How should travellers balance Orlando, Miami, the Keys and Florida beaches?
Florida works better when you admit what kind of trip you want. Theme parks, Miami, the Keys and beach time all pull in different directions; combine too much and the state becomes a hot, expensive transfer exercise.
Answer
Orlando is built around theme parks and family logistics. Miami is a city trip with beach, food, nightlife and cultural layers. The Keys are a slow road-and-water trip that need more time than the map suggests. Gulf or Atlantic beach stays are another kind of holiday again. Florida can combine these well, but not if every day asks for a new mood and a long drive. Choose the anchor first. A theme-park family trip may only need a small beach add-on; a Miami-and-Keys trip should not pretend Orlando is a casual side stop. Florida is more enjoyable when it stops trying to be every holiday at once.