The best scenic drives around Miami for a convertible or sports car are the Rickenbacker Causeway to Key Biscayne, Collins Avenue and A1A north along the beaches, the shaded Old Cutler Road through the southern suburbs, and the Overseas Highway toward Key West for a full-day trip. Each trades views, traffic and distance differently, and distance matters because most exotic rentals cap free mileage per day, often at around 100 miles or less.
Distances against a daily mileage allowance
The round-trip figures below are approximate, measured from the Brickell and South Beach area. Check them with a map app before you go, and compare them with the allowance in your agreement.
| Drive | Approximate round trip | Fits a 100-mile allowance? |
|---|---|---|
| Rickenbacker Causeway to Key Biscayne | 20 to 30 miles | Yes, with room for a second route |
| Venetian Causeway loop | Under 20 miles | Yes |
| Collins Avenue and A1A to Sunny Isles Beach | 30 to 40 miles | Yes |
| Old Cutler Road end to end | 40 to 60 miles including the approach | Yes |
| Fort Lauderdale beach and back | 60 to 70 miles | Usually |
| Everglades National Park (Homestead entrance) | About 100 miles before driving inside the park | Borderline |
| Key West and back | About 320 miles | No; needs an extended package |
Overage on high-end rentals is usually charged at several dollars a mile, so one long day can add a large sum to the bill. The cost guide shows how to price that in.
Rickenbacker Causeway to Key Biscayne
The causeway rises over Biscayne Bay on a long bridge with open water on both sides and downtown behind you, then crosses Virginia Key and arrives on Key Biscayne. It is a classic short loop for a convertible: stop for the views, continue to Crandon Park beach or Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, and return the same way. A county toll is collected on the way in to Virginia Key and Key Biscayne; current rates and payment options are in our guide to tolls in a rental car. The road is popular with cyclists, particularly on weekend mornings, so drive with care.
Venetian Causeway
The Venetian Causeway is a slower and more intimate drive. It hops between small islands in Biscayne Bay on the way to Miami Beach, with low speed limits and residential views. It is also tolled, at the same standard rate as the Rickenbacker according to the county. It is better at a gentle pace than as a shortcut, and you will share it with cyclists and joggers.
Collins Avenue and A1A north
From South Beach, Collins Avenue (A1A) runs north past Mid-Beach, Surfside, Bal Harbour, Haulover Park and Sunny Isles Beach, with ocean and condo towers to the east. The upside is the setting; the downside is traffic, lights and pedestrians. Early morning is the best time, and weekdays are calmer than weekends. Continue north through Hallandale Beach to Fort Lauderdale for a longer run that still fits within one day.
Old Cutler Road
This historic road runs about 15 miles from Coral Gables toward Cutler Bay under a canopy of banyans and other old trees, passing Matheson Hammock Park, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and the Deering Estate. Roots have lifted the surface in places, which matters for a low car, and the adjacent trail is used by cyclists, so keep speed down. It is also shaded, which makes it a good midday route when the coast is hot.
Everglades and the Tamiami Trail
West of the city, the Tamiami Trail (US-41) crosses the edge of the Everglades, and Everglades National Park has entrances at Homestead, Shark Valley and the Gulf Coast. The Tamiami Trail itself is a public highway; the entrance fee applies once you enter the park at an entrance station. The National Park Service lists a private-vehicle pass at $35, valid for seven consecutive days, and its fees page also lists a separate $100 fee for each non-US resident aged 16 or older, so international visitors should check the current rules before they go. The roads are flat and quiet, but mosquitoes, afternoon storms and slow tourist traffic are the trade-off. Unpaved pull-offs can damage a low car.
The Overseas Highway to Key West
Key West is about 160 miles from Miami by road, mostly on US-1, and the drive takes roughly 3.5 to 4 hours without stops. It crosses dozens of bridges, including the Seven Mile Bridge. Posted limits are often 45 to 55 mph in long stretches and lower in towns, so it is not a fast drive; it is a long, scenic one with heavy traffic on weekends. Because most exotic agreements limit mileage and territory, ask in writing whether a Keys trip is allowed and what it costs before you plan it.
Practical convertible tips
- Sun and heat: apply sunscreen, wear a hat and carry water. Interiors get hot quickly.
- Afternoon showers: in the wet season, storms build in the afternoon. Learn how to close the roof before you need it, and ask whether there is a speed limit for operating it.
- Loose items: use a scarf or hair tie and stow documents; open-top driving moves paper fast.
- Parking: keep the roof up and the car locked when you leave it, and never leave valuables inside.
See the guide on heavy rain and flooding for the season's limits, and our comparison of exotic and luxury rentals for which kind of open-top car suits which route.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best short scenic drive for a rental convertible?
The Rickenbacker Causeway to Key Biscayne is the classic short route: roughly 20 to 30 miles round trip from Brickell or South Beach, with one toll and plenty of places to stop.
Can I drive an exotic rental to Key West?
Some companies allow it with prior approval, but many restrict territory or have mileage limits that make the 320-mile round trip expensive. Ask for permission and pricing in writing first.
Do causeways to Key Biscayne and the Venetian Islands have tolls?
Yes. Miami-Dade County lists tolls on both, payable by SunPass or Toll-By-Plate. Cash is not accepted.
Is Old Cutler Road good for a low sports car?
It is beautiful but uneven in places, so go slowly and watch the surface. Cyclists share the corridor.
What time of day is best for scenic drives?
Early morning, before traffic and the day's heat build, is generally best. In the wet season, plan routes to finish before afternoon storms.