Jan 8, 2015

Scenic Drives near Miami

There’s no better way to truly enjoy your car than going on a scenic drive. We spend far too much time in heavy traffic, navigating cramped streets, and in general being stressed out when behind the wheel. Some people might think that Miami and the surrounding area doesn’t offer much in the way of scenery, but the fact is they are completely wrong. Take a nice weekend trip and soak in the wondrous sights any of the following five drives has to offer.

1. Florida Keys

Taking the Overseas Highway is an experience everyone who lives in and around Miami should take in at least once, if not regularly. In particular, the stretch between Key Largo and Key West is incredible, considering that it contains the legendary Seven Mile Bridge and 41 other bridges. While you’re out that way, you can explore all that the Keys have to offer, from nice little beaches to interesting shops and unique dining options.

2. State Road A1A

The stretch of the road that leads to John U. Lloyd Beach State Park is actually called a scenic byway, according to the authority of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Traveling on it, the reasons why quickly become pretty obvious. The road goes through areas like Hallandale Beach and South Beach, where things look picturesque enough to be included in a travel brochure. If you’re up for it, once you reach John U. Lloyd Beach State Park you can stretch your legs while partaking in a number of enjoyable outdoor activities. Then, you get to bask in the same beautiful scenery on your way back home.

3. Ocean Drive

Scenic Drives Near Miami

There’s a good reason why Ocean Drive is called Miami’s biggest museum. It is loaded with interesting Art Deco buildings that ooze history, making for interesting scenery on one side of the road. If you go at night, the extensive and tasteful use of neon in the area is truly a sight to behold, as are all the crowds of people who are there to play and have fun. On the other side of the road is a fitness path and beach where during the daytime a variety of beautiful individuals go to recreate and exercise. Driving on Ocean Drive will give you a good view of the Miami that is always featured on television shows and movies, making it a must-see place for anyone in the area.

4. Coral Way

You can take this scenic road all the way from Downtown Miami to Westchester, which is the suburb where the county fair is held each year. Artists travel far and wide to paint one particular stretch of the road, called Coral Cables, where large oak trees provide a picturesque canopy that makes for a magical feeling when you are driving down the road. On either side of the road are numerous old breathtaking estates that feature the best of residential architecture and landscaping in the Miami area, making the drive even more interesting.

5. Tamiami Trail

Not all of the beautiful scenery is on the east coast of Florida, as anyone who has taken Tamiami Trail can tell you. The road stretches between Miami and Tampa. It takes you from downtown Miami, through the middle of Little Havana, and eventually into the Big Cypress National Preserve, which is a portion of the Florida Everglades. There are many chances to see indigenous wildlife and experience a side of Florida too few people see on a regular basis, helping you get back in touch with nature without requiring that you sleep in a tent and cook over an open fire.