Two Weeks in Florida: Sun, Culture & Caribbean Dreams

We had been dreaming of this trip for a long time. Two weeks of sun, beach, culture, and adventure – right in the middle of summer in the USA. The planning started early because we wanted to make the most of every minute. Especially during the peak season, when Miami becomes a hotspot for travelers from all over the world, one thing was clear: preparation was key. We carefully considered the places we absolutely wanted to visit – after all, two weeks in America is pretty tight. Every hour had to count!

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Visa, Flight & Arrival: The Start of the Adventure

The visa application process was surprisingly easy, and before we knew it, the big day arrived: departure to paradise! We flew with SWISS – a daytime flight of about ten hours, which we spent watching movies, chatting, and, of course, anticipating the trip. Time flew by quickly. Upon arrival in Miami, we found ourselves in a real airport labyrinth – but luckily, the entry process was smooth, and the staff was incredibly friendly. As soon as we grabbed our luggage, our rental car was ready. Off we went to our first hotel: The Palms.

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The Palms Hotel – Arriving & Amazement

Even the drive to the hotel felt like a scene from a movie: magnificent villas with private docks, wide streets, palm trees everywhere – and of course, the perfect weather. We were warmly welcomed at the hotel, the staff spoke several languages, and they immediately took care of our luggage and car. Our room was small, but very tastefully decorated.

The tropical-themed hotel had direct beach access – a wooden walkway led us to the sunrise in the morning. That moment was simply magical. And as if that wasn’t enough, we enjoyed the best breakfast of our entire trip: fluffy pancakes, fresh fruit, creamy yogurt, exotic juices… A true dream!

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Miami Downtown & the Keys

Of course, a visit to Downtown Miami was a must. The city impressed us with its skyscrapers, beautifully built bridges, and culinary highlights – from Argentine churrasquerias to Italian bakeries. After that, we headed toward Key West – a drive that was an experience in itself: water on both sides, and the horizon seemed endless. Our hotel, the Havana Cabana, was a perfect fit for the tropical vibe. A large pool, a pleasant atmosphere, and plenty of shopping opportunities nearby. Unfortunately, breakfast was canceled due to staff illness – but a small shop in the hotel and a free shuttle service to the center made up for it. Key West itself was lively, colorful, and full of energy. The famous Southernmost Point was unfortunately overcrowded, but that didn’t dampen our spirits: we enjoyed fantastic drinks right by the water, listened to live music, and fell in love with the free-roaming chickens that gave the place a unique charm. Not to mention the legendary Key Lime Pie – an absolute highlight! Back at the hotel, we relaxed in the pool, where a few curious iguanas kept us company – we felt like we were in another world.

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Orlando – Disney Dream with a Few Setbacks

From there, we headed to Orlando – the mecca for theme park fans. Our visit to Disney World was undoubtedly impressive: huge, detailed, and straight out of a fairytale book. Unfortunately, the “all-inclusive” package wasn’t ideal for us, as we didn’t have enough time to fully take advantage of it. Our hotel in Orlando turned out to be a bit of a letdown: overcrowded, loud, disorganized – and the food was a real disappointment. Served cold and tasteless compared to what we had experienced so far. However, we were pleasantly surprised by the large room and the local flair in the area. Culinary highlights were still ahead: Pollo Tropical impressed us with Caribbean flavors, beans, rice, and fried bananas – simply delicious! And the Versailles Bakery in Miami, which we unfortunately discovered only toward the end of our trip, was a real gem for Latin American snacks.

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Coconut Grove, Art & the Fairytale at the Mayfair Hotel

A very special highlight of our trip was the Mayfair Hotel in Coconut Grove. The hotel felt like a retreat in the middle of the jungle: lush greenery everywhere, spacious rooms, stylish design, and a rooftop pool with a breathtaking view – simply heavenly. Breakfast was à la carte, and we’re still dreaming of the Brisket Burger! Just a few minutes away, we found a true surprise: Superblue Miami, an immersive art museum that absolutely blew us away. From walk-in light installations to room illusions and multisensory experiences – here, art and technology merge in a magical way. We were especially impressed by the TeamLab installation, where we became part of a digital flower world that responded to our movements. An experience that will stay with us for a long time, and far more than just “a museum” – it was like walking through a living work of art. The nearby Art District and the museum in the area also contributed to Coconut Grove becoming our cultural favorite. A perfect blend of nature, design, and art – made for the heart and soul.

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South Miami – Filmic Beauty but Not Quite Perfect

South Miami itself looked almost like a Hollywood movie: charming, lively, and full of character. Unfortunately, our hotel there was quite a disappointment. Unfriendly staff, an unclean room, and no extra bed – despite several requests. After endless waiting, we decided to move back to the Mayfair Hotel – the best decision! Here, we truly felt at home.

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Conclusion: An Experience for All Senses

These two weeks in Florida were an emotional rollercoaster – in the best way. We experienced dreamlike beaches, tropical hotels, cultural diversity, and culinary highlights. Of course, there were also a few setbacks – a chaotic hotel here, an overcrowded theme park there – but it was exactly these little bumps that made the trip so special and unforgettable.

America is huge, colorful, and full of surprises. Two weeks are far from enough to see it all – but they are enough to fall hopelessly in love. With the landscape, the people, the food – and the countless stories that you take home.