Few Florida drives beat the A1A oceanfront cruise from Miami to Palm Beach. Collect your car hire and trace barrier‑island towns—Sunny Isles, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and Delray Beach—until you reach the palm‑lined glamour of Palm Beach.
Route overview
A1A hugs the coast most of the way. It’s slower than the interstate, but the trade‑off is sunrise‑on‑the‑Atlantic views, charming boardwalks, and easy beach stops. Expect multiple drawbridges and reduced speeds through residential areas. If you prefer to break the trip, plan a lunch pause in Lauderdale‑by‑the‑Sea or Delray’s Atlantic Avenue.
Best stops (choose a few)
- Haulover & Sunny Isles: Wide beaches and family‑friendly parks with easy access from Collins Ave.
- Hollywood Broadwalk: A classic seaside promenade ideal for bike rentals and ice‑cream strolls.
- Fort Lauderdale: Canals, galleries, and waterfront dining—start or switch vehicles with Fort Lauderdale car hire if that’s more convenient.
- Boca Raton & Delray Beach: Reef‑protected beaches and lively cafés; look for signed municipal lots near beach access.
- Palm Beach: Gilded architecture, manicured avenues, and postcard‑ready photo ops on Worth Avenue and the Lake Trail.
What to drive
- Convertibles & SUVs: For luggage and beach gear, compare SUV hire or family‑friendly minivan hire options. Convertibles shine in the shoulder seasons when midday heat is milder.
- One‑way flexibility: If you start in Broward County, check partners such as Enterprise at FLL for easy pick‑ups. Return via I‑95 or the Turnpike to save time.
Parking & timing
Beach towns enforce meters and time limits near popular access points—arrive early on weekends, keep a payment app handy, and use municipal garages when street spaces fill. During holiday weekends, expect surcharges near beachfront entertainment zones.
Practical tips
- Watch for cyclists and crosswalks on A1A; many sections are shared with beachgoers.
- Aim for sunrise or late‑afternoon golden hour for photos; midday glare can be intense.
- Pack reef‑safe sunscreen and a light cover‑up for breezy top‑down driving.
- Travelling with kids? Plan playground breaks every 60–90 minutes.
Why book with Hola Car Rentals
- Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up.
- All‑Inclusive+ Rate with maximum coverage.
- No additional fees — save up to 60% guaranteed.
- Free travel insurance up to US$150,000.
- Cashback on tolls on selected itineraries.
With Hola Car Rentals, it’s simple to compare suppliers and rates across Miami and Fort Lauderdale, lock in transparent pricing, and enjoy a scenic A1A cruise at your own pace.
Seasonality & traffic
Winter and early spring bring the driest weather and the busiest weekends. Summer skies are brilliant but expect afternoon showers; keep an umbrella and microfiber towels in the boot. On Fridays after 3:00 p.m. south Florida traffic thickens—start earlier, or plan your longest stop then and continue once the rush eases.
Budgeting
- Fuel: The route is flat and efficient; even mid‑size SUVs sip fuel on A1A’s steady speeds.
- Parking: Municipality lots are usually cheaper than beachfront private garages; carry a card for pay stations.
- Tolls: If you return via I‑95 or the Turnpike, you may encounter cashless plazas; your hire includes compatible options so you can breeze through.
Plan your coastal day out now—secure flexible airport car hire in Miami and go where the shoreline leads.
