Miami to Orlando Road Trip Tritinerary

Miami and Orlando are famously energetic cities, but pockets of serenity await those who seek them. For a peaceful inland escape, Leu Gardens in the Rowena Gardens neighborhood is an Orlando oasis. The US$15 entry fee grants you access to 50 acres of beautifully curated landscapes—from rose gardens and butterfly habitats to towering oak trees—and a series of permanent and rotating exhibits. Tour the Historic Leu House Museum, a restored 19th-century home, to learn the story of the gardens.

In Miami you don’t need to travel far for tranquil greenery. Take a five-minute cab from Downtown to Vizcaya Museum and Gardens on the Biscayne Bay waterfront. Built in the 1910s, this astonishing former home was modeled on centuries-old Italian villas. Ten acres of manicured gardens, 25 acres of forest and more than 2,000 orchids are the perfect antidote to Miami’s buzz. Within the home there are more than 2,500 antique artworks and furnishings across 34 rooms. Yes, it gets busy—but there’s more than enough space to find your own peaceful corner.

For a different kind of calm, set sail on the bay. Salty Miami runs intimate catamaran tours. The picture-perfect skyline sets the scene for a laid-back day on the water, with memorable animal encounters—dolphins, manatees and starfish are regularly sighted. Bring your swimsuit as the water is warm year-round.

The relaxed vibes continue at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens, a 30-minute drive out of the city. The rare orchids are a major drawcard here, too, alongside waterfalls and tropical plants of every size, shape and color.

A road trip from Miami to Orlando has adventures at every turn. Begin with an airboat tour through the Orlando Everglades, 30 minutes south of downtown Orlando. A subtropical wetland ecosystem, a visit to the Everglades allows you to get up close with alligators and native birds as you glide along the swampy marshes.

Florida boasts more than 700 natural springs and 30 minutes’ drive north of the city are the Rock Springs at Kelly Park. At this 355-acre wildlife preserve, you can camp, hike, tube or swim in the crystal-clear waters. Get there early as there’s an entry capacity of 280 vehicles per day.

Just outside of Kelly Park, Get Up And Go Kayaking offers small-group, guided tours in their spectacular glass-bottomed kayaks that let you see right through to the sand. Paddle beneath lush canopies while spotting turtles, deer, otters and more.

Of course Orlando is also the USA’s theme park capital and Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Legoland offer thrills of a different kind. If theme parks are on your itinerary, be sure to plan ahead for the best experience.

Miami is home to the largest Cuban-American population in the United States. The community’s culinary influence is best experienced in Little Havana, 10 minutes from Downtown. Cuban culture comes alive here and Calle Ocho (Eighth Street) is the center of activity.

It’s where you’ll find Versailles, self-described as “the world’s most famous Cuban restaurant.” It’s a fair call as the venue has been the symbolic town square for Miami’s Cuban community for more than 50 years. Be sure to order ropa vieja, Cuba’s national dish made from shredded beef in a tomato-based sauce.

A top-rated guided walking tour is a great way to immerse yourself in the area’s food. For unbeatable Cuban sandwiches, head to Sanguich. Nearly every ingredient is made in-house, including the roast pork, brined ham, pickles, bread and mustard. La Carreta is a beloved institution with nine locations across Miami, known for its home-style cooking, authentic Cuban espresso and warm atmosphere.

Away from Little Havana, seafood is no doubt on your Florida food radar. Head up the coast and experience Fort Lauderdale’s offering, which runs from waterfront fine dining at Blue Moon Fish Co and Sea Watch on the Ocean, through to casual local favorites such as The Southport Raw Bar and Kelly’s Landing. It’s not exclusively seafood but The Katherine is making waves with a seasonal, globally inspired menu from chef Timon Balloo, a James Beard ‘Best Chef’ semi-finalist.

Miami’s beaches are legendary, and for many, they’re the main reason to visit. South Beach is iconic for its white sands, clear waters and Art Deco backdrop, but it’s also busy.

For those seeking a more tranquil experience, a subtropical paradise is a 20-minute drive away at Key Biscayne. The Key’s Crandon Park Beach offers a peaceful retreat where you can stroll along pristine shores, explore nature trails, birdwatch, kayak through mangroves or engage in all manner of water activities. The park’s nature center provides an opportunity to connect with Miami’s wilder side.

Head north towards Orlando and there’s pretty much a beach to suit everyone. Surfside has gorgeous swimming beaches, excellent paths for running and biking and is just 30 minutes’ drive from busy South Beach. Fort Lauderdale was historically a popular spring break destination but after a luxury glow-up, it now draws Miami comparisons. Long and wide stretches of soft white sand mean the beaches in Fort Lauderdale are outstanding. For a bonus nature hit, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park offers beautiful green space and wildlife spotting (tortoises, parrots and iguanas).

Make it to Melbourne Beach and you’re within 90 minutes of Orlando. Quiet relative to other parts of the Florida coast, the pretty beaches here are a top spot to witness sea turtles nesting in the summer.

South Beach and its lively Ocean Drive stretch are iconically Miami. Lined by neon lights, its pastel-colored buildings, swaying palm trees and energetic nightlife feel straight out of a movie. In the center of Miami Beach is The Avalon Hotel. Stop for a photo of the 1955 Oldsmobile Super 88 convertible parked out front before heading into the hotel’s restaurant, A Fish Called Avalon, for dinner or drinks accompanied by live Latin-Caribbean music.

Running through and around Ocean Drive is the Art Deco Historic District, where 960 buildings from the 1920s and ’30s form the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world. It’s entirely walkable—an activity made even more fun by joining Miami Design Preservation League’s walking tour, led by knowledgeable local guides.

Situated at the very top of Ocean Drive, The Betsy hotel provides a quieter taste of the area’s buzz. The architecture is a different kind of classic—colonial-style Southern luxury—providing a relaxing and sophisticated retreat with stunning art and a collection of books in each room.

Pharrell Williams knows how to live large—an ethos translated perfectly into the Goodtime Hotel in South Beach, which he co-owns with nightlife entrepreneur David Grutman. The retro Tropical Deco aesthetics carry through to the hotel’s indoor/outdoor restaurant, Strawberry Moon. The adjoining pool area features at least a dozen shades of peachy-pink and the multiple weekly pool parties are a hotspot for anyone who loves to mingle and people-watch. The beach and Miami’s best restaurants and bars are just steps away.

For top-tier dining with a strong cocktail game, Stubborn Seed in the trendy SoFi neighborhood (as in South of Fifth, just 11 minutes’ walk from Goodtime) is a hit. This edgy restaurant helmed by Top Chef winner Jeremy Ford offers Michelin-starred new American cuisine with wow factor.

Drive 15 minutes to explore Miami Design District—a must-visit for luxury shopping, dining, art and architecture. Along with a long list of designer stores, you’ll find Andrew, a Miami skate and streetwear label that’s generating buzz in the fashion world. There are also public art installations like the innovative Museum Garage, making it a haven for fashion and culture enthusiasts alike.