Florida Family Fun Road Trip: Ultimate Disney & Beach Escape

A kid-friendly RV loop from Miami to Disney, packed with Florida family fun and flexibility.

Sunshine, slow mornings, and wide-eyed wonder — this Florida RV loop is made for memory-making. Looking for the best family vacation spots in Florida? This 7-day RV road trip from Miami to Disney World blends tropical beaches, wildlife encounters, and theme park magic into one unforgettable adventure. Designed for families with young kids, it’s a journey full of Florida family fun — with flexible travel, scenic stops, and endless things to do, from feeding giraffes at Zoo Miami to watching fireworks over Cinderella’s castle. The perfect mix of nature, culture, and kid-friendly thrills, all on your own schedule.

Route: Miami ➤ Everglades ➤ Naples ➤ Orlando (Disney World) ➤ Miami

Distance: Approximately 750 miles

Duration: 7 Days

Landmarks & Scenic Spots: Zoo Miami, Everglades National Park (Shark Valley & Anhinga Trail), Naples Beach & Pier, Golisano Children’s Museum, Walt Disney World, Lake Eola Park

Best Travel Time: February to May or October to December, avoiding the summer heat and hurricane season.

Tolls & Fees: Toll roads are common near Miami and Orlando. A SunPass is recommended for easy payment. Park entry fees typically range from $5 to $35 per vehicle.

How to Drive This Route

Start in Orlando near Disney World, then choose your coast. For the Gulf side, take I-4 west toward Tampa Bay, with options to continue on US-41 (the Tamiami Trail) toward Naples and the Everglades. For the Atlantic side, use SR-528 (Beachline Expressway) or SR-417 (Central Florida GreeneWay) to reach Cocoa Beach and the Space Coast.

Need to make time? Florida’s main north–south interstates are I-95 along the Atlantic coast and I-75 along the Gulf coast (including the Alligator Alley segment between Miami area and Naples). Use these when you want speed; switch to scenic state and U.S. routes when you want small towns and water views.

Expect cashless tolling on major expressways around Orlando and South Florida. A SunPass (or a compatible transponder) makes payment automatic and usually cheaper. Plan 2–4 hour driving hops, fuel before rural stretches, and aim to reach your camping spots around sunset for stress-free check-ins.

Pick up: Miami

Our recommendation: 1 day

Kick off your RV adventure with a sunshine-filled day in Miami — one of the most exciting places to begin a Florida RV road trip. From lush tropical gardens to hands-on science museums, this vibrant city is packed with fun things to do in Florida with kids, making it the perfect first stop for families hitting the road. If you’re picking up your RV rental in Miami, you’ll find yourself right at the gateway to sunshine, slow mornings, and wide-eyed wonder.

Colorful lifeguard tower on Miami Beach, one of the best family vacation spots in Florida for sun and sand.

Things to Do

Natural Highlights

  • Zoo Miami – Home to over 3,000 animals, this tropical zoo blends wide-open habitats with tram rides and close-up moments like giraffe feeding.
  • Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden – Butterflies, rare orchids, and shaded trails offer little ones a chance to explore nature at their own pace.
  • Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park – Nestled on Key Biscayne, this peaceful park features a soft-sand beach and a scenic lighthouse climb with panoramic views.

Local Culture

  • Frost Museum of Science – From an immersive planetarium to a multilevel aquarium, this museum turns science into an all-ages adventure.
  • Vizcaya Museum & Gardens – Step back in time at this bayfront estate filled with Italian-inspired architecture, lush gardens, and dreamy photo ops.
  • Wynwood Walls – Not just an art district—this is street art turned spectacle, where massive murals and vivid colors turn every visit into a walkable gallery.

Where to Eat

Quick Bites & Takeaway

  • The Salty Donut (VG, GF, DF) – Small-batch donuts in playful flavors like maple bacon or guava-cheese, plus oat milk lattes for the grown-ups.
  • Coyo Taco (V, GF, DF) – Fresh street-style tacos served on corn tortillas with outdoor seating and bold, approachable flavors for the whole family.
  • La Sandwicherie (V, GF, DF) – A Miami staple for overstuffed baguettes, crisp toppings, and customizable combos for even the pickiest eaters.

Sit-Down Restaurants

  • Versailles Restaurant (V, GF, DF) – Iconic Cuban spot known for hearty portions, friendly service, and kid-friendly staples like sweet plantains and grilled chicken.
  • Yardbird Southern Table & Bar (GF, AF) – Southern comfort food in a cozy space with allergy-conscious options and a dedicated kids’ menu.
  • Sushi Maki (V, GF, DF) – A relaxed sushi chain with vegan rolls, gluten-free soy sauce, and something for both adventurous and cautious young eaters.

Stop 1: Everglades

Our recommendation: 1 day

After soaking up Miami’s color and culture, the wild beauty of the Everglades feels like stepping into another world. Just a short drive inland, this subtropical wilderness delivers a quiet thrill — where alligators glide through sawgrass and every turn feels like a new discovery. It’s one of the most unique things to do in Florida with kids, full of wildlife, wetlands, and wonder.

Airboat tour in the Everglades, showcasing one of the best family vacation spots in Florida for nature and wildlife.

Things to Do

Natural Highlights

  • Shark Valley Tram Trail – This 15-mile loop winds through the wetlands, where tram rides or bike paths bring you face-to-face with gators, egrets, and sweeping Everglades views.
  • Anhinga Trail – A boardwalk built for discovery. Just a half-mile long, it’s one of the best spots to see wildlife up close—perfect for young kids and strollers.
  • Airboat Eco Tour – Speed across the River of Grass as the airboat’s fan roars to life. It’s thrilling, a little loud, and absolutely unforgettable.

Local Culture

  • Miccosukee Indian Village – Stories come alive here through traditional arts, live demonstrations, and a chance to learn directly from the Miccosukee Tribe.
  • Museum of the Everglades – Set in a 1920s schoolhouse, this small museum captures the human side of the swamplands—pioneers, resilience, and rugged life on the edge of the wild.
  • Smallwood Store – More time capsule than storefront, this preserved trading post invites visitors to walk through history, surrounded by original artifacts and swamp lore.

Where to Eat

Quick Bites & Takeaway

  • Robert Is Here Fruit Stand (V, GF, DF, AF) – A quirky roadside stop famous for its tropical smoothies, exotic fruits, and family-friendly open-air vibe.
  • Everglades Gator Grill (GF, DF) – No-frills local favorite with shaded picnic tables and adventurous bites like gator tacos, plus classic burgers for the kids.
  • Havana Café of the Everglades (V, GF, DF) – A laid-back Cuban café with outdoor seating, fresh seafood, and plenty of vegetarian sides to mix and match.

Sit-Down Restaurants

  • Camellia Street Grill (GF, DF) – Waterfront seafood with casual charm, outdoor tables, and space for kids to move while parents enjoy fresh catch and local flavors.
  • Joanie’s Blue Crab Café (GF, DF) – Rustic and full of personality, this roadside gem serves up blue crab, frog legs, and a taste of Old Florida hospitality.
  • Chefs on the Run (V, GF, AF) – A Homestead favorite known for Latin fusion comfort food with vegan and allergy-friendly twists in a cozy, welcoming setting.

Stop 2: Naples

Our recommendation: 1 day

As the wetlands fade behind you, the road leads west to Naples — where calm beaches and garden paths invite you to slow down. This coastal gem offers a softer rhythm, with white-sand shores and hands-on museums that blend learning with leisure. It’s a peaceful pause in your family road trip through Florida, perfect for recharging.

Palm trees and turquoise water at Naples Beach with a wooden pier stretching into the Gulf of Mexico

Things to Do

Natural Highlights

  • Naples Beach & Pier – A classic sunset spot with soft white sand, calm waves, and dolphin sightings off the pier—ideal for a slow-paced beach day.
  • Naples Botanical Garden – Tropical landscapes from around the world, plus a children’s garden with hands-on nature play and butterfly spotting.
  • Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center – Riverboat rides, touch tanks, and rescued wildlife make this a favorite for curious young explorers.

Local Culture

  • Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (C’MON) – Interactive exhibits built for imaginative play, STEM discovery, and creativity through movement and fun.
  • Naples Depot Museum – A former train station turned museum with vintage railcars, swamp buggies, and local transportation history to explore.
  • Collier County Museum – Prehistoric fossils, Seminole artifacts, and pioneer stories bring Florida’s past to life in both indoor and outdoor displays.

Where to Eat

Quick Bites & Takeaway

  • Food & Thought (V, VG, GF, DF, AF) – Organic café and market offering fresh smoothies, vegan baked goods, and gluten-free wraps in a relaxed garden setting.
  • Brooks Gourmet Burgers & Dogs (V, GF, AF) – A casual favorite with creative burger options, veggie patties, and allergen-friendly buns for every kind of eater.
  • Taqueria San Julian (GF, DF) – No-frills spot for authentic Mexican tacos on corn tortillas, packed with flavor and perfect for a quick, satisfying bite.

Sit-Down Restaurants

  • True Food Kitchen (V, VG, GF, DF, AF) – Healthy, seasonal dishes with clearly labeled dietary options and a dedicated kids’ menu in a bright, modern space.
  • Rosedale Brick Oven (V, GF, DF) – Family-friendly Italian restaurant known for its brick-oven pizzas, gluten-free crusts, and dough for kids to play with at the table.
  • Pincher’s Crab Shack (Tin City) (GF, DF) – Casual marina dining with local seafood, peel-and-eat shrimp, and waterfront views kids and parents both enjoy.

Stop 3: Orlando (Disney World)

Our recommendation: 2-3 day

With your batteries recharged by the Gulf breeze, it’s time to head north into the heart of the action: Orlando. Whether you’re parking your RV near Disney or venturing beyond the parks, this stop delivers non-stop energy and imagination. It’s where family vacations in Florida on a budget turn into magical, memory-filled days.

Disney princesses waving from a parade float in front of the Cinderella Castle at Disney World

Things to Do

Natural Highlights

  • Lake Eola Park – Right in the heart of downtown, this lakeside escape offers paddle swan boats, shady picnic spots, and skyline views that make it feel anything but ordinary.
  • Harry P. Leu Gardens – Spread across 50 acres, these lush gardens bloom with roses, camellias, and towering oaks—an ideal place to slow down and wander.
  • Tibet-Butler Preserve – Quiet trails wind through pine flatwoods and wetlands, where kids can spot butterflies, birds, and maybe even a deer among the trees.

Local Culture

  • Walt Disney World – The crown jewel of family travel, offering classic characters, fireworks, rides, and immersive lands that thrill kids and parents alike.
  • Crayola Experience – A creative space where kids can melt crayons, design labels, and let their imaginations run wild through 25+ colorful hands-on attractions.
  • Orlando Science Center – Four floors of interactive exhibits, including dino digs, a kids’ town, and hands-on STEM zones that make learning genuinely fun.

Where to Eat

Quick Bites & Takeaway

  • Se7en Bites (V, GF, DF) – Comfort food favorites and indulgent baked goods with gluten-free and dairy-free options, perfect for a quick family-friendly treat.
  • Hunger Street Tacos (GF, DF) – Street-style tacos served with bold Mexican flavors and fresh ingredients in a casual, modern setting.
  • Dixie Dharma (V, VG, GF, DF) – Southern vegan soul food made from scratch, with allergy-friendly options and a playful, welcoming vibe.

Sit-Down Restaurants

  • Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood (GF, DF) – A rooftop restaurant at Disney’s Coronado Springs with panoramic views and upscale dishes inspired by Spanish flavors.
  • The Boathouse (Disney Springs) (GF, DF) – Waterfront dining with fresh seafood, a floating dockside vibe, and plenty of options for kids and adults alike.
  • Ethos Vegan Kitchen (V, VG, GF, DF) – 100% plant-based comfort food in a cozy sit-down space, with a loyal local following and clearly labeled menu items.

Return: Miami

Wrap-Up

As your journey through the best family vacation spots in Florida comes full circle, Miami welcomes you back with a final dose of sunshine. Whether it’s a beachside pastelito or a quiet sunset drive, this last stretch invites you to pause, reflect, and maybe start dreaming about where the road might take you next.

Aerial view of Miami Beach with turquoise waters and high-rise buildings, marking the final stop on an East Coast RV road trip.

Travel Tips for Your East Coast Road Trip

These essential tips will help you plan a smooth Florida RV adventure—from navigating toll roads to handling the state’s quick-changing weather and park systems.

  • Prepare for Florida Weather: Expect warm sunshine and sudden afternoon rain showers year-round. Pack sunscreen, light breathable clothing, and a compact rain jacket. For a full breakdown of gear and essentials, see our RV camping packing list.
  • Best Time to Visit: The most comfortable months are late winter through spring (February–May) and fall (October–December). Summer brings high heat, humidity, and larger crowds near Orlando. Hurricane season runs June through November.
  • Tolls & Fees: Florida’s major highways and city routes use cashless tolling. A SunPass or compatible transponder (E-Pass, LeeWay) is recommended for discounted, automatic payment. Most national park entry fees range from $20–$35 per vehicle, while state parks usually charge $4–$10 per vehicle.
  • National Park Access: Popular sites such as Everglades and Biscayne National Parks require a vehicle pass and may limit access during peak months. Check official NPS pages for reservations and current rates.
  • Florida State Parks: Entry typically costs $5–$10 per vehicle. Verify current fees and closures on the Florida State Parks website.

Florida’s wildlife is remarkable—respecting it keeps you safe and the environment healthy.

  • Wildlife Safety:
    • Alligators: Always observe from a distance. Never feed, harass, or approach them—it’s illegal and dangerous.
    • Manatees: Slow down when boating or kayaking, especially in shallow or warm coastal waters.
    • Sea Turtles: Avoid nesting zones in spring and summer; keep beaches dark at night to protect hatchlings.
  • Leave No Trace:
    • Stay on marked trails and pack out everything you bring in.
    • Keep noise low to preserve the natural soundscape—especially in sensitive areas like Shark Valley and coastal mangroves.

Whether you’re camping in a Florida state park or parking your RV near Disney, these etiquette reminders will keep your trip smooth and eco-friendly:

  • Park Reservations:
    • Book early—national parks and RV parks near Orlando fill quickly during holidays and spring break.
    • Check each park’s website for updated policies, closures, and site-specific reservation systems.
  • Camping Etiquette:
    • Quiet Hours: Most campgrounds observe quiet time between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
    • Cleanliness: Use designated fire rings and trash bins, and leave your site cleaner than you found it.
    • Respect Wildlife: Store food securely and never feed animals—even friendly-looking ones.

More Inspiration for your East Coast Road Trip

Palm trees sway against the glowing Miami skyline at sunset, marking the perfect starting or ending point for a Florida East Coast road trip.

Your RV, Your Route, Your Magic

Ready to Plan a Disney RV Adventure Through Florida?

Turn your Florida road trip into pure magic—cruise to Disney World in your fully equipped RV, then unwind on the state’s sun-soaked beaches and family-friendly camping spots.

Book your trip from Miami