Trips of a lifetime: the best drives from Miami

By Mariette Williams

February 28, 2023

Discover five incredible drives from Miami.

Miami is a city like no other; a tropical, cosmopolitan metropolis, surrounded by historic sites and natural wonders. From the Florida Everglades down to Key West, find out what lies beyond the city centre with these epic road trips.

Overhead view across the verdant Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

Art and architecture in Brickell and beyond

After unwinding and soaking in the views at Mandarin Oriental, Miami venture out with a day trip to Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Coconut Grove, about 15 minutes’ drive south of Brickell. Built between 1914 and 1923, the Italian Renaissance-style estate is the former home of businessman and developer James Deering. The extravagant grounds and Italianate museum are well worth a visit - don't miss the magnificent orchids and fantastical swimming-pool grotto.

Spin the car around and head back north for an afternoon at Wynwood Walls, a free outdoor museum of colourful, clashing street art. For a quick bite in Wynwood, check out fashionable 1-800 Lucky, an open-air food hall with seven Asian-inspired restaurants – though for dessert, grab an ice-cream cone from the legendary Taiyaki NYC.

Finally, hop over to Miami Design District, a neighbourhood devoted to high fashion and innovative design. Spend the afternoon shopping at glossy flagship stores from the likes of Hermès and Dior, or check out the larger-than-life art installations, including the space-age Fly's Eye Dome. The Design District also has food options aplenty, from hip, two-storey café OTL to the more laid-back MIA Market. Alternatively, head back to the hotel to dine waterside at La Mar by Gastón Acurio.

Visitors exploring Everglades National Park by boat

Explore the Everglades National Park

Less than an hour by car from Miami’s downtown, Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wetlands in the United States. Its residents include Florida panthers, manatees and crocodiles, along with graceful herons and candy-pink roseate spoonbills. Tour the marshes on a high-speed airboat while learning about the ecosystem, which provides a home to several endangered plant and animal species. The swampland is also full of biking and walking trails, and a prime spot for kayaking and watersports.

After a day of adventure, head back to The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Miami for an Igniting Fire Ritual, involving singing bowls, a full exfoliation, and a sublime, top-to-toe massage.

Visitors wandering outside Norton Museum of Art in Miami

Shop and sip in Palm Beach

About an hour and a half’s drive north from the hotel is the town of Palm Beach, with its memorable museums, historic landmarks and world-class shopping. Start your day on Worth Avenue, edged by rustling palms and upscale designer boutiques. Loaded with shopping bags, rest up at one of the many alfresco cafés and restaurants. Café Via Flora channels Tuscany, with a side of Floridan style; think pan-seared Key West snapper with artichokes, perhaps, or lobster-stuffed ravioli. Keep the Italian vibes going with a stop at Piccolo Gelato, a charming gelato joint tucked away on historic Via Mizner.

Walk off the calories with a tour of the Flagler Museum – an impossibly grand, column-fronted mansion, built by oil tycoon Henry Flagler. Alternatively, make for the sleekly modern Norton Museum of Art, with its standout collection of modern and contemporary art (don’t miss the jungly gardens, dotted with big-ticket sculptures).

Visitors walking along Naples Pier in Miami at sunset

Go wild in Naples

Considered the jewel of southwest Florida, Naples is located on the Gulf of Mexico, around two hours’ drive northwest of Miami. The route crosses the tip of south Florida through the Everglades, so you may spot a ’gator or two along the way. More into delicate orchids and tranquil lotus pools? Naples Botanical Garden spans 170 leafy acres, showcasing over 1,000 species of plant.

One of the best-kept secrets in Naples is Keewaydin Island, an uninhabited barrier island off the coastline. Accessible by water-shuttle or private boat, its eight-mile stretch of white sand is perfect for dolphin sightings or simply hanging out by the water. Back on the mainland, at the end of the day, take a sunset stroll down Naples Pier, which stretches nearly 1,000 feet into the Gulf of Mexico.

A red car driving along the ‘floating’ highway connecting the Florida Keys

Tour the Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are part of a 125-mile string of islands that start at Key Largo and end in Key West – which is around four hours by car from Miami. The drive down there, though, is the experience of a lifetime, with far-reaching views and mind-bending ‘floating’ highways.

In Key Largo, about an hour south of Miami, you’ll find the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, famed for its scuba diving, snorkelling and kayaking.

The next notable stop is Marathon – the halfway point to Key West – near Bahia Honda State Park, home to one of the best beaches in the Florida Keys. Hop back onto the highway across the famous Seven Mile Bridge to make your way onwards to Key West.

On arrival, try a classic slice of pie from the Key Lime Pie Bakery, then hit some of Key West’s historic sites. They include former President Harry S Truman’s Little White House, with its bespoke poker table, and the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum. Finally, join the crowds over at Mallory Square for the nightly sunset celebration, as the sun sets in the Gulf of Mexico, streaking the sky with colour.

All offers and experiences available at time of publication. Please contact the relevant hotel team for more information.

About the Author

Mariette Williams

Mariette is a Florida-based lifestyle writer for publications such as Travel + Leisure, Cosmopolitan and Business Insider.