Miami is one of the most famous destinations of Florida that invites thousands of visitors every year. It is a hotspot for travelers because of its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, art scenes, and cultural festivals.
When we specifically talk about road trips, the city of Miami is said to be the key destination in Florida’s vibrant travel network.
The city welcomed approximately 12.66 million domestic tourists in 2023, many of whom likely arrived by car.Â
These visitors stayed an average of 4.3 days and spended over $10 billion collectively​.
If you’re also ready to hit a laid-back beach retreat, luxurious getaways, or a journey beyond Florida, there are plenty of options you can go by road.
What will you get along the way? The Overseas Highway to Key West is an engineering marvel that features 42 bridges that skim turquoise waters.
Moreover, Florida’s quirky roadside attractions include gator parks, coral castles, and even a UFO Welcome Center.
You’ll also get many natural beauties, cultural experiences, and memorable stops along the way. Want to know where to start and how to plan?
Keep reading—I’ve crafted a detailed guide to the best road trip destinations for you!
1) Miami to Los Angeles Road Trip
The distance of Miami to Los Angeles is 2,733 miles which will take 40-43 hours of drive.
Route Of Miami To Los Angeles
- Start in Miami, FL
- Take I-95 N heading north toward Interstate 595 W
- Merge onto I-595 W and continue to I-75 N toward Naples
- Take the exit onto I-10 W to head west through Tallahassee and Pensacola
- Continue west through Louisiana and Texas, passing through Houston
- Follow I-10 W through New Mexico, stopping in Tucson, Arizona
- Enter California, continue on I-10 W to Los Angeles
Famous Stops Along The Way
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Houston or Austin, Texas
- El Paso, Texas
- Tucson, Arizona
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Joshua Tree National Park, California
Best Time To Travel
The best time to drive from Miami to Los Angeles is in late spring (April-June) or fall (September-November).
These seasons offer mild temperatures which are ideal for long drives, while avoiding extreme summer heat or winter cold in some areas. Summer can be crowded, and winter may bring chilly conditions in higher altitudes.
So choose wisely!
2) Miami to Key West Road Trip
The drive is about 160 miles and takes 3.5 to 4 hours without stops.
Route Of Miami To West Road
- Get onto US-1 South from central Miami.
- Drive Through the Upper Keys.
- Pass through Key Largo, known for John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
- Continue through Islamorada, famous for its fishing and marine attractions.
- Pass through Marathon, stopping if desired at the Seven Mile Bridge, a highlight of the journey.
- Drive through Big Pine Key, known for the Key Deer Refuge.
- Follow US-1 to the end of the Overseas Highway, where you’ll reach Key West.
Famous Stops Along The Way
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Florida
- Robbie’s Marina, Florida
- Bahia Honda State Park, Florida
- Seven Mile Bridge, Florida
- National Key Deer Refuge, Florida
- Duval Street, Florida
- Mallory Square, Florida
- Southernmost Point Marker, Florida
Best Time To Travel
The best weather for the Miami to Key West road trip is from December to April, when the temperatures are warm (70-80°F), and the humidity is low.
This period offers sunny skies and avoids hurricane season, perfect for outdoor activities and beach visits.
3) Miami to Orlando Road Trip
The driving distance from Miami to Orlando is approximately 230-240 miles (370-386 km). The journey takes around 3.5 to 4 hours via Florida’s Turnpike, without accounting for stops or traffic.
Route Of Miami To Orlando
- Begin on I-95 N for the most direct route.
- Merge onto Florida’s Turnpike (Toll Road) heading north toward Orlando. This highway is faster and less congested than I-95 for long trips.
- Stay on Florida’s Turnpike and Follow signs for Orlando; the journey covers approximately 230 miles. Plan for a travel time of around 3.5–4 hours without stops.
- Exit the Turnpike at major Orlando exits like I-4 W or US-441, depending on your destination within the city.
Famous Stops Along The Way
- West Palm Beach, Florida
- Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Kissimmee, Florida
Best Time To Travel
The best time to travel from Miami to Orlando is during the cooler, dry months of November to April. This period offers pleasant weather, minimal rain, and lower humidity which makes the road trip more enjoyable.
Avoid peak summer months (June-August) for intense heat and heavier traffic from tourists.
4) Miami to New York Road Trip
The route of Miami to New York covers approximately 1,280 miles and typically takes around 18–20 hours without major stops.
Route Of Miami To New York
- Get on I-95 North, the primary interstate for this trip.
- Pass through major cities like Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Jacksonville.
- Drive past Savannah while staying on I-95 North.
- Go through cities like Charleston and Florence, with I-95 North remaining your main route.
- Travel through Fayetteville and the outskirts of Raleigh.
- Pass by Richmond and head toward Washington, D.C., still on I-95 North.
- Cross through Baltimore and bypass Wilmington.
- Pass through Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
- Take the New Jersey Turnpike as you near New York City.
- Enter in New York City.
- Follow signs for Manhattan or your specific destination.
Famous Stops Along The Way
- Kennedy Space Center, Cocoa Beach
- Savannah, Georgia
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Carowinds Amusement Park, Charlotte, North Carolina
- Richmond, Virginia
- Washington, D.C
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Best Time To Travel
The best time for a road trip from Miami to New York is during spring (March-May) or fall (September-November).
These seasons offer mild weather and fewer travel disruptions. Avoid summer’s heavy traffic and heat, as well as winter storms in the northern states. Aim for weekdays to bypass peak weekend traffic along the I-95 corridor.
5) Miami to Boston Road Trip
The driving distance from Miami to Boston is approximately 1,493 miles which will take about 22-24 hours of non-stop driving depending on traffic and road conditions​.
Route Of Miami To Boston
- Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of Miami.
- Stop at Little Talbot Island State Park or enjoy the beaches.
- Experience the ZipQuest Waterfall and Treetop Adventure.
- Explore the Richmond National Battlefield Park.
- Visit the iconic Lincoln Memorial and National Mall.
- See the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
- Drive through Times Square and Central Park.
- Explore Boston Common and the Freedom Trail.
Famous Stops Along The Way
- ZipQuest Waterfall and Treetop Adventure, North Carolina
- Richmond National Battlefield Park, Virginia
- Lincoln Memorial, Washington, DC
- Liberty Bell, Pennsylvania
- Times Square, Central Park, New York
- Boston Common, Freedom Trail, Massachusetts
Best Time To Travel
The ideal time for this road trip is spring (March-May) or fall (September-November). These seasons offer milder weather and fewer crowds at major attractions.
Summer is vibrant but busier, and winter may bring snowy conditions in the northern states​
6) Miami to Houston Road Trip
A Miami to Houston road trip spans about 1,200 miles and takes roughly 17-18 hours of driving along Interstate 10 West.
Route Of Miami To Houston
- Take I-95 N out of Miami.
- Merge onto I-10 W, which is the primary highway for this trip.
- Pass through Tallahassee (Florida), Mobile (Alabama), Biloxi (Mississippi), and Baton Rouge (Louisiana) along I-10 W.
- Stay on I-10 W and head through Beaumont and Baytown.
- Arrive in Houston and follow signs into downtown Houston.
Famous Stops Along The Way
- Gainesville, Florida
- Orlando, Florida
- Tallahassee, Florida
- Biloxi, Mississippi
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Best Time To Travel
The best months for a Miami to Houston road trip are March to May and October to November as you will get pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
These months avoid Florida’s intense summer heat and Gulf Coast hurricane season, while providing clear skies and mild temperatures ideal for exploring scenic stops and attractions along Interstate 10​.
7) Miami to Atlanta Road Trip
The road trip from Miami to Atlanta covers approximately 660 miles and takes about 9.5–10 hours without significant stops.
Route Of Miami To Atlanta
- Take I-95 N heading north out of the city.
- Continue on I-95 N and drive through cities like Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.
- Merge onto I-10 W heading west.
- Near Lake City, FL, merge onto I-75 N heading north towards Georgia.
- Pass cities such as Valdosta, Macon, and Forsyth.
- Arrive in Atlanta, GA: Exit I-75 N as directed to your destination in Atlanta
Famous Stops Along The Way
- Hollywood Beach
- Fort Lauderdale Beach
- Savannah, Georgia
- Valdosta, Georgia
- Wild Adventures Theme Park
Best Time To Travel
The ideal time to plan your road trip is during spring (March–May) and fall (September–November).
These seasons provide pleasant weather, less traffic, and beautiful scenery along the route, avoiding summer’s heat and potential hurricane disruptions​
8) Miami to Nashville Road Trip
The distance between Miami to Nashville is approximately 911 miles and it will take estimated Driving Time around 14 hours and 15 minutes (nonstop).
Route Of Miami To Nashville
- Begin in Miami, FL, on I-95 North.
- Merge onto I-75 North near Fort Lauderdale.
- Continue on I-75 North through Orlando and Gainesville.
- Enter Georgia and drive through Macon and Atlanta.
- In Chattanooga, TN, transition onto I-24 West.
- Follow I-24 West into Nashville, TN.
Famous Stops Along The Way
- Everglades National Park, Florida
- Savannah, Georgia
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Rock City, Georgia
- Lookout Mountain, Tennessee
- Chattanooga, Tennessee
Best Time To Travel
The best time to go on a Miami-to-Nashville road trip is during spring (March-May) or fall (September-November).
These seasons offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful scenery. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters may bring unpredictable weather in Tennessee.
9) Miami to Chicago Road trip Trip
The time required to reach Chicago from Miami by road is approximately 1,400 miles which will require about 21 hours of driving.
Route Of Miami To Chicago
- Start on I-95 N from Miami.
- Merge onto I-75 N near Ocala, Florida.
- Continue on I-75 N through Atlanta, Georgia.
- Transition to I-24 W near Chattanooga, Tennessee.
- Join I-65 N towards Louisville, Kentucky.
- Finally, take I-65 N into Chicago, Illinois.
Famous Stops Along The Way
- Orlando, Florida
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Louisville, Kentucky
Best Time To Travel
The best months for a road trip from Miami to Chicago are late spring (April–May) or early fall (September–October).
The weather is mild and offers scenic views and comfortable driving conditions. Avoid peak summer heat and heavy winter snow for a smoother journey​.
10) Miami to New Orleans Road Trip
The distance from Miami to Orleans is approximately 860 miles depending on your driving speed. It will take 12–13 hours of direct driving. A multi-day journey is recommended to enjoy stops along the way.
Route Of Miami To New Orleans
- Begin on I-95 N from Miami.
- Merge onto I-10 W via Jacksonville, Florida.
- Continue through the Florida Panhandle into Alabama and Mississippi.
- Arrive in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Famous Stops Along The Way
- Everglades National Park
- Orlando
- Tallahassee
- Pensacola
- Mobile, Alabama
- Gulfport, Mississippi
- Biloxi, Mississippi
Best Time To Travel
The best time to go on this road trip is spring (March to May) or fall (September to November).
These seasons offer pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and the perfect opportunity to enjoy attractions and the Gulf Coast’s natural beauty​.
Final Words To Make Your Trip Easy-Peasy
Miami isn’t just about beaches and nightlife—it’s a living, breathing ode to car culture. Drive down to Nashville or Key West, and you’ll find everything from vintage convertibles to tricked-out lowriders, each more eye-catching than the last.
The city’s love for sleek rides and open roads sets the stage for some of the most iconic road trips in the U.S.
Road trips from Miami aren’t just about getting from Point A to Point B—they’re about experiencing freedom, spontaneity, and the thrill of the open road.
Whether you’re in the mood for small-town charm, natural wonders, or big-city excitement, Miami is the ultimate launchpad for unforgettable adventures.
So, hit the gas, carry your bags and let the road be your guide. After all, Miami wasn’t built for staying still—it’s a city that dares you to drive into the horizon.
