The best scenic driving routes around Miami (and where to rent a car)

The best scenic driving routes around Miami (and where to rent a car).

One of Miami’s pleasures is driving. There are some fantastically scenic routes both in the city itself and in the greater region surrounding Miami. You’re guaranteed views of turquoise waters, skyline shots of the gleaming towers of the city center, and vistas of historic neighbourhoods. You can get to the green sub-tropical wetlands of the Everglades is just over an hour or, if the mood strikes you, go on the ultimate road trip through the Florida Keys. It all depends on you.

This post covers the most scenic driving routes in the Miami area, telling you what you can expect and how much time to plan for each.

Where to rent a car: For those looking for a Miami Car Rental: Octane Car Rental is recommended. A large Dubai-based car rental company, it gets a 4.9 ranking (out of 5) on their reviews. They specialize in convertibles and luxury cars.

The best scenic driving routes around Miami

1. The Brickell to Key Biscayne Coastal Run

It’s the Iconic Miami drive with views straight out of a postcard.

Best for: Sunset views, skyline shots, and escaping the mainland noise.
The Route: Head south out of the high-rise financial district of Brickell and take the Rickenbacker Causeway toward Key Biscayne. Approximately 8 miles one way.

With the highrises of Brickell in your rearview mirror, you’ll be cruising on the Rickenbacker Causeway. On one side you’ll see yachts and sailboats, on the other turquoise waters and the Miami skyline.

The best scenic driving routes around Miami — Photo Credit

Highlights along the way:

Hobie Island Beach Park for skyline views, clear water, water sports…and its dog friendly.
The Rusty Pelican for lunch or a sunset drink while enjoying some of Miami’s best skyline views.
Crandon Park Beach for great beaches, more glorious views, and the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center for nature trails and aquariums with local sea life.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park at the southern tip of Key Biscayne. It houses the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse and peaceful, uncrowded beaches.

The Brickell to Key Biscayne Coastal Run covers 8 miles and can be done in 20 minutes…but between the landscapes, beaches and viewpoints along the way, you can have a full day that feels a world away from the busy city center.

2. MacArthur Causeway & Venetian Causeway Loop

An easy and scenic drive that blends cityscapes with waterfront panoramas.

Best for: Skyline shots, sunset views, glitzy homes and cruise ships.
The Route: Downtown to Miami Beach via the MacArthur Causeway, return on the Venetian Causeway. A loop totalling approximately 8 miles.

The highlight here are the Venetian Islands, a chain of man-made residential islands in Biscayne Bay connecting mainland Miami to Miami Beach. This wonderful driving loop features luxury estates, low traffic, and sweeping views of the downtown Miami skyline. Perfect for a sunset drive.

Tips:

Stop at Watson Island Park for skyline views and cruise ships in port.
The Deck at Island Gardens for a drink and/or food with great city views.

This is the perfect short drive to make you appreciate Miami’s beauty.

3. The Everglades Nature Escape

From blue hues and civilization to a green sub-tropical wetland…in just over an hour.

Best for: Wildlife, airboat tours, and a completely different side of South Florida.
The Route: Drive west along Tamiami Trail (US-41). An hour until you enter the Everglades, 90 minutes to Shark Valley Visitors Center.

Just an hour west of downtown Miami, the Tamiami Trail cuts through the Everglades. It’s a land of marshes, swamps, and forests inhabited by alligators, panthers, and over 350 bird species. There are many options here for those looking for adventure: airboat tours, guided tours for up close looks at alligators, a bike ride along a paved trail (surrounded by alligators and native birds).

Don’t miss:

Shark Valley Visitors Center, the main northern entry point into the Everglades National Park. It has the park’s highest concentration of alligators as well as bird life and features a 45-foot high observation tower where you can look over the Everglades. There are many activities offered here and should be considered a “must” if visiting the area.

A sharp contrast to Miami yet easily accessible by car.

4. The Overseas Highway from Miami to Key West

The essential Florida road trip experience.

Best for: wide open skies, turquoise water, 42 bridges.
The Route: US-1 South from Miami through Homestead, crossing over into Key Largo…and continuing to Key West if the love of driving takes over. About 2 hours one way to Key Largo, 4 hours if you continue all the way to Key West. You might decide to make it a multiple-day trip.

The Overseas Highway is a must. The stretch taking you down toward Key Largo offers classic Florida coastal scenery, roadside fruit stands (stop at Robert Is Here in Homestead for a milkshake), and access to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park for snorkelling or to take a glass-bottom boat over colourful corals. But you might want to continue – the Overseas Highway is one of America’s classic drives. See dolphins in Grassy Key, relax on gorgeous sandy beaches at Bahia Honda State Park or feed massive, wild silver tarpon by hand in Islamorada.

I have memories of barracuda fishing in Key West from my childhood. The Florida Keys are a special place.

5. Ocean Drive & Collins Avenue Loop

The iconic Miami beach drive.

Best for: Palm trees, pastel-coloured buildings, the vibrant energy of Miami’s South Beach.
The Route: South Pointe Park to Bal Harbour on Ocean Drive, then back along Collins Avenue. A loop totalling approximately 24 Miles.

Cruise along Ocean Drive, the stretch between 5th and 16^th is lined with pastel-coloured Art Deco buildings, lively sidewalk cafes, and the vibrant energy that defines Miami’s South Beach. Continue up to fancy Bal Harbour, palm trees and beaches on either side. Come back along Collins Avenue, a busy mix of historic Art Deco architecture, luxury high-rises, upscale hotels and dining spots. This drive highlights the best of Miami beach cruising.

6. Old Cutler Road Scenic Drive

A tranquil oasis away from the buzz of the city.

Best for: historic mansions, Banyan trees,
The Route: Start at Coconut Grove, end in Deering Point (or vice versa). Approximately 12 miles.

It’s a relaxing drive through a canopy of shade, hundred-year-old Banyan trees and historic homes lining the road. You’ll be going through South Miami’s upscale neighbourhoods, from Cocoplum in Coral Gables to Palmetto Bay. It’s a Sunday drive that can be done any day of the week.

Renting a Car in Miami

Octane Car Rental is an international fleet operator based out of Brickell. Based in Dubai they have a 4.9/5 Google rating on their global operations.

Advantages:

Frictionless Booking: Everything can be arranged via WhatsApp in under an hour.
Door-to-Door Delivery: They’ll deliver the car directly to where you are, skipping the airport rental counter queue entirely.
No Massive Card Holds: Unlike standard counter rentals that often block thousands of dollars for weeks, the deposit policy is straightforward and zero-stress.
Flexible Fleet Options: While Octane Rent carries high-end luxury vehicles, they also have practical mid-range options including convertibles (perfect for Florida cruising). Rates across their fleet start from reasonable daily economy options up to exotic rentals.

Requirements to Rent in Miami

Standard requirements apply across Florida:

A Valid Passport & Home Country Driver’s License
International Driving Permit (IDP) — recommended for non-US license holders
Credit Card in the primary driver’s name

The Bottom Line

If you’re coming to Miami, make sure to get on the road. The abundance of natural beauty and striking scenery is what makes Miami tick. Explore the Keys, Key Biscayne, and/or the Everglades. I’ve given you a few short drives above – even if in Miami on a business trip there’s no reason you can’t fit them in. A scenic drive the best way to experience this part of the world.

Header Photo Credit to Shutterstock