places to visit between miami and orlando

24 Must-See Stops on Your Miami to Orlando Road Trip

• By Site Staff
• July 11, 2023
• In Florida Travel

Whether you're a road trip aficionado seeking the thrill of the open road or a jet setter yearning for the quickest route, we've left no stone unturned in our quest to unravel the best ways to traverse the Miami-to-Orlando passage.

Most people choose to drive between these two major cities, so we will begin by navigating the highways and byways, unveiling a treasure trove of captivating pit stops along the route.

So, grab your travel checklist and let curiosity be your guide as we delve into the hidden gems and must-see attractions that lie between Miami and Orlando.

Driving From Miami To Orlando

If you feel comfortable driving from Miami to Orlando, then you have a few different ways to travel between these two cities.

The most direct route is to take Florida’s Turnpike, which is a 300-mile road that stretches from Miami Gardens through Orlando toward Ocala .

Usually, it takes about 3 hours and over 230 miles to get from Miami to Orlando on this route. Just bear in mind that Florida’s Turnpike is a toll road, so you must pay for this convenience.

Alternatively, you could follow 95-N till you reach north of Cocoa Beach and then get on FL State Road 528 West towards Orlando.

Depending on traffic, this less direct route could take you about 4 hours, but you will save in tolls and pass many fantastic coastline destinations.

Suggested Road Trip Itinerary From Miami To Orlando

For those who are traveling along 95-N, here’s a sample road trip itinerary to help keep everyone in your party entertained.

Below each destination, we’ll fill you in on some of the most popular attractions worth your time.

Fort Lauderdale

Sometimes called “The Venice of America,” Fort Lauderdale is only a 30-mile and 30-minute drive north of Miami.

Although Fort Lauderdale has a reputation for attracting rowdy spring breakers, there are many family-friendly attractions here including:

• Shopping and dining along Las Olas Boulevard .
• Lounging on Fort Lauderdale Beach .
• Taking a boat ride along Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale .
• Touring the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens .

West Palm Beach

Just over 1-hour north of Miami, West Palm Beach is one of Florida’s ritziest cities and is well known for its soaring skyscrapers, beautiful coastline, and deluxe shopping & dining.

Here are a few ways to embrace the high life in West Palm Beach.

• Visit the magisterial Henry Morrison Flagler Museum .
• Keep the kids entertained at the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservations Center .
• Shop and dine in the new Rosemary Square district.

Calling all lighthouse lovers!

The coastal town of Jupiter (about 1.5 hours north of Miami) has a photogenic lighthouse just screaming for some selfies. While in Jupiter, you must:

• Climb 105 steps to the top of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse .
• Explore the local ecosystem at Jonathan Dickinson State Park .
• Take in some baseball at Roger Dean Stadium .

Read our post on “ 9 Awesome Things To Do In Jupiter ” for even more fantastic travel ideas.

Port St. Lucie

Baseball fans might already know Port St. Lucie is spring training central for the New York Mets.

Even if you’re not a baseball fan, you’ll easily find a way to enjoy yourself in this Treasure Coast town.

Located over 1.5-hours north of Miami, here are a few things to do in Port St. Lucie:

• Marvel at gorgeous flora in Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens .
• Learn about local history at the Elliott Museum .
• Cool off at the Sailfish Splash Waterpark .

For more info on Florida’s Treasure Coast, be sure to look through this previous post on 7-day Florida itineraries .

Fort Pierce

Fort Pierce is another lovely Treasure Coast city just 30 minutes north of Port St. Lucie.

Beloved for its historic Downtown, Fort Pierce has many noteworthy attractions including:

• The Navy SEAL Museum
• The Heathcote Botanical Gardens
• Fort Pierce Inlet State Park

You can find out more about this interesting city in our previous post, “ 11 Awesome Things To Do In Fort Pierce, Florida .”

A 3-hour drive north of Miami and only 30 minutes from Walt Disney World is the cow-friendly city of Kissimmee.

Celebrated for its cowboy heritage, Kissimmee now has many family-friendly attractions well worth a day trip from Orlando.

While taking Florida’s Turnpike is the most direct route to Kissimmee, you could take 95-N till you reach Melbourne and transfer to 192 West.

A few world-class attractions in Kissimmee include:

• The historic Gatorland Zoo .
• The Fun Spot America amusement park.
• The Kissimmee Air Museum .
• Island H20 Live! waterpark.

Cocoa Beach

If you continue up 95-N instead of going through Kissimmee, then you could easily stop along the Space Coast’s stunning Cocoa Beach.

A 3-hour drive north of Miami and only 1-hour from Orlando, Cocoa Beach attracts thousands of tourists each year to these impressive attractions:

• The NASA Kennedy Space Center
• Ron Jon Surf Shop
• The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse
• The Dinosaur Store & Museum

For more details on visiting this surfer's paradise, be sure to check out our post entitled “ 9 Awesome Things To Do In Cocoa Beach ."

Miami To Orlando By Bus

If you don’t want to drive you might consider taking a bus from Miami to Orlando.

Many bus operators travel between these two cities, but three of the most reputable names exist.

Good old Greyhound has convenient stations in both Miami and Orlando.

You’ll board your bus near Miami International Airport and get dropped off at a station just north of Orlando’s Mall at Millennia.

Typically, this bus trip lasts between 4 – 6 hours, but these times vary depending on transfers. Thankfully, there is free Wi-Fi available on all Greyhound buses.

The cost for a one-way Greyhound ticket on this route is usually around $45 per person. You could, however, get a cheaper rate if you book further in advance.

Another bus company in Florida worth looking into is Mega Bus, which offers service between Miami Airport’s Intermodal Center and Orlando.

Typically, Mega Bus will drop you off in an Orlando plaza located at 4652 South Orange Blossom Trail, near Millennia's Mall.

Bus times vary between these cities, but you could find 4 – 6 hours long rides. One-way fares on Mega Bus are usually around $35 per person.

Jet Set Express

One local company that specializes in bus transportation between Miami and Orlando is known as Jet Set Express.

Founded in 1996, this ICC-approved company offers daily bus rides between Miami and Orlando with stops in other locations like Hollywood, Pompano Beach, and Kissimmee.

Current fares from Miami International Airport to Orlando Jet Set Terminal are set at between $38 – $40 one-way per adult. Expect the ride to last about 6 hours.

Miami To Orlando By Train

Construction crews are hard at work on an ambitious high-speed rail linking Miami and Orlando.

While this super-fast rail isn’t ready yet, we’ll share info on another train option you could take.

One of the most exciting transportation projects going on in Florida is a high-speed rail that will eventually connect Miami to Orlando.

Called Brightline, this new line promises to take passengers from MiamiCentral Station to Orlando International Airport within about 3 hours.

Unfortunately, Brightline estimates it will take at least three years before this project enters Phase II development.

Today, you could only take a Brightline train from Miami to either Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach.

If you’re dead-set on taking a train from Miami to Orlando, then you could look into booking an Amtrak service.

Typically, the Amtrak ride between these two cities lasts between 5 – 6 hours and costs about $50 per person for a coach seat.

For reference, Miami’s Amtrak Station is located at 8303 NW 37th Avenue near Hialeah.

Orlando’s Amtrak station is at 1400 Sligh Boulevard, which is a 15-minute drive northeast of the Mall at Millenia.

Miami To Orlando Flights

Flying is undoubtedly the speediest option for those who want to get to Orlando ASAP.

If you snatch a non-stop, one-way ticket between MIA and MCO, you’ll only be in the air for about 1 hour. 

Many major airlines like Delta, American, and United offer this flight at different times of the year.

Average prices range from $125 to about $224 per person for a one-way boarding pass.

Door-To-Door Miami To Orlando

Are you still struggling to pick the best transportation option for your needs? Here’s a quick “cheat sheet” to help you determine your journey time.

The times listed below track how long you will get “door-to-door” from Miami to Orlando.

• Direct flight: 1 hour
• Rental car on FL’s Turnpike: 3 hours
• Bus: 5 – 6 hours
• Amtrak Train: 5 – 6 hours

Hopefully, you found your preferred mode of traveling between Orlando and Miami in this post.

Leave us a comment to let us know your preferred way of traveling between Miami and Orlando and why.

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Now I am carefully planning my trip to the Orlando, the country is huge and so colorful that it is impossible to determine the priorities! After your story, as for me I really wanted to see that beauty on the city!

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The Ultimate Guide To Driving From Miami To Orlando

With world-famous beaches, art deco architecture, and a vibrant nightlife, Miami is a top tourist destination in Florida. Further north, Orlando lures visitors with its theme parks, attractions, and all the excitement of the entertainment capital. If you’re planning a trip that combines both cities, driving from Miami to Orlando is an easy and scenic option.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The drive from Miami to Orlando takes about 3.5-4 hours by car via the FL-Turnpike and I-95 N highways. The 238 mile journey passes through the Everglades and central Florida landscapes.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about driving from Miami to Orlando, including:

The recommended route options and directions

Must-see stops and attractions along the way

Tips for planning your Miami to Orlando road trip

Finding parking and getting around without a car in Orlando

Route Options for Driving Miami to Orlando

Florida turnpike route.

The Florida Turnpike route is a popular choice for driving from Miami to Orlando. This toll road offers a direct and efficient route, with well-maintained highways and convenient rest stops along the way.

The total driving distance is approximately 235 miles and the estimated travel time is around 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

One of the advantages of taking the Florida Turnpike route is the lack of traffic lights, which allows for a smoother and uninterrupted drive. Additionally, this route offers scenic views of the Florida landscape, including beautiful palm trees and the occasional wildlife sighting.

If you prefer a faster and more direct journey, the Florida Turnpike route is the way to go. Just make sure to have some cash or a SunPass for the tolls along the way. For more information on toll rates and locations, you can visit the official website of the Florida Department of Transportation (https://www.floridasturnpike.com/) .

I-95 North route

Another option for driving from Miami to Orlando is taking the I-95 North route. This interstate highway runs along the east coast of the United States and offers a more scenic route compared to the Florida Turnpike.

The total driving distance is approximately 235 miles, similar to the Florida Turnpike route.

Driving on I-95 North allows you to pass through cities like Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Daytona Beach, offering opportunities for pit stops and exploring different areas along the way. However, it’s important to note that this route can be more congested, especially during peak travel times.

Planning your journey accordingly can help you avoid heavy traffic and make the most of your drive.

While the I-95 North route may take a bit longer due to potential traffic, it can be a more interesting and diverse drive. You can enjoy stunning ocean views, pass through charming coastal towns, and even make a detour to visit attractions such as the Kennedy Space Center or Cocoa Beach.

US-1 North route

If you’re looking for a more scenic and leisurely drive, the US-1 North route is a great option. This coastal highway takes you through picturesque towns, beautiful beaches, and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The total driving distance is approximately 245 miles, making it slightly longer than the other two routes.

Driving on US-1 North allows you to explore vibrant places like Miami Beach, Hollywood, and Fort Pierce. You can take your time, stop at local eateries, and soak up the sun on some of Florida’s most popular beaches.

While this route may take a bit longer, it offers a more relaxed and enjoyable driving experience.

It’s important to note that traffic conditions and road closures can affect your travel time on any of these routes. Checking real-time traffic updates and using navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze can help you plan your journey accordingly and avoid any unexpected delays.

Must-See Stops and Attractions Along the Way

Everglades national park.

Located just west of Miami, Everglades National Park is a must-see stop on your drive from Miami to Orlando. This unique and diverse ecosystem is home to a wide range of plant and animal species, including the iconic American alligator.

Visitors can explore the park’s vast wetlands by airboat, kayak, or hiking trails, and learn about the importance of preserving this fragile ecosystem.

For more information, visit the official website of Everglades National Park .

Lake Okeechobee

As you continue your journey, make sure to make a stop at Lake Okeechobee, the largest freshwater lake in the state of Florida. This picturesque lake offers breathtaking views, fishing opportunities, and even boat tours.

Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the abundance of wildlife, including birds, turtles, and fish that call this lake home.

To plan your visit to Lake Okeechobee, check out the official website of South Florida Water Management District .

Yeehaw Junction

Yeehaw Junction is a quirky little town that is sure to add some charm to your road trip experience. Located at the intersection of State Road 60 and the Florida Turnpike, this small community offers a glimpse into Florida’s past with its old-fashioned general store, vintage signs, and unique roadside attractions.

Make sure to stop by the famous Desert Inn & Restaurant, which has been serving travelers since the 1880s. It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat and soak in the nostalgic ambiance of the town.

To learn more about Yeehaw Junction and its history, visit the Wikipedia page for Yeehaw Junction.

Tips for Planning Your Miami to Orlando Road Trip

Allow extra time for stops.

When embarking on a road trip from Miami to Orlando, it’s important to allow for extra time for stops along the way. Florida is known for its beautiful beaches and stunning scenery, so take advantage of the opportunity to explore some of the hidden gems along the route.

Consider visiting the picturesque town of Vero Beach or taking a detour to the Kennedy Space Center. These stops not only break up the journey but also add an element of adventure and discovery to your road trip.

Have snacks and entertainment ready

Long drives can be tiring, especially if you’re traveling with kids or a group of friends. To keep everyone happy and entertained, make sure to pack some snacks and have entertainment options ready. Stock up on your favorite snacks, pack a cooler with refreshing drinks, and don’t forget to bring a variety of entertainment, such as music playlists, audiobooks, or games.

This will help make the journey more enjoyable and prevent any hunger-induced meltdowns along the way.

Know the toll costs

Before hitting the road, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the toll costs along the Miami to Orlando route. Florida has a number of toll roads, and while they can help you reach your destination faster, they can also add up in terms of expenses.

Make sure to check the current toll rates and plan your budget accordingly. Additionally, consider using a toll calculator or a navigation app that provides information on toll roads to help you better plan your journey and avoid any unexpected costs.

For more information on toll costs and road conditions, you can visit the official website of the Florida Department of Transportation at www.fdot.gov .

Getting Around Orlando Without a Car

Exploring Orlando without a car is not only possible but also a great way to experience the city’s unique charm and attractions. Here are some convenient options for getting around Orlando without the need for a car:

Using the Lynx public bus system

The Lynx public bus system is a reliable and affordable way to navigate through Orlando. With an extensive network of routes covering the entire city, you can easily reach popular destinations such as theme parks, downtown Orlando, and shopping centers.

The buses are equipped with air conditioning and comfortable seating, making your journey pleasant and enjoyable. Timetables and route maps are available on the official Lynx website ( www.golynx.com ), allowing you to plan your trips in advance.

Taking a SunRail commuter train

If you prefer a faster and more efficient mode of transportation, the SunRail commuter train is an excellent choice. Operating on weekdays, this train system connects Orlando with neighboring cities, including Winter Park and Kissimmee.

With spacious seating, onboard Wi-Fi, and convenient schedules, the SunRail offers a comfortable and stress-free way to explore the area. You can find the train schedules and fares on the official SunRail website ( www.sunrail.com ), ensuring that you can easily plan your trips and make the most of your time in Orlando.

Riding a rental bike or scooter

For those who enjoy a more active and eco-friendly way of getting around, renting a bike or scooter is a fantastic option. Orlando has numerous bike and scooter rental companies that offer affordable rates and convenient pickup locations.

You can explore the city at your own pace, discovering hidden gems and enjoying the beautiful weather. Whether you choose to ride along the scenic trails or explore the vibrant neighborhoods, renting a bike or scooter gives you the freedom to fully immerse yourself in the Orlando experience.

Just remember to wear a helmet and follow the local traffic laws for a safe and enjoyable ride.

By utilizing the Lynx public bus system, taking the SunRail commuter train, or renting a bike or scooter, you can easily navigate Orlando without a car. These options provide convenience, affordability, and flexibility, allowing you to make the most of your time in this vibrant city.

Finding Parking Options in Orlando

When visiting Orlando, it’s important to plan ahead for parking options to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Whether you’re heading to the theme parks, exploring downtown, or staying at a hotel or resort, there are several parking options available to suit your needs.

On-site theme park parking

If you’re planning to visit the popular theme parks in Orlando such as Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando Resort, on-site parking is readily available. Both parks offer spacious parking lots conveniently located near the main entrances.

It’s important to note that parking fees may apply and can vary depending on the season and park. It’s recommended to check the official websites of the parks for the most up-to-date information on parking rates and availability.

Downtown parking garages and lots

If you’re exploring downtown Orlando, there are several parking garages and lots available for visitors. These parking facilities are typically located near popular attractions, restaurants, and shopping areas. Some garages offer hourly rates, while others may have a flat fee for the day.

It’s a good idea to research and compare parking options in advance to find the best deal and location for your needs. Websites like City of Orlando Parking provide detailed information on downtown parking options.

Hotel and resort parking

If you’re staying at a hotel or resort in Orlando, parking options will vary depending on the property. Many hotels and resorts offer complimentary self-parking for guests, while others may charge a daily parking fee.

It’s important to check with your accommodation in advance to understand their parking policy and any associated costs. Some hotels also offer valet parking services for added convenience.

Driving from Miami to Orlando offers a great way to experience Florida’s diverse landscapes while traveling between these two amazing cities. With planning advice, route guidance, and stop ideas provided in this guide, you’ll be prepared for an epic Miami to Orlando road trip adventure. Get ready to hit the open road and embrace the sunshine state’s vibrant energy and natural beauty along the way.

Hi there, I'm Jessica, the solo traveler behind the travel blog Eye & Pen. I launched my site in 2020 to share over a decade of adventurous stories and vivid photography from my expeditions across 30+ countries. When I'm not wandering, you can find me freelance writing from my home base in Denver, hiking Colorado's peaks with my rescue pup Belle, or enjoying local craft beers with friends.

I specialize in budget tips, unique lodging spotlights, road trip routes, travel hacking guides, and female solo travel for publications like Travel+Leisure and Matador Network. Through my photography and writing, I hope to immerse readers in new cultures and compelling destinations not found in most guidebooks. I'd love for you to join me on my lifelong journey of visual storytelling!

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10 Exciting Things To Do Between Orlando And Miami

• Last updated Jun 22, 2023
• Difficulty Beginner

• Category United States

Welcome to the Sunshine State! If you're planning a trip between Orlando and Miami, get ready for some of the most thrilling and magical experiences Florida has to offer. From world-renowned theme parks to stunning natural beauty, this stretch of highway is packed with exciting adventures that will make your journey unforgettable. So fasten your seatbelts and join us as we explore 10 exciting things to do between Orlando and Miami!

What You'll Learn

Visit the kennedy space center in cape canaveral, explore the everglades national park, enjoy the thrill of airboating in the florida swamps, experience the vibrant nightlife of south beach in miami, discover the art and culture of wynwood walls in miami, take a scenic drive along the florida keys, go snorkeling or diving in the crystal-clear waters of key largo, visit the vizcaya museum and gardens in miami, enjoy the adrenaline rush of parasailing in miami beach, spend the day at universal orlando resort.

If you find yourself traveling between Orlando and Miami, there are several exciting things to see and do along the way. One of the must-visit attractions is the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral. Located just off the east coast of Florida, this iconic space center is a perfect stop for space enthusiasts and history buffs.

The Kennedy Space Center is the primary launch site for human spaceflight in the US and has been in operation since 1962. It has played a crucial role in many significant space-related events, including the Apollo moon landing missions and Space Shuttle launches. Today, it serves as a hub for research, development, and exploration of space.

When you visit the Kennedy Space Center, you'll have the opportunity to explore various fascinating exhibits and learn about the history of space exploration. One of the highlights is the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, where you can see the actual orbiter that flew a total of 33 missions in space. The exhibit showcases the marvels of engineering and the incredible achievements of the Space Shuttle program.

Another must-visit area is the Rocket Garden, where you can see various historic rockets and missiles up close. It's a fantastic opportunity to appreciate the enormous size and power of these vehicles that have taken astronauts to space. Additionally, you can explore the Astronaut Hall of Fame, which honors the brave individuals who have ventured into the unknown and made significant contributions to space exploration.

For an even more immersive experience, consider taking a bus tour that takes you behind the scenes of the Kennedy Space Center. You'll get to visit the launch pads, the Vehicle Assembly Building, and other areas not open to the general public. The tour guides provide fascinating insights into the inner workings of the center and its ongoing missions.

If you plan your visit well, you might even get to witness a rocket launch. The Kennedy Space Center launches various rockets into space throughout the year, and being able to witness one in person is a truly awe-inspiring experience. Be sure to check the launch schedule and plan your visit accordingly for a chance to witness the power and beauty of a rocket launch.

Overall, a visit to the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral is an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a space enthusiast or just curious about the wonders of space, this attraction offers something for everyone. So when traveling between Orlando and Miami, make sure to take a day to explore the marvels of the Kennedy Space Center.

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If you find yourself driving between Orlando and Miami, you're in for a treat because there are plenty of exciting things to do and see along the way. One highly recommended activity is to explore the Everglades National Park, a unique and diverse natural wonder.

The Everglades National Park is located in southern Florida and covers a vast area of 1.5 million acres. It is home to one of the largest remaining subtropical wildernesses in the United States, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Upon arriving at the park, you will have the opportunity to embark on various adventures and experience the beauty of this remarkable ecosystem. One of the best ways to explore the park is by taking an airboat tour. These high-speed boats glide across the water, allowing visitors to observe the diverse wildlife and vegetation up close. During the tour, you may encounter alligators, herons, turtles, and other unique species that call the Everglades their home.

If you prefer a more peaceful experience, consider hiking one of the many trails within the park. The Anhinga Trail is a popular choice as it offers a leisurely walk that takes you through a sawgrass marsh, providing opportunities to spot alligators, wading birds, and other wildlife. Additionally, there are numerous shorter boardwalk trails that offer a glimpse into the unique flora and fauna of the Everglades.

For a truly immersive experience, consider joining a guided canoe or kayak tour. Paddling through the mangroves and waterways of the Everglades allows you to appreciate the tranquility of the surroundings while being able to spot wildlife in their natural habitat. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides who can provide insight into the history, ecology, and conservation efforts of the Everglades.

If you're interested in learning more about the Everglades and its unique ecosystem, be sure to stop by the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center. Here, you can explore interactive exhibits, watch informative films, and speak with park rangers who can provide valuable information about the park and its activities.

As you continue your journey between Orlando and Miami, taking the time to explore the Everglades National Park is a fantastic way to break up the drive and make the most of your trip. The park offers something for everyone, from thrilling airboat rides to peaceful hikes and canoeing adventures. So, don't miss the opportunity to experience the wonders of the Everglades and create lasting memories along the way.

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If you find yourself traveling between Orlando and Miami, you may be wondering how to make the most of your journey. One exciting option to consider is experiencing the thrill of airboating in the Florida swamps.

Airboating is a unique activity that allows you to glide across the water in a flat-bottomed boat powered by an aircraft propeller. This exhilarating experience allows you to explore the diverse ecosystems of the Florida swamps and get up close and personal with its inhabitants.

As you embark on your airboating adventure, you'll be surrounded by the lush greenery of the swamps. The flora and fauna are truly remarkable, with towering cypress trees, vibrant water lilies, and a plethora of bird species. Keep your eyes peeled for alligators, turtles, and other wildlife that call the swamps their home.

One of the most popular areas to go airboating is the Everglades, which is conveniently located between Orlando and Miami. The Everglades National Park offers various airboat tours that cater to all levels of thrill-seekers. Whether you're a first-timer or an experienced adventurer, there's an airboat tour for everyone.

During your airboat ride, your knowledgeable guide will provide interesting facts and insights about the unique ecosystem and its inhabitants. You'll learn about the importance of this delicate balance and the need for conservation efforts to protect this natural wonder.

In addition to the natural beauty and adrenaline rush of airboating, there are also opportunities for other recreational activities in the area. Many airboat tour companies offer package deals that include activities such as fishing, hiking, camping, and even nighttime alligator tours. This means you can plan an entire day of fun and adventure while enjoying the scenic route between Orlando and Miami.

If you're looking for a memorable and thrilling experience between Orlando and Miami, consider embarking on an airboating adventure in the Florida swamps. Not only will you get to enjoy the beautiful scenery and unique wildlife, but you'll also create lasting memories that will stay with you long after your trip is over. So buckle up and get ready to explore the magical world of the Florida swamps on an airboat!

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If you find yourself traveling between Orlando and Miami, you may be wondering what there is to do in between these two popular destinations. One incredible experience that you simply cannot miss is the vibrant nightlife of South Beach in Miami. With its famous clubs, trendy bars, and beautiful beaches, South Beach is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the energetic atmosphere.

South Beach, also known as SoBe, is located on the southern end of Miami Beach. It is widely recognized for its stunning Art Deco architecture, beautiful ocean views, and exciting nightlife. As the sun goes down, the streets of South Beach come alive with locals and tourists looking for a night of fun and excitement.

One of the main attractions in South Beach is its world-renowned clubs. From iconic venues like LIV at the Fontainebleau to trendy spots like Basement Miami at the Miami Beach Edition, there is a club for everyone's taste. If you're into electronic music, head to Space Miami, which is known for hosting some of the best DJs in the world. If you prefer live music, The Fillmore Miami Beach is a great choice, featuring performances from both established and up-and-coming artists.

In addition to its clubs, South Beach also offers an array of trendy bars and lounges. Grab a drink at the Clevelander, a popular sports bar known for its lively atmosphere and live music. For a more upscale experience, head to the Broken Shaker at the Freehand Miami, a charming cocktail bar with a beautiful outdoor garden. If you're a fan of rooftop bars, the Juvia Miami offers stunning panoramic views of the city skyline and the ocean.

While the nightlife is the main draw of South Beach, don't forget to enjoy its beautiful beaches during the day. The clear blue waters and white sandy shores make for the perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun. You can also try your hand at water sports like paddleboarding or jet skiing, or simply take a leisurely stroll along the iconic Ocean Drive.

If you're looking for a break from the bustling city scene, you can explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Miami, such as Little Havana or Wynwood. Little Havana is known for its Cuban influences, where you can indulge in delicious food, listen to live salsa music, and even watch a game of dominoes in the park. Wynwood, on the other hand, offers a vibrant art scene with its colorful murals and galleries.

In conclusion, if you're traveling between Orlando and Miami, be sure to take the time to experience the vibrant nightlife of South Beach. With its world-class clubs, trendy bars, and beautiful beaches, South Beach offers a unique and unforgettable experience. So put on your dancing shoes and get ready to immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of South Beach's nightlife.

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If you're traveling between Orlando and Miami and looking for a unique and artistic experience, make sure to stop by Wynwood Walls in Miami. Located in the Wynwood neighborhood, this outdoor art exhibit is a must-visit destination for art lovers and culture enthusiasts.

Wynwood Walls is a renowned street art museum, showcasing some of the most vibrant and stunning murals in the world. The walls serve as a canvas for both established and emerging artists to showcase their creativity and talent. From large-scale murals to intricate graffiti art, Wynwood Walls offers a diverse range of artistic styles that are sure to captivate visitors.

One of the standout features of Wynwood Walls is its ever-changing nature. Artists regularly update the artwork, and new pieces are added frequently. This ensures that each visit to Wynwood Walls is a unique experience, with something new and exciting to discover.

In addition to the outdoor murals, Wynwood Walls also features several indoor galleries that highlight different art forms and mediums. These galleries provide a more intimate setting to appreciate the intricate details and nuances of the artwork. Visitors can view sculptures, photographs, and other forms of contemporary art, further adding to the rich cultural experience.

When visiting Wynwood Walls, take your time to explore the surrounding neighborhood as well. Wynwood has transformed from an industrial district to a hip and vibrant arts hub. The streets are lined with galleries, boutiques, and cafes, all contributing to the neighborhood's artistic and creative atmosphere. You can take a leisurely stroll through the streets, stopping at various shops and galleries, or simply soak in the unique energy of the area.

If you're interested in learning more about the artwork and the artists behind it, consider taking a guided tour of Wynwood Walls. The tours provide in-depth information about the history of the walls, the artists, and the inspiration behind the artwork. It's a great way to gain a deeper appreciation for the art and culture of Wynwood.

Wynwood Walls is located approximately halfway between Orlando and Miami, making it an ideal stopover if you're traveling between the two cities. Whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, Wynwood Walls is sure to leave a lasting impression. So, plan your journey accordingly and make sure to include this hidden gem in your travel itinerary.

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If you find yourself traveling between Orlando and Miami, why not take the opportunity to explore some of Florida's beautiful scenery? One of the best ways to do this is by taking a scenic drive along the Florida Keys. This stretch of islands offers breathtaking views, unique attractions, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey!

Starting from Miami, the drive along the Florida Keys begins on US-1, also known as the Overseas Highway. This iconic road stretches for approximately 127 miles, connecting the mainland to Key Largo, Key West, and all the islands in between. Along the way, you'll pass through quaint towns, picturesque beaches, and striking landscapes, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

As you drive through Key Largo, be sure to make a pit stop at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. This underwater paradise is known for its vibrant coral reefs, making it the perfect spot for snorkeling or diving. If you prefer to stay dry, you can also explore the park by taking a glass-bottom boat tour.

Continuing south, you'll come across the iconic Seven Mile Bridge. This engineering marvel is not only a significant part of Florida's history but also offers stunning views of the surrounding turquoise waters. Take some time to walk or bike across the bridge, or simply pull over and appreciate the beauty around you.

Once you reach Marathon, make sure to visit the famous Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters. Here, you can get up close and personal with various marine life through interactive experiences like snorkeling with stingrays or hand-feeding sharks. It's a unique opportunity to learn about the diverse ecosystem of the Florida Keys firsthand.

As you approach Key West, the southernmost city in the continental United States, make a detour to visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. This historic landmark offers a glimpse into the life of the renowned writer, as well as the chance to meet the descendants of his famous six-toed cats.

Once in Key West, there are endless activities to enjoy. Take a stroll along Duval Street, known for its vibrant nightlife and eclectic shops. Visit the Southernmost Point Buoy, a must-see landmark that marks the southernmost tip of the continental United States. And, of course, don't forget to catch the breathtaking sunset at Mallory Square, where street performers and local vendors gather every evening.

After immersing yourself in the beauty of the Florida Keys, it's time to continue your journey to Orlando. You can either head back the same way you came or take a different route, such as US-27 or the Florida Turnpike. Whichever option you choose, remember to make the most of your trip by exploring more of what Florida has to offer.

In conclusion, taking a scenic drive along the Florida Keys is an excellent way to break up your journey between Orlando and Miami. From beautiful beaches to unique attractions, there's something for everyone along this iconic stretch of road. So, grab your camera, hit the road, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure through one of Florida's most scenic regions!

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If you find yourself traveling between Orlando and Miami and are looking for a fun and adventurous activity along the way, consider going snorkeling or diving in the beautiful waters of Key Largo. Key Largo is located in the Upper Florida Keys and is known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life.

One of the best ways to explore the underwater world of Key Largo is by snorkeling. There are several snorkeling spots in the area that offer breathtaking views of the coral reefs and their colorful inhabitants. One popular spot is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater park in the United States. Here, you can snorkel along the park's marked underwater trails and discover a variety of fish species, sea turtles, and even the occasional dolphin or manatee.

For more experienced divers, Key Largo also offers incredible diving opportunities. The area is home to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which protects a large portion of the coral reefs and allows for some amazing diving experiences. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced diver, there are dive sites suitable for all levels, from shallow reefs to deeper wrecks.

One notable dive site in Key Largo is the Spiegel Grove, a 510-foot-long retired Navy ship intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef. This massive wreck now serves as a home for a diverse array of marine life, including schools of fish, colorful corals, and sponges. Exploring the inner chambers and decks of the ship is a unique and thrilling experience for any diver.

If you're not a certified diver but still want to explore the underwater world, there are dive operators in Key Largo that offer introductory dives or "discover scuba" experiences. These guided dives allow you to experience the beauty of the reefs and get a taste of scuba diving under the supervision of a certified instructor.

In addition to snorkeling and diving, Key Largo also offers other water activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. You can rent equipment or join guided tours to make the most of your time in the water.

When visiting Key Largo, it's important to remember to respect the fragile marine ecosystem. Be mindful of the marine life and corals, do not touch or disturb them, and always follow the rules and guidelines set by the dive operators and marine park authorities.

So, if you're traveling between Orlando and Miami, don't miss the opportunity to explore the underwater wonders of Key Largo. Whether you choose to snorkel, dive, or engage in other water activities, you're sure to create unforgettable memories in this beautiful part of the Florida Keys.

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If you find yourself traveling between Orlando and Miami, there are plenty of exciting things to see and do along the way. One fantastic stop to make is at the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami. This stunning attraction showcases the beauty and grandeur of a historic villa and its surrounding gardens.

Located just a few miles from downtown Miami, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a perfect destination for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and nature admirers alike. The villa was built in the early 20th century as a private residence for industrialist James Deering. Its architecture was inspired by Italian Renaissance and Baroque styles, making it a true architectural marvel.

Visitors can step back in time as they explore the opulent rooms of the villa. The interior is beautifully adorned with antique furniture, grandiose chandeliers, intricate tapestries, and exquisite artworks. Each room tells a unique story of the past, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of the time.

Once you've had your fill of the magnificent villa, make sure to explore the breathtaking gardens that surround it. The gardens feature a mix of European and American landscaping styles, combining the elegance of Italian and French gardens with the natural beauty of American landscapes. As you wander through the meticulously manicured lawns, you'll come across stunning fountains, sculptures, and picturesque vistas. Be sure to take your time to fully appreciate the tranquility and serenity of this oasis.

In addition to its historical and architectural significance, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens also hosts a variety of cultural events, exhibitions, and educational programs. From art exhibitions to garden festivals, there is always something happening at this vibrant cultural hub. Check their website or local event listings to see if there are any special events taking place during your visit.

To make the most of your trip, plan to spend a few hours exploring the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. The villa and gardens are open seven days a week, with guided tours available for those who want a more in-depth experience. Whether you're interested in history, art, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, a visit to Vizcaya is a must.

So, next time you find yourself traveling between Orlando and Miami, make sure to carve out some time to visit the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. You'll be transported to a different era as you wander through the magnificent villa and its breathtaking gardens. It's a truly memorable experience that will leave you with a greater appreciation for the art, history, and natural beauty of Florida.

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When traveling between Orlando and Miami, there are plenty of exciting activities to enhance your journey. One particularly thrilling experience that shouldn't be missed is parasailing in Miami Beach, where you can enjoy an adrenaline rush and take in breathtaking views from high above the water.

Parasailing is a popular water sport that involves being towed behind a boat while attached to a specially designed parachute. While soaring through the air, you'll feel a sense of freedom and exhilaration as you take in the stunning panoramic views of Miami Beach and its surroundings.

First, you'll need to find a reputable parasailing operator in Miami Beach. There are several companies that offer this thrilling activity, and it's essential to choose one that follows strict safety guidelines. Look for a company that has experienced and certified instructors who will ensure your safety throughout the entire adventure.

Once you've selected a parasailing operator, you'll need to make a reservation. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, as this activity is quite popular. Keep in mind that the weather plays a significant role in a parasailing excursion, so check the forecast before making a reservation. Wind speeds and weather conditions need to be favorable for a safe and enjoyable experience.

On the day of your parasailing adventure, make sure to wear comfortable clothing and don't forget to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Also, bring your camera or smartphone to capture the stunning views from above.

When you arrive at the designated parasailing location on Miami Beach, you'll receive a safety briefing from your instructor. They will explain how to use the equipment, the do's and don'ts during the flight, and what to expect during the experience. Safety is a top priority, so listen carefully and ask any questions you may have.

After the briefing, you'll be fitted with a safety harness and attached to the parachute. The boat will then slowly accelerate, gently lifting you off the ground and into the sky. As you ascend, you'll feel a rush of excitement and a sense of awe as Miami Beach unfolds beneath you.

From the air, you'll be able to enjoy panoramic views of the iconic Miami skyline, the turquoise waters, and the sandy beaches. You may even spot marine wildlife such as dolphins or sea turtles. The experience is truly breathtaking and provides a unique perspective that can only be achieved from high above.

The duration of a parasailing flight can vary, but most experiences last between 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, you'll have the opportunity to fully enjoy the stunning vistas and capture unforgettable photos.

Once your flight is over, the boat will slow down, and you'll gently land back on the water. From there, you'll be safely guided back to the shore. Take some time to reflect on the incredible adventure you just had and perhaps consider planning another one in the future.

Parasailing in Miami Beach is the perfect activity to add some excitement to your journey between Orlando and Miami. It offers a unique and thrilling way to experience the beauty of Miami Beach from a bird's-eye perspective. So, if you're up for an adrenaline rush and want to create lasting memories, don't miss out on the opportunity to go parasailing during your trip.

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If you're traveling between Orlando and Miami and are looking for things to do along the way, one highly recommended option is to spend the day at Universal Orlando Resort. This renowned theme park is located in Orlando and offers a wide range of attractions and entertainment for visitors of all ages.

Universal Orlando Resort is divided into two main theme parks: Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure. Both parks are filled with thrilling rides, immersive attractions, and live shows that will keep you entertained for hours.

One of the highlights of Universal Studios Florida is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where you can explore the magical world of Hogwarts and even enjoy a butterbeer at the famous Three Broomsticks. Additionally, this park is home to popular attractions such as Transformers: The Ride-3D, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, and Revenge of the Mummy.

Meanwhile, Universal's Islands of Adventure offers a different set of attractions, including The Incredible Hulk Coaster, Jurassic Park River Adventure, and The Cat in the Hat ride. This park is also home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade, where you can experience the iconic Hogwarts Castle and take a thrilling ride on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.

In addition to the theme parks, Universal Orlando Resort also features a vibrant entertainment complex called Universal CityWalk. Here, you can enjoy a variety of dining options, shopping experiences, and live entertainment. Whether you're craving a delicious meal, searching for souvenirs, or wanting to catch a live performance, CityWalk has something for everyone.

To make the most of your visit to Universal Orlando Resort, it's recommended to purchase park-to-park tickets, which allow you to explore both Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure in the same day. This will give you the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the diverse world of Universal Orlando.

Whether you're a fan of thrilling rides, a Harry Potter enthusiast, or simply looking to have a fun-filled day, a visit to Universal Orlando Resort is definitely worth considering when traveling between Orlando and Miami. So, make sure to plan a stop and enjoy all the excitement this iconic theme park has to offer.

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Frequently asked questions.

The distance between Orlando and Miami is approximately 235 miles, and the drive takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours depending on traffic conditions.

Yes, there are several attractions worth visiting. Some popular options include the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, and Lion Country Safari.

Yes, there are several beautiful beaches you can visit. Some popular ones include Cocoa Beach, Vero Beach, and West Palm Beach.

Yes, there are a few outlet malls and shopping centers along the route. One popular option is the Palm Beach Outlets, located in West Palm Beach.

One scenic route you can take is the A1A highway, which runs along the coast and offers breathtaking views of the ocean. Additionally, you can visit the Everglades National Park, which is a unique and beautiful natural attraction.

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Miami to Orlando road trip: Quaint towns, trails and hills along US 27

By: Author Bonnie Gross and Bob Rountree

Posted on Last updated: June 23, 2023

Many will be surprised to find a Florida without beaches or traffic jams. If it’s a taste of Old Florida you crave, this is for you.

This region is Florida off the beaten track and yet it’s only two or three hours from the major population centers in South Florida, Orlando and Tampa Bay.

Locations included in this Miami to Orlando road trip

What’s particularly special about this region is the Lakes Wales Ridge, a 150-mile-long stretch of higher ground, between Lake Placid and Clermont. Several million years ago, when most of Florida was underwater, the ridge was an island where plants and animals continued to evolve in isolation. (Someday, if sea levels rise, it again will be the part of Florida that pokes out of the sea.)

If you start from the south, you begin near Lake Okeechobee, and then drive on to Lake Placid, Sebring, Avon Park, Lake Wales ending in Winter Garden, a suburb of Orlando. We include two optional sidetrips.

Road trip from Miami to Orlando through Old Florida: Day 1 : Fisheating Creek Day 2 : Historic small towns Sidetrip : Cracker Trail Day 3 and 4 : Lake Wales Sidetrip : Lakeland Day 5 : Winter Garden

Length of the road trip from Miami to Orlando

You can do this getaway in two to three days, but if you immerse yourself in one of these state parks, spend a half a day hiking, bring your bicycle or kayak for stops along the way, or if you’re a camper who savors just spending times in the woods, you could easily enjoy five or six days on the trip.

Our road trip itinerary is five days, but you can condense it by skipping things of your choice. For example, skip Fisheating Creek if the water level is low or you’re not a paddler. Or, in the Lake Wales area, choose either Bok Tower OR Lake Kissimmee State Park and visit it for only a day.

From south to north, this route begins in the middle of the state west of Lake Okeechobee. US 27, the major artery up the spine of the state, can be reached easily from the either coast.

Our itinerary emphasizes places to kayak, bike and hike, and this region offers excellence possibilities. We also suggest some good camping locations. Without beaches or springs, this trip will be better in cooler weather.

Day 1: Start with a kayak trip on Fisheating Creek

Fisheating Creek , located due west of Lake O near Palmdale, is one of the most beautiful and wildest rivers in Florida. There are great facilities at the  Fisheating Creek Outpost , a live-oak-shaded campground and boat ramp right off U.S. 27. You can arrange a one-way eight-mile kayak trip with livery service if the water is high enough (usually from summer through November to January) or take an out-and-back with a rental kayak if water levels are low. ( Here’s where to check .) Here’s a complete guide to Fisheating Creek . If you’re a camper, consider this for your first night.

Where to spend the night: If you’re not camping, stay in Lake Placid, where we list several alternatives.

The next section of US 27 is a cluster of four charming Old Florida towns: Lake Placid, Sebring, Avon Park and Lake Wales, all within 50 miles. You could base yourself in any of them. We suggest you spend one night in the southern end (Lake Placid to Sebring) and two nights in the northern end (Lake Wales) in order to spend time in the various parks and attractions along the way.

Day 2: Explore historic towns and state parks

Lake Placid is 27 miles up the road from Fisheating Creek, and it once won the title of “America’s Most Interesting Town.” It’s a fun place to explore because it is full of murals (there are more than 50.) Lake Placid highlights include Toby’s Clown School and the American Clown Museum and there are atmospheric places to eat and drink too.

Have lunch at Morty and Edna’s Craft Kitchen .  This cute cafe is in the heart of Lake Placid in the Journal Plaza, where the town’s local newspaper was once published. (Try the Notorious BLT, consisting of candied bacon, avocado, fresh tomato and lettuce on sourdough breae.)

In the evening, stop next door at  the  Wet Dogs Brewing Company , which serves their craft beer plus locally crafted sodas and hard seltzers. 

Then have dinner at  Cowpokes Watering Hole , about 10 miles north of Lake Placid. It serves premium steaks and fresh seafood in its ranch-themed dining room or outside in its large tiki bar. Cowpokes is a local landmark that celebrates the region’s Florida Cracker heritage.

Lake Placid is where 98 percent of the world’s supply of the colorful tropical caladium plant is grown. There are vast fields of bright colors in the summer as well as a Caladium Festival in July.

Here’s a Florida Rambler guide to visiting Lake Placid .

Highland Hammocks State Park, a few miles north of Lake Placid, is one of Florida’s four original state parks and worth several hours of your time. It preserves many old-growth live oak trees, which over the years acquire huge, warty, personality-filled trunks and twisty branches.

The park has many short hikes, including the Wild Orange Grove trail, site of a pioneer’s grove, now a forest in which orange trees are interspersed, and an elevated boardwalk through an old-growth cypress swamp. There is also a fascinating small museum devoted to the Civilian Conservation Corps , which built many of the park’s original buildings. If you’re a camper, Highlands Hammocks is a great place to book a space. Here’s a Florida Rambler guide to Highlands Hammock State Park .

Sidetrip : The Cracker Tail

Before you reach Sebring, you cross US 98, which is called the Old Cracker Trail. Each year, during the last full week of February, dozens of people on horseback and covered wagons take the Cracker Trail in a re-creation of the life of Florida’s cow hunters, pioneers of the late 1800s. The ride takes nine days to cross 140 miles across Florida from Bradenton to Fort Pierce. You can drive a bit of the Cracker Trail and we recommend a few stops along the way in our guide to the Old Cracker Trail.

Sebring, the next town heading north, is best known for Sebring International Raceway , home of the renowned “12 Hours of Sebring Grand Prix of Endurance,” America’s oldest racing event and prelude to the 24 Hours of LeMans. But this historic town has more to offer, including a beautiful drive around Lake Jackson at the center of town, where there is a fishing pier that is perfect for a sunset stroll.  

Kayaking Arbuckle Creek, near Sebring and Avon Park: You’ll have to bring your own kayak for this little-known gem. Arbuckle Creek is a gorgeous wild river through an ancient cypress forest. The river forms the border of the Avon Park Air Force Range, so it escaped development and remains quiet and pristine. The river flows into Lake Arbuckle, on whose shores there are campsites and a state forest. Florida Rambler on kayaking Arbuckle Creek .

Avon Park, 10 miles north of Sebring, has a historic downtown where the  Avon Park Depot Museum , with a restored 1948 railroad dining car, is located right off Main Street. Also in Avon Park, visitors gather on rocking chairs and enjoy the legendary orange ice cream at an old fashioned general store and farmer’s market,  Maxwell Groves Country Store .  The place has been there for 80 years, and it looks it. Another historic site downtown is the Hotel Jacaranda, listed below.

Where to spend the night in Lake Placid, Sebring or Avon Park

• Lake Grassy Inn and Suites, 1865 US-27 S, Lake Placid, FL 33852. Phone: (863) 465-9200. Lakefront suites.  Check prices on Hotels.com
• Holiday Inn Express and Suites, 608 S Lakeview Rd, Lake Placid, FL, 33852. Phone: (863) 465-9916.  Check latest rates on Hotels.com
• Ramada by Windham, 2165 US-27, Lake Placid, FL 33852. Phone: (863) 840-9907.  Check latest discount rates on Hotels.com
• Inn on the Lakes , 3101 Golfview Road, Sebring, FL 33870. Phone: (863) 471-9400. Locally owned hotel with a good restaurant and bar, Chicanes.
• Avon Park Hotel Jacaranda , 19 E. Main St., Avon Park. Phone: (863) 453-2211. This the place for people who love historic hotels or for budget travelers. The expansive lobby is a step back in time, with paintings by the Florida Highwaymen, an old piano that is played daily during winter season and a library with an antique writing desk. Rooms are inexpensive, but plumbing is old, so this is not for everybody. Here’s a Florida Rambler story on the Hotel Jacaranda .

Day 3 and 4: Explore a historic Florida garden atop a “mountain” and a night in charming Lake Wales

Bok Tower , just a few miles outside downtown Lake Wales, is one of the top botanical gardens in Florida and it occupies a unique location – Mount Iron, which at 298 feet, is one of the highest spots in peninsular Florida. It’s part of a ridge that is millions of years old.

At the 250-acre Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, you can wander through manicured greenery, visit a historic home, let your kids explore a garden just for them, enjoy a pleasant lunch at a café and wander trails through disappearing habitats. Here too you’ll see lush azaleas, camellias and magnolias in season. From just about any place in the garden, you can hear the music of a 60-bell carillon that is played regularly. It’s easy to spend several hours here. Here’s a guide to Bok Towers Gardens from Florida Rambler .

The small town of Lake Wales does have a lake at its center and you can drive around the lake hugging the shoreline to view older homes. You also can walk/bike on a lighted and paved path that covers about 2.5 miles or about three quarters of the lake’s circumference.

Downtown Lakes Wales has 11 historic buildings, some nicely preserved and refurbished. They are easy to visit via the downloadable  Walk Lake Wales city map  that is the work of the Lake Wales History Museum. The tour also is available on the free Florida Stories app available in  iTunes  and  Google Play . The app is GPS enabled and provides narration and photos that cover each tour stop.

Here’s a guide from Florida Rambler on things to do in Lake Wales .

Lake Kissimmee State Park, a half hour east of Lake Wales, is a perfect place to spend a day hiking, kayaking, spotting wildlife and, if you’re there on the weekend, visiting a re-enactment of a “cow camp” complete with Cracker cattle and cow hunters. (That’s what cowboys were called in Old Florida.) Here’s a Florida Rambler guide to Lake Kissimmee State Park . If you’re a camper, this is a great place to book a site.

Tiger Creek Preserve , 20 minutes east of Lake Wales, is the ideal place for a hike to appreciate the unique landscape of the Lake Wales Ridge. The Nature Conservancy preserves it because it holds “one of the highest concentrations of threatened and endangered plants and animals in the country. “ Plants grow here that are not found anywhere else. It has 10 miles of trails, but no restrooms, no water and no picnic tables. Here’s a Florida Rambler guide to Tiger Creek Preserve .

Traveling with kids? Legoland is six miles off US 27 just north of Lake Wales. The hands-on theme park has 60 rides, shows and attractions, for families with children 2 to 12. Back in the day, this theme park was Cypress Gardens and the lakes and gardens are still beautifully landscaped.

Where to eat in Lake Wales area

While visiting Bok Tower Gardens, the most convenient place to eat breakfast or lunch is the  Blue Palmetto Café .   This order-at-the-counter restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining adjacent to the Visitor Center. (You have to pay the garden admission fee to access the restaurant.)

For dinner, consider  Melanie’s Seafood Company,  in historic downtown Lake Wales. The small storefront offers fresh food, friendly table service and fair prices. You can visit on  Facebook .

Where to stay in Lake Wales

Holiday Inn Express Lake Wales N-Winter Haven , 2953 Ridge Way, Lake Wales, FL 33859. (863) 949-4800

Hampton Inn & Suites Lake Wales , 22900 US Hwy 27, Lake Wales, FL 33859. (863) 734-3000

Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo , 3200 River Ranch Blvd., River Ranch, FL 33867. (863) 692-1321. For something more rustic, head about a half hour out of town to River Ranch, which has a variety of accommodations including glamping, luxe teepees and comfy Conestoga wagons. This is a resort that is a destination unto itself, with line dancing, horseback riding and Saturday night rodeos.

Camp Mack , 14900 Camp Mack Road, Lake Wales, FL 33898. (863) 696-1108. Across the street from the entrance to Lake Kissimmee State Park, there’s a big RV camp that includes cabins and a fishing-themed motel.  From the property, you can access the water in your bass boat or kayak; air boat tours also are available.

Day 5: Bicycling, trails and historic Winter Garden

After staying two nights in the Lake Wales area, you head northeast and end in Winter Garden, a historic town now considered an Orlando suburb. This part of the road trip is ideal for bicyclists, in that there are two excellent paved rail trails here.

If you have the time, we suggest you add a day to your road trip and make a side trip to Lakeland, which is decribed below.

As you head north on US 27, stop at Lake Louisa State Park , where you’ll find a landscape of rolling sand hills, lush cypress swamps and miles of pine forests dotted with scenic lakes. There are 20 miles of trails and it’s a good place for bicycling too. If you’re a camper, this is a good place to book a night or two and we also highly recommend the state-park cabins at Lake Louisa, which have a two-night minimum. Here’s a Florida Rambler story on Lake Louisa State Park .

Bicyclists have another excellent option, the 29-mile Van Fleet Trail . This paved state bike trail goes through the Green Swamp, a vast watery wilderness west of Orlando. With few cross streets, this is one of the most rural and remote bike trails in the state. It’s just west of Lake Louisa. Here’s a Florida Rambler story about the Van Fleet Trail .

Winter Garden, 15 miles northeast and your end-of-trip destination, has a quaint old-fashioned downtown full of restaurants, museums, fountains, bike shops, boutiques and all sorts of people on bicycles and foot. The West Orange Trail , a 22-mile bicycle trail, runs right down the middle of the main street. If you didn’t bring a bike, this is the place to ride: It’s easy to rent one here to ride on the trail.

There are many good choices for restaurants. Consider:

The Plant Street Market and Crooked Can Brewery. This lively food court in the walkable downtown is anchored by a craft brewery,  Crooked Can Brewery , which wins raves for its indoor and outdoor seating. You can get a wide variety of food, from mac and cheese to barbecue to empanadas to hand-crafted popsicles.

Urban on Plant Kitchen & Bar , 132 W. Plant St., Winter Garden, FL 34787. (407) 614-2765

Chef’s Table in the Edgewater Hotel , 99 W Plant St., Winter Garden, FL 34787. (407) 230-4837

Where to stay in Winter Garden

Edgewater Hotel , 99 W. Plant St., Winter Garden, FL 34787. (407) 654-6921

The  Historic Edgewater Hotel , built in 1924, is a beautifully preserved historic hotel with a bed-and-breakfast style and reasonable rates. The hotel’s first floor still has the original picturesque front desk, fireplace and skylight-lit lobby. The hotel’s guest rooms are on the second floor, where an inviting lobby filled with antiques also serves as the breakfast room. When you check in, a staff person takes you to the second floor on the 1926 hand-operated elevator.

Alternative lodging from all the major hotel chains is plentiful if you stay in the Orlando area, 20 minutes east, though you miss the small-town ambiance of Winter Garden’s downtown.

Sidetrip: Circle B Bar Reserve and Frank Lloyd Wright campus in Lakeland.

If you have the time and interest, this additional day offers two special destinations.

Circle B Bar Reserve, 25 miles northwest of Lake Wales, is one of the best places to spot wildlife in the region. Birders love it and if you haven’t see alligators by this time, it’s a great place for that. The scenic preserve is free and offers a variety of options for trails. Here’s a Florida Rambler story on Circle B Bar Reserve .

Lakeland and the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed campus of Florida Southern College . Florida Southern College in Lakeland has been named one of the 20 most beautiful college campuses in the country because it is unique: Nowhere else in the world has more buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Florida Southern College draws Frank Lloyd Wright fans from around the world. You can stroll the campus on a self-guided tour, but architecture buffs will want to book a guided tour. Here’s a Florida Rambler story on seeing the Frank Lloyd Wright buildings.

Lakeland itself is worth exploring too. It has a traditional downtown with some good restaurants and shops at Main and Kentucky. That intersection is a block from lovely Mirror Lake with its historic Promenade, which makes a pleasant .65 mile walk around the lake. Along the walkway is Hollis Gardens, which has formal flower beds and fountains overlooking Mirror Lake.

There are many lakes in Lakeland, and you should watch for swans on them. They are all descendants of two royal swans bestowed on the city by Queen Elizabeth in 1954.

If you take this sidetrip, it’s an hour to Winter Garden or to Lake Louisa State Park, driving part of the way on I-4. Alternately, it’s 45 minutes west to Tampa.  

All articles on FloridaRambler.com are original, produced exclusively for our readers and protected by U.S. Copyright law. Any use or re-publication without written permission is against the law. Read more: floridarambler.com/licensing

This page contains affiliate links from which Florida Rambler may earn a small commission if a purchase is made. This revenue supports our mission to produce quality stories about the authentic Florida destinations at no cost to our readers.

Veteran journalists who worked together at Fort Lauderdale’s SunSentinel newspaper, Bonnie and Bob founded FloridaRambler.com in 2010 to explore the natural, authentic Florida, writing about their natural interests in hiking, biking, paddling, RV and tent camping, wildlife, unique lodging, dining and historic places.

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Plan Your Trip

Transportation

How To Travel Between Miami And Orlando

By Kara Franker

March 27, 2023

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Unforgettable Road Trip: Exploring the Orlando to Miami Drive

Embarking on a road trip from Orlando to Miami is an adventure that promises scenic views, vibrant cities, and pristine beaches. This guide is your perfect companion, offering a detailed itinerary with the best places to stop, attractions to visit, and tips to make your road trip memorable. Whether you are a beach lover, a nature enthusiast, or a city explorer, this road trip has something for everyone. Let’s dive in and explore the ultimate Orlando to Miami road trip that you wouldn’t want to miss!

Planning Your Orlando to Miami Road Trip

What is the best time to go.

Choosing the best time to go on your Orlando to Miami road trip is crucial to enjoying all the attractions and beaches to the fullest. The best time to embark on this journey is during the fall or spring when the weather is pleasant and the beaches are less crowded. Moreover, this period offers the opportunity to witness the beautiful flora and fauna native to Florida in full bloom.

How to Create the Perfect Itinerary?

Creating the perfect itinerary involves considering the attractions you want to visit, the beaches you want to relax on, and the culinary delights you want to indulge in. Make sure to allocate time for each stop along the way, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable road trip. Consider including both popular tourist spots and hidden gems in your itinerary to experience the best of what the route from Orlando to Miami has to offer.

The Journey Begins: Setting off from Orlando

What are the best places to visit in orlando before you set off.

Before setting off on your road trip, take some time to explore the attractions Orlando has to offer. From the magical world of Walt Disney World to the thrilling rides at various theme parks, Orlando is a hub of entertainment and fun. Don’t miss out on visiting the Kennedy Space Center, where you can learn about the fascinating world of space exploration.

How to Make Your Way from Orlando to Miami?

Making your way from Orlando to Miami involves a drive time of approximately 3-4 hours, depending on the route you choose. You can opt for the scenic drive along the coast route, which offers breathtaking views of the beaches and the ocean. Whichever route you decide, make sure to plan your stops along the way to stretch your legs and enjoy the beautiful sights Florida has to offer.

Scenic Stops Along the Way

What are the must-visit stops along the way.

The journey from Orlando to Miami is lined with numerous scenic stops that offer a great place to spend some time and enjoy the beauty of Florida. Some of the must-visit stops include the beautiful beach of Boca Raton, the upscale boutiques in Fort Lauderdale, and the picturesque lighthouses that dot the coast of Florida. Don’t miss out on visiting the Everglades National Park, where you can witness the unique wetland ecosystem and possibly spot an alligator or manatee.

How to Enjoy the Scenic Drive Between Orlando and Miami?

To enjoy the scenic drive between Orlando and Miami, make sure to take your time and not rush through the journey. The road is lined with beautiful beaches, state parks, and attractions that offer a lot to see and experience. Consider taking a detour to visit the Darling National Wildlife Refuge or take a stroll along the beautiful beach in West Palm Beach. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination, so take your time to enjoy the scenic drive.

Beach Hopping: Discovering Florida’s Pristine Beaches

What are the best beaches to visit.

Florida is home to some of the best beaches in the country, and the route from Orlando to Miami offers the opportunity to visit many of them. From the vibrant South Beach in Miami to the serene beaches along the Gulf Coast, you have a plethora of options to choose from. Make sure to visit the famous Miami Beach, known for its beautiful white sand and vibrant nightlife.

How to Make the Most of Your Beach Stops?

To make the most of your beach stops, plan to spend a few hours at each location to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Whether you want to take a dip in the ocean, build sandcastles, or simply relax with a book, the beaches along the route offer the perfect setting. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy a meal with a view of the ocean, and don’t forget to carry your sunscreen to protect yourself from the Florida sun.

Attractions Not to Miss

What are the top attractions on the orlando to miami drive.

The drive from Orlando to Miami is dotted with numerous attractions that cater to all interests. Some of the top attractions include the Kennedy Space Center, where you can learn about space exploration and the beautiful lighthouses that offer stunning views of the ocean. Don’t miss out on visiting the upscale boutiques in Fort Lauderdale and the vibrant Art Deco district in Miami.

How to Plan Your Visit to These Attractions?

Planning your visit to these attractions involves considering the opening hours, the time required to explore each place, and the distance from your previous stop. Make sure to allocate sufficient time for each attraction to fully enjoy the experience without feeling rushed. Consider booking tickets in advance for popular attractions to avoid long queues and ensure a smooth visit.

Exploring Miami: The Vibrant City of FL

What are the things to do in miami.

Miami, the vibrant city of FL, offers a plethora of things to do and see. From the bustling streets of Ocean Drive to the serene beaches, Miami is a city of contrasts. Make sure to visit the famous South Beach, known for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches. The Art Deco district offers a glimpse into the city’s architectural history, while the upscale boutiques offer a shopping experience like no other.

How to Enjoy Your Stay in Miami?

To enjoy your stay in Miami, make sure to explore the different neighborhoods, each offering a unique experience. From the vibrant streets of Little Havana to the upscale neighborhood of Coral Gables, Miami offers a diverse range of experiences. Consider taking a boat tour to witness the beautiful coastline or enjoy a meal at one of the many waterfront restaurants that offer stunning views of the ocean.

Accommodation Guide: Best Places to Stay

Where are the best places to stay during your road trip.

Choosing the right place to stay during your road trip is crucial to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. From luxury hotels to budget-friendly motels, the route from Orlando to Miami offers a range of accommodation options. Consider staying at a beachfront hotel to enjoy stunning views of the ocean, or opt for a boutique hotel for a unique experience.

How to Choose the Right Place to Stay?

Choosing the right place to stay involves considering your budget, the amenities offered, and the location. Make sure to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, to secure the best deals. Consider the proximity to the attractions you want to visit and the facilities offered by the hotel to ensure a comfortable stay.

Dining and Culinary Adventures

What are the best places to dine along the route from orlando to miami.

The route from Orlando to Miami offers a culinary adventure with a range of dining options to choose from. From fine dining restaurants offering gourmet meals to casual eateries serving delicious seafood, the options are endless. Make sure to try the local cuisine, which includes a range of seafood dishes, Cuban delicacies, and tropical fruits.

How to Enjoy the Culinary Delights of South Florida?

To enjoy the culinary delights of South Florida, make sure to explore the different dining options available along the route. Consider trying the local specialties, which include stone crabs, key lime pie, and Cuban sandwiches. Don’t miss out on visiting the vibrant food markets that offer a range of fresh produce and gourmet products.

Returning Back to Orlando

What to keep in mind for your trip back to orlando.

As your road trip comes to an end, it’s time to head back to Orlando. To ensure a smooth journey back, consider checking the traffic conditions to avoid delays and plan your route accordingly. Make sure you reach the airport on time if you are taking the flight on your way back. Moreover, make sure to have all your belongings with you before leaving your accommodation. This section will provide tips on ensuring a smooth return journey, including suggestions for stops along the way.

How to Make the Most of Your Trip Back?

To make the most of your trip back to Orlando, consider stopping at some of the attractions along the way. Whether it’s a quick visit to a roadside attraction or a dinner stop at a popular restaurant, the return journey offers an opportunity to extend your road trip adventure. Consider visiting the west side of Florida to explore the beautiful beaches along the Gulf Coast or take a detour to visit the picturesque towns that dot the coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the drive time between orlando and miami.

The drive time between Orlando and Miami is approximately 3-4 hours, depending on the route you choose and the traffic conditions. It’s advisable to check the traffic updates before starting your journey to plan your route accordingly. Moreover, consider the time required for stops along the way, especially if you plan to visit attractions or dine at restaurants during your trip.

What are the Best Ways to Travel Back to Orlando?

The best ways to travel back to Orlando include driving back the same route or opting for a different route to explore new attractions and beaches. Also, you can consider taking a flight back, with the Orlando to Miami flight being a quick and convenient option. Whichever mode of transport you choose, make sure to plan your journey well to ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience.

Embark on the ultimate Orlando to Miami road trip with this comprehensive guide. Moreover, from planning your itinerary to exploring the attractions, this guide covers all aspects of a perfect road trip.

Make the most of your trip and rent a car with Advantage at the airport and get ready to soak in the sun. Furthermore, enjoy the beautiful beaches, and explore the vibrant cities of Florida!

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Orlando to Miami: the ultimate road trip

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• Orlando to Miami: the ultimate…

For Americans, the Orlando to Miami drive is a mere blip on the highway. And yes, the  3.5 hour  zip down the turnpike is handy if you’re in a hurry. But for road trippers, devourers of scenery and the  inquisitive, an Orlando to Miami road trip is filled with beach action, Florida fun, creeks,  parks  and  coastal towns packed with opportunities to dig a little deeper into American culture, Florida’s history and the sunshine state’s vacation destinations.  We’ve drawn up plans for the ultimate Orlando to Miami road trip for those among us who love to travel. Take a day – or 3 – to get there. What matters isn’t the journey time, but what you see along the way.  

Just flown  in?  Don’t be too quick to lea ve Florida’s playground behind.  Obviously   Orlando’s theme parks  are there for the taking, but there’s more to this city than mouse ears and queues for coasters. Get some inside intel from our rundown of  things to do in Orlando   and swing by International Dr ive to stock up on road trip supplies in the  shopping malls .  Our best tip for experiencing  Orlando?  Don’t focus entirely on the bright lights of the big attractions. Away from the fantasy-filled parks, Orlando’s streets are grounded in all the culture,  cui sine  and Americana you’d expect. To see a completely different side of the  city?  Switch from four wheels to two and pedal your way through some – or all, of the 22 mile  West Orange  Trail .

The highlights are Lake  Apopka  and  Winter Garden – a town that gives  you vintage Florida charm all day long.  

Cape Canaveral

Map studiers will be wondering why we’ve headed east, not south on the first leg of the  Orlando to Miami drive . Well, we’ve two solid reasons. The Canaveral National Seashore and the Kennedy Space Centre. And, really, we’d file these under ‘must see’  if you’re into beaches or space. The coastline offers up the chance to explore some premium, undeveloped Floridian coastline. So pristine are the waters, leatherback, loggerhead and hawksbill turtles call this place home. And they’re in good company – manatees and right whales hang out here too, so do pack your binoculars for a day on the dunes. Don’t forget to look up. In the skies you could spot an arctic peregrin, bald eagle or… a space shuttle. 

Thankfully the space centre is a suitable distance away, but time your visit right and you could witness a rocket launch. If it’s not the season, a day in the park is a day well spent. Expect to be wowed and experience a tinge of regret that you didn’t choose astronaut as a career path.

Orbzii  tip : You’ll be taking the FL-50 east which takes you past Fort Christmas, built during the  Seminole Wars , and several conservation,  wildlife  and wetland areas. Keep your eyes peeled for blue herons and American kestrels.  

The journey south starts here. You can either pick up the I-95, or the US-1 highway. Both trail all the way down to Miami, but the US-1 highway hugs the coastline – making for a slower, but more scenic drive. Either way, we’re headed for Palm Bay.  And you’ll want to bring your outdoorsy a-game to this neck of the woods. Kayaking,  hiking  and biking are the ways to make the most of this tucked away spot that’s awash with scrub creeks and wildlife sanctuaries. The Palm Bay Regional Park has four lakes  for you to stroll among – or fish on. Or the Castaways Point Park is the place to catch the sunset on the shore.   

Orbzii  tip : Looking for an all-American breakfast to fuel your trip? Drop into  Chekmarc’s . A family-owned diner that serves everything from  buttermilk hotcakes to burritos, ‘ biscuits’  and grits.   

Port St Lucie

Another stop, another chance to immerse yourself in some of Florida’s pristine wilderness. On route, the St Sebastian River State Park preserves Florida’s longleaf pines. Where, among the  trees and waterways, wild manatees, pelicans and bobcats make their home. In Port St Lucie itself? Sporting pursuits overshadow the beaches and rivers. In spring, the New York Mets use Clover Park baseball stadium for their training games. Elsewhere, the unusual game of  Jai-Alai  is on the rise again, but needs a keen eye to watch it. Catch a game if you can.

Orbzii tip : West of Port St Lucie, Lake Okeechobee is America’s second-largest freshwater lake. Once central to native life, you can check out the lake’s history and its people at the  Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum .  

West Palm Beach

After the wild and rugged side of Florida, you’ll be about ready for some urban exploits. And West Palm  Beach couldn’t be a better stop on our  Orlando to Miami drive . As the name suggests, there’s plenty of sand to the east if you’re looking for more coastal fun, but in the city, the bright lights are calling. If you’re limited on time, Clematis Street bundl es the best of the city into one place. Clubs, galleries, restaurants, shops and a  farmer’s market give you a taste of what West Palm Beach has to offer. In town a little longer? Take a trolley ride to the museums or try and catch a show at the Travis  Centre.  

Orbzii  tip : Palm Beach showcases West Palm’s more glamorous side. Chic and sophisticated, expect mansions, high-end  boutiques  and a very exclusive round of golf at the Palm Beach Country Club.  

Prepare to live life at a  slightly slower pace, among the upscale holidaymakers and trust fund-backed surfers looking to summer in leisurely style.   Another stellar stretch of coast, Boca Raton stands out for its Mediterranean-inspired, pastel pink, Addison Mizner architecture. Red  Reef Park ’ s  the place for gorgeous beach walks, but in Boca, you might want to swerve the sands for a browse around the museums.  We ’ d always recommend  Boca’s  art museum, but the International Museum of Cartoon Art  is a rarer find. A magnet for America’s rich and famous, the local airport sees far more private jets land here than any other US state. Eyes peeled then for a little celeb spotting as you flit from your pick of the award-winning restaurants to the next B oca hotspot.  

Orbzii  tip : Road tripping on a budget? Time your trip for the first Sunday in the month, for free entry to the Boca Raton Museum of Art and keep an eye on Boca’s calendar for free festivals and shows.   

We made it. And Miami’s sprawling  streets are electric. You’ll feel the vibe as soon as you drive into this stunning city. And, though this stretch of Florida is known for its legendary nightlife, there’s a scene in Miami for everyone. If you’re all about single origin beans and hunting d own the city’s best coffee – head for Little Havana. In Miami for a little history? The architecture in Coral Gables  dates back to  the 1920s – which is positively ancient compared to Miami’s glitzy bayside. Though, it’s likely the vintage Miami you may hav e seen on screen is in the Art Deco District. On the water, glam yachts shimmer seductively, though they are missing out on the 35 miles of coastline that practically begs to be swam,  sunbathed  and surfed.   

Orbzii  tip : Don’t want your road trip to stop? C arry on south to the Florida Keys or head west to the Everglades National Park.  

That’s the ultimate Orlando to Miami road trip sorted. In the market for flights,  hotels  and a hire car to get you on the road? Download the  Orbzii  app today to plan and book  your trip!  

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Road Trip From Orlando To Miami

Florida is famous for its magnificent beaches, fantastic theme parks, world class cities and incredible wetlands. One of the best ways to see them is on a road trip from Orlando to Miami. There are two ways you can do a trip like this: via the east coast or the west coast of the state -both of which offer fantastic experiences you will love!

The 390-mile road trip from Orlando to Miami takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes to drive. Stop offs can include the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, St Petersburg, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and the Everglades.

These are just a handful of the many awesome places you can head to on this fabulous journey. So please keep on reading until the end to find out more about where else you can visit.

How far is Miami from Orlando and how long will the road trip take?

There are two main ways you can drive from Orlando to Miami.

Staying on the east coast, you can take the US-1 all the way down to the ‘Magic City'. If you choose to travel on the west coast of Florida, you will have to take the Interstate-75.

The former will take about 3 hours and 30 minutes of non-stop driving to cover a distance of 235 miles. While the latter incorporates 100 more miles and will take about 90 minutes longer to complete.

Both of these routes display the stunning natural beauty of Florida's coastline. In addition to taking you to a number of exciting towns and cities, you will also get to hit up a great selection of beaches too.

So be sure to bring along your kayaks, jet skis, paddleboards or canoes if you have them, as you will find plenty of opportunities to do these activities along the way.

Best road trip route from Orlando to Miami

The great thing about driving around Florida is that the roads are very easy to traverse.

They are also well signed posted too, so whichever route you decide to take, you shouldn't experience too many difficulties in getting around.

Unlike road trips in other parts of America, you will encounter frequent services and amenities. So there will be plenty of places for you to grab some food, fill up your gas, or take a restroom break, as and when its needed.

If you plan on heading back to Orlando, after spending a few days in Miami. Something you may consider doing is completing the journey in a loop.

Taking the US-1 down from Orlando to Miami, and the interstate-75 back up, will enable you to see a lot more of Florida's coastline than you otherwise would, if you stuck to just one highway.

How to drive from Orlando to Miami

The map above shows our suggestions for the best road trip routes between Orlando and Miami. Keep reading for detailed descriptions of both routes, where to stay on either, and the best things to do on the way.

The East Coast Route

Driving from Orlando, the US-1 will guide you all along the east coast of the state.

To get there you should consider heading first to the Kennedy Space Center. Located about an hour's drive away on Merritt Island, NASA has been using this base as the primary launch area for all their human-powered flights since 1968.

It has a fascinating visitor center that is definitely worth exploring. Not least because it exhibits a fabulous collection of space vessels that have flown into orbit, as well as debris which was collected from space.

Leaving the Kennedy Space Center, the US-1 will take you down to the lovely city of Fort Pierce. Nicknamed ‘Sunrise City', Fort Pierce is a charming place to visit with a scenic state park, an attractive beach and the delightful Heathcote Botanical Gardens, each of which is worth a visit to stretch your legs.

From Fort Pierce the road will carry on to Jupiter Island, which is a prestigious barrier island with an historic lighthouse. This exclusive area also accommodates the impressive mansions of a number of major celebrities like Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Kid Rock and Olivia Newton-John.

It will also usher you to West Palm Beach. A very under-rated city, this is home to some amazing street art, magnificent gastronomic tours and an eclectic range of shops, eateries and entertainment venues.

Finally, before arriving in Miami, you will reach Fort Lauderdale. Which has a number of outstanding shops, restaurants, museums, galleries, bars and nightclubs around its East Las Olas Boulevard.

The West Coast Route

Heading on the Interstate-75 towards the west coast of Florida, Tampa will be the first place of interest you should stop at.

A lively, spirited city with one of the state's best dining, entertainment and nightlife scenes, this is a great place to spend some time at its excellent galleries and museums. As well as the eminent Busch Gardens, which is uniquely both an amusement park and zoo.

If you love food, then you should be excited about heading to St Petersburg next. While here, the local delicacies on offer - including smoked mullet, oysters with mezcal pearls, Cuban sandwich and Southern fried chicken - will have your tastebuds in raptures.

With great fishing, outstanding beaches and a terrific range of shops, Fort Myers is the next place you will want to stop at. Further along the Gulf of Mexico, you will reach Naples, with its upscale boutiques, sophisticated restaurants and world-class golf courses.

Finally, making your way inland towards the east coast, the road will pass both the Big Cypress National Park and Everglades National Park, before connecting with the US-1 around Palm Springs North, en route to Miami.

Best places to stop between Orlando to Miami

Though you can drive between Orlando and Miami in the space of a few hours, you would be well advised to break the journey up over the course of a few days to really turn the trip into an adventure.

If you do, then here are some great options for overnight stays.

Feel the vibe of Fort Myers

Should you undertake the west coast route, Fort Myers provides a very good option for a stopover.

Despite being known as the ‘City of Palms', it is actually an aquatic paradise for those who like to jet-ski, kayak, paddleboard or wakeboard. With plenty of freshwater and saltwater bodies around to partake in these activities.

As well as an historic downtown area with plenty of wonderful boutique shops, restaurants and bars, there is fantastic beach here you where you can recharge your batteries after a long day of driving.

The Luminary Hotel is a great place to stay here , with a picture-perfect view of the marina. Boasting beautifully designed and very comfortable rooms for you to chill out, the hotel also operates a 24-hour front desk., which is especially helpful for those who need a late check-in.

As an added bonus, the hotel is situated directly in the downtown area, meaning it is close to all the nightlife action, too.

Marvel at the delights of Miami

Miami is the pinnacle of this particular road trip, so we'd suggest you splash out and really make the most of your stay here. For an unforgettable stay, the Four Seasons Hotel is a fabulous option .

Situated directly opposite Biscayne Bay, this deluxe 5-star rated, art deco hotel operates a full-service spa which you will definitely want to take advantage of. It also has two impressive outdoor pool areas with cabanas that are perfect places to unwind. While on-site the hotel also boasts one of the most celebrated restaurants in the city.

Offering top quality rooms that showcase either bay or city views, they come furnished with huge flat-screen TVs, which are perfect for watching films or sports, as well as very comfy beds, that will go a long way to helping you get a great night's sleep.

If you want to venture out, places like South Beach, Riverside Park, the Brickell City Center and the Bayside Market Place, are all easy to get to by car or public transport.

Things to see on a road trip from Orlando to Miami

You are spoilt for choice when it comes to things to see and do on a road trip from Orlando to Miami.

To make it easy for your planning, we have compiled this list of the main places to go across both routes.

East Coast Route

• Kennedy Space Center - Learn all about the wonders of space at NASA's awe-inspiring visitor center.
• Fort Pierce - Known as ‘Sunrise City', take some time to enjoy its beautiful beach, state park and botanical gardens.
• Jupiter Island - Marvel at the plush celebrity mansions and famous lighthouse that dominates this picturesque barrier island.
• West Palm Beach - A trendy city with incredible street art, sensational gastronomic tours and a wonderful range of restaurants, shops and entertainment venues.
• Fort Lauderdale - Explore the shops, galleries, museums, restaurants and bars of the pulsating East Las Olas Boulevard.

West Coast Route

• Tampa - Bustling city known for its terrific galleries and museums, up-and-coming dining scene and the famous tourist attraction of Busch Gardens.
• St Petersburg - Awesome foodie city where you can feast on gastronomic delights like Southern fried chicken, smoked mullet, Cuban sandwich and oysters with mezcal pearls.
• Fort Myers - Chill out on its wonderful beach, enjoy a spot for fishing and check out the latest trends at its fabulous collection of shops.
• Naples - Chic area with upscale shops, world-class museums and galleries, and a very sophisticated gourmet dining scene.
• Big Cypress National Park - Discover the rich history and culture of this stunning 700,000 acre swamp.
• The Everglades - Explore this astonishing 1.5-million-acre wetland that is home to alligators, crocodiles, the West Indian manatee and Florida panther.

Best time to go on a road trip from Orlando to Miami

You can do a road trip from Orlando to Miami all year round: Florida's mild, pleasant climate makes it is genuine year-round destination.

If you are thinking of doing it in the summer be aware that it can get very hot. So ensure your air conditioning is fully operational before you go. Temperatures will regularly hit highs of 90 degrees Fahrenheit in July and August.

It might be prudent to avoid undertaking this drive during holidays, given that the price of hotels will be at peak season rates. Likewise, traffic volumes will be much higher, and there will be longer queues at major tourist attractions like the Kennedy Space Center and the Everglades.

Between August and September you should be mindful of the potential for hurricanes, which are at their most prevalent and dangerous at this time of year.

Aside from that you can set off whenever it pleases you. After all, you'll have a massive part of Florida to discover!

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Best Orlando to Miami Drive for the Ultimate Road Trip 2024

It’s hard to imagine a better place for a road trip than sunny Florida. And if you’re forced to choose one Florida road trip to make, you can’t do better than the Orlando to Miami drive.

You’ll get to explore everything from epic theme parks and tropical beaches to the Kennedy Space Center and Alligator Alley. This drive is a perfect blend of excitement, relaxation, and natural beauty – quintessential Florida. 

So why not hit the open road and embark on an unforgettable journey from Orlando to Miami in 2024? 

Here’s everything you need to know about this drive. Let’s go!

✔️ Be sure to get the best rental car price. Check current availability and pricing ✔️

Orlando to Miami Drive

Once you’ve chosen this part of Florida to road trip through, you’ll need to pick a route. There are a few that you can take, but here we’re going to talk about the 2 most scenic ones. Below we’ll explore the US-1/SR A1A route along the east coast of the peninsula, and the I-75 route, on the west coast.

We’ll look at what there is to see and do on each route, how long each takes, and the best time to go. Here are the details you need to start planning this epic road trip, whichever route you decide on.

Drive Time (no stops): US-1/SR A1A (east): about 5 hours I-75 (west): about 5 hours and 40 minutes

Distance:  US- 1/SR A1A: 245 miles or 395 km I-75: 373 miles or 600 km

Best Time to Drive from Orlando to Miami

Any time is a great time for the Orlando to Miami Drive. Florida’s temperatures are perfect for a road trip any time of year, thanks to its mild subtropical climate. And since Miami is such a safe destination for families , there’s no reason not to visit!

Whether you’re planning a summer escape or a winter getaway, you can usually count on warm weather and sunshine to follow you on your journey. Florida’s weather conditions tend to be ideal for making the most of a road trip experience. Plus, there’s always plenty to do in the sunshine state – whether you’re visiting Miami in January or in the middle of summer!

If you prefer a little less humidity, though, winter is a better choice for you. From January through April the average humidity drops about 10%, and the days tend to be a bit cooler.

If there is one time of year, though, that you might want to keep an eye on the weather when planning your trip , it’s hurricane season. This officially falls between June 1 and November 30, but in reality, varies widely from year to year. 

The peak of Florida’s hurricane season is in August and September, and there is the possibility, albeit slight, of severe weather, heavy rain, and thunderstorms. The weather conditions during this time can be unpredictable and may lead to delays. 

Of course, this tends to be the exception rather than the rule. Many travelers come and go from Florida during this time completely unaware that they visited during hurricane season. So just keep an eye on the weather reports, and you should have no worries.

Peak Travel Season from Orlando to Miami

The summer months are also the peak time to plan a family vacation with school-aged children. With school holidays comes heavier traffic on the roads and longer wait times at popular attractions. 

It’s worth noting that prices for accommodations and tourist attractions tend to be higher during this period, too, so it’s recommended to plan and book in advance to get the best deals on hotels and activities.

Whichever time of year you’re traveling, it’s always best to start your day early. This way you can stay ahead of the traffic, as well as the heat. 

Is it hard to drive from Orlando to Miami?

US-1 and I-75 are well-maintained roadways. Both routes offer a smooth driving experience with minimal traffic congestion outside of peak hours. It is worth noting, however, that Route 1 is a more well-known scenic coastal road. This means that it may have more traffic, especially during peak tourist seasons like school holidays. 

Route 75 is also a scenic drive but is less well-known than Route 1, which runs from the Canadian border down the east coast of the United States . This results in fewer cars on the road, while still providing a fun-filled drive with lots to see and some amazing stops to make.

Both routes are well-equipped with service stations, food stops, and any other amenities you might need along your drive. 

Is it better to fly or drive from Miami to Orlando?

If you are short on time and are eager to dive into the excitement of Miami, then you may decide to book a flight. You can get from Orlando to Miami in about 1 hour and 10 minutes, often for less than US$100. 

However, if you have the time, I highly recommend driving. As fantastic as Miami is, it’s worth waiting for. The city is only a part of the fun when you’re in this part of Florida. The sights you’ll see and the activities you can take part in along either of these routes will be highlights of your trip.

If you plan to drive to Miami with your kids, make sure to consult my recommended toddler travel essentials to keep them happy and occupied during a long road trip. And don’t forget to pack plenty of chic Miami outfits for yourself !

Where should I stop between Orlando and Miami?

Us-1 route, east coast.

First up, let’s explore the east coast route along US-1. This route takes you down the Atlantic coastline and offers stunning ocean views and plenty of beachside stops and activities to indulge in. The US-1 is an incredibly scenic coastal road. 

You may want to spend a part of your drive on the SR A1A, which runs parallel to much of the US-1 but will take you through the barrier islands of Florida. If you decide to spend some time on the SR A1A, you’ll see some of the state’s most picturesque coastal towns and beaches. 

This road is lined with sandy beaches, often on both sides, with swaying palm trees, and stunning ocean vistas. It’s widely associated with beach culture and I suggest that you spend at least a little time on it. It will add a bit of time to your drive, but it will be time well spent.

You can actually spend a great deal of your Orlando to Miami drive on the SR A1A if you like. Its only caveat is that, as close as it is to the water, the road is vulnerable to things like high waves and storm surges. Traffic is often heavy on it, as well.

Feel free to go from the US-1 to the SR A1A and back, and be sure to listen to road condition warnings if there has been weather in the area.

The US-1 and the SR A1A are close enough that, whichever one you happen to be on, you can take in each of these only-in-Florida stops

➦ Kennedy Space Center

I’d highly recommend making this your first stop out of Orlando. The KSC on Merritt Island has a rich history dating back to the early days of NASA. Since 1968, the center has been the main launch center for the US space program. 

Today, it continues to be a hub for space exploration. Visitors get to explore interactive exhibits that showcase the history of space exploration and provide insight into the future of space travel. It’ll blow your mind.

The Heroes & Legends exhibit, for example, features the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.  It pays tribute to the men and women who have actually been to space. The Rocket Garden is a display of the rockets and capsules that were part of early space exploration. Plus. the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit showcases the history and technology behind the shuttle program.

If you’re interested in taking a behind-the-scenes tour, you have a few options. The KSC Bus Tour takes visitors to launch sites, the Vehicle Assembly Building, and other important areas of the center. The Explore Tour takes visitors to the launch control center and to the site where the Space Shuttle Atlantis was prepared for launch. While the Up-Close Tour provides an opportunity to view a launch pad up close.

The best time of day to visit the Kennedy Space Center is in the morning when there are fewer crowds and it’s a bit cooler. You can easily spend a full day exploring the exhibits and participating in tours, so plan accordingly. The Kennedy Space Center really is a fascinating place.

Even if you’re not a space geek, you’ll be amazed by the technology, history, and innovation on display.

✔️ Learn more about tickets to the Kennedy Space C enter ✔️

Where to Stay If you end up spending the day at the KSC you may not feel up to making the 40-minute drive to the next stop. The Courtyard By Marriott Titusville is just 8 miles down the road. It has a couple of casual on-site dining options, plus a pool and hot tub. And be sure to make your way up to the rooftop to check out the heart-stopping views.

➦ Cocoa Beach

About 40 minutes from the Space Center, this laid-back beach town is known for its surfing, fishing, and family-friendly atmosphere. You can enjoy all your favorite beach activities, such as swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles. If you have young kids, be sure to pack all of your toddler beach gear !

If you’re looking for some adventure, you can even do some surfing, parasailing, and kayaking on Cocoa Beach. The town is also home to the iconic Ron Jon Surf Shop , a must-stop for surfers and beach lovers. They have a wide selection of beachwear, surfboards, and other beach essentials, as well as souvenirs like t-shirts and hats.

Don’t miss Cocoa Beach Pier, where you’ll find restaurants, shops, and fishing opportunities. And you can’t leave without a stop at the Fat Donkey downtown, for ice cream.

Where to Stay

When you love it too much to leave, the Beach Place Guesthouse is a great place to spend the night. With a private beach, free parking, an outdoor fireplace, and an in-room kitchen… just don’t forget that you’re heading for Miami!

➦  Sebastian Inlet State Park

Located in the town of Melbourne Beach, the park is 50 minutes down the road from Cocoa Beach. It has stunning beaches, water activities, and some fantastic nature trails for hiking with the family . It’s a great spot to stretch your legs and enjoy the Florida sunshine after a long drive. 

You may even get to see some wildlife while you’re here. Sebastian Park is home to sea turtles, dolphins, and manatees, to name a few local inhabitants. One of the best hiking trails is Hammock Trail, an easy 15-20 minute walk with lots of informational signs about the area’s wildlife. The park also has a museum that showcases the history and ecology of the area.

If you feel like jumping in the water, the park has great opportunities for swimming, surfing, and snorkeling. With so much to do, Sebastian Inlet State Park is the perfect stop on a road trip through Florida. There is a US$8/vehicle charge.

If you’re ready for a break, the park is a great place to camp . If that’s not for you, overnight at SpringHill Suites Vero Beach on the mainland, just 20 minutes away. With the high standards typical of a Marriott property, you’ll have free parking, breakfast, even laundry, and a pool.

➦ Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum

1.5 hours further down the road you’ll find this iconic landmark in the town of Jupiter. Built in 1860 and an important part of the area’s maritime history, the lighthouse stands tall at 108 feet. You can climb the 105 steps to the top for spectacular views of the surrounding area, including the Atlantic Ocean and the nearby Jupiter Inlet. 

The museum has exhibits on the history of the lighthouse and the local area, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region. The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum is open daily, and guided tours are available if you’re interested in learning more about the lighthouse’s fascinating history.

While in the area, you can also visit the nearby Blowing Rocks Preserve . This nature conservancy is a stunning 73-acre beach and nature reserve on Jupiter Island, with limestone formations and rare sea life to see. 

You can take guided nature walks, do some birdwatching, and observe sea turtles nesting during the summer months. The preserve’s shallow reef is home to a variety of marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. Keep in mind, that the Preserve is open only from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Where to stay

The Jupiter Waterfront Inn is the ideal stop. In a terrific location, you can enjoy the view from your own terrace out over the Atlantic Ocean and the Jupiter Inlet. Take a dip in the pool before you go to sleep!

➦ Delray Beach

Just 45 minutes further on, this pretty little coastal town is a great place to take a break from the road trip and enjoy some beach time. The downtown area is full of boutiques, restaurants, art galleries, and the Delray Beach Art Trail. 

Art deco is everywhere in Delray – take a self-guided tour past the murals and art installations downtown, and call it a cultural experience! Some say it rivals the Art Deco District of Miami Beach, and even gives New York a run for its money. 

If you find that the Art Trail is your thing, you might want to backtrack for about 25 minutes and check out the Art Night Out in West Palm Beach’s Northwood Village. It only happens on the last Friday of each month, so check your calendar before you head out.

In addition to its artsy downtown area, Delray Beach also offers plenty of outdoor activities, such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and surfing. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the Wakodahatchee Wetlands, just 15 minutes to the west. You’ll find a nature preserve with a boardwalk trail that winds through a variety of wetland habitats.

Crane’s Beach House Boutique Hotel and Luxury Villas is just a short walk from downtown and a block off the beach. The hotel has tropical landscaping, 2 saline pools, and its own Tiki Bar. You can choose between rooms, suites, and villas. Crane’s also offers massage services to guests, poolside or in your room.

Your next stop is Miami, less than an hour away – enjoy!

I-75 Route, West Coast

The I-75 is another popular route for an Orlando to Miami road trip. This way takes you along the Gulf Coast and is a bit more of a relaxed drive. Starting from Orlando, you will take the I-4 towards Tampa, then the I-75 south, and then east to Miami.

This route takes about 5.5 hours of straight driving to cover a distance of 373 miles or 600 km. It’s a well-maintained road and offers plenty of amenities for travelers, including rest areas, gas stations, and food stops. 

During peak travel times, however, such as school holidays and weekends, traffic can be heavy, particularly around cities like Tampa and Fort Myers. I’d recommend that you plan your trip accordingly and avoid peak travel times if you can. Getting an early morning start each day can help.

The I-75 is a beautiful drive, and like the US-1 it offers a lot of sights and activities along the way. Ideally, you’ll be able to stop at each of them, but if you can’t, take in as many as you have time for!

Located just off I-75 and about 1 hour and 35 minutes from Orlando, Tampa is an energetic city with plenty to see. You can stop in at Busch Gardens , a world-renowned amusement park with rides, live entertainment, and amazing – and ethical – wildlife encounters. Or take the Tampa Riverwalk, and be sure to check out nearby Zudar’s on Platt for some amazing food. 

And of course, there is the Florida Aquarium – this is a great place for the kids to work off some energy at the Splash Pad. Tampa also has many fantastic places to eat, and you know the shopping is unbeatable. Put Hyde Park Village into Google Maps, and spend some time wandering around this charming outdoor shopping area.

The Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa North is a great place to spend the night if you decide you love it here. You’ll have a pool and gym, with a free breakfast buffet and even a theme park shuttle.

An hour from Tampa is this beautiful coastal town. Known for its absolutely beautiful beaches, Sarasota has a lot to see, so definitely try to make time for this stop. While you’re here, you can explore cultural attractions like the very unique  Ringling Museum of Art, and the Ca’ d’Zan Mansion. This Mediterranean revival-style mansion was built by Jon Ringling of circus fame.

If you’d rather stick to a beaches-only itinerary, check out Siesta Key Village. The beach of the same name has been named one of the best beaches in the US, and there are hidden treasures galore to be found when you wander down Midnight Pass Road. We celebrated my twins’ second birthday in Sarasota. There are so many things to do in Sarasota with kids . We can not wait to go back!

The Carlisle Inn Sarasota has everything you’ll need if you decide to stay. Enjoy the pool and the fitness center, and choose between the in-house restaurant or whipping something up for yourself in your own kitchenette.

➦ Cape Coral

An hour and 45 minutes from Sarasota, Cape Coral is located on a large peninsula with an extensive system of canals and waterfront areas to explore. You can take a fishing charter or eco-tour, or enjoy one of the many parks and nature preserves. 

There are also several golf courses and some great shopping in the area. Cape Coral is an irresistible stop on your road trip due to its small-town feel and intoxicating waterfront lifestyle.

If you’ve got a little time to spare, you might also want to take a drive to Sanibel Island. About a 40-mile drive from Cape Coral, Sanibel Island is a subtropical barrier island and is a paradise for nature lovers. It’s home to several exquisite beaches, as well as the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. It also has some great kayaking and snorkeling opportunities.

* There’s a US$9 fee to cross over to the island.

Cape Paradise B&B is the perfect place to overnight in the area. You’ll be able to enjoy the outdoor pool and hot tub, lounge on the terrace, or relax at the bar. If you have a lighthouse bucket list, the B&B is close to Sanibel Lighthouse.

Known for luxurious resorts, upscale shopping, and ritzy dining options, Naples is about an hour and 25 minutes south of Cape Coral. Make the most of a stop here by taking a stroll down 5th Avenue South. Do a little shopping at a few of the boutiques, and indulge in a fine meal to recharge. Or at least stop at the Mon”Key” Bread Factory for dessert. In fact, go there first!

Then, head to one of the beautiful beaches, such as Vanderbilt Beach or Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, and enjoy some sun, sand, and surf. If you have time, take a scenic drive along Gulf Shore Boulevard to enjoy the spectacular ocean views.

Home2 Suites by Hilton is a great hotel at a great price. The swimming pool, barbeque facilities, and sun terrace are all at your disposal, and you can even opt for a room with a kitchenette.

➦ The Everglades and Alligator Alley

The stretch of I-75 between Naples and Miami is known as Alligator Alley. You just can’t drive this route without stopping in the Everglades. Just pull over at any of the rest stops or boat ramps, and look for alligators, fish, and turtles. Birds are also plentiful in the area.

You could take a detour here and head south to the Everglades National Park, but Alligator Alley is such an epic experience that you won’t feel the need. And it’s free to explore!

Each rest stop is equipped with restrooms, vending machines, and picnic tables for your convenience. But do keep an eye out – alligators! You can even take a guided airboat tour to explore the park’s unique ecosystem and see alligators, birds, and other wildlife from the water. 

The easiest way to do this is to plan ahead a bit and book a trip through a company like TripAdvisor . You can meet at the Sawgrass Recreation Park just north of the I-75 on Highway 27.

There are no accommodation options between Naples to Miami, along Alligator Alley, which is about 120 miles, or 193 km. If you’re not yet ready to end your road trip, you may want to spend the night in Fort Lauderdale. 

If you decide to do that, The Tides Inn Hotel is a great stop, with bicycle rentals and kayaking, and the beach at your doorstep. Another hour and 10 minutes in the car, and you’re in Miami!

Or if you’re anxious to get there, Miami is less than an hour from the Sawgrass Recreation Park. Go for it! Once you get to Miami, a plethora of fun restaurants will be waiting for you.

Orlando to Miami Bus

What if you don’t want to fly over all of the amazing scenery between Orlando and Miami, but you don’t want to drive? There are options for you!

The most economical one is to buy a ticket on the Greyhound or another public bus. This will generally cost less than US $40 one-way and takes around 4.5-5 hours. Of course, you don’t get in on the different stops along the way, but you’ll still end up in Miami! You can book one way or round trip and stay as long as you like. 

There are also several possibilities from companies like TripAdvisor . You can hire a private van with a driver, so you just sit back and enjoy the ride. Some will even show you around Miami, or give you the option of taking a cruise on Biscayne Bay! 

These can be great choices if you have a group going, and your car is just not big enough. Orlando to Miami drives like this tend to be round-trip, single-day trips, so you don’t even have to worry about a place to stay.

Orlando to Miami Train

Who doesn’t love to travel by train? You can book a ticket with Amtrak for anywhere from US $30 to around US $70. Travel by rail tends to be slower than travel by road, and the trip takes on average about 6.5 hours. This can vary by +/- an hour or two. Again, you won’t be stopping along the way, but you can still enjoy the scenery without worrying about traffic.

Orlando to Miami Flight

Of course, the fastest way to make the trip is to fly. One-way tickets can be had for less than US $100, but that price can increase by 2 or 3x depending on the usual factors like the airline, advance booking time, etc. Flight time is normally around 1 hour and 20 minutes. Book a car rental from the airport in advance, and you’re all set!

Conclusion: Orlando to Miami Drive

It’s clear that both the US-1 route and the I-75 route from Orlando to Miami have their own unique advantages and drawbacks. The US-1 route offers stunning coastal views, numerous beach and outdoor activities, and charming small towns to explore. However, it can also be more congested and slower due to traffic, especially during rush hours and school holidays. 

On the other hand, the I-75 route is a bit faster as it tends to have less traffic. It also has a variety of attractions and cities to visit along the way, but with fewer coastal views and somewhat less beach access. It does have Alligator Alley, though. 

If you’re having a hard time deciding which route to take, an easy solution is to make a loop. Take the US-1 from Orlando to Miami, and the I-75 back to Orlando – and enjoy the best of both worlds!

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The Best Places To See On A Florida Road Trip From Orlando

Posted on Last updated: December 15, 2023

Categories USA

Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.

A Florida Road Trip is the perfect vacation idea – no matter how little or much time you have! There are literally hundreds of destinations available on this flat peninsula, from theme parks and beachside resorts to tropical islands, art deco glam, and swampy marshlands.

Hitting the open road has never been more appealing. An All-American thrill with attractions and destinations aplenty — most of which are never that far apart thanks to a modern (albeit pricey) highway system.

Florida has something for everyone, and it’s year-round warm weather only add’s to the appeal. Live out your seaside fantasies on a Florida Road trip and discover why everyone is raving about Florida!

Page Contents

Crystal River – Home of the Gentle Manatees

Kennedy space center – america’s spaceport, tampa – america’s next greatest city, jacksonville – the bold new city of the south, everglades national park  – the river of grass, ocala national forest – central florida before the theme parks, disneyworld orlando – the happiest place on earth, historic spanish point – an oasis of old floridian beauty, sarasota city – relaxed and refined beachside town, scuba diving in florida – there are so many options, tallahassee – florida’s genteel capital, key west – paradise found in the conch republic, st. augustine – it doesn’t get much older than this, sanibel island – she finds seashells by the seashore, miami – a city for all season , universal resort orlando – experience the movies, st. petersburg – cultural vacation bliss, naples – affluence by the sea, gainesville – a surprise at every turn, gulf islands national seashore – there is almost too much to love, apalachicola – an under-the-radar fishing town with a big heart, caladesi island – the secluded escape you have been dreaming of, orlando city – yes, there is more than just theme parks.

Crystal River Florida is a magical place with exceptional wildlife spotting, quiet backwaters, small-town life, and yes – the famous Manatee. When water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico drop in the winter, the gentle manatees make their way upstream to the warmer water of Crystal River and the Three Sisters Springs.

Tourists from all over the world flock here to have an up-close and personal experience, as the only place in the United States, you can legally enter the water with these wonderful and placid creatures.

The Three Sisters Springs is easily one of the best national parks in Florida, and while numbers are higher in the winter, there are manatees to be found here year-round, with much lower tourist numbers in the summer.

A bucket list experience for sure – this is one place you do not want to miss on a Florida road trip (and if you keep heading north you can enjoy the highlights of a Gulf Coast road trip )

Read more about swimming with manatees in Florida legally or click through to find the best accommodation options and deals in Crystal River, Florida.

One of the best Florida road trips from Orlando has to be to get up close and personal to the space shuttle Atlantis at the famous Kennedy Space Center , just one hour outside of Orlando.

The shuttle launches may have stopped, but the Space Center is still an excellent, unforgettable experience that gives you a taste of what an astronaut’s life is like and gives you important insight into the ongoing work of the space program in the USA. No matter if you are only moderately passionate about science and space, or an uncompromising sci-fi enthusiast, you can’t help but be impressed by a  visit to the Space Centre and the sheer scale of the endeavors taken to further humanity here.

Begin at the Early Space Exploration museum to get a quick summary, then head out on the 90-minute bus tour to the Apollo / Saturn V Center and conclude at the spectacular new Atlantis museum, in which you can walk under the scorched fuselage of a spacecraft that flew on 33 flights to space. 

Located on the Atlantic Coast and adjacent to the wind-swept beaches of Canaveral National Seashore,  an all-day immersion in US space history will have you wanting to head to the stars yourself.

While Tampa is often overlooked as a sprawling business hub, there is actually a lot on offer here for a day or two! With the world-class Florida Aquarium , plenty of urban green spaces, great museums, a thriving food scene – and yes, access to Florida’s Gold Coast – this is one stylish city.

The newly opened Riverwalk is not to be missed, nor is Florida’s best grouper sandwiches at Big Rays Fish Camp – and if you’re in town around Halloween, the Chamber of Terror is an amazing haunted boat attraction on a real US navy boat. Of course, there is also the famous Busch Garden’s amusement park too if you’re looking for some year-round thrills.

Click through to find the best accommodation options and deals in Tampa Florida.   

Another spot that is one of the top places to road trip to in Florida is Jacksonville , the largest city by land area in the contiguous United States, — and the most populated in Florida. But don’t be put off by the vast size or somewhat isolated position just 25 miles south of the Georgia state line, Jacksonville is a treasure trove of activities and one of the most underrated things to do in Florida.

Stretching across both sides of the St. Johns River (and with two more meandering waterways now located entirely within Jacksonville), this is a city of spanning bridges, twinkling city lights reflecting on the water and numerous lookout points to enjoy the unusual cityscape. 

While your first impressions of high-rise towers and corporate head offices might put you off, Jacksonville has the soul of a southern belle if you look deeper. A good place to start is wandering its 22 miles of beaches,  extensive park systems, or historic neighborhoods. There are plenty of things to do with curious museums, a lauded street art scene, coastal cuisine, the hoppy craft beer scene, and so much more! 

Though the city is gigantic, most places of interest are clustered along with the St Johns River’s narrowest point around the downtown and the historic Five Points and San Marco neighborhoods (filled with bistros, boutiques, and restaurants).

Or the beach. Jax, as locals call it, is all about waterworks, breweries, and history. If you only have time to stop briefly, the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens is absolutely not-to-be-missed. The Southbank Riverwalk and ultra-modern Museum of Contemporary Art (which reminded up more of Eindhoven or Stockholm ) are also worth taking note of.

The Everglades National Park is a 1.5-million-acre world-famous wetland preserve – and one of the best national parks in Florida. With everything from coastal mangroves to marshes and pine flat woods, not to mention all the animal species, this iconic park invigorates the senses and gives you a big breath of fresh air.

The top activities in the Everglades are kayaking and airboat riding, but there are plenty of free boardwalks to be found. The best place to access the Everglades is from Everglades City, and the Ivy House Bed & Breakfast is the perfect place to stay with great rates, an internal swimming pool, in-house kayaking tours, and more.

Click through to find the best Everglades airboat tours and accommodation options in Everglades City.

We love the majestic Everglades, but there is so much more to the nature of Florida. One such place is the Ocala National Forest , located just north of Orlando.

The southernmost forest in the continental United States, inside this otherworldly park, you will find hidden cypress stands, bizarre sinkholes and crystal-clear springs — and the world’s largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest. The forest covers 607 square miles (1,570 km2) of Central Florida and has more than 600 lakes, rivers, and springs, including springs where you can swim, snorkel, and dive in the magical crystalline waters year-round.

There are hundreds of trails, many of which take you on past unusual and mysterious scenes, including the remains of 19th-century homesteads. You’ll get the feeling you could be lost for weeks if you strayed from the path, which is probably true, and we don’t suggest it.

There is very much the ‘Old Florida,’ and you can appreciate what early settlers would have experienced when they arrived in this humid and confusing land all those years ago. And get a sense of what this area of Florida was like before the theme parks arrived and changed everything forever.

There are 40+ odd campgrounds and ample activities, whether you want a short hike, longer kayaking adventures, or just to explore this tangle of unique flora and flora.

No list of the best things road trip ideas in Florida would be complete without Walt Disney World Orlando. One of the most popular tourist attractions on Earth (and the most visited vacation resort in the world) – this resort is the flagship of Disney worldwide and worth dedicating at least a few days.

There are four separate parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot,  Hollywood Studios and the Animal Kingdom, each of which is worth a day each on it’s own, which is exactly what the  Disney Four Park Pass  is perfectly designed for, however, if you only have one-day the Magic Kingdom Park is the most iconic and it’s night-time shows just cannot be missed.

And trust me, you are never too old for a trip to DisneyWorld! 

Make sure to read the best DisneyWorld Orlando Tips before you go, and see all of the Disney Ticket deals available.  Best sure to get accommodation close to DisneyWorld – and consider car hire from Orlando airport as the shuttles are notoriously bad. 

Historic Spanish Point in Osprey, Florida, is a spectacular 30-acre heritage and nature attraction. The highlights within are all connected by a 1-mile walking tour that passes through various historic sites in an otherwise pristine coastal ecosystem of clear springs, white sand, alligator-filled wetlands, and jumbled mangroves.

There is no real Spanish connection here (the name is a tribute to the Spanish merchant who told settlers, John and Eliza Webb, about this idyllic location in 1867). The praise was the least they could so as the expansive site is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in County Sarasota. In 1910, Bertha Palmer, a well-to-do Chicago socialite, bought the Spanish Point home along with vast tracts in the surrounding area for cattle ranching, citrus groves, and land development.

The original pioneering homestead was part of the property she selected for her 350-acre estate, which she called “Osprey Point.” She retained the pioneering buildings and combined them with lush landscaped gardens and lawns. Mrs. Palmer passed in 1918, and her family preserved Osprey Point in the following decades and encouraged the nomination of the Spanish Point to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. In 1980, the Palmer heirs donated the National Registry to the Gulf Coast Heritage Association, and the Osprey Point site is now home to the Historic Spanish Point Museum.

Don’t miss the charming Selby Gardens, hugging the beautiful Sarasota Bay, a tropical urban oasis of unparalleled botanical bliss or the turn-of-the-century pioneer homestead historic house museum. A magnificent historic place close to Sarasota, there is so much to explore here, with well-maintained trails and even trams that cross large areas of the grounds if the humid Florida heat makes walking less appealing.

The natural beauty alone means that even without the archeological significance, Historic Spanish Point would be one of the best places to visit from Orlando. And is somewhere you should allow at least half a day to explore.

Sarasota is sophistication without excess, a medium-sized city without the hustle and bustle. Think gorgeous beaches, relaxed ‘Happy Hour’ specials, a charming downtown, and plenty of low-key attractions.

A famed winter retreat for the affluent, one of the biggest drawcards here is the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art – if you can draw yourself away from the miles of coastline that is.

There is also a world-class botanical garden, plenty of museums and child-friendly activities – but the Happy Hour food and drinks in the Lido Beach Hotel , with stunning views up and down the coast, is absolutely not to be missed.

Click through to find the best accommodation options and deals in Sarasota Florida.

Being surrounded by water on three sides and have a rich maritime history, is it any wonder scuba diving in Florida is some of the best in the world. Well, for wreck divers, at least. Its biodiversity doesn’t compare with spots like the Galapagos , Komodo , or Sipidan sadly.

More ocean-going vessels have had the misfortune of hitting reefs while sailed off the coast of Florida than we can keep a record off — and some are even at that sweet spot that can be explored by snorkelers.

Almost anywhere you stay along the coast will have opportunities for diving, but for enthusiasts, Panama City is the wreck capital of Florida providing an underwater graveyard for over a dozen warships, tugs, and most famously a 441-foot World War II “Liberty Ship; “The Chippewa.” There are also natural reefs just a few miles offshore with small corals and colorful sponges.

Another incredible option for diving is the granddaddy USS Oriskany at 911ft long, 148ft wide and 129ft tall, (diveable from Pensacola), or the many wrecks which litter the seafloor around Fort Lauderdale.

For snorkelers, a Spanish galleon, the Urca de Lima , is found in only 10ft of water close to Fort Pierce, or Biscay National Park has a maritime heritage trail with six ships that are small enough for snorkelers.

Florida’s capital is a city of unexpected delights, with larger-than-life festivals, energetic nightlife, award-winning cuisine, and over 700 miles of trails and endless outdoor adventures.

Tallahassee , the largest city in Florida Panhandle, is cradled between slowly rising hills and filled with tree-lined avenues, street art, and a distinctly different vibe than the rest of Florida. Tallahassee is a peaceful and majestic city (ironically) more southern that much of the state it oversees to the South. Given that geographically, it’s nearer to Atlanta than Miami, this inverse relation makes sense.

Even though the city is home to two major universities (Florida State and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University) and plenty of governmental institutions, the tempo of life here is remarkably slow, only adding to its charm. There is a range of museums to explore, like the Tallahassee Museum of History & Natural Science and the Museum of Florida History, which explores European colonization, the Civil War, and WWII, but it’s the southern atmosphere and way of life we found the most alluring.

If you are only dropping by, a glass of sweet tea and a plate of cornmeal-battered catfish from the Catfish Pad is as good an introduction as any.

The crown jewel of the Florida Keys, Key West is a tiny seven square-mile island at the end of Florida’s Overseas Highway. An island of contradictions, you can find here peaceful tropical beaches, world-class snorkeling, and a daily sunset celebration – but this is also an island filled with bars, clubs, frat boys, mass tourism, and even an  S&M fetishist parade.

The drive out, however, is gorgeous, and with proper planning, Key West can be everything you dreamed and more. I recommend staying in the newly opened Perry Hotel for a quiet location away from the crowds, and talking to the guys as Namaste Excursions for an eco-snorkeling excursion to one of the best-preserved reefs in Florida.

Just don’t forget your coral friendly sunscreen!   Whatever you are interested in, Key West has it – and add in the stunning sunsets, happy hour specials, and relaxed island vibes, and you have a destination you just cannot pass up! 

Read my full review of the Perry Hotel in Key West here or click through to find the best accommodation options and deals in Key West Florida.

St Augustine was founded by the Spaniards in 1565 and today stands as one of the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the continental USA. This alone makes it one of the top places to visit, and indeed it is a major tourist destination — thanks to its 144-block National Historic Landmark District – but there is a lot more to love here.

St Augustine embodies beauty and retains its dignity, having developed gracefully over the years. However, there is no ignoring the blight of kitschy tourist traps that have come with its fame. There are miniature amusement parks, tour companies at almost every intersection , and horse-drawn carriages plodding along the street. Not to mention everyone dressed up in period costumes from ye’ olden days.

Love it or hate it, one of the main endearing qualities of St Augustine is the rich heritage of built architecture, landmarks, and picturesque cobblestone streets complemented by a seemingly endless array of museums. Unlike other faux-historic theme parks in Florida, St Augustine has the credentials to back its fame up.

This is a town of people who were born and bred here, and many of them have chosen to stay in St. Augustine precisely because they are so passionate about their historic city. That means that despite its often touristy feel, there is also an incredible array of beautiful-restored B&Bs, cute cafes, cozy pubs, which only add to the town’s timeless appeal.

Legend has it St Augustine is the home of the elusive fountain of youth, and while it may never have been found — or at least made public — there is plenty of ghost tours and costumed actors willing to help you find it. For those who don’t fall for the allure of endless youth, the ludicrously ornate Hotel Ponce de Leon and Hotel Alcazar are architectural gems to hunt out. Designed by Henry Flagler – each is landmarks of Florida in their own right.

Idyllic Sanibel Island , found on the Gulf of Mexico, just a quick drive from Fort Myers, is renowned for its sunsets, lighthouse, luxurious resorts, and abundance of beautiful and rare shells.

Seashell enthusiasts —yes, there is such a thing — come here for all over the USA to try their luck hunting for the spiral calcium gems that wash up along the beaches here. Over 250 kinds of shells have been found here. One of Florida’s hidden gems, island life on Sanibel is spontaneous and carefree.

The island’s egalitarian nature gives it a rather refreshing point of difference. Growth at Sanibel has been consciously considered, and the island’s northern half is almost completely contained within the JN ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge. The result is a very paradise lost kind of vibe, with 15 miles of pristine beaches, 25 miles of bike paths, and zero stoplights.

There is no downtown, and the beachfront is blissfully free of the ubiquitous commercial-and-condo monstrosities that can be found on most of Florida’s coastlines.

Plus, there are only a few beach points of access, meaning it is easy to find your own seclusion. There are mansions here, but the hidden from view and life is a very casual affair. This makes Sanibel a perfect choice for a romantic getaway, a family trip, or a nature vacation. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your bucket an a shell guide and get hunting.

You never know what you’ll find.

Miami City in Florida is one of those destinations you just can’t help falling in love with – whether you want to or not! With endless expanses of white sand beaches, intriguing art-deco masterpieces, an innovative food, and arts scene – and not to mention the explosive nightlife!

Miami is a city to see and be seen, it’s relaxed laid back attitude – stemming from its tropical location and strong Latino influence – endears it’s to visitors who can spend all day exploring green spaces and beaches.

Many visitors find it hard to drag themselves away from South Beach – the ultimate tourist hub with an EPIC nightlife scene – but trust me, you will want to make at least a few visits to the mainland to take in all the Miami has to offer. The Magic City like no other in the United States – or the world!

It is no wonder that there are so many incredible movies set in Miami .

Read more with about the top things To See in Miami City or click through to find the best accommodation options and deals for Miami Beach.  I personally recommend SoBe Beach Hostel if you want to party or are after budget accommodation in Miami!

For any movie buff or theme park lover, you just can’t go past Universal Studios in Orlando on a trip to Florida. There truly is something for everyone here with insane roller-coasters, motion simulators, daily parades, child-friendly zones, and rides -and yes, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

This is truly the world’s premier movie-based theme park! Universal Resort Orlando consists of two theme parks (Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure), a water park (Volcano Bay), as well as the entertainment and dining complex Universal CityWalk Orlando.

If you only have one-day, the Universal Studios Park to Park pass lets you explore both parks – and use the Hogwarts Express train between the two – but it is cheaper to get a two-day pass with one park each day (and there is plenty to explore!). Or why not time your visit in the month leading up to Halloween? You can also visit for Halloween Horror Nights Orlando , a unique event with haunted houses and scare zone with reduced entry rates and cooler night-time temperatures.

Click through to find the best accommodation options and deals for Orlando City Florida  or to find the cheapest tickets for Universal Studios Florida.

St Petersburg has been busy establishing a new identity as a culturally sophisticated Southern City — and its efforts ensure it is now worthy of a place on this list of Florida road trip ideas from Orlando.

Yes, it is still a place for spring break parties and retirement, but St. Pete’s is now much more than that. Conveniently located on Florida’s gulf coast, part of the Tampa Bay area, there is a revitalized waterfront, bustling new commercial district and the incredible Dalí Museum, offering the largest collection of Dalí’s works outside Europe and worthy of a trip in-and-of-itself.

The St Petersburg’s downtown is slowly expanding, and Central Ave is now the place to be with a glut of stylish restaurants, in vogue craft breweries, hipster farmers’ markets, and modern art galleries fueled by a wave of young urbanites moving here. It’s not yet as cool as San Diego or Palm Springs , but St Petersburg is getting there. And travelers with a curiosity in food and culture will not want to miss it.

Other top highlights include the Morean Arts Center, St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts, and the Chihuly Collection (whose previous works we feel in love with in Toyama, Japan).

A natural and cultural gem hidden away in Southwest Florida, the city of Naples at is at the heart of the Paradise Coast, a sweet spot where the Gulf of Mexico’s sea-green water coincides white sand and lush islands.

Not content to rely on nature’s bounty on its doorstep, Naples has filled itself with cultural treasures, culinary pleasures, and sophisticated boutiques to offer a little something for everyone. This is not the backwater of Florida, but instead, a rather stylish conic of old Florida filled couture and style, and the prices to make. Naples is one of the wealthiest cities in the United States, with the second-highest proportion of millionaires per capita in the US.

The historic Old Naples is a fabulous place for people watching, filled with Mediterranean revival mansions, tall coconut palms, and banyan trees — along with over 100 beautiful apparel shops, gift boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries. Dotted in amongst it all are old cottages from a time before money found its way here, but notable no high-rises as they are prioritized here.

Whether you are staying a few nights or decide just to pass through, try to see the outstanding Naples Botanical Gardens (up there with the world’s best gardens in Singapore and Rio de Janeiro ), the modernist Baker Museum and the quaint relic of the past: Palm Cottage.

If being part of the glitterati is not top of your list of Floridan things to do, you might still be drawn to Naples to the significant land reserves in the surrounding area, including the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, and the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

The small town of Gainesville initially prospered as a citrus-producing town thanks to its fortuitous location upon the Florida Railroad Company’s route, which trudged along via Cedar Key towards Fernandina Beach.

Then the frequent freezes in the 1890s led to orange-growers migrating south. But today, Gainesville in northern Florida is not a forgotten backwater – but rather a vibrant, energetic, and fun city with consistently high livability rankings.

In large part due to being home to the second-largest university in the state, the expansive University of Florida. The University campus might be 2 kilometers away from the urban core, but there are tons of affordable food, trendy bars, and great exhibitions and art galleries thanks to the student culture the engulfs the whole city. Intertwined with this young, student-lead culture is the flourishing music scene of Gainesville. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are just two of the more well-known bands to have made their start in Gainesville in recent years.

There are frequent alternative rock and punk rock gigs, though music-lovers can find almost everything here, from bluegrass to reggae, hip-hop, and even techno. If music and arts and culture don’t do it for you, the area outside of Gainesville is a haven for natural pursuits. There are large untouched wilderness areas and crystal-clear springs providing abundant opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking, swimming, and more. No wonder so many students love it here.

Side note: Gainesville is were Gatorade was invented, by the science department at the University of Florida who were trying to combat the Fighting’ Gators football team’s fatigue. If you are going to fully absorb yourself in the attractions on offer here (by day, or by night), you’ll need a bottle or two yourself!

Just next to Pensacola, the gorgeous Panhandle Barrier Islands and one of the many natural highlights of Florida – and thankfully, the most stunning parts including a mainland area and parts of seven islands are now protected as the Gulf Islands National Seashore.

Although the area is well recognized for its energetic beach towns, those who want some solitude will find isolated spots with pure white sand easy to find.  There is a cornucopia of riches the be discovered here beyond the magnificent white beaches — with sparkling blue water, coastal marshes, historic forts, trails, and campgrounds. Stretching across from Cat Island, Mississippi eastward for 160 miles to Fort Walton Beach, Florida, there is a lot to discover. The National Parks Service has plenty of information to help you explore further.

Whether you want to relax, nap, and tan on a sandy bank or explore the vestiges of Fort Pickens, there is something for everyone. There is also plenty of opportunities for seeing wildlife like birds, turtles, and alligators. Since it’s a National Park, you do need to pay an entrance fee, but the fee is good for seven days. Considering how uncrowded, clean, and visually appealing the coastline here is – we think this is excellent value for money.

Apalachicola is one of the most famous attractions in Florida, not to mention one of the most attractive villages on the Gulf. A popular Panhandle escape, Apalachicola has a demure Southern feel and a wealth of outstanding lodging and places to eat. Laid-back and sublimely kept, we are surprised Apalachicola isn’t more famous.

The oak-shaded town, situated on the cusp of a wide bay, seamlessly blends its historic fishing economy with a new penchant for modern bistros, curious art galleries, trendy boutiques, and charming lodgings in restored mansions. By there is more to Apalachicola than being just a beautiful Gulfside town.

It’s an initiation to the real Florida’s, the one with a laid-back culture where not everything is perfectly presented. You won’t find a Disney Princess or bright neon lights here. Just real Floridians, unforgettable sunsets, and an abundance of oysters (Apalachicola produces 90 percent of Florida’s oysters and is one of the USA’s last locations where they are still harvested from the world).

One of the most romantic weekend getaways you could ever imagine, the historic district of Apalachicola will find a special place in your heart and then never leave.

The Florida Peninsula is bordered by mangrove-fronted keys and countless barrier islands. Most are reachable by roads and crossings —  but you’ll need to go by boat in order to really escape from the crowds.  The Caladesi Island State Park is one such place.

Only accessible by a 20-minute ferry ride, you’ll be rewarded for all your extra effort with three miles of seashell-strewn pristine beaches on Florida’s Gulf coast. A journey to Caladesi Island is an absolute blast, whether it’s a walk along the sandy beaches or kayaking along mangrove bayside.

Try walking through the heart of the island along the natural route to the iconic Scharrer Homestead and experience the marine whispers through a forest of ancient pines and oaks. The Caladesi Island ferry started running every morning at 10 a.m. with various returns and departures depending on the season.

A typical visit is around four hours, but it can be hard to drag yourself away from paradise. A natural, secluded escape like you might find in Fiji or New Zealand , Caladesi Island is one of the top things Florida road trip ideas — for those who don’t mind putting in a little effort.

It’s fair to say that most travelers to Orlando are here for the artificial theme park world, but you should take the time to discover the real Orlando before heading out on your Florida road trip!

This city is filled to the brim with hipster neighborhoods, fantastic museums, natural outdoor spaces, and an exploding food scene. A city for the young and trendy, Orlando deserves at least a day off of your time – and offer’s the perfect break from busy theme parks.

Explore the up-and-coming Milk District – the gaybourhood of Orlando –    where Market On South offers a vegan bakery, restaurant, and bar all in one while, and Drunken Monkey has relaxed vibes and some of the best coffee in Orlando.

Take a walk around Lake Eola, explore the Botanical Gardens, or wander the down-town. You can either explore on your own with an Orlando car renta l or hop on the Orlando City bus tour to discover a side of Orlando that almost everybody misses!

Find out more about all the amazing Orlando City Tours available or click through to get the best rates of Orlando hotel accomodation. 

Road trip from Miami to Orlando

• Post last modified: March 14, 2024

Soft sand under your feet, warming sun on your skin and gentle Gulf breezes in your hair await on this ultimate Miami to Orlando road trip. Add to that the with wildlife teeming Everglades National Park and, at road’s end, loaded Orlando theme parks.

First cross the state of Florida, hopefully in one piece — this is alligator territory. Then embrace laid-back Gulf Coast beaches.

Marco Island, Naples, Sanibel Island and Clearwater Beach — fringed by the Mexican Gulf — are all gorgeous stops for the beach bum. Succumb to some of the most impressive beaches in the world.

But don’t think life is trouble free over here. Every day you might have to ask yourself tough questions such as: Which gorgeous beach should I enjoy next?

Yes, the beach theme is evident on this Miami to Orlando road trip. However, don’t miss all those other attractions — the beach communities along the way may surprise you about all the fun things they bring to the table.

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Route from Miami to Orlando

• Start: Miami
• Marco Island
• Sanibel Island
• Clearwater Beach
• Finish: Orlando
• Total distance: 474 mi / 763 km
• Total driving time: 10 h

Key guide: Don’t miss our complete guide on where to stay in Orlando .

Your South Florida starting point, the vibrating Miami, certainly has a lot to offer. If you’re not a local, make sure to tick off the best things to do in Miami before you hit the road.

Park your car at South Beach

Stately Art Deco architecture, swaying palm trees and fancy places to grab a bite or drink. South Beach is how you know Miami from the movies.

The neighborhood on the 9 miles (15 km) long Miami Beach island has an aura like no other place.

Its iconic Ocean Drive, filled with more exclusive cars than you can count, is an attraction on its own.

However, the main South Beach attraction is the beach itself. On the Atlantic Ocean the renowned South Beach shoreline makes up an awe-inspiring first spot on the Miami to Orlando itinerary.

Head to Wynwood

Want to begin the road trip from Miami to Orlando in colorful fashion? Then make your way to the Wynwood neighborhood.

Above all Wynwood is highly regarded for its street art. Blocks upon blocks of murals draw crowds from far and wide.

The neighborhood is like an enormous open air gallery.

But don’t miss the absorbing shops, tasty restaurants and hip breweries. Many visitors come to Wynwood for the street art but return for everything else there’s to discover.

2. Everglades National Park, FL

• Driving distance:  88 mi / 142 km
• Driving time:  1.5 h

Not far from the white beaches of Miami, the wild Everglades magnificently spreads out. As you drive right through the Everglades on your way west, it’s a Miami to Orlando chance too good to miss out on.

Tour the wild Everglades

Everglades National Park is the only wetland of its kind in America. The South Florida symbol encompasses an impressive 1.5 million acres of pure wilderness.

To fully discover it, you need to park your car.

Uniquely so airboat tours take visitors to the heart of the huge wetland. An airboat ride offers both stunning scenery and sightings of curious locals.

The alligator is a Florida legend that often shows up. Other animals within Everglades National Park include crocodiles, manatees and a wide range of tropical birds.

Where to stay

You don’t need to look past Everglades City when you look for where to stay near the Everglades . The city, home to several airboat companies, is positioned right where Everglades National Park begins.

• Everglades Adventures Hotel – Modern lodging.
• River Waterfront Cabins – Gator-frequented waterfront.

3. Marco Island, FL

• Driving distance:  31 mi / 50 km
• Driving time:  1 h

On the road trip from Miami to Orlando, you just can’t get enough of pristine beaches. Tucked away in Southwest Florida, Marco Island is a true beach paradise to enjoy between Miami and Orlando.

Spend lazy days on South Marco Beach

South Marco Beach covers most of Marco Island’s western shoreline. It’s the biggest of the two public beaches on Marco Island.

With white sand, inviting water and warm year-round weather, South Marco Beach is a quintessential Florida spot. As a bonus, it’s also a nice beach for some shelling.

If your batteries aren’t recharged yet, this is the place to finally reach 100%.

South Beach is the prime location for easy access to the beach. Mid Island and North End you find more hidden Marco Island accommodations a short ride from the dunes.

• JW Marriott Marco Island – Jaw-dropping on the beach.
• The Boat House – Hidden up north.

4. Naples, FL

• Driving distance:  18 mi / 29 km
• Driving time:  0.5 h

The fun-filled Naples is beautifully positioned on Florida’s Paradise Coast. As you visit on the Miami to Orlando road trip, you get to experience the upscale ambience that the city is so famous for.

Walk Fifth Avenue South

In the downtown area of Naples, also known as Old Naples, you find Fifth Avenue South. It’s a mecca for anyone who wants a slice of the good life.

Fifth Avenue South is lined by upscale restaurants, stylish boutiques and more than a few luxury cars. It’s the crown jewel of Naples that is just filled with extravagancy.

Shopping or dining on Fifth Avenue South is a memorable addition to the itinerary.

However, just strolling along Fifth Avenue South is a fun thing to do. It’s a pretty walk, and if you continue all the way down the road, you get to Naples Beach.

Play by Naples Pier

Naples Pier, located on the picturesque Naples Beach, was built already in 1889 but dutifully guards Naples Beach to this day. The historic landmark juts out 1,000 feet (305 m) into the Gulf of Mexico.

Some things just seem to get better with age, and Naples Pier is one of them. It’s one of the prettiest beach spots on the drive from Miami to Orlando.

The picturesque Naples Pier, white sand and blue water — it certainly doesn’t get much better than that.

Naples hotels in the downtown area give you easy access to the exclusive Naples lifestyle. However, stay further from Naples’ heart if you travel on a budget.

• Hotel Escalante – The best of both worlds.
• Cove Inn – Right on Naples Bay.

5. Sanibel Island, FL

• Driving distance:  53 mi / 85 km

After the upscale Naples and Fifth Avenue South, the road trip from Miami to Orlando takes you to the much different Sanibel Island. It’s an island where nature comes both first and second.

But you don’t have to be a nature lover to enjoy Sanibel Island. The best Sanibel Island activities are for anyone who wants to recharge their batteries.

Spot colorful birds at Ding Darling

On the northern part of Sanibel Island, J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge has remained entirely untouched. The sanctuary showcases a South Florida landscape without human interference.

When you visit on the drive from Miami to Orlando, there’s wildlife guarantee. Above all, the Sanibel sanctuary is home to more than 200 bird species to spot. If you’re a bird lover — welcome to heaven.

Collect shells on Lighthouse Beach

Day and night, Sanibel Island’s shore scoops up shells from the Gulf of Mexico. For its many shells, Sanibel Island is known as the shelling capital.

When it comes to shelling, there are no better American islands than Sanibel.

All the way from Lighthouse Beach in the east to the very western end of the island, you find great shelling beaches. A shell from Sanibel Island certainly is the perfect souvenir from this Miami to Orlando road trip.

In the Mid Island area, you find the heart of Sanibel, including restaurants and shops. But no matter where you stay on Sanibel , the Gulf of Mexico is close by.

• Island Inn – THE place to stay on Sanibel.
• Tarpon Tale Inn – A home away from home.

Additional stop: Do you want to break up the drive from Sanibel Island to Clearwater Beach? If so, Siesta Key is as pristine as a detour gets. Siesta Key features close to 100% pure quartz sand, which makes the Florida island snow white.

6. Clearwater Beach, FL

• Driving   distance:  166 mi / 267 km
• Driving time:  3 h

The beach is what most visitors come for. Clearwater’s beach is 2.5 miles (4 km) long and known for its sugar-white sand. Say hello to prime beach life as you explore the best things to do in Clearwater Beach .

Hang out by Pier 60

Pier 60 gloriously extends 1,080 feet (329 m) out into the Mexican Gulf. It’s an iconic spot for fun in the sand and sun.

The eye-catching Pier 60 is the centerpiece of Clearwater Beach, where something fun always is going on. From tasty food options to quirky shops, you have all you need within steps at the Florida landmark.

Feel in love on Honeymoon Island

Honeymoon Island is located 10 miles (16 km) by car north of Clearwater Beach. The island, which is home to Honeymoon Island State Park , offers a quiet contrast to the sometimes busy Clearwater Beach.

The beach on Honeymoon Island is as pretty as the beach in Clearwater Beach. However, on Honeymoon Island you find much fewer fellow beachgoers to share the beauty with.

Clearwater hotels at Pier 60 give you walking distance to the entertainment scene. The further north on the island you go, the quieter the ambience gets.

• Hyatt Regency – Just south of Pier 60.
• Sandpearl Resort – A stone’s throw north.

Related: Bookmark our ultimate Florida guide too.

7. Orlando, FL

• Driving distance:  118 mi / 189 km
• Driving time:  2.5 h

You made it! After 118 more miles on the road, you arrive in Orlando. The attractions in Orlando are unmatched — you couldn’t have picked a better road trip ending.

Meet Mickey Mouse

Disney World in Orlando is by every measurement a huge Orlando attraction. That Disney World spans around 40 square miles makes Walt Disney World Resort almost as big as San Francisco.

The vast Disney World is home to four different theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom.

In addition the resort includes waterparks, hotels and the shopping and entertainment center Disney Springs.

With so much on offer, Disney World covers every base. From the rides to the colorful characters, Disney World is just filled with fun.

Cast a spell at Universal Studios

Universal Orlando Resort is home to thrilling attraction and rides based on popular movies. The detailed themes make you feel like you’re really part of the movies featured.

There are two distinctive theme parks within the resort: Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

In addition a waterpark, hotels and an entertainment center make the Universal experience complete.

Most famously so, Universal Studios presents the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. At Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, you get to walk in the steps of Harry Potter himself.

There’s an abundance of great places to stay in Orlando . Your challenge lies in the deciding: Will Disney or Universal be your top priority?

• Grand Orlando Resort BC – Five pools & much more at Disney.
• Cabana Bay Beach Resort – Retro Universal take.

Final words about the Miami to Orlando drive

For beach lovers, it’s hard to imagine something better than a Miami to Orlando road trip. South Florida is fringed by white beaches, and this itinerary lets you enjoy several of the very best ones.

Marco Island is gorgeously laid-back, Naples has a unique upscale aura and Sanibel Island is all about nature. Yet, if you appreciate liveliness, the vibe at Pier 60 in Clearwater Beach is incredibly hard to beat.

Which will be your favorite?

Road trip from Miami to Orlando FAQ

This ultimate road trip from Miami to Orlando is 474 miles (763 km) long. Driving it takes about 10 hours, not including any stops along the way. In contrast, the shortest possible route from Miami to Orlando, which follows the east coast of Florida, is 235 miles (378 km). With a driving time of under 4 hours, it saves you 6 hours, compared to this ultimate Miami to O-Town drive.

The main stops on the ultimate Miami to Orlando drive are Everglades, Marco Island, Naples, Sanibel Island, Clearwater Beach and Orlando. Siesta Key is a beautiful additional destination along the route.

For the complete experience, it’s favorable to have 10 days or more for the road trip from Miami to Orlando. If you’re a beach bum, you can easily spend several weeks exploring and enjoying all the sandy Florida gems between Miami and Orlando.

Related guides

• Where to stay in Orlando
• Miami to the Smokies road trip
• Miami to Houston road trip
• Miami to New Orleans road trip
• Miami to Key West road trip

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Cities between Orlando, Florida and Miami, Florida

Orlando to miami midpoint and places to stop along the way.

If you're looking for a meeting place or a good stop around ½ or halfway between Orlando and Miami, you can try Port Saint Lucie, FL , which is almost 2 hours southeast of Orlando, or almost 2 hours north of Miami.

About ¼ or a fourth of the way, you can stop at Yeehaw Junction, FL . This is almost an hour southeast of Orlando.

About ⅔ or two thirds of the way, you can stop at West Palm Beach, FL . This is a little over 2 hours southeast of Orlando, or a little over 1 hour north of Miami.

About ¾ or three fourths of the way, you can stop at Boca Raton, FL . This is about 2½ hours southeast of Orlando, or almost an hour north of Miami.

Nonstop driving from Orlando to Miami

If you drive straight through without stopping at all, the total distance is 235 miles . The distances shown above don't include local roads to get into each town, so if you're planning a long road trip, make sure you factor in traffic and road conditions, rest stop breaks, and interesting detours along the way. If you're in a rush, you can do the trip with zero stops, and your total travel time would be around 3 hours, 26 minutes .

Where to Eat Between Miami and Orlando

Updated March 14, 2024

If you live in South Florida , it’s not uncommon to take a weekend getaway to Orlando. Most of the folks I know hit up the theme parks , but we like to visit restaurants, diners, drive-ins, and butcher shops along the way. When asked where to eat in South Florida ( mainly Miami) and Central Florida (mostly Orlando), what about road f ood stops along the way? And I’m not talking about the turnpike stops ! I prefer to mention some little gems that you should check out during your trip. Some are located right off I-95 or not too far from the Florida Turnpike. Some aren’t, but you should have guessed that. The good things in life don’t come easy, and these ten spots ARE some of them. Go forth and eat. Now, you’ve got more things to look forward to on your trip!

Miami and Orlando Trip Stops

Miami and orlando map, cindy lou’s cookies – miami, florida, sonny’s famous steak hoagies – hollywood, florida, el jefe luchador – deerfield beach, florida, mrs. smokeys real pit bar-b-q – jupiter, florida, rhum shak – lake worth, florida, culver’s – port st. lucie, florida, hen house eatery – sebastian, florida, the burger inn – melbourne, florida, mutt’s on 13th – st. cloud, florida, hinckley’s fancy meats – orlando, florida.

I’m telling you to stop in at Cindy Lou’s Cookies for a brownie?!?!? The short answer is yes. Cindy Lou’s brownie has no equal and is the lovechild of a phenomenal chocolate brownie and a Nestle Crunch bar. You absolutely must try one, but that doesn’t mean I’m telling you to skip the cookies; I’m not. Start your journey with a classic chocolate chip and work your way to the Cinnamon Toast Crunch; you can thank me later. Cindy Lou’s Cookies 7320 NE 2nd Avenue Miami, FL (305) 456-8585

Since 1958, Sonny’s Famous Steak Hogies has been a comfort food staple in Hollywood, Florida. Since the word got out, folks from all over South Florida have made the pilgrimage to eat one of their legendary hogies with steak and onions on a fresh-baked roll. It would be best if you had a #90 Steak Hogie, Plain with fried onions and American cheese for your first visit. From there, you can work yourself up to the #50, which adds red sauce to the equation: don’t knock it until you try it. Once you’re well-acquainted with their steak universe, then you can tackle the meatball hogie and cheeseburger hogie . Those are for experts only. Sonny’s Famous Steak Hogies 1857 N 66th Avenue Hollywood, FL (954) 989-0561

If you catch me in Deerfield Beach, it’s for one of two restaurants, Charm City Burger Company or its sibling El Jefe Luchador . El Jefe serves Mexican street food with a Lucha Libre theme. They got me on both counts since I love Mexican food and wrestling . The Birria Quesadilla is just freakin’ unreal, you won’t want to share it, but you probably should. Otherwise, you won’t be able to partake in the Chicharrachos ( chicharron nachos ) or even El Don Hamburgueso Taco ( cheeseburger taco ). And washing everything down with a Mexican Coke is a must! El Jefe Luchador 27 S Federal Hwy Deerfield Beach, FL (954) 246-5333

My friend is not known for having the best palate , so my interest was piqued when he raved on and on about Mrs. Smokeys Real Pit Bar-B-Q . I thought he was really onto something, or it was another one of his overhyped misses. It was my lucky day cause Mrs. Smokeys Real Pit Bar-B-Q hit the bullseye. The Chili Mac is just right on point and highly addictive. While the brisket, pork, or chicken don’t need any sauce, you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t at least try it. The spicy BBQ sauce, in particular, is memorable. In addition, there are old-fashioned lemonade and root beer floats, which will perfectly cap off your epic meal. Mrs. Smokeys Real Pit Bar-B-Q 5430 Military Trail Jupiter, FL (561) 557-3800

No one ever told me you need to hit up Rhum Shak . However, while I was on the Heineken Light Burger Beast Challenge , I ate their mastodon of a burger. Marcela and I always begin the meal with a couple of appetizers ( baked chicken wings & stuffed potato skins ); both were great. However, we overlooked that the burger ( cooked to your temp liking ) was a hefty twelve ounces. That slab of beef was also perfectly seasoned, but your boy struggled to eat it. Luckily, once I got my second wind, it was polished off. Highly recommended. Rhum Shak 802 Lake Avenue Lake Worth, FL (561) 755-7486

I am freakin’ obsessed with Culver’s . I’ve come to terms with the fact that I’ll never see them in my hometown of Miami. Whenever they’re in a town I’m driving through, I make sure to stop. The patties are thin, so a double burger is a good starting point. Their Wisconsin Cheese Curds are the ideal side dish for your burgers. However, the crinkle-cut fries are also lovely. There’s a solid chicken sandwich on the menu , but for me, the Sourdough Melt tops anything else you can order at Culver’s . If you somehow manage to leave some space for dessert , a Concrete Mixer is the only sensible thing to have. Culver’s 10770 SW Tradition Parkway Port St. Lucie, FL (772) 345-2874

Since I’m not sure exactly what time you’ll be making the trek between Miami and Orlando or vice versa, here’s a breakfast spot for you early birds. Hen House Eatery is open every day from 6:30 AM – 1:30 PM, leaving some time for you late risers. Hen House Eatery is a breakfast spot through and through with classics like omelets, waffles, pancakes, benedicts, and even crepes. The lunch menu is available all day, so we’re pastrami sandwiches and reubens, chicken sandwiches , Big Barnyard Burgers , and my fave, the patty melt . Hen House Eatery 11632 US-1 Sebastian, FL (772) 228-8907

First things first: You need to pull in, park, and turn on your headlights. This simple gesture will alert the carhop that you’d like to dine in your vehicle. You might be motivated to order the burger but listen to me. While the burger at the Burger Inn is solid, yet the Chili Dog is where it’s at. Now, don’t be putting any of that neon nacho cheese on your dog and messing it up. Listen to me; you only need chili, onions, and mustard. That’s it! The Burger Inn 1819 N Harbor City Boulevard Melbourne, FL (321) 254-2211

Marcela was checking out some antique shops in the St. Cloud area, which means I’m probably driving around for a lunch spot with character. Enter Mutt’s on 13th . Mutt’s was a former gas station. I’ve hit them up a few times over the years and have found that the double cheeseburger is ultimately better than the single. Mutt’s always gets a nice crust on the burger patties, which I discovered on my regular inspection of my burger sandwich. There’s one last thing; there’s a mean Patty Melt on their menu, which will leave you with a smile on your face. Mutt’s on 13th 1517 13th Street St. Cloud, FL (407) 891-1595

Matt Hinckley is an Orlando native. I was familiar with him when he worked in the kitchen at Michael’s Genuine in the Miami Design District. Hinckley’s Fancy Meats has a stand at the East End Market . I try to avoid visits to food halls at all costs, but this is one case where I must break my own rules. The sandwiches here are second to none. The protein selection for sammiches includes elk for bologna and meatballs and duck liver pate for a Bánh Mì . The fella has skills, so when you see the French Dip ( local grass-fed beef, sweet Vidalia onions, & Gruyere cheese on a French baguette ) on the menu, snap that puppy up! Hinckley’s Fancy Meats 3201 Corrine Drive Orlando, Florida (786) 671-1023

5 thoughts on “Where to Eat Between Miami and Orlando”

Great advice, specially the map!

This is a great resource!

The next time you’re road tripping thru Lake Worth Beach stop in at L-Dub Subs, we’re the new kids in LWB (located at 16 S. J Street, down from Rhum Shak). We’d love to make you a Hot Mess!

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• Travel Planning Guide

A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Miami vs. Orlando for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Families

• Pros & Cons
• Backpackers
• Public Transit
• Walkability
• More time in Miami or Orlando?
• Which is Cheaper, Miami or Orlando? (Travel Cost Comparison)

Which is Bigger, Miami or Orlando?

• When to Visit Miami or Orlando?

Should you visit Miami or Orlando?

Which is cheaper to visit which is more expensive for vacation.

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Miami and Orlando can help you decide which place is right for you.

Miami is a glamorous, exciting, and diverse beach city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Orlando is a family-friendly, entertaining, and active city. It's also known for shopping, theater, and nightlife.

Miami and Orlando: Pros and Cons

• Active nightlife
• Good music scene
• Popular beach
• Family-friendly
• Good for couples and romance
• Good for backpackers and budget travelers
• Very walkable
• Big city activities
• Numerous theater shows
• Popular at Christmas
• Home to Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks
• Less popular for nightlife
• Less popular with backpackers
• Less walkable

Is there more to do in Miami or Orlando?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Miami than Orlando, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Miami is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Orlando is known for its theatre productions. Miami is popular for its long sandy beaches, glitzy nightlife scene, diverse cultures, and award-winning restaurants. It is also home to South Beach. Orlando is popular for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities.

How is Miami different from Orlando?

Which is better for a holiday.

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Orlando and Miami. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Miami or Orlando Better for Theater?

Orlando is very good for theatre. However, Miami is not a theatre destination.

With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show in Orlando. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Miami is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Miami or Orlando? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Miami is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Miami is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city's food scene is as diverse as its population. It is a blend of Caribbean, Latin American, and South American flavors and it is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. There is everything from award-winning restaurants to local dives that offer excellent dishes and experiences. The city is known for its stone crabs, fish sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, and key lime pie.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Orlando. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

Is Miami or Orlando Better for Nightlife?

Miami is renowned for nightlife. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Miami is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. From the posh nightlife clubs in South Beach, to the local salsa dancing venues in Little Havana, Miami is a city that thrives with energy. There are many world-renowned clubs that keep the music and drinks flowing through the entire night. There's also a glitzy and glamourous scene where the wealthy like to see and be seen.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Orlando. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

Is Miami or Orlando Better for Music?

Miami is renowned for live music. However, Orlando is not a live music destination.

Miami is known as a music capital around the world. Popular live music venues include Ball and Chain, Cafe La Trova, Flamingo Theater Bar.

Orlando is not a live music destination.

Is Miami or Orlando Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Miami and Orlando.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Miami is a perfect choice. Known for it's luxury, you'll find many resorts in the area. Popular options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fontainebleau, and Carillon Miami.

Orlando offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

Is Miami or Orlando Better for Beaches?

Miami is renowned for its beaches. However, Orlando is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Miami . If you're looking for long sandy beaches, luxury yacht clubs, and fine dining restaurants, the area's beaches have them all. Some of the best beaches in the area include the world-famous South Beach, the North Beach Oceanside Park, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Many beaches are lined with high rise hotels that offer an urban beach experience.

Orlando is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Miami or Orlando?

Miami is renowned for shopping. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Miami . The city has every high end brand you could want, along with diverse neighborhoods with local finds and unique purchases. You'll find many diverse shopping opportunities that are influenced by the city's cultural scene. You'll also find many souvenir stands and t-shirt shops.

Orlando is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

Is Miami or Orlando Better for Christmas?

Orlando is an amazing city to visit for its Christmas activities. However, Miami does not offer Christmas activities.

During Christmas, Orlando is not to be missed. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

Miami does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Miami or Orlando Better for Families?

Orlando is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Miami is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Orlando is one of the most popular family destinations. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Miami is very family-friendly. Because it's so big, you'll find a number of kid-friendly activities in the area. There's the Miami Zoo, various waterparks, the Everglades Alligator Park, Miccosukee Indian Village, and plenty of indoor playgrounds in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

Is Miami or Orlando Better for Couples?

Miami is great for romance. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Miami is a great beach city if you're traveling as a couple. For couples who love nightlife, wining and dining, and high end beach clubs, this is the place to be. There are many award-winning restaurants and plenty of glitz and glam that make for a great romantic getaway.

Orlando makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

Is Miami or Orlando Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Miami is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Orlando is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Miami . This city is large enough to have something for everyone, so you'll find several hostels in the area that bring in the backpackers.

Orlando is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not exactly a backpacker destination, but there are a surprising number of cheap motels that aren't affiliated with the major parks.

Is Miami or Orlando Better for Students?

Miami and Orlando are good places to visit for students.

Miami is popular with students. Spring break in Miami is the stuff of legends.

It's common for students to visit Orlando. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

Is Miami or Orlando Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Miami is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Miami offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's an elevated metrorail as well as buses around the city.

Public transit is generally limited in Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

Is Miami or Orlando a more walkable city?

Miami is great for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

Miami is very walkable. Many parts of city are surprisingly walkable and pedestrian friendly, allowing you to eat out, go shopping, or explore without the need for a car.

Orlando is not a walkable beach city. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Miami Worth Visiting? and Is Orlando Worth Visiting? .

Should I spend more time in Orlando or Miami?

How long in miami or orlando.

Both Miami and Orlando have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Miami has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Miami than Orlando . However, 7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Orlando than Miami. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Orlando, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Miami than Orlando. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Miami that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Miami than Orlando if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Miami.

• How many days in Miami or Orlando? Ideal Length of Stay Miami 7   Orlando   7

One day in Miami or Orlando?

Because Miami is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This beach city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Orlando, many people enjoy the shopping and theater that this entertaining destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Miami or Orlando?

Because Miami is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orlando. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Miami or Orlando?

Miami is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, five days is probably not enough for all of it. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Orlando is a fun place to experience. In Orlando, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A week in Miami or Orlando?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Miami. Because Miami is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

In Orlando, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this family-friendly destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America , The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America , The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America , and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America .

Which place is cheaper, Orlando or Miami?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

• Miami Prices USA Prices Orlando Prices USA Prices
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day Miami $ 206 Orlando $ 321

The average daily cost (per person) in Miami is $206, while the average daily cost in Orlando is $321. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Miami and Orlando in more detail.

Accommodation

• Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person Miami $ 132 Orlando $ 154
• Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room Miami $ 264 Orlando $ 308

Compare Hotels in Miami and Orlando

Looking for a hotel in Miami or Orlando? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Miami

Hotels in Orlando

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.

Local Transportation

• Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. Miami $ 38 Orlando $ 66

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Miami

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Miami are as follows:

• Car Rental for a Day $ 18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Miami

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Miami:

• Transfer to West Palm Beach: $420
• From Miami Beach: Roundtrip Bimini Ferry and Hotel Transfers: $289
• From Miami Airport - Private Transfer to Hotels and Homes: $265
• From Miami - Private Transfer from Miami Hotels to Airport: $265
• Private Airport Transfer From Miami Airport to Hotels and Home: $255
• Round Trip Motorcoach Transfer to Key West from Miami: $245
• Transfer from Miami Hotel or Miami Port to Fort Lauderdale Airport or Hotel: $199
• Guided Tour with Transfer from Cruise Port to Airport: $184
• Shared Tour in Miami with Transfer: $170
• Private transfer from Miami hotel to Port of Miami: $160
• Transfer from Miami Airport to Miami Hotel or Miami Port: $160
• Private Magic City Tour with Transfers: $155

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Orlando

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Orlando are as follows:

• Parking $ 14
• Taxi Ride $ 45

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Orlando

Also for Orlando, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

• 14 Pax Private Transfer To or From Orlando International Airport : $225
• 14 Pax Van Disney Hotels Transfer To or From Orlando Int Airport: $215
• Airport Transfer Service in Orlando Hotel to Airport (MCO): $96
• Arrival Private Transfer: Orlando Airport MCO to Orlando in Business Car: $86
• Arrival Private Transfer: Orlando Airport MCO to Orlando in Luxury SUV: $97
• Hotel near Universal to Sanford Intl. Airport (SFB) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
• Lakeland / Winter Haven to Tampa Airport (TPA) - Departure Private Transfer: $53
• MCO Airport Private Transfer to/from Kennedy Space Center: $210
• Orlando Airport (MCO) to Canaveral Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $84
• Orlando Airport (MCO) to Canaveral Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $168
• Orlando Airport (MCO) to Miami Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $128
• Orlando Airport (MCO) to Orlando - Arrival Private Transfer: $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Miami or Orlando?

Prices for flights to both Orlando and Miami change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.

• Food Meals for one day Miami $ 41 Orlando $ 65

Typical Food Prices in Miami

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Miami:

• Lunch with Drinks (for 2) $ 45
• David's Cafe Lunch (for 1) $ 16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Miami

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Miami.

• Little Havana- Family Friendly Walking Food Tour : $52
• Little Havana Ultimate Food Tour : $64
• The Ultimate Little Havana Food Tour: $64
• A Taste of South Beach Food Tour: $70
• South Beach Food Tour: $70
• Taste of Little Havana Food Tour in Miami with Cuban Street Food: $75
• Food Tour of Miami's South Beach: $79
• Mango's Dinner and Show Ticket: $98
• Mango's Tropical Cafe Dinner & Show: $98
• Miami Dinner Party w/ Night Club Experience: $100
• Guided Small Group Little Havana Food Tour: $124
• 3 Hour Regional Indian Cooking Class and Dining Experience in Miami: $150

Typical Food Prices in Orlando

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Orlando:

• Lunch for Two at Epcot $ 29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Orlando

For Orlando, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

• The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show: $38
• Tastes of the World Food Tour in Winter Haven : $50
• Señor Frogs Lunch / Dinner Package: $50
• Dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe with Live Music: $58
• Downtown Murder Mystery Walking Dinner Tour: $66
• Polynesian Fire Luau with Dinner and Live Show: $75
• Pirates Dinner Adventure - Top Orlando Dinner Attraction: $78
• Food Tour of Local Orlando's Ivanhoe Village : $89

Entertainment

• Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc. Miami $ 31 Orlando $ 204

Tours and Activities in Miami

Here are a few actual costs in Miami for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

• 30 Minute- Ocean Drive Segway Tour: $42
• Cultural Brunch Experience in Miami: $75
• Miami Beach Art Deco Tour with Cocktails: $75
• Miami's Most Authentic Walking Tour of Little Havana: $39
• 1 Day Key West Tour from Miami Florida: $175
• 1 Hour Jet Ski Experience in Miami Beach Florida: $95
• 1 Hour Star Island Segway Tour: $74
• 1HR Boat Tour Around Miami Celebrities Mansion: $65
• 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Miami Beach: $273
• 2 hrs Miami Private Boat Tour with Cooler, Ice, Bluetooth Stereo: $75
• 2-Day Key West and Miami South Beach Tour: $100
• 2-Hour Miami Beach Electric Bike Tour: $80

Typical Entertainment Prices in Orlando

For Orlando, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:

• Universal Studios for Two $ 110

Tours and Activities in Orlando

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Orlando.

• Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour around Lake Eola in Orlando: $6.65
• Scavenger Hunt Adventure City Game on Your Phone: $10
• 7-D Dark Ride Entry Ticket: $12
• 25 Minutes Adventure Rooms in Max Action Arena ICON Park: $12
• Orlando Icon Park Adventure Room Ticket: $12
• Skip the Line: Museum of Military History Ticket: $12
• Old Town Entertainment District Attraction Tickets: $15
• Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf Entry Ticket: $18
• Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf Entry Ticket in Orlando: $18
• Lonely Dog Immersive Art Storytelling Experience: $20
• West Orange Trail 10 Mile Private Bike Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $20
• Orlando City Pride- National Women's Soccer League Tickets: $22
• Alcohol Drinks for one day Miami $ 22 Orlando $ 30

Typical Alcohol Prices in Miami

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Miami are as follows:

• Evening at a Bar $ 32

Sample the Local Flavors in Miami

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Miami:

• Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
• Small-Group Brewery Golf Cart Tour of Wynwood with a Local Guide: $59
• Wynwood Graffiti Brewery Golf Cart Tour: $63
• Wynwood Party Bike Bar Crawl: $64
• Wynwood Bar Crawl: $100

Sample the Local Flavors in Orlando

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Orlando:

• Orlando Virtual Bar Crawl & Scavenger Hunt: $12
• Orlando Haunts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
• Pontoon Pub Crawl, 5 Lakeside Pubs and Restaurants Visit by Boat: $85

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Miami and Orlando, we can see that Orlando is more expensive. And not only is Miami much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Miami would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Miami and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Orlando would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Orlando than you might in Miami.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Miami Expensive? and Is Orlando Expensive? .

Miami has a larger population, and is about 84% larger than the population of Orlando. When comparing the sizes of Miami and Orlando, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Miami or Orlando?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Miami or Orlando in the Summer?

Both Orlando and Miami during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Miami for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Orlando because of the family-friendly experiences.

Miami is around the same temperature as Orlando in the summer. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and Orlando fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

Orlando gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Miami. Miami usually gets less rain in July than Orlando. Miami gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain this time of the year.

• Summer Average Temperatures July Miami 83°F (28°C)   Orlando   82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Miami or Orlando in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Miami and Orlando. The autumn months attract visitors to Miami because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Orlando this time of year.

In the autumn, Miami is around the same temperature as Orlando. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Miami in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Orlando averages at about 75°F (24°C).

Orlando receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Miami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Miami usually receives more rain than Orlando. Miami gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

• Autumn Average Temperatures October Miami 78°F (26°C)   Orlando   75°F (24°C)

Should I visit Miami or Orlando in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Miami as well as Orlando. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Miami this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Orlando for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

In January, Miami is generally a little warmer than Orlando. Daily temperatures in Miami average around 67°F (20°C), and Orlando fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

Miami usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Orlando. Miami gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

• Winter Average Temperatures January Miami 67°F (20°C)   Orlando   59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Miami or Orlando in the Spring?

Both Orlando and Miami are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Miami for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Miami is around the same temperature as Orlando in the spring. The daily temperature in Miami averages around 75°F (24°C) in April, and Orlando fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

In April, Miami usually receives more rain than Orlando. Miami gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

• Spring Average Temperatures April Miami 75°F (24°C)   Orlando   72°F (22°C)

Typical Weather for Orlando and Miami

Related articles for miami, related articles for orlando.

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From Orlando to Miami: 6 Best Ways to Get There

Written by Shandley McMurray and Michael Law Updated Mar 15, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

If you want to do it all in South Florida you are going to need to transit between Orlando and Miami. These dynamic and fun cities are unique in their own ways; Orlando is about theme parks and family activities, and Miami is where you go for endless sandy beaches and a trendy vibe.

Fortunately getting between them is easy and it just got easier with the addition of a new high-speed train that whisks you there in 3.5 hours. Other options are to drive, fly, take a bus, or arrange a transfer. To decide which method is best for you, use our list of the best ways to get from Orlando to Miami.

On This Page:

• From Orlando to Miami by Car
• From Orlando to Miami by High-Speed Train
• From Orlando to Miami by Bus
• From Orlando to Miami by Train
• From Orlando to Miami by Private Transfer
• From Orlando to Miami by Plane

1. From Orlando to Miami by Car

Driving is the easiest and second cheapest way to get from Orlando to Miami. With over 235 miles to cover, you'll likely only have to fill up once along your journey, or not at all if you're driving an electric vehicle. If you're lucky enough to avoid traffic, expect a three-hour-and-40-minute journey. If not, you could be sitting on the interstate for over five hours. We suggest avoiding rush hour and holidays to speed up your trip.

The most common route involves following the Florida Turnpike . Be warned, this is a toll road, so you'll be looking at fees that climb even higher without a SunPass. If you're renting a car, check with the rental company to see their policy on toll roads. You could be slapped with an extra charge in addition to the toll fee. It may be cheaper to buy your own pass but this is a hassle with a rental car and has to be done prior to getting on the toll road.

Popular rental car companies in Orlando include Avis , Alamo , Dollar , National , and Hertz .

Another driving option is the I-95 South . It, too, can rack up your fees, so be forewarned. The I-95 has dedicated toll lanes in certain sections. These SunPass lanes look exactly like every other lane except for the double dashes that separate them. They are similar to the carpool lane as well, so be extra vigilant when reading the signs. It is possible to travel on the I-95 without using the toll lanes, just stick to the right side.

If you aren't concerned about how long it takes you to get to Miami, try using a more scenic route. Take the I95 to West Palm , then drive through downtown until you cross the bridge to reach the A1A at Palm Beach .

Dubbed one of the prettiest roads in Florida, the A1A passes by gargantuan beachfront homes that will have you drooling with envy.

You can take this all the way to Fort Lauderdale, where the traffic will increase dramatically, and you'll have to jut away from the water to take Route 1 (a.k.a. Federal Highway) until you can rejoin the A1A at Dania Beach , or transfer to the I95 at Fort Lauderdale.

US441 (a.k.a. S State Road 7 and NW 7 th Avenue) is a much slower route involving multiple traffic lights, and if you've ever been to Florida, you'll know that they have super long traffic lights. You can take this part of the way to Miami to avoid tolls.

2. From Orlando to Miami by High-Speed Train

New to the transport scene in southern Florida is Brightline . This brand-new high-speed train hits speeds of 125 miles per hour, or just over 200 kilometers per hour, and is over two hours faster than AMTRAK . Compared to driving, you'll save yourself about 30 minutes and avoid any possible traffic jams and tolls. Total time on the high-speed train is 3.5 hours .

These luxurious new trains have comfy leather seats, fast Wi-Fi , and for those wishing to purchase business class seats, premium lounge facilities. Stations are modern, bright, and airy and are a pleasure to transit, you may even notice a fresh citrusy scent in the air - each train and station has an exclusive scent. Parking is available at each station.

Trains leave roughly every two hours (subject to change) from near Orlando airport and arrive in the heart of Miami mere steps from the Kaseya Center. Stops along the way include West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and Aventura Mall (North Miami).

3. From Orlando to Miami by Bus

The cheapest way to get to Miami is by bus . Thankfully, it's not the slowest.

Greyhound runs from the Greyhound station at N John Young Parkway to the main Miami Bus Station at Miami International Airport. The average time is four hours and 40 minutes, and tickets are reasonably priced, especially during the off season. If you don't opt for a direct route, you could be looking at anywhere from 6 to over 10 and a half hours with a transfer and stops in Fort Pierce and Fort Lauderdale .

Megabus runs from The Florida Mall on Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando to downtown Miami. Book early and reserve one of the 20 most popular seats, which feature either panoramic views, more space, or a table. All seats have an individual power outlet.

Economy, business, and first class are offered on Red Coach buses. Travelers can sit back, relax, and let someone else guide them to their destination. Choose the first class option if you're looking for more legroom, your own charging port, free Wi-Fi, and a seat that reclines 140 degrees.

The trip will take about four hours, depending on traffic. Orlando boasts two Red Coach stations, the headquarters at 1777 McCoy Road, and another on the University of Central Florida campus. The final destination is Miami Airport.

4. From Orlando to Miami by Train - AMTRAK

Amtrak offers service from Orlando to Miami in five hours and 35 minutes . Tickets are quite reasonable, especially if you travel off-season. However, owing to the location of the stations, your overall cost could rise significantly when you account for taxis or ride-shares to get to your starting point.

The cost goes up if you decide to splurge on a room. Each room comes complete with beds, towels, a private restroom and shower and free meals. Speaking of food, there's a café car offering snacks, drinks, and light meals.

Take a taxi to the historic Orlando Amtrak Station at 1400 Sligh Blvd to catch your train. Built in 1926, this station services Amtrak's Silver Meteor and Silver Star runs, which travel from New York to Miami in nearly 28 hours including multiple stops along the way.

You'll arrive at the Miami Amtrak Station at 8303 NW 37 th Avenue, which lies just north of Miami in Hialeah, a bit far from the main drag. You'll need to hail a cab or walk to the nearby Tri-Rail and Metrorail Stations to board a local train farther into the city. Check with your hotel before you go, as some offer free shuttle rides to and from the train station.

Another option is to disembark at Hollywood Station and purchase a ticket for the Tri-Rail train to Miami Airport. If your hotel offers a free shuttle bus to the airport, which many do, you could then board the shuttle for a free transfer to the hotel.

5. From Orlando to Miami by Private Transfer

Booking a private transfer from Orlando to Miami helps take the pressure out of planning your vacation. Perfect for those who stress over renting cars and driving them through unfamiliar cities, these tours infuse some aah into your holiday. This option is especially attractive for a group (max size 14 people) .

Why worry about fighting traffic on the I95 or finding your way through busy streets when you can leave the driving to someone else? The private shuttle is a door-to-door service, you decide the pick-up and drop-off locations. However, this convenience comes at a cost so budget accordingly.

The journey is about four hours , depending on traffic, and guests can bring two pieces of luggage.

6. From Orlando to Miami by Plane

Just can't wait to get to South Beach? Head to the Orlando International Airport (MCO) and hop on a flight to Miami International Airport (MIA). A variety of airlines fly between the two cities, including Frontier Airlines (the cheapest), American Airlines , and United .

This is the most expensive travel option between Orlando and Miami, but at an hour and 12 minutes direct, it's also the fastest way to travel to Miami . Unless you travel off-season, that is. Depending when you're going and which airline you choose, you may have to transfer somewhere like Atlanta, which really doesn't make sense.

Just for a frame of reference, the Orlando International Airport is 14 miles from downtown Orlando (about a 22-minute drive) while the Miami International Airport lies a mere 12 miles (about 20 minutes by car) from South Beach .

Looking to fly in style? Book a trip with Linear Air . This private air charter company offers guests an option to fly privately in everything from a small, four-seater aircraft to a large, 15-seater jet. The price can set you back anywhere between four and five figures, depending on whether you opt for a small air taxi or a large private jet. Pack the plane with your friends and family to lower your personal cost.

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Hi everyone

10 replies to this topic

Have you considered traveling via Brightline the high speed passenger train? OW tix can cost as little a

http://Www.gobrightline.com for more info.

Correction to my above post: 2nd line should read:

"OW tix can cost as little as $39"

I can’t imagine an Uber being willing to make that drive. It’s 3 1/2-4 hours one way.

While a agree that Brightline would be the simple solution (cost is relatively cheap and less stress/hassle), I am curious where you came up with rental prices of $300?

I just did a quick Expedia/Kayak search to get a ballpark number and I see many options for <$100.

Looking forward to your ‘follow up’ post. 🤤

There are some early trains, but I don’t think I’d be willing to risk traveling that far on departure day and would endeavor to get there the night before

Most cruises leave in the late afternoon some even in the evening, so getting left although a vague possibility would not be a deciding factor in my travels. The train ride is so much nicer than driving and I've driven in and out of Miami many times and do what ever I can to avoid driving there.

And I've been stuck on I95 and the Turnpike way to many times to relate here.

So I definitely would take the train, as I do when I am flying in and out of FLL and MIA just so much easier and stress free!

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Transportation | Avelo Airlines to test Miami-to-Orlando route…

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Transportation

Transportation | avelo airlines to test miami-to-orlando route for $46 one-way — faster and mostly cheaper than brightline.

Up-and-coming discounter Avelo Airlines announced Wednesday it is taking a flier on the high-volume Miami-Orlando travel market with “seasonal” Boeing 737-800 flights on Fridays and Sundays, between June 7 and Aug. 18.

Avelo’s first-day one-way fares: $46 for a one-hour, five-minute flight.

The Brightline SMART fares posted for June 7: $39 to $89 for its three-hour, 30-minute train rides, depending on the time of day during the course of the railroad’s 16-train schedule.

Based in Houston, Avelo previously operated charters before becoming a regularly scheduled carrier in 2021. It serves 52 U.S. destinations in 23 states and Puerto Rico. The airline operates at 10 Florida airports, including South Florida’s three international airports in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Miami.

Courtney Goff, the Avelo communications manager, said the cheap fare idea arose because the airline is operating charters between Miami and Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic , and is moving an Orlando-based plane to Miami to cover those flights starting June 8.

Low-fare experiment

“We thought, ‘Maybe those in Central Florida want a quick, affordable trip to Miami for the weekend,'” she said. “We’re also the only low-fare carrier on this route.”

“If you look at our flight dates and times compared to theirs, we are almost $100 less and have a shorter travel time,” Goff added.

About 20% of the plane’s 160 or so seats will go for $46. But the other seats will be priced slightly higher as the airline is keeping all of its fares at low levels, she said.

In a monthly financial report covering March, Brightline said demand is on the rise for its 235-mile rail service between Miami and Orlando, which has station stops at Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach. That’s despite a rise in the average fare per passenger to $57.96 from $26.23 in March 2023.

Although Avelo is unlikely to see the passenger volumes enjoyed by Brightline, the airline believes the Orlando-Miami route is worth testing as a bargain proposition.

“While this is only scheduled for summer due to the charters, it is similarly a test to see if the demand is fully there,” Goff said. “Having a base of operations in Orlando makes it easier to try out new options for travel and see what resonates with travelers.”

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Want a free ride? Here are 10 things to know before you take Circuit

Low-cost airline becomes first to offer nonstop service between Orlando, Miami

Reserve parking program rolled out at mco.

A new Reserve Parking program at Orlando International Airport (MCO) is now active, the airport says.

ORLANDO, Fla. - A popular low-cost airline announced this week a new route connecting two of Florida's most popular cities with a quick flight that's just over an hour long – all for the price of a nice lunch for two. 

Avelo Airlines will soon offer nonstop service between Orlando International Airport and Miami International Airport, making it the first low-fare airline to offer this nonstop route from Central Florida to Miami. Currently, Spirit flies direct to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. 

Naked cruise to set sail from Florida in 2025

Service begins June 7 and will operate on Fridays and Sundays through Aug. 18. One-way fares between MCO and MIA start at $46, including tax. 

BURBANK, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 28: Avelo Airlines takes off with first flight between Burbank and Santa Rosa at Hollywood Burbank Airport on April 28, 2021 in Burbank, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for Avelo Air)

"Orlando – Avelo is growing again! We’re excited to announce exclusive nonstop service to Miami," Avelo Airlines Chairman and CEO Andrew Levy said in a prepared statement. "Our MCO base continues to be an exciting platform for growth for Avelo as we add another exciting destination for Orlando-area residents. Avelo’s combination of low fares, industry-leading reliability and travel-friendly service continues to inspire more people from across Central Florida to travel."

Florida residents leave the most items behind in Ubers: report

Click here for more information or to book. 

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Ryan Gosling Flashes a Wave in L.A., Plus Katy Perry & Orlando Bloom, Anya Taylor-Joy, John Legend and More

From Hollywood to New York and everywhere in between, see what your favorite stars are up to

Alexandra Schonfeld is a features writer at PEOPLE. She has been working at PEOPLE since April 2022. Her work previously appeared in Newsweek .

Stars have been everywhere this week, from Katy Perry stepping out to support Orlando Bloom in Beverly Hills to Anya Taylor-Joy showing off her style in Sydney. In New York, Doja Cat steps out for dinner in a micro-mini ensemble as Ryan Gosling enjoys sunny L.A.

Here, the best photos of celebs out and about this week. Come back tomorrow for more of the latest A-list outings!

PG/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Ryan Gosling flashes a wave while out and about in Los Angeles on May 1.

Hand-in-Hand

Todd Williamson/PEACOCK

Katy Perry joins Orlando Bloom for the Orlando Bloom: To the Edge FYC event at The London Hotel in Beverly Hills on April 30.

Personal Style

Don Arnold/WireImage

Anya Taylor-Joy poses in a silver and gold head piece — paired with a matching dress — at the premiere of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga on May 2 in Sydney, Australia.

Taking Note

Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/SplashNews

John Legend puts on the smolder in a navy blazer at the Montblanc Meisterstuck 100th anniversary gallery at Paramour Estate in Los Angeles on May 1.

Top of the Morning

Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock

Rebel Wilson makes an appearance on This Morning on May 2 in London.

Side by Side

JC Olivera/WireImage

Melissa Moore and Gypsy Rose Blanchard pose together at FYC's An Evening with Lifetime: Conversations On Controversies event on May 1 at The Grove in L.A.

Man of the Hour

Theo Wargo/Getty

Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson steps behind the podium at the 2024 Entrepreneurial Spirit Awards Gala at Guastavino's in New York City on May 1.

Walk This Way

WavyPeter/SplashNews

Doja Cat steps out in a micro-mini ensemble topped off with a fur head piece to grab diner at Zero Bond in New York City on May 1.

All Dressed Up

Ouzounova/SplashNews

Jon Bon Jovi poses with the Phillie Phanatic at Project HOME's 35th anniversary gala in Philadelphia on May 1.

Marc Piasecki/Getty

Lily-Rose Depp shows off her abs in a cropped sweater and floral skirt at the Chanel Cruise show on May 2 in Marseille, France.

Supportive Spouse

James Gourley/Shutterstock

Elsa Pataky and Chris Hemsworth pose together at the premiere of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga on May 2 in Sydney, Australia.

Neil Mockford/GC Images

Lupita Nyong'o opts for blue as she steps out for an appearance at BBC Radio One on May 2 in London.

Night to Shine

David X Prutting/BFA.com

Pharrell Williams celebrates the inaugural vintage car auction from his auction house, Joopiter with Casamigos on May 1 in New York City.

Regal Appearance

Gregory Pace/Shutterstock

Sarah Ferguson steps out for the 2024 Global Citizen Prize and Cisco Youth Leadership Awards on May 1 in New York City.

Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty

Rumer Willis poses in a pair of shades at the Mother x Mother Tongue Mother Knows Best event on May 1 at Mars Speakeasy in L.A.

In Character

Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Penélope Cruz is in character on the set of The Bride! in New York City on May 1.

Serenading Duo

Chris Haston/Warner Bros

Reba McEntire makes a musical appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show on May 2 in New York City.

Noam Galai/Getty

Danai Gurira addresses the crowd from the stage during Global Citizen Now 2024 at Spring Studios in N.Y.C. on May 1.

Speaking Out

Mickey Guyton is also on deck to speak on stage during Global Citizen Now 2024 at Spring Studios in New York City.

For the Cause

Also showing his support for the organization, Brooklyn Peltz Beckham takes the stage the Global Citizen event at Spring Studios on May 1 in New York City.

Smile & Wave

Michael Buckner/WWD via Getty

Emma Roberts flashes a sweet smile while at the Montblanc Meisterstuck 100th anniversary gallery at Paramour Estate in Los Angeles on May 1.

Keeping the Beat

Stephen J. Cohen/Getty

Jon Batiste sits behind a drum set during the Louisville Urban League Derby Gala at Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center in Louisville, Kentucky on May 1.

L.A. Outing

Dylan Sprouse poses at the Montblanc Meisterstuck 100th anniversary gallery at Paramour Estate in Los Angeles on May 1.

Special Delivery

Dave Allocca/StarPix/Shutterstock

Uma Thurman packages some tote bags at the Room to Grow Mother's Day Luncheon on May 1 in New York City.

A Dapper Gentleman

Andrew Garfield looks ultra-handsome as he arrives to the National Theatre's Up Next Gala in London on May 1.

Terrific Twosome

Jordan Strauss/January Images

Rosamund Pike and Daniel Henney smile wide at The Wheel of Time 's Emmys FYC Event at Prime Video's Prime Experience on April 30 in L.A.

Fresh-Faced Beauty

Victor Chavez/Shutterstock

Sydney Sweeney smiles and waves to photographers as she steps off the plane at the International Mexico City Airport on May 1.

Gotham/GC Images

A radiant Selena Gomez enjoys the warm New York weather while in the Concrete Jungle on May 1.

Seeing Double

IMAGO/Jeffrey Mayer

One of Ryan Gosling 's stunt doubles makes a breakthrough appearance at The Fall Guy premiere on April 30 in Los Angeles.

Empire State of Mind

Also basking in the warm New York weather is Bella Hadid who is all smiles while out and about in the city on May 1.

Will Estes , Len Cariou , Bridget Moynahan , Tom Selleck and Donnie Wahlberg take a moment to pose for a pic while on the set of Blue Bloods in Greenpoint, Brooklyn on May 1.

Christopher Peterson / SplashNews

Jon Stewart is seen leaving the Greenwich Hotel after interviewing Queen Noor in New York City on May 1.

Fashion Star

Ever chic, Rita Ora looks super stylish while in Tribeca, N.Y. on May 1.

Keeping It Low Key

TheImageDirect.com

Katie Holmes is spotted in a casual getup while on a coffee run in New York City May 1.

Draped in All-Black

David Krieger/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Nicky Hilton keeps things simple in an all-black ensemble as she runs some errands in New York on May 1.

A New York Minute

Raymond Hall/GC Images

Zoe Saldaña takes a moment to sign some autographs for supporters while in SoHo, New York on May 1.

Serving Face

Jason Sean Weiss/BFA.com/Shutterstock 

Selma Blair channels her inner model as she poses in a photo booth at a Jimmy Choo cocktail party celebrating the summer 2024 eyewear collection in Beverly Hills on April 30.

Basking in the Fun

Jon Kopaloff/Getty

Ryan Gosling and Mikey Day bring back their Beavis and Butt-Head SNL costumes while at the premiere of The Fall Guy in Hollywood on April 30.

Poised and Proper

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Also at The Fall Guy premiere, Gosling's costar Emily Blunt opts to keep her red carpet look classic and chic as she heads into the Dolby Theater on April 30.

Hometown Premiere

Brendon Thorne/Getty

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga stars Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth touchdown for a photo call for the film in Sydney, Australia on May 1. 

Colorful Lady

Steve Granitz/FilmMagic

Melissa McCarthy is spring-ready while attending the L.A. premiere of Netflix's Unfrosted on April 30.

Special Appearance

Mike Marsland/WireImage

Lupita Nyong'o is joined by an adorable four-legged friend at the photo call for A Quiet Place: Day One in London on May 1.

New York's Finest

STARTHESTAR/SplashNews

Cardi B is super stylish while arriving at the New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers basketball game at Madison Square Garden on April 30.

Lady in Blue

Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty

Hannah Waddingham stuns in a bright blue pantsuit at The Fall Guy premiere on April 30 in L.A.

Forever Lovebirds

Charley Gallay/Getty

Jay Leno and his wife Mavis cuddle up while at the Unfrosted premiere at the Egyptian Theatre on April 30 in Los Angeles.

Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani make a fine couple while at the Los Angeles premiere of The Fall Guy at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on April 30.

Crowd Commander

Samir Hussein/Getty

Olivia Rodrigo is playful while performing live at the 3 Arena on April 30 in Dublin. 

Let's Go!

Jon Stewart and Ben Stiller are on their feet while watching the game between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden on April 30.

A Family Affair

Amy Sussman/Getty

It's a family affair for Jerry and Jessica Seinfeld who walked the Unfrosted carpet with their kids Julian Kal, Shepherd Kellen and Sascha Seinfeld on April 30 in L.A.

In Londontown

Ricky Vigil M/Justin E Palmer/GC Images

Chrishell Stause , Emma Hernan and G Flip are in high spirits while leaving the Chrishell Stause — Talk event held at The London Palladium on April 30.

At the Theater

Bruce Glikas/WireImage

Rosie O'Donnell poses backstage at The Who's Tommy on Broadway at The Nederlander Theatre on April 30 in New York City.

Costars and Friends

Dave Benett/WireImage

Baby Reindeer stars Jessica Gunning and Richard Gadd are all smiles while attending the gala screening of Love Lies Bleeding at the Prince Charles Cinema on April 30 in London.

On the Move

Trevor Noah is cool and low key while out and about in New York City on April 30.

Gracious Guest

Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty

Tiger Woods waves to the audience as he appears on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on April 30.

Stylish in the City

Zayn Malik is super stylish while walking around Midtown, New York on April 30.

Jason Sean Weiss/BFA.com/Shutterstock

Lori Harvey rocks a sleek look while at the Jimmy Choo cocktail party celebrating the summer 2024 eyewear collection in Beverly Hills on April 30.

Rosalia rocks an edgy ensemble while out and about in Tribeca, New York on April 30.

New York Minute

Bradley Cooper steps out in shades on a warm New York City afternoon on April 30.

Zach Hilty/BFA.com/Shutterstock

Glenn Close opts for a timeless look at the Ralph Lauren fashion show in New York City on April 29.

Kevin Winter/Getty

John Mayer shows his support for Sammy Hagar as he is honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 30.

Theater Fans

Jenny Anderson/Getty

Renée Elise Goldsberry and Jesse Tyler Ferguson host the Tony Award Nominations Live from Sofitel New York on April 30.

Special Visit

OLI SCARFF/POOL/AFP via Getty

Prince William visits 2022 Earthshot Prize Finalist Low Carbon Materials in Seaham, England on April 30.

Royal Outing

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty

On the same day, Prince William's father King Charles makes a visit to the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre with Queen Camilla .

Craig Barritt/Getty

Halle and Chloe Bailey celebrate their partnership with Core Hydration at the Refreshing Routines Event on April 30 at Aire Ancient Baths in N.Y.C.

Kristy Sparow/Getty

Lupita Nyong'o steps out for a photo call at Shangri-La Hotel Paris for A Quiet Place: Day One on April 30.  

Zipping Around

Keri Russell takes advantage of the warm weather as she heads out for a bike ride in New York City on April 29.

Triple Threat

Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock

Tony Goldwyn , Bobby Cannavale and Robert De Niro pose together during a special screening of Ezra in New York City on April 29.

Making Rounds

Joe Manganiello and Caitlin O'Connor stop by for an appearance on Watch What Happens Live in New York City this week.

Brooks Running/Aisha McAdams

Jeremy Renner throws on his Brooks sneakers and gear as he heads for a run.

In Disguise

Chris Hemsworth looks unrecognizable on the set of a star-studded commercial for Clash of the Clans Squad on April 29.

Lots of Feathers

Also on set, Ken Jeong has some fun in a chicken suit while filming the Clash of the Clans Squad commercial on April 29.

Justin Hartley opts for a blue striped suit for an appearance at CBS Studios on Tuesday morning in New York City.

Crowd Pleaser

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Will.i.am and Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas hit the stage during the Top of Mountain Closing Concert on April 30 in Ischgl, Austria.

Buttoned Up

Emma McIntyre/Getty

Sandra Lee and Bob Mackie pose together at the Daily Front Row's Fashion Los Angeles Awards at the Beverly Hills Hotel on April 28.

Lights, Camera

Timothée Chalamet is in character as Bob Dylan on the set of A Complete Unknown on April 29 in Newark, New Jersey. 

Taylor Hill/FilmMagic

Gabrielle Union and Anne Hathaway celebrate the New York City premiere of The Idea of You on April 29 at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Spring Is Here

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King Charles holds on to a bouquet of pink flowers following a visit to the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre on April 30 in London.

Strike a Pose

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Jodie Turner-Smith rocks a wide-brimmed hat for the Ralph Lauren runway show on April 29 in New York City.

Good to Glow

Also at the star-studded show, Glenn Close and Jessica Chastain pose together with matching silver bags from their seats on April 29.

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Charli XCX sports an all-black look for an appearance on Watch What Happens Live in New York City on April 29.

Streaming Star

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Jennifer Connelly steps out for the premiere of Dark Matter at Hammer Museum in L.A. on April 29.

New York Nights

Jamie McCarthy/Getty

Cynthia Erivo and Chris Pine pose together at the 49th Chaplin Award Gala honoring Jeff Bridges at Lincoln Center in New York City on April 29.

Sweet Serenade

Arturo Holmes/Getty

Fantasia performs in a feathered ensemble during the New York Pops 41st Birthday Gala honoring Clive Davis on April 29 in New York City.

L. Busacca/Getty 

The night's honoree, Clive Davis , poses with Martha Stewart during the gala at Carnegie Hall in New York City on April 29.

London Look

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Rita Ora poses at the launch of Typebea at Sephora West on April 30 in London.

Christian Bale and Jessie Buckley are spotted on the set of The Bride in New York City on April 29.

Ready to Go

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Emily Blunt looks chic as she stops by Jimmy Kimmel Live! in L.A. on April 29.

Date Night Smiles

Susan Bridges and honoree Jeff Bridges pose together at the 49th Chaplin Award Gala at Lincoln Center in New York City on April 29.

Sparkle and Shine

Rebel Wilson sports shimmering sleeves while out for dinner following her show in London on April 29.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty 

Robert De Niro addresses the crowd for a screening of Ezra at SVA Theater in New York City on April 29.

Todd Williamson/Amazon

Nicole Kidman and Lulu Wang attend the Expats Emmys FYC event at Prime Experience at NYA WEST in L.A. on April 28.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

Sharon Stone signs some autographs during the 49th Chaplin Award Gala honoring Jeff Bridges at Lincoln Center in New York City on April 29.

Off to the Races

Steven Ferdman/Getty

Rauw Alejandro and Lewis Hamilton pose together at WhatsApp and Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1's Empire State Building viewing party on April 29 at Virgin Hotels in New York City.

Back to Work

Pedro Pascal is handsome in neutrals while on the set of The Materialists in New York City on April 29.

Feeling Pink

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Ice Spice rocks some hot pink fur on the set of a music video in New York City this week.

Fun & Flirty

Rita Ora flashes a wide smile at the Typebea launch event at The Old Sessions House in London on April 29.

Out and About

Steven Spielberg enjoys the warm weather in New York City during an outing on April 28.

Anne Hathaway goes for an all-white look while out and about in New York City on April 29.

Star of the Screen

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Jude Law looks dapper on the set of The Black Rabbit in New York City on April 29.

New York Gal

Also on set on Monday, Dakota Johnson is spotted in a black tank and blue jeans as she films scenes for The Materialists in New York City. 

Shimmer and Shine

Stefanie Keenan/Getty

Sarah Michelle Gellar wears a glittering mini dress at the Daily Front Row's Fashion Los Angeles Awards at The Beverly Hills Hotel on April 28.

London Appearance

Rebel Wilson steps out in London for "An Evening with Rebel Wilson" event at The London Palladium on April 29.

Lovely Ladies

Kris Jenner and Celeste Barber are draped in dresses by Lagos at the Daily Front Row's Fashion Los Angeles Awards at The Beverly Hills Hotel on Sunday.

Fashionable Pair

Also at the star-studded event, Doja Cat and Jennifer Garner sit side-by-side at the Beverly Hills Hotel for the Daily Front Row's Fashion Los Angeles Awards as Casamigos specialty cocktails flow throughout the party.

Festival Fierce

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Karrueche Tran and Peyton List pose together at Expedia's Global Jam at Joy Theater during New Orleans Jazz Fest on April 26.

Jon Batiste shows off his winning smile as he attends Expedia's Global Jam at Joy Theater on April 26.

Nicky Hilton steps out for the warm New York City weather on April 29.

Breakfast Best

Michael Simon

Ashley Tisdale fills her tote bag with Honey Bunches of Oats while grabbing groceries in L.A.

Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty

Leonardo DiCaprio looks out from under his black baseball cap at Crypto.com Arena as the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Denver Nuggets on April 27.

Courtside Date

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Adele and Rich Paul are also on deck on April 27 to catch the Lakers game at Crypto.com Arena.

Leading Lady

Anne Hathaway chats with the crowd in New York City during a special screening of The Idea Of You at 92NY on April 28.

Sealed with a Kiss

Phillip Faraone/Getty

Cole Sprouse gets a kiss on the cheek from Ari Fournier at The Daily Front Row's 8th annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards on April 28 at The Beverly Hills Hotel.

Black Ties and All

Paul Morigi/NBC News/MSNBC via Getty

Colin Jost and Scarlett Johansson pose with second gentleman Doug Emhoff at the White House Correspondents' Dinner after party at the French Ambassador's residence in Washington D.C. on April 27.

Paras Griffin/Getty

Fantasia Barrino rocks an all-denim ensemble at the 2024 Hallmark Mahogany Honors Brunch held at InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta on April 28.

Across the Pond

Sheila Atim and Andrew Scott pose with a time capsule at The Old Vic Theatre ahead of its burial in the foundation of the new Backstage Building in London on April 29.

Having a Laugh

Adir Abergel and Jennifer Garner are all smiles at The Daily Front Row's Fashion Los Angeles Awards on April 28 at The Beverly Hills Hotel.

Gabrielle Union steps out in New York City for an appearance at 92NY on April 28.

River Callaway/Variety via Getty

Nicole Kidman attends an Emmy FYC event for Expats at the Prime Experience at NYA West on April 28 in Los Angeles.

Minty Fresh

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Melissa McCarthy accessorizes her mint ensemble with a bedazzled 'M' brooch on April 28 in L.A.

Rockers On the Go

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Mick Jagger and The Rolling Stones rock on stage during their Hackney Diamonds Tour at NRG Stadium Houston on April 28.

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Travel | Pair of giant pandas set to travel from China…

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Travel | pair of giant pandas set to travel from china to san diego zoo under conservation partnership.

This photo released by the San Diego Zoo shows giant panda Yun Chuan on Thursday, April 25, 2024, in the Sichuan province of China. A pair of giant pandas will soon make the journey from China to the U.S., where they will be cared for at the San Diego Zoo as part of an ongoing conservation partnership between the two nations, officials said Monday, April 29. (Ken Bohn/San Diego Zoo via AP)

This photo released by the San Diego Zoo shows giant panda Xin Bao on Thursday, April 25, 2024, in the Sichuan province of China. A pair of giant pandas will soon make the journey from China to the U.S., where they will be cared for at the San Diego Zoo as part of an ongoing conservation partnership between the two nations, officials said Monday, April 29. (Ken Bohn/San Diego Zoo via AP)

The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance said its caretakers recently visited China to meet the giant pandas, Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, ahead of their planned trip to Southern California. An exact date for the handoff hasn’t been set.

Yun Chuan, a mild-mannered male who’s nearly 5 years old, has “deep connections” to California, the wildlife alliance said. His mother, Zhen Zhen, was born at the San Diego Zoo in 2007 to parents Bai Yun and Gao Gao.

Xin Bao is a nearly 4-year-old female described as “a gentle and witty introvert with a sweet round face and big ears.”

“Our conservation partners in China shared photographs and personality traits of Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, but meeting them in person was so special,” said Dr. Megan Owen, the alliance’s vice president of conservation science. “It’s inspiring as people from around the world come together to conserve, protect, and care for these special bears, and we can’t wait to welcome them to San Diego.”

The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has a nearly 30-year partnership with leading conservation institutions in China focused on protecting and recovering giant pandas and the bamboo forests they depend on.

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