The Best Road Trip Through South Florida in a Rental Car

Although Miami Beach is officially a separate city, its beaches are Miami’s biggest attractions. You can enjoy wonderful beach weather there all year round, because in this part of the Sunshine State, the temperature almost never drops below 20 degrees Celsius, even in winter. In Miami’s legendary and vibrant nightlife scene, the temperature is usually even higher. This is due in no small part to the Latin temperament, which is also evident in the neighborhoods of Little Havana and Little Haiti. You’d almost forget you’re in the United States there, as the atmosphere is distinctly Latin American. Strolling is a popular pastime, especially along Ocean Drive in the Art Deco district with its pastel-colored buildings in the southern part of Miami Beach.

Although Miami is best known for its lively beaches, nightlife, and glamorous lifestyle, the city also offers other attractions and activities. The city’s colorful history comes to life at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and the Ancient Spanish Monastery. You can take a dip in history—and in the water—at the Venetian Pool, built in the 1920s, in the suburb of Coral Gables. Modern art enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy at the Pérez Art Museum (Caribbean and Latin American art) or the Rubell Museum (modern art).

Unless you’re staying in one place, you’ll find that a rental car is very convenient in Miami. In fact, renting a car in Miami is a must if you want to see more than just the beach at your hotel or resort. So be sure to rent a car as soon as you arrive at Miami Airport. Even if you just want to drive to other beaches, a rental car is indispensable. Did you know that Florida’s coastline is dotted with beaches, from Tequesta all the way to Key West? Speaking of Key West: the road trip to the southernmost tip of the U.S. is something you shouldn’t miss, and that’s our first tip for a road trip with a rental car from Miami.

1. Florida Keys

A vacation in Miami isn’t complete without a trip south to the Florida Keys, an archipelago consisting of some 1,700 islands. Not all of them are inhabited, and the main islands are connected by the Overseas Highway, a beautiful, scenic route featuring no fewer than 42 bridges. This is part of U.S. Route 1, which runs along the entire U.S. East Coast and begins at the Canadian border. You could cover the distance from Miami to the southern tip of Key West in four hours, but you’d miss a lot. Set aside at least three days to explore the Florida Keys, so you can truly enjoy all the highlights along the way. It’s an exotic route through a tropical savanna, home to animals such as alligators and crocodiles.

If you’re driving south from Miami in your rental car, the Overseas Highway begins at Manatee Creek, named after the manatees (sea cows) you can see there. That’s a great place to stop right away, because you can snorkel, kayak, and paddleboard among the mangrove forests. You can even spend the night there in floating tents!

Key Largo
You can also go snorkeling and diving a little further along, at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park on the coast of Key Largo, which, at over fifty kilometers long, is the largest island in the Florida Keys. Although the coral reefs along the coast have deteriorated significantly in recent years, the damage to the northern reefs is less severe than to those in the south (the Lower Keys). Keep in mind, however, that when the wind is strong (and the sea is rough), visibility underwater is much poorer. In addition to diving and snorkeling, you can also explore the colorful coral reefs and marine life on a glass-bottom boat tour. Of course, you can also go canoeing and kayaking here or swim at the beach.

Islamorada
The village of Islamorada is spread across five small islands, and the surrounding waters serve as a major migration route for fish species traveling between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Sport fishermen love to rent a boat here to catch fish such as yellowtail amberjack, red snapper, tuna, and amberjack.

Are you a diver? Then visit the History of Diving Museum, which features an interesting exhibition on diving from ancient times to today’s latest technology. It houses a vast collection of diving helmets, hand-operated air pumps, diving suits, lamps, and other accessories, as well as memorabilia, prints, photos, films, and videos. For children, there’s a fun and educational scavenger hunt through the museum.

Marathon
From the Diving Museum, it’s a drive of over fifty kilometers in your rental car to the Turtle Hospital in Marathon. Kids really enjoy this, but adults have a great time there too—after all, isn’t it wonderful to see how injured and sick sea turtles recover and are released back into the wild? Of course, these releases don’t happen every day, but they’re announced on the website’s blog page.

Seven Mile Bridge
The Seven Mile Bridge, the longest bridge in the Florida Keys, begins in Marathon and leads to the small island of Little Duck Key. It’s a unique experience to drive over the Seven Mile Bridge for more than eleven kilometers in your rental car, surrounded by nothing but the ocean. Although, running parallel to the bridge is the original railroad bridge.

The man who drew up plans for that rail link at the beginning of the last century was considered a fool at the time, but he persisted. You can walk or bike from Marathon across the old bridge to the small island of Pigeon Key and learn all about the construction of the original rail bridge and the new bridge at the museum there.

Bahia Honda Key
The small island of BahiaHonda (which means “deep bay” in Spanish) is virtually uninhabited and is entirely a nature park. In addition to palm-fringed beaches, Bahia Honda State Park is an excellent spot for birdwatching, particularly along the lagoon that forms the heart of the island. You can rent kayaks and snorkeling gear on the beach. This park is extremely popular, and entry may be denied once the maximum capacity for day visitors has been reached. If you spend the night on the island, something special awaits you. Bahia Honda is, in fact, the darkest spot for stargazing in the Florida Keys, along with nearby Scout Key, where you can spend the night in scout tents.

Key West
The southernmost tip of Florida (accessible by rental car) is KeyWest. It’s also one of the busiest places, as massive cruise ships dock here at Mallory Square, where hundreds of tourists gather in the evening for the Sunset Celebration. In the nineteenth century, Key West was the wealthiest town in Florida, and you can still see that in the Victorian homes from that era, such as the house where writer Ernest Hemingway lived and worked, now the Hemingway Home Museum. The 1912 train station is also worth a visit, featuring a bronze statue of the man behind the railroad sitting on a bench. Of course, just like everyone else, you’ll want to take a photo by the buoy that reads: “Southernmost Point of the Continental USA.”

2. Dry Tortugas National Park

No, you can’t get there in your rental car, but it’s definitely a destination worth visiting: Dry Tortugas National Park. It consists of seven small islands, with the main island home to one of the largest forts in the U.S., Fort Jefferson, which was built in the nineteenth century to deter pirates. Later, it served as a prison. After a guided tour of the fort, you can swim or snorkel in the clear, shallow waters surrounding the island. If you want to scuba dive there, you’ll have to charter a boat yourself, since the ferry and seaplane don’t allow scuba tanks on board. That said, you might want to think twice about diving, as the coral reef here has severely deteriorated in recent years. You should also keep in mind that nothing is available on the island, so you’ll need to bring your own food and drinks. You’re also not allowed to leave any trash behind. You can spend the night at the fort in simple tents, but you’ll need to make reservations well in advance (8 to 12 months!).

3. Everglades

About an hour’s drive from Miami will take you to the main entrance of Everglades National Park, a vast wetland area covering more than 6,000 square kilometers. You can drive through the park in your rental car, but you won’t see much that way, since there’s only one main road through the marsh. This Main Park Road runs between two visitor centers, from the main entrance at Homestead (the Royal Palm Visitor Center) to the Flamingo Visitor Center. A car is handy for driving to the starting points of hiking trails or boat tours, but these roads are often unpaved.

From Royal Palm, two shorter hiking trails are marked out along dry paths through the enchanting forest (Gumbo Limbo Trail) and along boardwalks through the marsh (Anhinga Trail). The Flamingo Visitor Center is located about sixty kilometers southwest of Royal Palm and serves as the gateway to the mangrove-covered Florida Bay. The best way to explore this bay is by boat. Organized boat tours run from early November through late April. You can also set out on your own in a canoe or kayak. In addition to alligators and crocodiles, as you paddle through Nine Mile Pond or Hell’s Bay, you’ll see countless birds, including ospreys, buntings, and cormorants. So-called chickees (wooden platforms above the water) are accessible only by boat, and you can spend the night there in the middle of the wilderness! Be sure to bring a tent, mosquito nets, and plenty of insect repellent!

Another popular access point can be reached by following the Tamiami Trail from Miami—better known as Highway 41—which leads to the Shark Valley Visitor Center. Along that road, you’ll see several spots where tours depart for the northern part of the Everglades aboard airboats. These are specially designed to navigate through swamps. The massive propeller at the back is noisy, but it’s spectacular to race through the River of Grass at high speed. Be sure never to let your hands or feet dangle in the water. You’ll see why along the way: countless alligators and crocodiles live in this water-rich area. At the visitor center, you can rent bikes to follow the Tram Road. A small train (on wheels) also runs along that road if you find biking too strenuous.

During the winter months, the Homestead and Shark Valley entrances are extremely crowded. It’s best to go as early as possible to beat the worst of the crowds. Don’t forget to bring plenty of sunscreen and wear protective clothing, such as hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirts.

The Gulf Coast Visitor Center in Everglades City is the gateway to Ten Thousand Islands, a maze of mangrove islands accessible only by boat. The visitor center was closed following hurricane damage in 2022 but reopened in the fall of 2025. You can still reach the marsh here by rental car; the Marsh Trail begins at the parking lot along FL-90. From there, drive toward Naples, the next destination on our road trip through southern Florida.

4. Naples / Marco Island

The seaside resort of Naples was founded at the end of the nineteenth century and was given that name because its sunny coastline was reminiscent of the Bay of Naples in Italy. The city’s symbol is the Naples Pier, first built in 1888 but frequently destroyed by hurricanes. Nevertheless, the historic pier, which extends a thousand feet (over three hundred meters) into the sea, is restored to its former glory each time, as it is one of the city’s main tourist attractions. Add to that the expansive beaches with fine white sand on either side of it. Sometimes you can spot dolphins from the pier, but you’ll have a better chance of seeing them if you book a boat tour.

Naples is a favorite among shoppers, especially those looking for luxury items, as it’s teeming with designer boutiques and other high-end stores. Golf enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy here. In and around the city, you’ll find the largest number of golf holes in all of Florida. Do you love flowers and plants? Then don’t miss a visit to the stunning Naples Botanical Garden, which is divided into nine themed gardens.

As for beaches, you’re not limited to the ones near the pier. Since you’ve rented a car, you can easily drive to Marco Island. This vacation island has an incredibly wide white-sand beach, part of which is private. But you can still enjoy the public beaches at Tigertail (in the north and relatively crowded) and South Beach (less crowded than the northern beach).

5. Fort Myers

Even if you drive north from Naples along Florida’s Gulf Coast in your rental car, you’ll find one beautiful sandy beach after another. For example, turn left off Highway 41 and take Bonita Beach Road to Estero Blvd. You’ll then drive through Lovers Key State Park to Fort Myers Beach. Just like Miami Beach, Fort Myers itself is a separate city. The historic River District, around First Street, is very charming and adorned with colorful murals and artistic sculptures. You’ll also find many cafés, restaurants, and art galleries there. Inventor Thomas Edison and automobile manufacturer Henry Ford spent their winters in Fort Myers, and the homes where they stayed are now museums—with, of course, vintage cars in Ford’s garage.

6. Sanibel and Captiva Islands

Just past Fort Myers Beach, three bridges lead across two artificial islets to the beautiful barrier island of Sanibel. If you drive to the island in your rental car, you’ll have to pay a toll on the Sanibel Causeway, but not on the way back. The northern part of Sanibel is home to the largest mangrove ecosystem in the United States, and you can visit it for free between sunrise and sunset. There are four hiking and biking trails through the mangrove forests in the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, and from the observation tower you’ll have a beautiful view of the red mangroves. Of course, you’ll have to pay to rent bikes, as well as canoes, paddleboards, or kayaks to explore the mangrove forests. Home to more than 245 bird species, the refuge is a true birdwatcher’s paradise, where you can spot flamingos, spoonbills, white pelicans, egrets, and ibises. Keep in mind, however, that a large part of the reserve is closed every Friday.

The rest of Sanibel Island is a popular vacation spot thanks to its beautiful beaches, as is neighboring Captiva Island. The two islands are connected by a bridge. The beaches are covered with shells, and many people are on the hunt for that one beautiful and unique specimen. Parking for your rental car is limited—especially on Captiva—and rates are on the high side.

If you want to drive further north along the Gulf Coast to places like St. Petersburg and Tampa, we recommend reading our other blog post— Great Road Trips Around Orlando in a Rental Car —where we describe those destinations.

7. Fisheating Creek

Except for nature reserves like the Everglades, Florida’s coastal strip is densely populated. As many as three-quarters of the Sunshine State’s residents live within thirty kilometers of the sea. The interior is completely different: very sparsely populated, with vast fields of sugarcane and desolate land where vultures hunt for prey. Yet even in that interior, there is a beautiful, swampy area that is much less crowded than the better-known spots: Fisheating Creek. This small river meanders through the heart of Florida and flows into the vast Lake Okeechobee.

By rental car, it takes about an hour to drive from Fort Myers to the western entrance of Fisheating Creek, near the town of Palmdale. Two hiking trails are marked here. The short Knobby Knee Trail (2 kilometers) starts at the official entrance. Along the east side of Highway 27, just past the intersection with Highway 29, you’ll find the parking lot for the longer Paradise Lake Trail ( 12 kilometers). This route winds through the picturesque cypress swamps for which the creek is famous. The trails are most accessible from January through May; during other months, they may be flooded. When the water is high, however, it’s a wonderful time to paddle a canoe or kayak. Half of the U.S. population of swallow-tailed kites uses Fisheating Creek as a stopover on their migration to and from South America.

8. Beaches on the Atlantic Coast

Drive along the north side of the large lake to reach the Atlantic Ocean. Along this stretch of the coast, you’ll find relatively quiet beaches, such as those on the barrier island off the coast of Fort Pierce. North Jetty Park is a popular spot for windsurfers. You’ll also find high waves and beautiful beaches further south, including Jensen Beach and Stuart Beach on Hutchinson Island and Hobe Sound Beach on Jupiter Island. You can reach the latter beach by driving your rental car from Hobe Sound along SE Bridge Road, passing under a dense canopy of trees. There are also plenty of diving opportunities at the artificial reefs off the coast of Jupiter: admire sharks at Area 51 or many species of fish at Scarface.

Four species of sea turtles nest on Hutchinson Island. In June and July, there are nighttime Turtle Walks where you can see the nests with your own eyes. These tours are extremely popular, and the number of participants is limited. So it’s best to reserve a spot well in advance. Don’t try to search for a turtle nest on your own, because it’s prohibited to walk on the beach with a flashlight, as this would disturb the turtles.

9. (West) Palm Beach

Further south, you’ll also find beautiful beaches near Palm Beach. Although large sections are private, there are still plenty of publicly accessible beaches, such as the long Municipal Beach. Even more beautiful is John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, on the north side of Singer Island. From the parking lot, you walk along a long boardwalk across a lagoon surrounded by mangrove forests to the pristine beach. On weekends, there are often musical performances.

You can paddle a kayak to Peanut Island or take the shuttle boat from Riviera Beach Marina. The island features beautiful hiking trails, but it’s especially a paradise for snorkelers. At high tide, the seawater is crystal clear, and you can spot tropical fish, manatees, and—with a little luck—turtles. The lush island offers plenty of shade, and there are many spots for barbecuing.

West Palm Beach is a shopper’s paradise, especially in the blocks of specialty shops that make up CityPlace (also known as The Square ). Clematis Street is the older shopping street, where you’ll also find plenty of cafés and restaurants. On Saturday mornings (from October through April), don’t miss the Green Market, a farmers’ market with over 120 stalls, and a small flea market nearby.

10. Fort Lauderdale

Just before you return to Miami, you’ll pass through Fort Lauderdale, which also has beautiful beaches but is best known as the“Venice of America.” The mouth of the New River is a labyrinth of canals, and of course you can take boat tours there. Unfortunately, Fort Lauderdale is sometimes overrun by tourists when several large cruise ships dock simultaneously at the city’s seaport, Port Everglades.

For a glimpse back in time, head to the old railroad bridge over the New River. There you’ll find Old Fort Lauderdale Village, four buildings dating from the early twentieth century, when the railroad line was built through this part of Florida. This is where Fort Lauderdale began, and you can learn more about its history at the museum housed in the former New River Inn hotel.

Across from historic Fort Lauderdale, on the other side of SW 2nd Street, lies the city’s nightlife district. At least, for younger people (up to about 35 years old). Older visitors will find their entertainment on the other side of the railroad tracks, in a neighborhood called Las Olas Riverfront.

When to Rent a Car in Miami

The best time to visit South Florida is from December through March. Temperatures aren’t too high yet, and there’s relatively little rain. The downside is that many people know this, so it gets very crowded. The summer months are not only hot but also very wet. Moreover, that’s when hurricane season begins, which runs from June through November. If you want to avoid the biggest crowds, April and May are the ideal months to rent a car for a fantastic vacation in Florida.

Why Rent a Car in Florida

Just like the rest of the U.S., Florida is completely geared toward drivers. Public transportation is decent at best, but often mediocre, and you almost always need a car to get anywhere. Miami Airport is an excellent place to start a road trip through Florida, as there’s a wide selection of rental cars available at the airport. Still, we can also imagine that you might want to enjoy the beaches without a car first. No problem—you’ll find plenty of car rental companies in both Miami and Miami Beach. We do recommend booking a rental car online well in advance, though, because while the selection is large, so is the demand.

Car Rentals and Toll Roads Around Miami

Of all the U.S. states, Florida has the most toll roads. If you’re driving a rental car around Miami, it’s virtually impossible to avoid toll roads and bridges entirely. Paying tolls in cash is virtually impossible in Florida anymore, which is why many rental cars are equipped with a so-called SunPass transponder. If the car does not have such an electronic device, the toll is paid based on the license plate (toll-by-plate). In both cases, the rental company will charge an administrative fee in addition to the toll amount. This may be a flat rate for the entire rental period or a daily fee. When picking up your rental car, ask the local rental company which system they use.

One-way rental from Miami

If you rent a car in Miami, you can choose to return it in a different city. This is called one-way car rental and is very common in the United States. This allows you to take a longer trip without having to return to the starting point of your road trip. A very popular option in Florida is to rent a car in Miami and return it in Orlando, the theme park capital of the world. Or how about driving along Florida’s Atlantic coast on the historic A1A Coastal Byway to Jacksonville in the northern part of the state? Along that route, you can stop at places like Cape Canaveral to visit the Kennedy Space Center, Daytona Beach if you enjoy car and motorcycle racing, and St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States. And we haven’t even come close to listing everything you can see on a road trip along that coast in a rental car.