Florida was built for road trips—blue water, big skies and countless detours from beach towns to wetlands boardwalks. Start with a smooth car rental at Miami International and you can be cruising the coast or exploring the Everglades within the hour. Here are the best scenic drives to add to your itinerary.
Florida A1A: from art deco to dune lines
Leave Miami Beach’s pastel hotels and follow A1A along barrier islands where the Atlantic is a constant companion. Stop for seaside cafés, lighthouse climbs, and morning swims before the sun gets too high. The road weaves through communities with frequent beach access; plan short hops and give yourself time for photo stops.
Tamiami Trail: wildlife windows into the Everglades
US‑41 across the Everglades showcases sawgrass horizons, marsh birds, and galleries of cypress. Pull into official turn‑outs for alligator viewing and boardwalks. Combine this route with an airboat tour or a ranger talk to understand the ecosystem’s rhythms. If you’re continuing north afterward, Orlando is a handy base—our Orlando Airport page explains pick‑ups and parking near the parks.
Overseas Highway: Miami to Key West
Seven Mile Bridge is the headline, but the joy is in the little stops: tarpon feeding in Islamorada, old bridges on the side roads, and sunset strolls in Key West. Leave early, keep your camera close, and budget time for a lingering dinner at mile‑marker‑view restaurants. If you’re flying into Fort Lauderdale, pick up at FLL and meet the route near Hollywood or head straight to the Keys via US‑1.
Gulf Coast & springs country
West‑coast routes reward you with gentle surf, seafood shacks, and glowing sunsets. Between Tampa Bay and Sarasota, detour to Anna Maria Island or Longboat Key; our Tampa Airport page covers convenient pick‑ups and local driving notes. Inland, north‑central Florida hides crystalline springs and shaded country roads for tubing and kayaking days.
Practical tips
- Seasonality: Summer sun and afternoon showers mean early starts. Winter brings milder temps and busier coastal parking.
- Wildlife & safety: Respect posted speeds near refuges and stay alert at dawn and dusk.
- Tolls: Some segments use electronic tolling. Hola Car Rentals offers toll cashback on eligible bookings.
- Pack smart: Polarized sunglasses, a cooler for cold drinks, and flip‑flops for quick beach stops.
Prefer UK‑style phrasing while you plan? Compare car hire at Miami Airport to see the same transparent prices and coverage in British English.
Why book with Hola Car Rentals
- Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up.
- All‑Inclusive+ Rate with maximum coverage on select plans.
- No additional fees—save up to 60% compared with on‑site rates.
- Free travel insurance up to US$150,000 on eligible bookings.
From A1A’s sea breezes to the Tamiami’s wildlife vistas, the Sunshine State shines brightest from behind the wheel. Book with Hola Car Rentals and turn every coastal curve into part of the fun.
More drives to bookmark
- 30A Panhandle loop: From Destin to Rosemary Beach, pastel towns and sugar‑sand beaches line a gentle, family‑friendly coastline.
- Space Coast sweep: From Cocoa Beach to the Canaveral area, combine seaside cruising with a stop at the visitor complex for a dose of rocket history.
- Ocala National Forest: Pine canopies, spring‑fed swims, and shaded picnic spots create an easy inland escape on hot days.
Parking note: Beach towns often use paid or permit systems near popular accesses. Arrive early or aim for late‑afternoon golden hour for simpler parking and softer light in your photos.
Sample 2‑day plan
- Day 1: Morning pick‑up in Miami, A1A northbound stops for swims and lighthouse views, seafood lunch, sunset at a beach park.
- Day 2: Tamiami Trail wildlife stops, airboat tour, late return via the Gulf Coast for a golden‑hour dinner on the bay.
Whichever route you choose, leave room for detours—Florida’s best moments are often the unplanned ones at a beach pull‑off or a shady boardwalk.
