From theme park thrills to turquoise waters and palm-lined streets, discover the best of the Sunshine State — a road trip from Orlando to Miami filled with color, freedom, and endless sunshine.
Pick up your rental car in Orlando, hit the open road, and explore Florida your way — coast to coast, city to island, sunrise to sunset.
Orlando – The Playful Start
Your journey begins in Orlando, Florida’s fun capital.
Pick up your rental car right at the airport and settle in for a couple of days to shake off the flight and slip into vacation mode.
Orlando is known for its theme parks — Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld — but there’s more here than rides and rollercoasters.
Stroll through Winter Park’s lakes and gardens, explore the local food scene, or enjoy a boat tour through the canals.
Spend two nights here for a balance of energy and ease before heading west toward the Gulf Coast.
Tampa Bay & Clearwater – Gulf Coast Sunshine
The two-hour drive to Tampa Bay takes you past orange groves, open sky, and the first glimpses of Florida’s easy coastal life.
Here, time slows down. Walk along the palm-fringed Riverwalk, visit the historic Ybor City with its Cuban heritage and cigar cafés, or relax on the wide, white sands of Clearwater Beach.
Evenings are made for fresh seafood and sunsets — golden skies that melt into the sea.
Spend two nights here, soaking up the warm rhythm of the Gulf Coast.
Sanibel & Captiva – The Island Escape
Drive south along scenic coastal highways to Sanibel and Captiva Islands, two of Florida’s most peaceful and naturally beautiful destinations.
Connected to the mainland by a bridge, these islands feel a world apart — slow, green, and surrounded by turquoise water.
Spend three nights here.
Cycle along palm-shaded roads, collect shells on the beaches at sunrise, and explore the J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge.
Days here flow gently — between sea breeze, sun, and the soft rustle of palms.
Evenings are for barefoot dinners by the water, when the horizon glows pink and gold.
Key West – Tropical Freedom at the Edge of the World
From Sanibel, head south toward the Florida Keys — an unforgettable drive that feels like flying over the ocean.
The Overseas Highway stretches across bridges and islands, leading you all the way to Key West, the southernmost point in the continental U.S.
Spend three nights here soaking in the island’s charm and character.
Walk the pastel streets lined with wooden porches and bougainvillea, visit Ernest Hemingway’s home, and join the nightly celebration at Mallory Square, where the sunset is a local ritual.
Days are for snorkeling, kayaking, or doing absolutely nothing — because that’s part of Key West’s magic.
Nights are for live music, conch fritters, and tropical cocktails under the stars.
Miami – The Perfect Finale
Your final stretch takes you up the coast to Miami, a few hours’ drive from Key West.
Before heading home, spend two nights here soaking up the city’s art, culture, and seaside glamour.
In South Beach, art deco hotels glow pastel against the blue sky.
In Wynwood, colorful murals stretch across entire blocks.
And in Little Havana, the scent of coffee and the sound of salsa fill the air.
It’s the perfect place to end your journey — a city that captures all the energy, flavor, and sunshine of Florida in one final burst of color.
Practical Information
Best time to travel:
November to April for perfect, dry weather.
May to October brings tropical heat, occasional rain, and fewer crowds.
Getting around:
- Orlando → Tampa Bay: 2 hours
- Tampa Bay → Sanibel: 3 hours
- Sanibel → Key West: 6 hours (including scenic stretches along the Overseas Highway)
- Key West → Miami: 3.5 hours
Car rental:
Pick up your car at Orlando International Airport (MCO) and return it at Miami International Airport (MIA).
A package tour and a linked arrangement offer travellers different booking processes but provide the same protection under the Package Travel Act, ensuring customer rights and peace of mind during the trip.
