Beaches, Snorkeling & Sunsets
Get ready for a whirlwind tour of Miami and the Keys! This itinerary packs in underwater adventures, beach relaxation, and delicious food. Here's the complete breakdown. 🚗 Transportation: To Rent or Not to Rent? Airport Car Rental: If you're flying in and only planning to stay within Miami city limits, I highly recommend NOT renting a car ❌. Here's why: Inconvenience: Most rental car facilities are far from the terminals, requiring a long walk and a shuttle bus ride. Traffic & Parking: Miami's roads are complex, often under construction, and traffic jams are brutal. Finding parking, especially near popular restaurants, is a nightmare. 🤦♀️ Our Exception: We rented a car only because we were driving down to Key Largo. If you do rent, try to avoid driving it into the crowded downtown and South Beach areas. Day 1: Key Largo Snorkeling Adventure 🤿 📍 John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Booking: We booked our snorkeling tour directly through the official park website. It was about $80 per person, which included the boat trip. You can easily rent wetsuits, fins, and other gear on-site. Time Slot: We chose the 12:00 PM tour to ensure the water would be warmer. It was a great decision! First-Timer Tips: I was nervous as a first-timer, but it was surprisingly easy to get the hang of it! Knowing how to swim helps, and with fins and a life vest 🦺, you're golden. Must-Bring: Bring a bottle of water to rinse your mouth if you swallow seawater! Also, apply sunscreen generously—the sun is intense. Verdict: The underwater scenery was decent. It was a bit cloudy for us, but for a first snorkeling experience, it was absolutely incredible and unforgettable! 🏨 Evening Accommodation: Parmer's Resort We stayed here to be closer to our next day's activity in Key West. It's a smarter choice than staying in Key West itself if you need to drive back. Day 2: Skydiving & Scenic Sunsets 🪂 🪂 Key West Skydiving For all the thrilling details about my skydiving experience, check out my separate dedicated post! It was an adrenaline rush like no other. 🌅 Horseshoe Beach (for Sunset) If you have time, head to Horseshoe Beach to catch the sunset. There's a short trail that leads you out into the middle of the water, offering breathtaking views. 🚗 Return to Miami The drive back to Miami takes about 4+ hours. Use this time to grab some food and rest up. Day 3: Miami Beach Bliss & Urban Exploration 🏖️ Pro-Tip: The surrounding area is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Do not drive here—the traffic is horrendous and parking is impossible. Just walk and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. 🏨 Accommodation: Hotel Greystone We stayed at this cozy, adults-only hotel very close to the beach. The hotel provides complimentary beach chairs and towels (Pic P9), which is a huge plus. They also have a restaurant and a jazz bar—perfect for grabbing a cocktail and taking it back to your room to unwind. 🍸 Gym: If you're feeling active, they partner with a gym that's just a 10-minute walk away. 🍽️ Restaurant Recommendations 🥘 📍 CVI.CHE 105 Vibe: You can get absolutely stuffed for around $50 per person. The service is excellent. Must-Try: The sushi here was phenomenal and left me craving more long after the trip. 📍 Chalan on the Beach Vibe: The food is delicious and the portions are massive. Two dishes are enough to feed two people comfortably. Great value for money. 📍 Orange Blossom Vibe: A very popular breakfast spot. Review: The food was good, but honestly, it tasted similar to other standard American breakfast joints. However, their Avocado Toast was particularly delicious and worth ordering. 😋 🛒 Groceries 📍 Publix: This is the go-to supermarket chain in Florida. The prices are reasonable, and it's perfect for picking up snacks, water, and any essentials you might need for your beach days. 🍎 This 3-day itinerary gives you a perfect taste of Miami's diverse offerings, from the tranquil underwater world of the Keys to the vibrant energy of South Beach. Enjoy your trip! 🌴✨ #US #Florida #Miami
