Key West 10-Day Trip Itinerary

Drive to Charlotte, NC

Begin your road trip from Cleveland, Ohio, heading south towards Charlotte, North Carolina.

Enjoy the changing scenery as you cross state lines.

Hotel Check-in in Charlotte

Check into your accommodation in Charlotte and settle in after your drive.

Uptown Charlotte Stroll

Take a leisurely walk through Uptown Charlotte, admiring the modern architecture, public art, and vibrant atmosphere.

Explore Romare Bearden Park or the lively streets.

Many restaurants and cafes are located in this area if you wish to grab a drink.

Dinner at a Local Charlotte Eatery

Enjoy your first dinner in Charlotte at a highly-rated local restaurant.

Consider establishments known for Southern cuisine or innovative menus.

Ask hotel staff for current local favorites or check online reviews for popular spots like The Fig Tree or Haberdish for a taste of the local scene.

Breakfast in Charlotte

Start your day with breakfast at a local cafe or your hotel.

NASCAR Hall of Fame

Immerse yourselves in the history of NASCAR, with interactive exhibits, historic cars, and a chance to experience a simulated race.

Even if you're not big racing fans, it offers a fascinating look into a major American sport.

Book tickets online to save time.

Lunch in Uptown

Enjoy lunch at a casual restaurant in the Uptown area after your museum visit.

Levine Museum of the New South

Explore the history of the post-Civil War South, focusing on Charlotte and the surrounding region.

The museum offers powerful exhibits on civil rights, industrialization, and urban growth.

Check for special exhibits during your visit. Closed on Mondays.

Dinner in NoDa Arts District

Venture to the eclectic NoDa (North Davidson) Arts District for dinner.

This area is known for its vibrant street art, live music venues, breweries, and diverse culinary scene.

Consider dining at a local favorite like Cabo Fish Taco or exploring one of the many craft breweries.

Breakfast & Hotel Checkout

Enjoy breakfast and check out from your Charlotte hotel, preparing for another day on the road.

Drive to Cocoa, FL

Embark on the next leg of your journey, driving from Charlotte, NC, to Cocoa, Florida.

This will be a long but scenic drive through South Carolina and Georgia before reaching Florida's Space Coast.

Hotel Check-in in Cocoa

Arrive in Cocoa, Florida, and check into your accommodation.

Take some time to relax after the drive.

Sunset Stroll at Cocoa Beach

Head to nearby Cocoa Beach for a relaxing walk along the shoreline.

Enjoy the ocean breeze and the beautiful sunset over the Atlantic.

The pier area offers good views and sometimes has live music.

Dinner at a Cocoa Beach Restaurant

Savor fresh seafood or casual fare at a restaurant near Cocoa Beach, enjoying the coastal atmosphere.

Many casual dining options along the beach, perfect for a relaxed evening.

Breakfast in Cocoa

Enjoy breakfast before a day of exploring the Space Coast.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Spend the day exploring the incredible Kennedy Space Center.

See the Space Shuttle Atlantis, walk among towering rockets, meet a veteran astronaut, and experience a simulated shuttle launch.

Book tickets well in advance, especially if there's a scheduled launch. Arrive early to maximize your time. Bring comfortable walking shoes.

Lunch at Kennedy Space Center

Grab lunch at one of the eateries located within the visitor complex.

Dinner in Historic Cocoa Village

Discover the charm of Historic Cocoa Village with its unique shops, art galleries, and diverse dining options.

Enjoy a pleasant dinner in this quaint area.

Consider dining at a waterfront restaurant along the Indian River or one of the many local bistros.

Breakfast & Hotel Checkout

Have breakfast and check out from your Cocoa hotel, preparing for the picturesque drive down to the Florida Keys.

Drive to Key West, FL

Embark on the most scenic part of your road trip, driving south through mainland Florida and then onto the iconic Overseas Highway that spans the Florida Keys. Enjoy the stunning turquoise waters and charming island towns along the way.

Stop at Seven Mile Bridge

Take a moment to stop and admire the engineering marvel and breathtaking views from the historic Seven Mile Bridge in Marathon.

There are parking areas at both ends of the bridge to safely pull over and enjoy the view. The old bridge is open for walking and cycling.

Hotel Check-in in Key West

Arrive in Key West, the southernmost point of the continental U.

S., and check into your charming island accommodation.

Dinner & First Key West Sunset

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local Key West restaurant.

Afterwards, head to Mallory Square or a waterfront spot to witness your first iconic Key West sunset.

Mallory Square has street performers and a festive atmosphere an hour or two before sunset. For dinner, consider a casual spot near the harbor.

Drive to Key West

Embark on the scenic drive from Cocoa, FL down the Florida Keys Scenic Highway, crossing numerous bridges and enjoying the island views. Plan for stops along the way.

Hotel Check-in

Check into your chosen accommodation in Key West.

Duval Street Stroll

Take a leisurely walk along Duval Street, soaking in the lively atmosphere, unique shops, and historic architecture.

Mallory Square Sunset Celebration

Experience the famous Mallory Square Sunset Celebration, featuring street performers, artisans, and breathtaking views as the sun dips below the horizon.

Arrive early to get a good spot and enjoy the pre-sunset entertainment.

Dinner at a Local Favorite

Enjoy dinner at a highly-rated local restaurant known for its fresh seafood and Key West specialties.

Old Town Trolley Tour

Take a narrated tour covering over 400 years of Key West history and 100 points of interest, allowing you to hop on and off to explore at your own pace.

Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum

Visit the former residence of the famous author, Ernest Hemingway, where he lived and wrote for over a decade.

Explore the beautiful house, grounds, and meet the six-toed cats.

Lunch at a Local Cafe

Grab a casual lunch at a charming Key West cafe.

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

Walk through a magical, tropical paradise filled with hundreds of vibrant butterflies and colorful birds.

A peaceful and beautiful experience.

The Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea

Visit this beautiful historic Catholic church, known for its stunning architecture and peaceful ambiance.

A significant landmark in Key West.

Dinner: Fresh Seafood Experience

Indulge in a fresh seafood dinner at another one of Key West's acclaimed restaurants.

Private Sandbar Adventure

Embark on a private tour through the Florida Keys mangrove backcountry, stopping at various sandbars to paddleboard, snorkel, or simply relax in the crystal-clear waters.

Enjoy a personalized experience away from the crowds. Booking: https://www.viator.com/tours/Key-West/Private-Boat-Tour-to-Sand-Bar-Snorkel-Dolphins-and-Sunset/d661-356004P2?mcid=42383&pid=P00266106&medium=api&api_version=2.0

Waterfront Lunch

Enjoy a casual lunch at a restaurant with views of the harbor or ocean.

Key West Gardens at Fort West Martello

Explore the beautiful tropical gardens set within the historic ruins of Fort West Martello.

A serene spot for a nature walk and photography.

Relax at a Cafe

Find a cozy cafe for a coffee or a refreshing drink and relax, perhaps reviewing your photos from the trip.

Farewell Dinner in Key West

Enjoy one last delicious dinner in Key West, savoring the island's culinary delights.

Departure Preparations

Enjoy a final Key West breakfast, pack up, and check out from your hotel.

Drive to St. Augustine, FL

Begin your journey north along the East Coast, heading towards the historic city of St.

Augustine. This will be a full day of driving with stops for lunch and stretches.

Hotel Check-in

Check into your accommodation in St.

Augustine, the nation's oldest city.

Evening Stroll on St. George Street

Take an evening walk along St.

George Street, the pedestrian-only thoroughfare known for its shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.

Dinner in St. Augustine

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the historic district, perhaps trying some Spanish-influenced cuisine.

Castillo de San Marcos

Explore the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States, offering insights into centuries of history and stunning views of the bay.

St. Augustine Old Jail Museum

Step back in time at the historic Old Jail, built in 1891, and experience life as a 19th-century prisoner with entertaining tours.

Lunch in St. Augustine

Enjoy lunch before continuing your drive north.

Drive to Charleston, SC

Continue your scenic drive north along the coast, heading towards the charming historic city of Charleston, South Carolina.

Hotel Check-in Charleston

Check into your hotel in Charleston, South Carolina.

Dinner in Charleston

Experience your first taste of Charleston's renowned culinary scene, perhaps enjoying some Lowcountry cuisine.