Best Miami Road Trips: Key West, Everglades & Palm Beach

Miami is the perfect launchpad. With a car and a full tank, some of Florida's most iconic drives are a day trip away — here are the ones worth the miles.

~3.5 hrs · 160 mi south

Key West & the Overseas Highway

The bucket-list drive: US-1 island-hopping across 42 bridges, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge, all the way to mile marker zero. Stop in Islamorada for lunch, Bahia Honda for a beach. Best in a convertible.

~1 hr · west

Everglades National Park

Airboats, alligators, and the "River of Grass." Shark Valley (tram + bike loop) and the Anhinga Trail are the easy wins. Go in the morning; bring water and bug spray.

~1 hr · north

Palm Beach & Worth Avenue

Old-Florida glamour: mansions, the Breakers, and boutique shopping on Worth Avenue. An easy cruise up I-95 or the scenic A1A along the coast.

~40 min · north

Fort Lauderdale & the beaches

Las Olas Boulevard, the beachfront promenade, and the canals ("Venice of America"). A relaxed half-day just up the coast.

~2 hrs · west

Naples & the Gulf Coast

Cross Alligator Alley (I-75) to Florida's calm Gulf side — white-sand beaches, sunsets over the water, and downtown Naples. A tank of gas each way.

Before you go: quick tips

Tolls: most of these routes use cashless toll roads. An iRent car is SunPass-ready — drive straight through, no stopping.
Fuel: fill up before the Keys and before Alligator Alley — gas is scarce and pricey out there.
Timing: leave early to beat traffic on US-1 to the Keys, especially on weekends.
The right car: a convertible for the Keys, an SUV for a group or the Everglades.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best road trip from Miami?

Key West via the Overseas Highway (US-1) is the classic — about 3.5 hours of island-hopping across 42 bridges. The Everglades and Palm Beach are great shorter day trips.

How long is the drive from Miami to Key West?

About 3.5 hours (160 miles) without stops, though the scenery and towns along US-1 make it worth taking longer.

Do I need SunPass for these drives?

Florida's toll roads are cashless, so yes — a SunPass-ready car lets you drive straight through. Every iRent car is equipped.

What car should I rent for a Miami road trip?

A convertible for the Keys, or an SUV for the Everglades or a group. iRent has both, all SunPass-ready.

The Best Road Trips from Miami

Key West & the Overseas Highway

Everglades National Park

Palm Beach & Worth Avenue

Fort Lauderdale & the beaches

Naples & the Gulf Coast

Before you go: quick tips

Frequently asked questions

Rent the right car for the drive

The Best Road Trips from Miami

Key West & the Overseas Highway

Everglades National Park

Palm Beach & Worth Avenue

Fort Lauderdale & the beaches

Naples & the Gulf Coast

Before you go: quick tips

Frequently asked questions

Rent the right car for the drive

More iRent guides