If you have a full day and love ocean views, trade I‑95 for Ocean Drive and A1A. The coastal route from Miami to Palm Beach isn’t the fastest—but it’s the Florida you came for: palms, dunes, and walk‑to‑the‑sand beach towns. Pick up an airport Miami car rental, and if you search in UK English, compare car hire options too. Starting on the sand? Browse convenient Miami Beach pick‑ups so you can roll north without detours.
How to follow A1A north
From South Beach, roll up Collins Ave./A1A through Sunny Isles and Golden Beach, then continue past Hollywood Broadwalk, Fort Lauderdale Beach, and Lauderdale‑by‑the‑Sea. Keep cruising by Pompano and Deerfield, dip into Boca Raton and Delray Beach for cafés, and finish in Palm Beach for Worth Avenue or the Lake Trail.
Timing & parking
Expect slower speeds, drawbridges, and weekend congestion—plan for a full day with photo stops. Metered and garage parking is common near beachfronts; morning arrivals are easiest. For a hybrid day, use I‑95 to skip ahead and jump back to A1A for the most scenic segments.
Suggested stops
- Hollywood: Stroll the Broadwalk and grab a café con leche.
- Fort Lauderdale Beach: Snap the wave‑wall and walk the promenade.
- Delray Beach: Atlantic Ave. boutiques and a sunset shoreline walk.
- Palm Beach: Browse Worth Ave. or ride bikes along the Lake Trail.
Logistics with Hola Car Rentals
Want to pick up in Miami and drop at Fort Lauderdale or vice‑versa? Choose an itinerary with maximum liability coverage and transparent pricing—Hola Car Rentals makes it simple. Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up keeps plans flexible, and eligible bookings include cashback on tolls for any Express Lane segments you use to hop between beach towns.
Book with confidence: Start in Miami with a city car rental, continue north via Fort Lauderdale, and keep our statewide network handy if you extend to the Space Coast or the Keys.
CTA: Reserve your coastal cruiser with Hola Car Rentals and make it an all‑ocean‑views kind of day.
Day plan at a glance
- Morning: South Beach to Hollywood Broadwalk coffee stop.
- Midday: Fort Lauderdale promenade and lunch.
- Afternoon: Delray boutiques, then golden‑hour arrival in Palm Beach.
When to choose I‑95 instead
If rain or weekend traffic stacks up, jump inland for a few exits on I‑95, then return to A1A at the next bridge. It keeps momentum without skipping the best oceanfront miles.
Photo tips
- Golden hour glows along Fort Lauderdale’s wave‑wall and at Palm Beach’s inlets—plan your timing to catch it.
- Keep a microfiber cloth handy for sea spray on windy days.
Parking & beach access
Most communities offer metered or garage parking near the sand. Expect higher rates in the most popular zones and time limits on some streets. Early starts get the best spots, especially in Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale on weekends.
Local driving etiquette
Be patient near drawbridges and pedestrian crossings; A1A doubles as a neighborhood main street. Use your indicators early and watch for cyclists.
What to bring
- Sun gear: Hats, sunscreen, and a light long‑sleeve for late‑day rays.
- Beach kit: Compact chairs or a sand‑free mat fit easily in midsize trunks.
- Payment: Coins/cards for meters; some garages use apps.
Weather & timing
Summer brings quick afternoon showers—carry a small umbrella and towel for the seats. Winter and spring are the sweet spot for breezy, lower‑humidity drives. In any season, keep an eye on bridge openings and event weekends (air & sea shows, boat parades) that briefly slow traffic.
