South Florida’s got some pretty spectacular views, so it’s no surprise that there are plenty of scenic drives all over the state to take in those gorgeous sights. From Key West to the Everglades, and from Miami to Fort Lauderdale, there are options for every kind of outdoor adventure seeker.
Whether you want to take your time and stop along the way or get straight out on the open road, these 10 great scenic drives in South Florida, Miami will make you fall in love!
1. Downtown Miami
Downtown Miami is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. It is home to some of the most famous landmarks and attractions, including the Freedom Tower, Bayfront Park, and Bayside Marketplace.
Downtown Miami is also a great place to shop, dine, and experience the nightlife. If you’re looking for a scenic drive that will show you all that Miami has to offer, downtown is the perfect place to start.
2. Biscayne Bay
Biscayne Bay is one of the most beautiful places in South Florida. The sparkling water and soft sand beaches make it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
There are also plenty of activities to keep you busy, like swimming, fishing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. If you’re looking for a little adventure, you can even go scuba diving or snorkeling to explore the underwater world.
Biscayne Bay is also home to some of the best restaurants in Miami, so you can enjoy a delicious meal with a view.
3. The Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The turquoise waters and white sand beaches are a sight to behold.
And, luckily for us, there are plenty of great scenic drives in South Florida that take you right along the coast.
4. Everglades National Park
One of the 10 Great Scenic Drives in South Florida, Miami is the Everglades National Park. This park is home to a variety of animals, including alligators, snakes, and birds.
There are also several hiking trails where you can get up close and personal with the wildlife. Be sure to bring your camera, as you’re sure to see some amazing sights.
5. A1A – The longest continuous road in the country
There’s something special about driving along a road that just keeps going and going. A1A is that road in South Florida.
This scenic highway stretches for over 300 miles, making it the longest continuous road in the country. A1A winds its way along some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, giving drivers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
6. Homestead to Key Largo and back again
When you think of South Florida, you probably think of Miami. But there’s so much more to see in this beautiful state! From the everglades to the Keys, there are plenty of scenic drives that will make you fall in love with South Florida.
The drive from Homestead to Key Largo and back again is a great one. While it is an extremely long trip (around six hours), it provides plenty of opportunities for exploring wildlife and nature reserves, fishing or just enjoying the serene beauty of the area.
And if you’re looking for something a little shorter, then I recommend driving from North Miami Beach to Key Biscayne and back again-about three hours round trip. Along the way, you’ll be able to enjoy some breathtaking views of turquoise water and sand along with historic sites like the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens in Coral Gables or Dinner Key Marina Park in Coconut Grove
7. Miami Beach
Miami Beach is the must-visit scenic drive in this list of 10 Great Scenic Drives in South Florida, Miami. The sun, the sand, the waves, it’s all so inviting. And of course, the people-watching is unbeatable. Whether you’re strolling down Ocean Drive or soaking up the rays on South Beach, there’s no denying that Miami Beach is a pretty special place.
But not to be overlooked are some of the other scenic drives that make our city so great. For example, take Coral Gables for instance. From its well-preserved architecture to the amazing museums to check out along the way, Coral Gables is one of those places where you could spend hours exploring and still feel like you barely scratched the surface.
If driving through this part of town makes your heart sing with happiness and nostalgia, then consider stopping by Café Versailles (an old-school Cuban diner) for lunch on your way back home—it’ll make your whole day!
8. Jungle Island
Just a few minutes from downtown Miami, Jungle Island is one of the best scenic drives in South Florida.
This hidden gem is full of lush vegetation, exotic birds, and friendly animals. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and get back to nature. Be sure to bring your camera, because you’ll want to capture the beauty of this place.
9. Coral Gables and Coconut Grove
Start your drive in Coral Gables, home to the world-famous Biltmore Hotel. Then, head south on picturesque Old Cutler Road. Once you reach Coconut Grove, make sure to check out the quaint shops and restaurants lining the streets. Don’t forget to stop at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, an early 20th-century estate that’s now a National Historic Landmark. For the best views of downtown Miami, continue driving south until you reach Bill Baggs Cape Florida, State Park.
10. The Florida Keys
The first stop on your scenic drive should be the Florida Keys. Stretching for more than 100 miles, the Keys are a string of tropical islands that offer stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico.
As you drive down US 1, you’ll pass by idyllic beaches, mangrove forests, and clear blue waters. Be sure to stop at some of the key attractions, such as Key Largo, Islamorada, and Marathon Key.
Each island has its unique character, so take your time exploring and soak up the laid-back atmosphere. When you’re ready to head back to Miami, continue north on US 1 and enjoy the scenic drive along the coast.
