Miami South Beach Art Deco hotels and palm trees

Best 5 Days in Florida Keys — Photography

Miami → Upper Keys → Marathon

5 days · 3 cities · 7 activities · route optimized by distance

This photography itinerary reshuffles the schedule around photography activities — golden-hour viewpoints, iconic landmarks, and photogenic landscapes. A moderate mix of walking and active experiences, with a mix of self-guided and guided activities. Includes 3 must-see landmarks across Miami and Upper Keys and Marathon.

Highlights: South Beach & Art Deco District, Wynwood Walls & Design District, Little Havana

Arriving Wed, Jul 1 Change

This 5-day Florida Keys photography itinerary features 4 themed activities across Miami, Upper Keys, and Marathon.

Your Route — ordered to minimize backtracking

7+ 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
~$913 total · $183/day
See budget →
Top picks
Private Sailing Charter, South Beach & Art Deco District, Wynwood Walls & Design District
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
Private Sailing Charter$$$~3 hrs

Sail Biscayne Bay on a private charter with skyline views, snorkeling, and sunset options

Year-round. Calmest waters Nov-May.
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 $180/night Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Day 2 Thu, Jul 2 Moderate Miami
Morning
Wynwood Walls & Design District$~3 hrs

Discover world-class street art murals and cutting-edge galleries in Miami's creative heart

$13 Verified Mar 2026 Open daily 10:30am-6:30pm year-round. Best Nov-Apr to avoid summer heat.
Afternoon
Little Havana$~3 hrs

Experience Miami's Cuban soul with cafecito, cigars, live salsa, and Domino Park on Calle Ocho

Year-round destination. Best Nov-Apr for comfortable walking weather.
🏨 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
Full Day
Marathon and the Lower Keys day trip: App guided$$~3 hrs

Travel to Marathon and the Lower Keys and explore at your own pace with the step-by-step guidance in your App Guide. On

🏨 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
Marathon Beaches$~3 hrs

Relax on Sombrero Beach or Coco Plum Beach — Marathon's best stretches of white sand

Year-round. Sombrero Beach is free and rarely crowded.
Afternoon
Sunset Experience in Clear Kayak$$~2h 30m

On this tour, you'll get a unique experience as you explore the unique mangrove ecosystem in a clear kayak at sunset. To

$90 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

$913 estimated total per person
$183 per day
Lodging $810
Activities $103

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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