Christmas Break Trip to Florida - Tampa, Legoland, Key West, Miami & St. Augustine

Spending Christmas in Florida offers a unique blend of festive cheer and sunshine. While much of the country is bundled up in winter coats, Florida's warm weather invites you to enjoy holiday lights along palm trees, festive boat parades, and thrilling theme park celebrations. From the enchanting decorations at Disney World to the coastal charm of Miami and Key West, Florida offers a holiday experience filled with fun, relaxation, and a touch of tropical magic. Whether you're lounging on the beach or exploring holiday events, a Florida Christmas is sure to create lasting memories.

Our Travel Plan

The Tropics Boat Tours, Clearwater Beach, FL
LEGOLAND® Florida, Winter Heaven, FL
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, Key West, FL
Lummus Park, Miami Beach, FL
Night of Lights, St. Augustine, FL

Our Itinerary

Day 1 - Friday (December 20, 2024) - Drive from Charlotte, NC to Ocala, FL

On the first day of our trip, we hit the road from Charlotte at 8 a.m., eager to start our journey to Ocala, FL. The weather was sunny and clear, making for a pleasant drive as we cruised through scenic stretches of highway. To save time, we packed lunch from home and ate on the go, allowing us to stay on schedule. After a full day of driving, we finally arrived at our hotel in Ocala around 5:30 p.m., ready to relax and unwind after the long journey.

Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Gtvw3H2YvGpqpzLWA

Day 2 - Saturday (December 21, 2024) - Tampa, FL

On the second day, we drove from Ocala to Clearwater Beach, making a stop through downtown Tampa. The weather was once again clear and sunny, perfect for a day by the coast. At 2 p.m., we set out on a dolphin-watching boat tour, a two-hour adventure in the Gulf of Mexico. We were lucky enough to spot several playful dolphins swimming alongside the boat, a highlight of the day. After the tour, we strolled through the charming streets of Clearwater Beach, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and taking plenty of pictures of the picturesque surroundings. It was a day full of sunshine, nature, and coastal charm.

Tour Website - https://thetropicsboattours.com

Parking - There are many parking spots available and managed by City of Clearwater Beach. The boat tour ticket comes with a discounted coupon code which can be used at the parking booth for hourly rate.

After a fun-filled day at Clearwater Beach, we drove down to Lakeland, FL, to settle in for the night. The hotel was comfortable and conveniently located, making it the perfect stop as we were closer to Legoland for the next day's adventure. We relaxed and recharged, excited for the theme park fun ahead, knowing we had a short drive in the morning to reach our next destination.

Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/jSsBkChj1ecFduVw7

Day 3 - Sunday (December 22, 2024) - Legoland, FL

On the third day, we set off from our hotel at 9 a.m. and headed straight for Legoland, eager to dive into a day of excitement. The park was filled with fun exhibits and thrilling rides that were perfect for the kids, and we made sure to experience it all. By 2 p.m., we had seen and done everything, from building our own Lego creations to riding the various attractions. 

Afterward, we hit the road and drove down to Homestead, Miami, to prepare for the next day's adventure in Key West. The day was full of laughter and joy, with perfect weather—clear skies and a mild 20°C—making it all the more enjoyable.

Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ry3UtejJ4N3Za8YDA

Day 4 - Monday (December 23, 2024) - Key West, FL

On the fourth day, we began our journey to Key West at 8:30 a.m., enjoying a scenic drive through the stunning bridges and islands of the Atlantic Ocean. We reached Key West at 12:15 p.m. under clear skies and a perfect 24°C temperature. Our first stop was Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, where we enjoyed some beach time and explored the nearby fort. Afterward, we had a delicious lunch at a local spot before strolling through the charming streets of the island, snapping pictures of the iconic white buildings, the historic church, and the vibrant atmosphere. We soaked in the unique sights of this tropical paradise, with its laid-back vibe and picturesque surroundings. 

At 5:00 p.m., we began our drive back and arrived at our hotel around 7:30 p.m., content after a memorable day in Key West.

Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ry3UtejJ4N3Za8YDA

Day 5 - Tuesday (December 24, 2024) - Miami, FL & St. Augustine, FL

On the fifth day, we left our hotel in Homestead, FL, at 8:30 a.m. and drove to Miami Beach, arriving at Lummus Park about an hour later. After finding a street-side parking spot, we spent time strolling along the famous Ocean Drive, exploring the vibrant gift shops, restaurants, and taking photos near the iconic Miami Beach sign. We also picked up a souvenir before heading to the beach for some fun in the Atlantic Ocean, where the kids enjoyed the waves once again. After about an hour in the water, we grabbed a pizza on the go and continued our journey, driving towards St. Augustine. We arrived at 8 p.m., ready to experience the magic of this historic town.

Lummus Park - https://maps.app.goo.gl/NC5VkVuN1L7VE3NC6

St. Augustine, known as the "Nation's Oldest City," truly comes alive during Christmas time. The streets were lined with dazzling holiday lights, creating a festive atmosphere that made the town feel like a winter wonderland. We wandered through the town, admiring the grand Christmas tree and enjoying the cheerful buzz of tourists taking in the sights. A visit to the impressive Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine added to the charm of the evening. 

Nights of Lights Festival - https://maps.app.goo.gl/FLi6paMav8yFrdBP8

After spending a couple of hours soaking in the holiday spirit, we made our way back to the hotel at 10 p.m., concluding another joyful and memorable day of our trip.

Hotel - https://maps.app.goo.gl/16NDejmytcgUogBj9

Day 6 - Wednesday (December 25, 2024) - Drive to Charlotte, NC

On the sixth and final day of our trip, we began our drive back home at 10 a.m. from our hotel, feeling a mix of contentment and nostalgia after a week of unforgettable adventures. The journey was smooth, with a couple of gas stops and a lunch break along the way to stretch our legs and refuel. By 5 p.m., we finally arrived back in Charlotte, bringing an end to our memorable tour. 

Though the trip was over, the memories of the sunny beaches, theme park fun, and holiday magic would stay with us for a long time, wrapping up an incredible journey filled with joy and family bonding.