Observe South Beach art deco, speedy Everglades airboats, mangrove shorelines, crystal clear water, emerald isles, living coral reefs, and Florida Keys seven-mile bridge.
If you are in the Miami area, South Beach is the place to be. With its bright-colored, art-deco design, pastel buildings and ocean views, this place is hot. At night, Collins Avenue is an eclectic mix of various people and spectacular neon-lit buildings. If you’re hungry, stop at Balan’s over on trendy Lincoln Avenue for its famous lobster club sandwiches or a wild salad. If you’re into gazing at other sites, check out the space museum and planetarium.
After leaving Miami, you’ll head northwest and be quickly surrounded by the sounds, sights, and smells of the Everglades. You have to hire an airboat tour while in this neck of the swamp. Proceed into the tiny hamlet of Cooperstown and look up Cooperstown Airboat rides. Gliding over the sawgrass and water with the rush of air in your face, you’ll experience a distinct “hovering” sensation. Once back on Rte. 41, you’ll head east a short distance to Rte. 27, and head straight south. You really won’t find much entertainment until you arrive at Homestead. In town, you’ll find a wide variety of entertainment and restaurants, including the Homestead-Miami Speedway, which hosts November NASCAR races.
Some other attractions include Biscayne National Park, with its crystal clear waters, mangrove shoreline, emerald isles and living coral reefs. You’ll want to arrive at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center and the Convoy Point (follow signs off U.S. 1), the location of the park’s headquarters . Here, visitors can explore the Visitor Center, picnic, canoe, fish, or take one of the glass bottom boat or snorkeling tours offered by the park vendor. On your way to The Keys, you’ll take in some fabulous panorama (especially at sunset), and do some island hopping. U.S. 1 is the only highway through the Florida Keys and contains the well-known 7-mile bridge. Being entirely surrounded by water for as far as you can see (in a car) is definitely an unforgettable experience. Once in Key West, search out the unique older parts that highlight authentic cuisine and funky island architecture. The Northwest corner is the place to go to get the best view of the sunsets. After, don’t miss Hemingway’s house on Whitehead Street.
Starting Point:
Miami, FL
Distance of Drive:
179 miles
Must Eat:
Louie’s Backyard
700 Waddell Ave., Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305-294-1061
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Good Stop For: Steaks and Seafood
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Spring and fall. Winter is peak season, and summer is brutally hot and busy with families.
Points of Interest on Drive:
Everglades National Park, 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead (305) 242-7700
Museum of Science & Space, 3280 S Miami Ave., Miami (305) 844-4247 Miami (305) 573-0070
Gold Coast Railroad Museum, 12450 S.W.152nd St, Miami (305) 253-0063
American Police Hall of Fame Museum, 3801 Biscayne Blvd.
Dreamchaser Charters, 201 William St, Key West (305) 292-8667
Biscayne National Park, 9700 SW 328th St. Homestead (305) 230-1100
Miami Space Planetarium, 3280 S. Miami Ave., Miami (305) 854-2222
Tagged with: beach • best time:yearround • Florida
Filed under: Best Road Trips