Your dream Miami road trip starts here — imagine cruising down U.S. Route 1 with the wind in your hair, sun on your face, and turquoise waters shimmering beside you. But what transforms a beautiful drive into an unforgettable adventure? The answer: experiencing the iconic scenic drive Miami → Key West in a show-stopping luxury convertible rental or exotic sports car from Rushing Rentals.
In this guide, we’ll take you on a coast-to-coast journey that combines stunning vistas, top-tier vehicles, insider travel tips, and unbeatable convenience. Ready for an adventure of a lifetime? Buckle up.
Why the Miami–Key West Drive Is the Ultimate Road Trip 🌴
A Drive Defined by Paradise
- Route overview: The roughly 160-mile stretch from Miami to Key West typically takes around 4 hours of nonstop driving. However, given the scenic stops and unique island communities along the way, most travelers opt to take their time and stretch the trip over 2–3 days.
- Scenic highlights: Known as the Overseas Highway, this drive crosses 42 bridges, including the world-renowned Seven Mile Bridge, where you’ll feel suspended between ocean and sky with panoramic 360-degree views.
- Best time to go: The optimal months are between November and April, when temperatures are mild, skies are clear, and humidity is low. Summer travelers can still enjoy the ride, though convertible tops might need to go up during short tropical showers.
Choosing the Right Ride: Why a Luxury Convertible or Exotic Car Makes the Difference
Immersive Open-Air Fun
- Full sensory experience: A convertible lets you fully immerse in the sights, sounds, and smells of the Florida Keys — feel the salt breeze, hear the waves crash, and soak in the sunshine without obstruction.
- Instagram-worthy moments: The design of luxury convertibles like the Ferrari Portofino or Audi A5 is ideal for dramatic photos against the vibrant backdrop of bridges and coastal curves.
High-Performance Comfort
- Advanced handling: Exotic and performance vehicles are built for precision — their advanced suspension systems and tight steering allow for smooth maneuvering on both urban roads and open highways.
- Enhanced features: Expect luxury touches like climate-controlled leather seats, integrated GPS navigation, and state-of-the-art sound systems that turn your car into a mobile oasis.
Featured Vehicles from Rushing Rentals
- Luxury convertibles: Choose from an elite fleet including the Ferrari Portofino, Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet, or BMW 4 Series — perfect for 2–4 passengers.
- Exotic sports cars: Drive with prestige in a Lamborghini Huracán Spyder or McLaren 570S for an unforgettable high-performance journey.
Explore our full luxury convertible inventory to pick the perfect ride.
Must-See Stops Along the Miami–Key West Route
Make your Miami road trip a curated experience by exploring the most iconic stops along U.S. Route 1. Here's a deeper dive into each destination:
Key Largo
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: Ideal for snorkeling, diving, and underwater photography. As the nation’s first undersea park, it offers coral reef tours and glass-bottom boat rides.
- Scenic stretches: Enjoy tranquil ocean views on both sides of the highway. With the top down, Key Largo becomes the perfect place to open your senses to the sea breeze and island music.
Islamorada
- Culinary experiences: Dine at coastal seafood hotspots like Morada Bay Beach Café and Lorelei Cabana Bar, which offer open-air dining with sunset views.
- Boutique shopping & art: Stroll through island galleries and shops filled with local paintings, jewelry, and handcrafted souvenirs unique to the Keys.
- Watersports: Try paddleboarding or a half-day fishing charter to embrace the Keys’ sportfishing culture.
Marathon & Seven Mile Bridge
- Seven Mile Bridge drive: A must for every car enthusiast — this bridge feels like you’re flying above water. Best driven during golden hour for incredible reflections and low traffic.
- Dolphin Research Center: Learn about dolphin behavior, conservation, and even participate in interactive programs that support marine education.
- Pigeon Key: Accessible from the bridge, this small historic island features 1800s-era railroad structures and is a great place for a quick historic detour.
Big Pine Key
- Key Deer Wildlife Refuge: Home to the endangered miniature Key deer, this area is a peaceful natural retreat for photographers and wildlife lovers.
- Eco-trails & quiet beaches: Walk through tropical hardwood hammocks or unwind on uncrowded beaches—perfect for a picnic with your luxury rental parked nearby.
- Less commercial, more natural: Big Pine is where the Florida Keys return to their raw, undeveloped roots, making it a calming counterpoint to bustling Key West.
Key West
- Hemingway Home: Tour the house and gardens of the iconic American author. Spot the famous six-toed cats and gain insight into literary history.
- Duval Street: Vibrant nightlife, eclectic shops, art galleries, and street performers create an energetic atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the laid-back journey.
- Southernmost Point: Snap a photo at the large buoy sculpture marking the southernmost tip of the continental United States—an essential bucket list stop.
Planning the Perfect Luxury Car Road Trip
Booking the Right Vehicle
- Reserve early: Especially during peak travel seasons, Rushing Rentals’ most in-demand cars book quickly. Securing your vehicle early ensures access to the full fleet.
- Pair style with function: Smaller groups might prefer nimble supercars, while couples seeking comfort should look to soft-top convertibles with more trunk space.
Optimal Rental Duration
- Minimum 2–3 days: One day simply isn’t enough to enjoy all the scenic, cultural, and culinary experiences. A longer rental lets you relax and explore without rush.
- Flexible pickup/drop-off: Rushing Rentals offers Miami-based delivery and return options, letting you plan round trips or one-way Key West journeys with ease.
Weather & Road Tips
- Know the climate: Florida’s coastal weather can shift quickly. Convertible tops should be easy to deploy in case of pop-up showers.
- Traffic timing: Leave Miami early to avoid rush-hour congestion, especially on weekends or holidays. Once past Homestead, traffic generally becomes lighter.
Luggage Planning
- Travel light: Sports and convertible cars have compact trunks. Soft duffel bags or backpacks pack better than hard-shell suitcases.
- Passenger capacity: Exotic sports cars like the McLaren or Lamborghini are best for 1–2 travelers. Luxury convertibles like the BMW 4 Series can comfortably accommodate 2 adults with moderate luggage.
Rushing Rentals: Your Gateway to an Unforgettable Scenic Drive
White-Glove Vehicle Delivery
- Doorstep delivery: Whether you’re flying into MIA or staying in Brickell or South Beach, we’ll deliver your luxury rental directly to your hotel, home, or vacation property.
- Time-saving convenience: No need to wait at a rental desk — your trip starts the moment you step out of your door.
Personalized Customer Support
- Concierge recommendations: Ask about road trip tips, restaurant reservations, or stop suggestions tailored to your preferences.
- 24/7 assistance: In the rare event of a mechanical issue or route question, we’re a phone call away with rapid support.
Transparent, Flexible Rental Policies
- No hidden fees: All terms are clearly communicated, with premium service at every touchpoint.
- Custom duration: Going longer than expected? Our policies let you extend your trip with ease.
Client Testimonials
“From the car delivery at our hotel to the drive down the coast, everything was seamless. The convertible was spotless and turned heads everywhere.”
— Jackson M., Fort Lauderdale
Essential Travel Tips for Miami Road Trips
Convertible-Ready Packing List
- Sunglasses: Bring polarized lenses to reduce glare from ocean reflections and long bridge drives.
- Sun protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm, and light scarves protect against strong UV rays, even in the cooler months.
- Compact cooler: Ideal for keeping drinks cold and snacks fresh during longer stretches between towns.
- Backup chargers: A power bank ensures your phone’s GPS and music playlist last the entire trip.
Driving Etiquette
- Speed awareness: Police monitor limits closely on the Keys’ bridges and towns. Keep it relaxed to avoid fines.
- Courtesy pull-overs: If you’re admiring views slowly, use pull-off areas to let others pass safely.
- Respect wildlife: Avoid honking near deer habitats and drive cautiously through protected areas like Big Pine Key.
What Makes This a Top “Scenic Drive Miami” Experience
- Spectacular vistas: Nowhere else in the U.S. offers such uninterrupted water views — driving with top down creates constant photo-worthy moments.
- Cultural diversity: Each island offers a different vibe — from artsy Islamorada to historic Key West, you’ll discover new scenery, food, and people.
- Luxury enhancement: In a luxury or exotic vehicle, the journey becomes more than a trip — it becomes a high-end experience crafted for memories.
Turn Your Scenic Drive Into a Luxury Memory
There’s nothing quite like cruising the scenic drive from Miami to Key West in a luxury convertible rental or exotic sports car. Between turquoise waters, architectural delights, wildlife sanctuaries, and historic island charm, the journey offers a media-grade backdrop for memories that last.
Escape the ordinary. Upgrade your drive. Embrace the breeze. The Ultimate Miami to Key West Road Trip awaits — and it’s waiting for you behind the wheel.
