USA Florida
Day 1: On our way to Florida, we landed in Orlando in the evening and picked up our rental car, a yellow Ford Mustang convertible (unfortunately the 6-cylinder version). We cruised through Orlando with the top down on the way to the hotel, enjoying the warm December temperatures. Incidentally, based on our previous experiences with incredibly expensive parking fees in the US, we drove to a parking lot near the hotel found via Google Maps, but it wasn't quite right, so we ended up using the hotel parking lot after all. Parking is definitely a whole other story. Another story is the "Fountain of Youth"... we didn't find it and will have to refer you to the information section on that topic.
When Juan Ponce de León discovered new land in the Caribbean on Easter Sunday in 1513, he named the supposed island Florida, after "la pascua florida," the Spanish word for Easter. But the conquistador was actually searching for something quite different: the legendary Fountain of Youth. This myth originates in tales about Alexander the Great, who supposedly came across a spring during his campaigns whose waters bestowed immortality. In the late Middle Ages, this legend was so popular that Ponce de León set out to find it. And if all of this sounds familiar, you've probably seen the film "Pirates of the Caribbean."
Day 2: We're off to Crystal River to see the manatees. We deliberately skipped the many theme parks in Orlando. After getting up, we're so hungry from the journey that we start with a huge breakfast at a diner. Well-fed, we drive to our hotel in Crystal River and set off on a hike to the famous Three Sisters Springs . There, the adorable manatees frolic in the water, and we get a first glimpse of what awaits us on our planned snorkeling trip the following day.
Day 3: We head very early to the watersports center for our manatee encounter . Our tour operator recommended snorkeling as early as possible, as the water isn't as choppy in the morning, making it easier to observe the manatees. So, still a bit sleepy and jet-lagged, we slip into our wetsuits and take a boat through canals to one of the hot springs where the animals congregate. With a guide, we enter the water and have ample time to observe the manatees. It's a wonderful experience and an absolute must-do, so be careful if your tour operator doesn't include this stop in their itinerary. Important to know : the manatees are only at the hot springs in Florida from November to March, as it's too cold for them in the Gulf of Mexico.
After this amazing experience, we continue on to Clearwater Beach and end the day with a leisurely stroll along the crowded beach.
Day 4: On New Year's Eve, we wanted to start exploring Florida's famous beaches. So, we packed our beach gear, started the convertible, and headed north, first to Honey Moon Island . It's a wonderfully quiet beach that definitely lives up to the Florida cliché of white sand and turquoise water. We were happy to be away from the hustle and bustle of Clearwater and simply enjoy our time here. In this area, it's also worth visiting Caldesi State Park . You can take a ferry from Honey Moon Island to the park, which is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in America (please note that, to protect nature, visits to the park are time-limited). We watched the New Year's Eve fireworks from our hotel balcony in the foggy weather... we've rarely had such a relaxing New Year's Eve.
Day 5: On New Year's Day, we're heading to Siesta Key Beach . A sign at the beach entrance makes it clear that this is nothing less than the best beach in the USA. And indeed, if it isn't a picture-perfect beach, what is? Endless white, super-soft (quartz) sand and shallow, greenish-blue water—indescribably beautiful. Of course, the beach isn't exactly a hidden gem, so there are already quite a few visitors, but with a little walking, you can find a nice spot for a perfect beach day. We'll spend the sunset at the equally magnificent St. Pete Beach and, on the way back, make the obligatory stop at the Sunshine Skyway Bridge ( a good photo spot is the Sunshine Skyway Fishing Pier ).
Day 6: We continue down the coast to Naples, a paradise for those escaping winter. Once in Naples, we manage to stroll around the city a bit and arrive at Naples Pier in time for sunset.
Day 7: Today is dedicated to exploring Naples . Naples isn't as hectic as other Florida cities, has no high-rises, and feels close to nature. We'll take a closer look at the city, its great shops, and the impressive villas, and then drive to the beautiful Lowdermilk Beach . In the afternoon, a boat tour through Naples is definitely worthwhile. You don't see houses on the waterfront every day.
Day 8: From Naples, we explore Fort Myers , the City of Palms. The impressive Palm Avenue was commissioned by Thomas Alva Edison. Edison's former residence and Henry Ford's mansion are the most famous sights in Fort Myers. Of course, our beach hopping continues. A visit to Sanibel Island is a must. Time seems to have stood still there. It's relaxed and truly beautiful, and the beaches ( Bowman and Capitva ) are fantastic and quite peaceful.
Day 9: We leave Naples and embark on the long drive towards the Keys . When planning our trip, we decided to take the famous Highway 41 through the Everglades (not Interstate 75) because there are several worthwhile stops along the way. Our first stop is at the Big Cyprus Bend Walk , where we get our first impression of the unique Everglades landscape. Next up is a tour on the controversial airboats . Since we're driving through the Everglades, we opted for this tour due to time constraints, even though it feels a bit strange to be speeding through a national park like that. These days, many travelers recommend a guided canoe tour instead . A little tidbit of information: the Everglades are not a swamp, but a river. A photo stop at the Ochopee Post Office is a must. And from there, a detour to the Anhinga Trail from the Royal Palm Visitors Center is well worth it. After many wonderful impressions from the Everglades, we arrive in Key Largo at the entrance to the Florida Keys in the evening and of course we have to try the Key Lime Pie first.
Day 10: Today we're fulfilling a long-held dream and driving our open-top Mustang convertible along the Florida Keys to Key West , the southernmost point of the USA. The islands are now connected by 42 bridges of the Overseas Highway . A particular highlight is the Seven Mile Bridge, the longest segmental bridge in the world. Honestly, the roughly 140-mile drive along the Keys, across the bridges with their ocean views, is simply breathtaking and a must-do. A stop at Bahia Honda State Park is an experience in itself. Here we swam in the Atlantic Ocean and, after a short walk across the island, also in the Gulf of Mexico. We packed our swimsuits again and, keeping an eye on the time, continued on to Key West . Since we knew we could only stay one night in Key West due to budget constraints, we had to be there before sunset. Because one thing is for sure: if you're in Key West, you have to be at Mallory Square for sunset... a place where the sunset is celebrated in a truly special way. On the way back to the hotel, we force ourselves to get ice cream at Ben & Jerry's, where a scoop of cookie dough in a cone actually costs a good 7 USD... typical Key West.
Day 11: After checking out of the hotel, we take a long hike in Key West, visiting the island's highlight, the southernmost point of the USA, with its obligatory photo opportunity. A morning visit is best for the lighting, and it's also less crowded. You have to queue to take the picture . We get our Mustang ready again and drive back along the Overseas Highway to our final destination, Miami. Upon arriving in Miami , it immediately becomes clear that this is no "normal city." The area around Miami Beach is home to more flamboyant characters than anywhere else. You wonder if it's bravery, eccentricity, exhibitionism, or a combination of all three that leads some people to present themselves this way. In any case, the first impression is very unique, and we end the day rather unspectacularly for Miami, at a burger joint. On the way back to the hotel, we stroll through the illuminated Art Deco District , which gives us a bit of a Miami Vice vibe.
Day 12: After getting up, we strolled around the city for a bit and walked along the beach down to South Pointe Beach . Around midday, the view from there is fantastic for taking photos. Back at the hotel, we spent the day at the beach, and we have to say, the beach and the ocean are amazing. It's clear, even on our second day, that Miami Beach is basically a hedonistic navel-gazing exercise for silicone-enhanced beauties and those who think they are. It's also a parade of the wealthy around the promenade, Lincoln Road . We found the muscular, toned butlers at the outrageously expensive Ritz-Carlton, applying lotion to the pale skin of the night owls, particularly odd. In the evening, we naturally went back to the famous Ocean Drive in the Art Deco District and treated ourselves to a cocktail on the beachfront to end the day.
Day 13: Today we're exploring Downtown Miami, including Bayside Park and the Freedom Tower. The atmosphere here is completely different from Miami Beach; everything is simply more "normal" and quieter.
Day 14: It's time to say goodbye. We're returning our yellow Mustang, which we finally found in the garage after a long search. At one point, we thought the car had been stolen and we'd have to go to the police, which would probably have caused us to miss our flight. All's well that ends well, and from summer in Florida, we're heading back to winter in Germany.