effective mosquito spray is definitely recommended when visiting the Everglades.

Rental Car in Florida

On our 14-day road trip through Florida, we naturally hired a car directly at the airport. You have to take the airport train to the rental car terminal, which takes about 10 minutes. There is a large selection of rental cars and providers. For safety reasons alone, we always take a larger SUV, but of course that’s up to you. Coming from Germany, we always rent via Check 24 and then always the Premium package (all-round carefree). Theoretically, you need an international driver’s license in the USA, but the European license is accepted everywhere without any problems. Those who include Key West in their trip are advised to book the automatic ticket system (you will be asked on site), but otherwise it is not a must.

Frst stop is Miami Beach (Florida)

Miami and Miami Beach, the gateway to Florida

The adventure begins in Miami, the vibrant metropolis with Latin American flair. Here we explore the trendy Wynwood Arts District, store on Lincoln Street and enjoy the good restaurants in Miami Beach.

Miami Beach attracts visitors with its legendary Ocean Drive and the white sandy beaches of South Beach.

We can recommend the following HOTELS for Miami Beach:

Winter Haven, a beautiful hotel on Ocean Boulevard from the Adeco era. The rooms are not particularly large and unfortunately there is no pool, but the location is very good.

Marriott Vacation Club. Located right next to the Winter Haven, also a very good hotel.
The Royal Palm Beach Hotel, also part of the Marriott Group, is located directly at the beginning of Ocean Boulevard and is one of the first hotels with direct access to the beach. The hotel is also from the Art Deco period, but has all the amenities of a five-star hotel. For example, a pool, a heated whirlpool, a beach bar and plenty of loungers, a fitness center and the aforementioned direct access to Miami Beach via the garden. The quality of the rooms is good, but they are rather simply furnished, not to say spartan. The location of the hotel is unique, as the main sights and restaurants in Miami Beach are within walking distance.

The Sagamore. Also one of the older hotels with very nice suites, a small but nice pool and everything else you would expect in a 4-5 star hotel.
The SLS. A very nice hotel with a very good restaurant and a very stylish pool area where there is always a party going on.

The Ritz Carlton. Still a very good hotel, although a little outdated in terms of location, but also unbeatable and the service matches the good name of this chain.
The Mondrian Hotel. This hotel is not located on the beach side, but on the other side of Miami Beach directly on the water canal. From here you have a wonderful view of the city of Miami and the harbor. The hotel is equivalent to a five-star hotel. The rooms are stylishly furnished.

Top RESTAURANTS in Miami Beach

Toni’s Sushi, an institution that has been around for over 25 years. You can eat very good sushi here.
Moschi Moschi. An Asian restaurant where you can get various dishes as well as sushi. The food is really good quality and if you are there before 7pm, you can order many dishes at a much lower price (happy hour).
Esquina Mexicana. Certainly one of the best Mexican restaurants in Miami Beach. The food is excellent, the service courteous and the decor very well done. Unfortunately, the price level is correspondingly high. Nevertheless, you won’t regret a visit.

Esme Rooftop. On the roof of the Hotel Esme is the bar of the same name, where you can enjoy an excellent lunch. The fish tacos and Caesar salad are particularly recommended.

Espanola Way. This is an alley where you will find many Italian, Spanish, Mexican and Cuban restaurants. Even if it feels a little touristy, you can eat very well in most of these restaurants.

Smith and Wollenski. An American steakhouse chain that can be found in most major cities. The location of this restaurant is right on the water and if you are there at the right time in the evening, you can watch the big cruise ships leaving the harbor while you eat. The quality is unbeatable, the service is very good and you should always book a table and make sure your credit card is covered, as the price level is extremely high.

SHOPPING in Miami Beach

The most famous shopping street in Miami Beach is Lincoln Road. It is like a small pedestrian zone with lots of nice and small stores, even though a number of stores have not reopened after the COVID pandemic. There are also some good restaurants here.

Wynwood Graffiti

Wynwood has developed from a problem district to an insider tip in recent years. There are still corners where it is better not to hang around after dark, but during the day it is no problem between 20th and 27th Street. Here you will find large walls of houses full of graffiti and they really have artistic value.

The best way to explore the district is on foot and let yourself drift through the streets. There are also a number of restaurants here where you can have a good lunch or just a coffee, such as Le Chick.

Jet skiing

You can also book jet ski tours through the canals of Miami’s rich and famous directly at the Hotel Mondrian. You go on the tour with a guide who explains the historical context and which stars live in which villas. If you have time, you should definitely take part in this adventure.

Anhinga Trail

If you want to see Florida’s wildlife and don’t want to go to a zoo, we recommend the Anhinga Trail. This is located around 45 minutes southwest of Miami Beach in the Everglades. You can walk a good two and a half kilometers on the wooden walkways and, with a bit of luck, discover many different species of birds, snakes, turtles and alligators, some of which are even right on the trail. There are tarpaulins for the parked cars, as the local vultures have specialized in pulling out the rubber seals of the cars.

From Miami to Key West, the paradise at the southernmost point of Florida

Key West, the southernmost city in the USA, enchants visitors with its tropical flair, historic sights and breathtaking sunsets. The island is known for its relaxed atmosphere, colorful architecture and vibrant nightlife.

Getting to Key West – a spectacular road trip

The drive along the famous Overseas Highway is a highlight in itself. On the Seven Mile Bridge, you will experience a unique view of the turquoise waters of the Florida Keys. Alternatively, you can reach Key West by plane or ferry from Miami or Fort Myers.

Duval Street – The heart of Key West

Duval Street is the center of island life. Here you will find trendy bars, boutiques and restaurants. Visit the legendary Sloppy Joe’s, where Hemingway was once a regular, and enjoy live music in the many cozy pubs.

Discover historical sights

Key West has a fascinating history. The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum offers an insight into the life of the famous writer. Another highlight is the Harry S. Truman Little White House, the winter residence of the former US president.

Southernmost Point – The most famous photo motif

A visit to Key West is not complete without a photo at Southernmost Point. The striking buoy marks the southernmost point of the continental USA – only 90 miles separate you from Cuba here!

Sunset at Mallory Square

Every evening, Mallory Square is transformed into a stage for artists, musicians and fire-eaters. The famous Sunset Celebration attracts visitors from all over the world – enjoy the spectacular view of the golden horizon.

Back to Miami and via Everglades City to Naples (Florida)

Tamiami Trail

After about a two-hour drive along the Tamiami Trail, you reach Naples, an exclusive city with first-class restaurants and boutiques.

This street has its name, which is a combination of Tampa and Miami, and was originally known as Alligator Alley. The name says it all, as you can see heaps of alligators in the canals next to the street. There are also numerous propeller boat trips into the Everglades from here. There are countless providers on this route from Miami to Naples.

Everglades City

Shortly before Naples you can make a stop in Everglades City and have lunch in a very tasty fish restaurant: Captain Morgan’s Seafood Grill Corp

Naples (Florida)

When we first visited Naples over 20 years ago, it was still a small town where a few wealthy pensioners had settled. Everything was still quiet and tranquil. The ideal place to relax and simply switch off.

Today, Naples is completely different and there is hardly any trace of the tranquillity and seclusion of the past. The city is growing by several square kilometers every year and there are only a few tranquil and quiet corners left, which is a shame. But the beaches are still very beautiful.

HOTELS in Naples (Florida)

Hilton. This hotel is located about 10 km north of downtown Naples. The rooms are very nice, the pool is not big, but sufficient and you have the feeling of being in a real hotel, even though it is located directly on the Tamiami Trail.
Courtyard by Marriott. This hotel is located about 7 km north of Naples Downtown. The hotel is still relatively new. The rooms are clean and parking is free, as is Wi-Fi. This hotel is also located directly on the main road.
Ritz Carlton, on Vanderbuilt Beach, about 15 km north of Naples Downtown is this luxury hotel. The location on the beach is first class, the pool area is very nice and the service is up to the standard of this chain. For us, however, this hotel is clearly too big and too impersonal, which is why, despite its location, we can only recommend it to those who are prepared to spend at least €500 per night for a double room, and only when it is not in season. In season, prices quickly reach $1000 and more.

RESTAURANTS

Panda Express in the Coastland Mall. Not really a restaurant, as it is located in a food court, but anyone who knows this chain from California will be delighted by the delicious Chinese food.
Tommy Bahama. In addition to the clothing store, there is also a first-class restaurant, which is very busy at lunchtime. The fish tacos and Caesar salad are highly recommended.
Pinchers in Tin City. If you like seafood, this is the place for you. The restaurant right in the harbor is wonderful at sunset or in the evening. The crab dumplings (crab dangoo) and the coconut shrimps are highly recommended.
Bahama Breeze. This restaurant is located on the grounds of the Coastland Center. Here you will find many Caribbean dishes, but also quite ordinary ones, such as chicken steak with mashed potatoes. The coconut shrimps are also highly recommended. Price and performance are right at this restaurant.

SHOPPING & SIGHTSEEING

The largest mall in Naples is the Coastland Center, north of downtown. It is a typical shopping mall, with many good stores and a food court. It is definitely worth a visit.

Another alternative is Naples Downtown, where there are individual and exclusive stores, such as Thommy Bahama. However, the selection is manageable and cannot be compared with the mall

The sight of Naples is definitely the pier. Unfortunately, it has been destroyed many times by storms and fires, the last time in 2022. In December 2024, renovation work had not yet begun and this beautiful monument still stands there in ruins. However, the pier is due to be rebuilt in 2025.

Marco Island (Florida)

Marco Island is certainly a dream island in Florida – snow-white beaches with powdered sugar and fine sand give you the feeling of the Caribbean and an absolute vacation. If only it weren’t for the many small flies and mosquitoes. The little black flies are harmless but incredibly annoying. There are millions of them and as soon as you go out, they fly at you and there are always little black dots here and there. As you are never sure whether they are the harmless flies or the so-called. No See ums immediately panic at every little black dot. The bite of the no-see ums doesn’t hurt at first, but the two euro-sized wheals itch like hell and the only thing that helps is cortisone ointment to stop the itching, preferably in combination with a sting healer.

If you are looking for large shopping centers or good restaurants on Marco Island, you will be disappointed. Hotels and private residences alternate on the island’s white beach. The hotels all have a resort character and accordingly many restaurants and leisure facilities. Otherwise, there are of course supermarkets and a few restaurants on the small island. However, the choice is not really large and the quality of most restaurants is not convincing. The best thing to do is to stay in your hotel and enjoy the vacation feeling there.

Marriott Marco Island Resort and SPA

We chose the JW Marriott because of our Bonvoy membership. There are two of them in total on Marco Island. We stayed at the Marriott Marco Island Resort & SPA.

The hotel is large and has 900 rooms, three outdoor pools, several restaurants and its own stretch of beach. All rooms have either a direct or side sea view, at least if you get floor five or higher.

There is a large parking lot in front of the hotel where you can park yourself for $38 or use valet parking for $48 per night.

The hotel prices for an overnight stay can quickly reach four figures per night in the high season and you wonder how many people book here at these prices.

Breakfast costs $25 per person for a continental breakfast and the hot buffet costs $38 per person plus tax and tip. Good for those who have Marriott status, which at least includes the continental breakfast.

The hotel’s beach is truly unique. Water sports are also offered here. As well as various games that you can use free of charge. In contrast to the beach loungers, for which a daily fee is charged. You also have to pay a fee for the loungers in the first row by the pool. A fee of 35 dollars per sun lounger per day is charged here.

There is another pool in the wellness area, for which you have to buy a day ticket and which is for adults only. If you want to use this, you will have to pay $55 per day per person. Alternatively, if you book a massage or similar in the wellness area, use of the pool is included.

Despite its size, the hotel is uniquely beautiful, the rooms are of a very good quality and, if you have the right room, also have a fantastic view from which you can watch the sun set over the sea every evening, if you don’t want to do this directly on the beach.

Unfortunately, experiencing this hotel also has its price and if you look at the price-performance ratio, then this is clearly not okay. The hotel is absolutely too expensive for what it offers. A daily rate of around $300 for a room would be reasonable, but with a lot of luck you can only expect this in the low season.

What is also very annoying, as already mentioned, are the many flies that accompany you throughout the day and are really very annoying. As beautiful as the hotel is and as much as we enjoyed our time here, we wouldn’t necessarily come back. At least not when the flies are around.

RESTAURANTS on Marco Island (Florida)

Stone Wall. Simple restaurant within walking distance of the hotel. The price-performance ratio is good, but the quality is not outstanding.
Sam’s. Very nice restaurant with a beautiful veranda and an extensive menu. Good value for money overall and the food is delicious.
Da Vinci, upscale Italian restaurant with very good pasta and pizza, but you should order in advance, especially during vacation periods.
Ice cream parlor at the cinema, which is also within walking distance of the Marriott Hotel. Here you can get delicious Italian ice cream at prices you would normally find at Häagn-Dazs.

From Marco Island to Fort Myers (Florida)

Miromar Shopping Center

The Miramar Shopping Center is located directly on I-75 between Naples and Fort Myers. An ideal stop for anyone who wants to buy branded goods at outlet prices. There is a large selection of all brands as well as restaurant offers. The center itself is not a mall, but an open shopping center. Definitely worth a visit.

Fort Myers, Sanibel and Captiva Island (Florida)

Fort Myers is located about 8 hours north of Naples, and there are a number of activities you can do here. These include a visit to Sanibel Island, downtown Fort Myers or a visit to the famous Edison and Ford Winter Estate and Museum. In addition, dream beaches such as Fort Myers Beach are right on the doorstep.

HOTELS

The Luminary Hotel is very new and rather modern and is located directly in the historic downtown area of Fort Myers, overlooking the water. From here you can quickly walk to many restaurants in the evening and many sights are also not far away. An ideal starting point. If you are looking for a good restaurant nearby, we recommend “The Lodge”, an American sports bar in the style of a ski lodge, with really good burgers

The Westin Cape Coral Resort is getting a bit long in the tooth, but is in a really quiet location. Directly on the Gulf, but without a beach, but with a small marina. The hotel has three different pools, tennis courts, a fitness center, several restaurants and a few hundred rooms. If you get a room on the upper floor, it doesn’t matter whether you are looking out over the Gulf or Fort Myers, the view is very nice either way. All rooms have a balcony and this is sealed with mosquito nets so that you can sit on the balcony at dusk without any worries. Unfortunately, excursions from this hotel always involve a long drive, as you have to cross one of the bridges to the Fort Myers side every time.
We would particularly like to mention the Gathers restaurant, which is not part of the hotel but is right next door. The food here is excellent. We recommend the gnocchi with prawns and a delicious white wine.
There is an Applebees restaurant just a 15-minute drive from the hotel. It serves good food at normal prices. We really like this chain and recommend every USA traveler to at least visit it.

The Marriott Sanibel Island Resort. This resort is located directly in front of the bridge to Sanibel Island. For those who want to spend a lot of time on the island and are looking for a short drive, this hotel may be the best choice. However, there is really almost nothing outside the hotel and you have to rely on your car if you want to go out to eat outside the hotel.

Sanibel and Captiva Island

Sanibel is reached via a toll bridge. The highlights are the old lighthouse on the beach, in the far south and visible from afar. Then Bowman Beach, where you can relax. Further north is the J.D.Ding Wildlife Refuge, where you can observe hundreds of different bird species, alligators and many other wild animals. The entrance fee is ten dollars per vehicle and you drive on a loop. Many locals come here to fish. For really good photos, you should have a long focal length beyond 200 mm with you.

Captiva

Captiva is located in the far north of the island. Here you can still find remnants of the original Florida. Dream white beaches, but unfortunately you can’t park on them. Many small beaches, hotels and hostels and small hidden restaurants and coffee shops, such as Kemps Ice Cream and Coffee, which definitely has the best coffee on the island.

If you want to eat with a view of the sea, Green Flash is the place to go. The location is very nice. The food is ok, but we weren’t impressed with the service. It’s an “in” meeting place and people even come here on boats.

Apart from that, the choice of restaurants and cafés on the island is not really large.

Edison and Ford Winter Estate

Edison and his wife bought the estate before the turn of the 19th century to spend their winters in Florida. Ford acquired the neighboring property years later, and this also created a business connection between Edison and Ford. Edison is still the greatest inventor in the USA today with 1093 registered patents. Not much needs to be said about Ford, who founded the Ford Motor Company. Even today, everyone knows Ford cars and everyone is familiar with the T model. Both houses are now museums and can be visited from the outside so that you can get an impression of how the two gentlemen lived back then. There is also a museum where the history of the inventions of both men, but mainly Edison, are recorded. Admission currently costs $25 per person, but it is well worth a visit to this historic site.

Fort Myers Downtown

Even if it’s hard to believe, Fort Myers has something of a small town center, where there are various restaurants, small stores and a cinema. Everything there is still reminiscent of the last century.

From Fort Myers, Sanibel to Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island (Florida)

Anna Maria Island & Longboat Key: Hidden gems

To round off the trip, we head to Anna Maria Island, an island with nostalgic charm. There are no high-rise buildings here, just small, colorful cottages and relaxed beaches. Numerous restaurants invite you to enjoy freshly caught seafood.

Not far away is Longboat Key, an exclusive island with quiet beaches and luxurious resorts – perfect for a relaxing end to the trip.

Zota Beach Hotel – luxury and relaxation on Longboat Key

The Zota Beach Hotel on Longboat Key is a stylish beach resort on Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast. With its modern design, direct beach location and first-class service, it is the perfect place for a relaxing luxury vacation. Some will remember it from the past and even before its renovation as a Hilton Hotel.

Elegant rooms with spectacular views

The spacious rooms and suites at the Zota Beach Hotel offer modern elegance and maximum comfort. Enjoy the view of the Gulf of Mexico or the tropical pool landscape – a real highlight thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies.

Fantastic beach and infinity pool

A white sandy beach stretches directly in front of the hotel, ideal for long walks or relaxed sunbathing. The heated infinity pool with luxurious cabanas offers pure relaxation – here you can unwind.

Sports & activities for every taste

Active guests can look forward to a modern fitness center, water sports and yoga on the beach. There are first-class golf courses, tennis courts and numerous cycling and hiking trails in the surrounding area.

FAZIT

Florida is always worth a visit, especially in winter. In recent years, it has unfortunately become increasingly expensive to vacation in Florida. Not only have hotel prices risen, but the prices for a visit to a restaurant have also shot up considerably and the expectation of a 20-25% tip takes some getting used to for Europeans. On the other hand, the beaches and beautiful landscapes have lost none of their fascination and a vacation in Florida remains an unforgettable experience.