Miami South Beach Art Deco hotels and palm trees

Best 5 Days in Florida Keys — History

Miami → Upper Keys → Marathon

5 days · 3 cities · 8 activities · route optimized by distance

This history itinerary reshuffles the schedule around history activities — historic sites, UNESCO heritage, and ancient landmarks. A moderate mix of walking and active experiences, with a mix of self-guided and guided activities. Includes one must-see landmark across Miami and Upper Keys and Marathon.

Arriving Wed, Jul 1 Change

This 5-day Florida Keys itinerary follows the historical thread — 7 activities take you through ancient sites, monuments, and stories that shaped Miami, Upper Keys, and Marathon.

Your Route — ordered to minimize backtracking

8+ activities scored and ranked · route optimized across 3 cities

Where you'll stay
Hotel in Miami · From $180/night +2 more
See lodging →
Trip cost
~$1,647.41 total · $329/day
See budget →
Top picks
Wynwood and the Design District: Cycle tour, Classic Convertible Tour of Miami's Best Neighborhoods, Everglades day trip: Small group tour
See itinerary →

Day-by-Day Schedule — heavy and light days alternate so you don’t burn out

Miami

Miami Miami · Open in Google Maps ↗
Day 1 Wed, Jul 1 Full Miami
Morning
Wynwood and the Design District: Cycle tour$$~1h 30m

Explore Wynwood with a small group and learn directly from a local expert. As part of this Cycle Party, you'll pedal you

$44.8 Verified Mar 2026 Book this tour →
Afternoon
Classic Convertible Tour of Miami's Best Neighborhoods$$~2h 30m

Enjoy a personalized adventure led by your very own private guide. Get comfortable as you join your driver in a luxury c

$248.61 Verified Mar 2026 Book this tour →
🏨 Hotel in Miami

South Beach / Mid-Beach / Brickell

wifiparkingair-conditioning
Travelers book: The Setai Miami Beach $500-900/nightFontainebleau Miami Beach $250-450/nightGenerator Miami $100-200/night
Book Hotel in Miami from $180/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 2 Thu, Jul 2 Moderate Miami
Morning
Everglades day trip: Small group tour$$~1 hr

Avoid the hassle of transport, traveling to with a small group and the support of a local guide. This is recommended fo

$219 Verified Mar 2026 Book this tour →
Afternoon
South Beach & Art Deco District$~3 hrs

Stroll the iconic Art Deco Historic District and soak up South Beach's vibrant oceanfront scene

Best Nov-Apr (dry season). Jun-Nov is hurricane season with afternoon thunderstorms.
🏨 Hotel in Miami

South Beach / Mid-Beach / Brickell

wifiparkingair-conditioning
Travelers book: The Setai Miami Beach $500-900/nightFontainebleau Miami Beach $250-450/nightGenerator Miami $100-200/night
Book Hotel in Miami from $180/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Miami → Upper Keys
1h 42m Drive straight to the Upper Keys without sightseeing along the route. This is recommended for those who want to maximize

Upper Keys

Upper Keys Upper Keys · Open in Google Maps ↗
Day 3 Fri, Jul 3 Full Upper Keys
Morning
Islamorada's Matecumbe Keys$~3 hrs

Discover Islamorada's sportfishing capital with Robbie's tarpon feeding and oceanside parks

Year-round. Tarpon feeding best Mar-Jul.
Afternoon
Key West Day Trip$$~3 hrs

Drive the full Overseas Highway to Key West for Old Town, Duval Street, and a sunset celebration

Year-round. Best Nov-Apr for comfortable weather.
🏨 Hotel in Upper Keys

Key Largo / Upper Matecumbe Key / Venetian Shores

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Travelers book: Casa Morada $350-550/nightCheeca Lodge & Spa $300-500/nightKona Kai Resort and Gallery $200-350/night
Book Hotel in Upper Keys from $265/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Upper Keys → Marathon
1h Drive straight to Marathon without sightseeing along your route. There aren't any major point of interest along the way

Marathon

Marathon Marathon · Open in Google Maps ↗
Day 4 Sat, Jul 4 Full Marathon
Morning
Key West Day Trip$$~3 hrs

Drive the scenic Overseas Highway from Marathon to Key West for a full day of island exploration

Year-round. Best Nov-Apr for comfortable weather.
Afternoon
Marathon Helicopter Tour: Seven Mile Bridge, Lighthouse, and Duck Key tour$$~1 hr

On this tour, you'll get a unique experience as you explore the Seven Mile Bridge, Sombrero Lighthouse and Duck Key by a

$325 Verified Mar 2026 Book this tour →
🏨 Hotel in Marathon

Vaca Key / Sombrero Beach / Boot Key Harbor

wifiparkingair-conditioning
Travelers book: Isla Bella Beach Resort & Spa $350-600/nightTranquility Bay Beachfront Resort $250-450/nightHampton Inn Marathon $150-250/night
Book Hotel in Marathon from $185/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 5 Sun, Jul 5 Marathon
Checkout & Depart

Check out of your hotel, grab a final breakfast, and head to the airport. Safe travels from Marathon!

Where You’ll Stay

Estimated total: $648–$972

Trip Budget Estimate

$1,647.41 estimated total per person
$329 per day
Lodging $810
Activities $837.41

Estimates based on listed activity prices and hotel rates. Actual costs vary by season, availability, and personal spending.

Typical range for Florida Keys

$500 – $2,500 per person for 5 days

Budget: $100/day — Budget motels, fast-casual dining, public transport Mid-range: $250/day — Hotels, restaurants, car rental Luxury: $500/day — Resorts, fine dining, guided tours

Similar Destinations

Similar vibes, fewer crowds — destinations our algorithm rates as close matches to Florida Keys.

🧳 Practical Info for Florida Keys

📄 Visa
ESTA required for Visa Waiver Program countries. CA citizens visa-exempt. See US entry requirements.
💵 Tipping
18–20% tip expected at restaurants. Standard US tipping culture applies.
💱 Currency
US Dollar ($ USD). Cards accepted everywhere.
🔌 Power
120V, Type A/B plugs. EU/UK/AU travelers need an adapter.
📶 Connectivity
Good coverage along the Overseas Highway. Some remote keys may have weaker signal.
🚨 Emergency
911 (general emergency)

🚗 Getting Around Florida Keys

🚗 Car

Drive the Overseas Highway (US-1) from Miami through all the Keys — one of America's most scenic drives.

🚌 Bus

Keys Shuttle runs between Miami Airport and Key West with stops along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit?

Spring and fall offer the best weather and fewer crowds. Summer is peak season. Check regional weather patterns for specific conditions.

Do I need to rent a car?

A car is essential for road trips and national parks in the US. Public transit is limited outside major metro areas.

How much does a week cost?

Budget: $100-150/day. Mid-range: $200-350/day. Luxury: $500+/day. Costs vary significantly by region and season.

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