Orlando 7 Days & 6 Nights – Road Trip Edition

🌟 Travel Guide: Tampa & Orlando 7-Day Tour 🌟 This was my first time in Florida! I started in Tampa and the surrounding areas before heading to Orlando for Disney. If I had more time, I’d definitely check out Universal Studios and the Everglades to see alligators 🐊. The first four days were spent around Tampa — the downtown itself doesn’t have tons to do, but nearby towns and beaches are worth exploring. The last three days were dedicated to Disney’s four parks — honestly, trying to do all four in two days feels way too rushed 🏃‍♀️💨. Florida is warm and humid year-round — even in December (the coolest month), temps range from 15–22°C. Don’t forget an umbrella though, rain can pop up anytime! ☔🌴 🗓️ Day 1 ✈️ Syracuse → Clearwater I flew from Ithaca, and the closest direct flight was from SYR to PIE. If you’re flying into Tampa, you’ll likely land at TPA. 🚗 Renting a Car in Clearwater Book your rental car online in advance — counters are right at the airport. Popular companies include Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, and Budget. Pro tip: Rent an ETC transponder — Florida has SO many toll roads! 🐬 Little Toot Dolphin Adventure Book ahead! I missed out because I waited too late 😭. Arrive early to the island — parking is tricky and traffic can be heavy. Public lots fill up fast, but you can try parking structures like Pier House 60, which offers $20 beach parking 🅿️ 🌅 Clearwater Beach One of America’s most beautiful beaches 🏖️! The sand is incredibly white and fine — almost like walking on snow ❄️👣. Grab a seat at a beachfront restaurant (many require reservations), or try parasailing — you can book behind the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa 🏨 Accommodation in Clearwater/Tampa Plenty of beachside options — way more affordable than California! 💰 🗓️ Day 2 Started with brunch in Tampa Downtown, then drove about 1 hour to Weeki Wachee for kayaking and manatee spotting 🛶💙. There are other locations too, but they’re farther out. 🍴 Oxford Exchange 👍 A gorgeous brunch spot — reservations recommended! Loved their Affogato — espresso poured over ice cream 🍦☕ (a common treat in Florida, it seems!). 🚶 Riverwalk A lovely riverside park not far from Oxford Exchange. You can see the University of Tampa across the river — the architecture has a cool Russian onion-dome vibe 🏛️ #US #Florida #Orlando