Best Miami Driving Routes

Miami has amazing places to visit by car. From picturesque coastal roads and island bridges to green parks and national reserves, this route will give you unforgettable impressions and unique views that you can’t see from a bus window or on foot.

Planning a trip to Miami? Then this guide is for you! We have collected the most beautiful and unusual car routes around the city and its surroundings. You will see the famous beaches of Miami Beach, the cozy islands of Key Biscayne, historical parks and even the Everglades National Park. Each place is a real pearl with stunning nature and atmosphere. Grab your car keys and get ready for adventure!

🚗 The Most Amazing Places to Drive in Miami

These are the best driving routes and stops around Miami, from strolling through scenic roads to driving out of town to the Everglades and Key Biscayne.

1. Rickenbacker Causeway and Key Biscayne

Connects Downtown Miami to Key Biscayne and Virginia Key. The bridge rises ~30m, opening up an impressive panoramic view of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyscrapers.

On the way, you can stop by Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and see the old lighthouse, and also drop by Crandon Park - a great place for the beach and walks.

2. Venetian Causeway – Sunset Loop

A small circular route: from Downtown along MacArthur Causeway to South Beach and back along Venetian Causeway. The sunset is especially charming – reflections of lights, cruise ships at the port, atmospheric views of the islands.

Stops: Watson Island Park (a beautiful photo spot), Monty’s Sunset or restaurants on the islands for dinner with a view.

3. Ocean Drive and the Art Deco District

One of the most recognizable streets of Miami Beach: famous Art Deco architecture, colorful buildings, palm trees and the beach. Perfect for a slow open-top ride or a stroll along the road after parking.

4. Old Cutler Road and Matheson Hammock

A scenic route of about 24 km through Coral Gables and Cutler Bay: the road is covered with centuries-old banyan trees and surrounded by greenery. One of the most peaceful, picturesque places for a car excursion in Miami.

Be sure to stop by Matheson Hammock Park and Fairchild Tropical Gardens, as well as visit Vizcaya Museum and Gardens - a Renaissance villa with gardens, often used as a film set.

5. Tamiami Trail → Shark Valley / Loop Road (Everglades)

The route from Miami via Little Havana to the western Everglades: along Calle Ocho, then the Tamiami Trail to Shark Valley and the Loop Road - 24 miles of gravel road through raw swampland where you can see alligators, birds, panthers and more.

Stops: Shark Valley Visitor Center (observation tower), boat tours, stop at Lucky Cole's bar - a fun local pub.

6. Overseas Highway (Miami → Key West via Florida Keys)

One of the most legendary routes in the USA: 113 miles along US-1 through more than 40 islands with many bridges, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge. Turquoise water views, a seaside atmosphere, cocktails with a view, and dolphins right next to your car.

Stops to try: Key Largo (marine parks), Islamorada, Big Pine Key (home to rare Key deer), and Key West for Gemingway's home, art, and nightlife.

🗺️ Summary of itineraries

Short loops: Causeway Rickenbacker + Venetian loop ~20‑30 mins
Urban itineraries: Ocean Drive, Old Cutler Road — perfect for morning/evening
Nature trails outside the city: Everglades Tamiami Trail → Loop Road (~1–2 hours), Overseas Highway — for a full day or more

When going to Miami, be sure to check the traffic, plan to charge the battery (if the car is an electric car), and enjoy the music — the beaches, bays, tropical greenery and skyscrapers create incredible shots.