7 days, 6 nights · From Birmingham
7 day Florida road trip from Birmingham
A compact central Florida circuit built around coast, history and nature. Start and finish around Orlando, with short daily driving stages after the arrival day. Flights from Birmingham may require a connection; this plan does not assume a direct service.
Published · Costs are indicative, not live quotes.
Trip highlights
- Kennedy Space Center and the Space Coast
- St Augustine historic district
- Silver Springs
- Tampa Bay and Gulf beaches
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrive near Orlando
Morning: Travel from Birmingham via your booked routing and clear US entry checks.
Afternoon: Collect the car if fit to drive; otherwise take an airport hotel shuttle and collect it tomorrow.
Evening: Stay near Orlando and rest.
Places and stops
- Orlando area airport — Check the actual airport and car hire desk.
- Orlando airport hotel — Keep the first night close to arrival.
Day 2: Space Coast to St Augustine
Morning: Drive east to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex; pre-book if desired and give it most of the day.
Afternoon: Continue north towards St Augustine with a food stop, avoiding a detour farther down the coast.
Evening: Check in and walk the historic centre after dinner if energy allows.
Places and stops
- Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex — Choose the exhibits that matter most; check opening hours.
- St Augustine historic district — Evening orientation on foot.
Day 3: St Augustine at walking pace
Morning: Walk St George Street and the historic district before the busiest part of the day.
Afternoon: Visit Castillo de San Marcos when open, then choose either the waterfront or a beach outing.
Evening: Second night in St Augustine without repacking.
Places and stops
- St George Street — Historic pedestrian street.
- Castillo de San Marcos — National Monument with hours and admission to check.
- St Augustine waterfront — Short late-afternoon walk.
Day 4: Springs and onward to Tampa Bay
Morning: Drive inland towards Silver Springs State Park, checking current boat and park operations.
Afternoon: Take a short nature walk or available glass-bottom boat ride, then continue towards Tampa Bay.
Evening: Settle into the next two-night base.
Places and stops
- Silver Springs State Park — Spring and river scenery; check activity availability.
- Tampa Bay base — Arrive before the evening rush where possible.
Day 5: Tampa and the Gulf
Morning: Explore Tampa Riverwalk or Ybor City in the morning rather than trying both at length.
Afternoon: Travel to a Gulf beach such as St Pete Beach for a slower afternoon; parking and beach conditions vary.
Evening: Return to the Tampa Bay base.
Places and stops
- Tampa Riverwalk — Waterside city walk.
- St Pete Beach — Gulf coast time with a parking allowance.
Day 6: St Petersburg to Orlando
Morning: Spend a relaxed morning around St Petersburg waterfront and the pier.
Afternoon: Drive back towards Orlando with a meal stop and return to the airport-area hotel.
Evening: Pack, refuel and check car-return instructions.
Places and stops
- St Petersburg Pier — Short waterfront stop before leaving the Gulf.
- Orlando area — Position close to the departure airport.
Day 7: Fly home
Morning: Return the rental car and allow time for the airport and any connection.
Afternoon: Depart the Orlando area for Birmingham via the booked route.
Evening: Travel home; overnight arrival may depend on flight times.
Places and stops
- Orlando area airport — Leave time for car return and terminal transfers.
Indicative budget
£2,400 per person
Indicative per person sharing a room and rental car, allowing for a connecting Birmingham flight, six nights, car and fuel, food and selected admissions. Insurance, parking, one-way rental terms and exchange rates need checking before booking.
Where to stay
- Orlando airport area · Night 1 and night 6
Avoids a long drive after landing and simplifies the return flight.
- St Augustine · Nights 2 and 3
Two nights let you see the historic streets without a late drive after the Space Coast.
- Tampa Bay area · Nights 4 and 5
A practical base for Gulf coast time before looping back to Orlando.
Getting around
Outbound: Fly Birmingham to the Orlando area, likely with a connection depending on dates, and collect a rental car only when rested.
Local transport: Drive between the named bases; allow roughly 1–3 hours for each planned intercity stage plus stops and traffic. Confirm licence, insurance, toll and parking terms.
Return: Drive from Tampa Bay to the Orlando area the day before flying home, return the car and leave flight-day time for the terminal.