Orlando to Key West: the very best of Florida

Difficulty

434 miles/700 km

Distance

8

Recom. Days

Adventure

Trip type

Europe trip
Anna Bujas

Anna has traveled to over 35 countries and is always looking for the next adventure for her and her dog.

Orlando to Key West Road Trip

Map of Florida

Google Maps

Florida is famous for its beaches, natural sceneries, orange orchards, and theme parks. Located on the east coast, it’s colloquially known as the home of Mickey Mouse and has earned its reputation as one of the best places to visit in the world.

Florida’s natural beauty is unrivaled, with various state parks, islands, and beaches lending the state an air of natural awe. Called the Sunshine State, it lives up to its name with abundant sunshine and a generally warmer, subtropical climate.

Visitors to the state are in for an excellent road trip experience. Attractions aren’t too far apart and each city brings its own flair to the trip. Today we’re going to look at one potential 8-day road trip you can take through Florida. We’re going to hit all the major sights and ensure you’re getting the most of your east coast experience.

So strap in and rev your engine. From Orlando to West Palm Beach to Miami to Key West, each destination on this list will give you the best Florida experience behind the wheel of an RV.

Big picture of orlando
Pick-up in
Orlando Pick-up center
1

Stop One: Indulge your inner tourist in Orlando

Located in central Florida, Orlando is one of the most popular tourist spots in the world. Nicknamed “the City Beautiful” it turns over an incredible amount of traffic every year due to its major events, conventions, and tourist attractions.

The two most renowned attractions in the Orlando area are the Walt Disney World Resort and the Universal Orlando Resort. Both have put Orlando on the map and made it one of the most visited cities in the world.

Picture of orlando

While it’s no slouch when it comes to theme parks, the rest of the city is also well worth a visit. World-class dining, shopping, and entertainment make Orlando a great place to start your road trip.

Visiting

Orlando

2

Recom. Days

Main route

12.5 mile

from Orlando Pick-up center

21 min

drive

You can find Indie Campers RV rentals in more than 40 different cities and destinations across Europe.

Visit

Walt Disney World Resort

The premier theme park attraction of Orlando – experience the magic of Disney at this massive park. Tickets start at $109 per day.

Universal Orlando Resort

The home of many entertainment wonders including an immersive Harry Potter experience. Tickets start from $109 per day.

Kennedy Space Center

The main launch center of NASA, this attraction isn’t to be missed if you’re a space buff. An adult ticket will set you back $57 for the day.

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Parking

Parking in Orlando

Orlando has plenty of on-street parking. The meters are in effect Monday to Saturday, from 8 am to 6 pm except for in the Creative Village where they’re in effect until 9 pm. Typically, metered spots are free of charge on specific holidays and Sundays.

City Commons Parking Garage

A safe and well-lit parking garage. $2 to $10 per hour.

Jefferson Street Parking Garage

€€

A city-run garage with plenty of parking available. $2 to $10 per hour.

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Eat at

Wine Bar George

$$$

Known for its extensive wine list, this restaurant is a favorite among locals and tourists.

Hunger Street Tacos

$$

Just a few minutes from Orlando’s center, this Mexican restaurant serves some of the finest food in town.

Winter Park Biscuit Company

$$$

Everything at this restaurant down to the sauces is plant-based. If you’re vegan this is your mecca.

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Stay at

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

$$

For the quintessential Disney experience you can’t miss this RV park. Pricing depends on your date of travel.

Twelve Oaks RV Resort

A quality park, this one’s also notoriously busy so you ought to call ahead. Pricing starts at $50 a night.

Orlando NW/Orange Blossom KOA

$$

If you’re driving a particularly big rig, this is the campground for you. Pricing varies depending on your date of travel.

2

Stop Two: Shop ‘til you drop in West Palm Beach

With a reputation for fine dining, exquisite shopping, and Broadway-quality entertainment, West Palm Beach has it all. Located on Florida’s Atlantic Ocean coast, this city offers visitors year-round entertainment, all within spitting distance of some of the best beaches in the world.

West palm

Downtown West Palm Beach houses four entertainment and retail districts: Antique Row, Northwood Village, Rosemary Square, and Clematis Street. Each one is lined with exciting bars, boutiques, and nightclubs ready to receive visitors and wow them with local culture.

If you’re looking for the pace of Miami but on a smaller scale, then West Palm Beach is a must-see.

Visiting

West Palm Beach

2

Recom. Days

Main route

178.7 miles

from Orlando

2h30min

drive

You can find Indie Campers RV rentals in more than 40 different cities and destinations across Europe.

Visit

Norton Museum of Art

With over 7000 works of art on display, this gallery has something for everyone of every taste. The museum is free to visit but does host ticketed exhibitions.

South Florida Science Museum and Aquarium

If you’re traveling with the kids, this is a must-see attraction. General admission for an adult is $18.95.

Lion Country Safari

Florida’s only drive-through safari, this is one of the best attractions in the area. Tickets start from $30 for the day.

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Parking

Parking in West Palm Beach

$

On-street parking spots are both free and metered. The free spots are 1h and 2h limited and are strictly enforced.

City Center Public Parking Garage

Right near the city this garage is clean and well-maintained. Prices range from $1 to $20 per hour.

Evernia Garage

A clean, well-positioned garage. Prices range from $1 to $20 per hour.

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Eat at

Kitchen

$$

Owned by a husband-and-wife team, this restaurant is second to none for quality cuisine.

Agora Mediterranean Kitchen

$$$

A beautifully decorated Turkish restaurant with offerings to have your mouth watering.

Avocado Grill

$$

A self-proclaimed “foodie paradise”, Avocado Grill lives up to its reputation.

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Stay at

West Palm Beach/Lion Country Safari KOA

Just a few minutes from the Lion Country Safari park, this RV lot can’t be beaten on location. Prices start from $65.

Palm Beach RV Park

$$

Spacious parking for your RV under plenty of shade to keep you cool in the summer months. Prices depend on your date of travel.

West Jupiter Camping Resort

If you’re 55 or older this is a great park to consider. Prices start from $35 per night.

3

Stop Three: Bask on the beach in Miami

Located in southeastern Florida, Miami is a coastal metropolis with a lot to offer. It’s a leader in finance, culture, arts, commerce, and international trade and is also one of the largest majority-minority cities in the U.S., with over 70% of its population being Hispanic.

The city is known for its exquisite beaches, awesome cuisine, Cuban coffee, warm climate, and Latin-American influences. Over 14 million tourists a year visit the area resulting in over 10% of its workforce being part of the tourist industry.

City of miami

While Miami is mostly man-made, it also houses some of the world’s most awesome natural attractions such as the Biscayne National Park and the Everglades National Park.

Visiting

Miami

2

Recom. Days

Main route

71.6 miles

from West Palm Beach

1h07min

drive

You can find Indie Campers RV rentals in more than 40 different cities and destinations across Europe.

Visit

Miami Beach

Free

The beach is what makes Miami one of the best spots to visit in the world. Take some time to soak up the sun or frolic in the waves.

Everglades National Park

Free

This park covers 1.5 million acres of swampland and is home to a stunning array of wildlife.

Fort Lauderdale

Free

Just 30 minutes drive from Miami, Fort Lauderdale is a perfect way to get out of the city and see the surrounding area.

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Parking

Parking in Miami

Miami has plenty of metered on-street parking. Enforcement times are between 9 am and 3 am and rates will range from $2 to $4 per hour.

801 Brickell Ave Garage

A clean, well-positioned parking garage. The first twenty minutes are free and the daily max is $36.

Watts Garage

This multi-story car park is well-positioned. Rates range from $5 to $24.

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Eat at

Makoto

$$

Modern Japanese dishes that are exquisitely presented keep locals and tourists flocking to this restaurant.

The Surf Club Restaurant

$

Nostalgic American food with a 1950s slant.

Taquiza

$

This restaurant has perfected the taco. If you’re a fan of Mexican food then this is the place for you.

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Stay at

Sunshine Holiday RV Resort

This RV park is located northwest of Fort Lauderdale and is one of the best in the area. Pricing varies depending on your date of travel.

Paradise Island RV Resort

Just four miles from the beach, just outside Fort Lauderdale, this park has all the amenities you might need. Rates range from $50 to $57 per night.

Yacht Haven Park & Marina

$$

This RV park is just minutes from the beach making it a location that can’t be beaten. Rates will vary based on your time of travel as well as the features of each RV pad.

4

Stop Four: Go diving in Key West

Key West is a U.S. island city that’s part of the Florida Keys archipelago. To get there in an RV you’ll have to take the ferry which is an experience unto itself, with plenty of interesting pitstops along the way.

Key West is famed for its conch-style, pastel-hued houses and its coral reefs – a massive attraction for divers and sightseers. Whether you’re interested in the local wildlife or want to excite yourself with adrenaline-pumping watersports, this is the city for you.

Key west picture

Visitors flock to the area from all around the world to experience the atmosphere and wonder of this small city. Its nightlife is also something to be experienced with many a partygoer hitting the town each night.

Visiting

Key West

2

Recom. Days

Main route

163.8 miles

from Miami

3h05 min

drive

You can find Indie Campers RV rentals in more than 40 different cities and destinations across Europe.

Visit

Key Largo

The first of the Florida Keys, this island is also home to the world’s largest artificial reef.

Marathon Key

If wreck and reef diving is your thing, then you can’t miss a stopover in Marathon Key.

Great Florida Barrier Reef

Book a snorkeling tour and experience the third largest reef in the world.

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Parking

Parking in Key West

Key West has plenty of on-street parking, both metered and unmetered. The metered parking is $4 per hour. You’ll only be able to park on the street for a maximum of three days.

201 Front St Garage

A clean, well-kept garage. Fees start at $4 per hour.

300 Grinnell St Garage

Clean and easy to navigate. Rates range from $4 to $32.

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Eat at

Blue Heaven

$$

A mix of American and Caribbean cuisine, this restaurant is a great option if you happen to be vegetarian.

Garbo’s Grill

$

This permanent food truck is one of the best in the city for fusion eats.

The Lobster Shack Key West

$$$

A must-experience for anyone who’s a fan of lobster.

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Stay at

Leo's Campground and RV Park

$$

Full hookups and various amenities. Pricing varies depending on your date of travel.

El Mar RV Resort

One of the most highly rated parks in the area. Rates range from $90 to $135 depending on the season and the location.

Boyd's Key West Campground

A family-run RV park right on the water. Rates range from $115 to $150 depending on the season.

Drop-off in
Orlando Pick-up center

434 miles

from Key West

7 h

drive