United States - Florida
Discover the sunshine, beaches, and theme parks of Florida
This trip dates back to 2018. As with my other childhood trips, I don’t have personal photos because I didn’t have a camera yet. The practical information has been updated.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Florida, the “Sunshine State”, is a dream destination for sun, beach, and theme park lovers. In 2018, I had the chance to explore this legendary region of the United States, from the Latino vibe of Miami to the magical parks of Orlando, all the way to the end of the world at Key West.
"— Floridian sayingIn Florida, even the sun takes its vacation here.
Miami
Miami is a vibrant city where Latin American and American cultures blend to create a unique atmosphere.
South Beach
South Beach is the iconic neighborhood of Miami with:
- Ocean Drive: Legendary boulevard lined with Art Deco hotels
- White sand beaches: Turquoise and warm waters of the Atlantic
- Festive atmosphere: DJs, bars, and outdoor restaurants
Art Deco District
The Art Deco District of Miami Beach is the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world. The pastel-colored buildings and neon lights are particularly photogenic at sunset.
Little Havana
Little Havana is the heart of Miami’s Cuban community:
- Calle Ocho: The main street with Cuban restaurants and shops
- Domino Park: Where locals play dominoes
- Cuban cuisine: Café cubano, Cuban sandwich, mojitos
Wynwood
Wynwood is Miami’s artistic neighborhood, famous for its:
- Wynwood Walls: Open-air street art gallery
- Art galleries: Numerous contemporary galleries
- Trendy breweries and restaurants
Orlando and the Parks
Orlando is the theme park capital of the world. It’s paradise for kids… and big kids too!
Walt Disney World
The Disney World complex is enormous, with 4 main parks:
- Magic Kingdom: The classic park with Cinderella Castle
- EPCOT: Technology and world cultures
- Hollywood Studios: Movies and Star Wars
- Animal Kingdom: Safari and Avatar
Download the My Disney Experience app to reserve popular attractions and optimize your day.
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal consists of two parks:
- Universal Studios Florida: Movies and simulations
- Islands of Adventure: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Disney vs Universal
⚖️ Walt Disney World
✓ Avantages
- ✓ Magical and immersive atmosphere
- ✓ 4 different parks
- ✓ Ideal for families with young children
- ✓ Unforgettable shows and parades
- ✓ On-site accommodation
✗ Inconvénients
- ✗ Very expensive
- ✗ Long queues
- ✗ Huge complex (tiring)
- ✗ Reservations needed for restaurants
⚖️ Universal Orlando
✓ Avantages
- ✓ Incredibly immersive Harry Potter
- ✓ More intense rides
- ✓ More compact (less walking)
- ✓ Cheaper than Disney
- ✓ Effective Express Pass
✗ Inconvénients
- ✗ Fewer parks
- ✗ Less suited for toddlers
- ✗ Less "magical" atmosphere
- ✗ More geared toward teens/adults
Sample Park Day
Disney
Magic Kingdom
Arrive at opening (Rope Drop)
💡 Arrive 30 min before opening
Space Mountain
📍 Tomorrowland
💡 Go here first
Pirates of the Caribbean
📍 Adventureland
Splash Mountain
📍 Frontierland
Lunch
📍 Columbia Harbour House
Air-conditioned break
💡 Avoid the peak afternoon heat
Haunted Mansion
📍 Liberty Square
Big Thunder Mountain
📍 Frontierland
Dinner and relaxation
Fireworks
📍 Main Street USA
💡 The magical moment!
Key West
Key West is the southernmost point of the continental United States, accessible via the legendary Overseas Highway.
The Keys Road
The Miami to Key West drive is an adventure in itself:
- 127 miles (200 km) across 42 bridges
- 7 Mile Bridge: The most spectacular bridge
- Postcard scenery: Turquoise water on both sides
In Key West
- Duval Street: The main street, lively day and night
- Mallory Square: The sunset ritual
- Ernest Hemingway House: The writer lived and worked here
- Southernmost Point: The buoy marking the southernmost point
The Keys
The Keys are a unique archipelago:
- Key Largo: Diving and snorkeling
- Islamorada: Sport fishing
- Marathon: Families and turtles
- Key West: The most festive
Practical Information
🇺🇸 United States - Florida
Capitale
Tallahassee (capital of Florida)
Population
22 million (Florida)
Langue(s)
English, Spanish
Monnaie
US Dollar (USD)
Fuseau horaire
UTC-5 (Eastern)
Type de prise
Type A and B
Indicatif
+1
Conduite
Droite
🛂 Visa pour the United States
Visa non requisPour les ressortissants de nationalité française
Durée autorisée
90 days
Type de visa
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)
Coût
21 USD (~19€)
Note: ESTA is mandatory for French travelers. Online application, valid for 2 years. Processing time is generally 72 hours.
💵 US Dollar
Taux approximatif: 1 € ≈ 1.10 USD
💡 Conseils pratiques:
- • Tips of 15-20% are mandatory
- • Taxes are not included in displayed prices
- • Credit cards accepted everywhere
- • Disney parks have their own payment system (MagicBand)
Estimated Budget
💰 Daily Budget in Florida (par jour)
| Catégorie | Estimation |
|---|---|
| Accommodation Motel / Airbnb | 40 - 100 $ |
| Meals Various restaurants | 30 - 60 $ |
| Car rental Essential in Florida | 25 - 50 $ |
| Theme parks Disney/Universal | 50 - 150 $ |
| Activities Beaches, excursions | 10 - 40 $ |
| Total estimé | 155 - 400 $ |
Summer in Florida is hot and humid with daily thunderstorms in the late afternoon. Bring a poncho (or buy one cheaper before entering the parks) and take breaks in the shade.
Getting Around Florida
🚀 Transport Options
Car
Avantages
- ✓ Essential for the Keys
- ✓ Air conditioning
- ✓ Total freedom
Inconvénients
- ✗ Miami traffic
- ✗ Paid parking
Shuttles
Avantages
- ✓ Convenient for parks
- ✓ No parking to pay
Inconvénients
- ✗ Fixed schedules
- ✗ Less flexible
Plane
Avantages
- ✓ Fast
- ✓ Convenient between major cities
Inconvénients
- ✗ Car rental needed afterwards