7 days in Greater Miami & The Beaches, Fort Myers & Tampa Itinerary

Florida’s mecca of fun in the sun, the lively tropical metropolis of Miami is one of the world’s top vacation spots.

For traveler tips, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Miami trip itinerary maker site .

Chicago to Miami is an approximately 5.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and bus; or drive. The time zone changes from Central Standard Time to Eastern Standard Time, which is usually a 1 hour difference. Expect much warmer temperatures when traveling from Chicago in October; daily highs in Miami reach 87°F and lows reach 74°F. You'll set off for Fort Myers on the 13th (Sun).

Fort Myers is the county seat and commercial center of Lee County, Florida, United States. Start off your visit on the 14th (Mon): look for all kinds of wild species at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve and then walk around Lakes Regional Park.

To see photos, more things to do, reviews, and more tourist information, you can read our Fort Myers tour itinerary planner.

Getting from Miami to Fort Myers by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: take a bus. In October, plan for daily highs up to 86°F, and evening lows to 70°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Mon) early enough to drive to Tampa.

Tampa ranks among the country's most livable cities, attracting newcomers with its growing economy and status as a major port on the Gulf of Mexico.

Pack the 15th (Tue) with family-friendly diversions at Busch Gardens. There's much more to do: see what you can catch with a fishing tour, walk around MacDill Park, take in the views from Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and admire nature's wide array of creatures at Big Cat Rescue.

For reviews, ratings, more things to do, and other tourist information, read Tampa trip planner .

Getting from Fort Myers to Tampa by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: take a bus. In October, daytime highs in Tampa are 85°F, while nighttime lows are 69°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 19th (Sat) to allow time for travel back home.