A Florida road trip is one of the best ways to see the Sunshine State — flat roads, short hops, and coastline on both sides. This relaxed 7-day Miami-to-Tampa route covers the Keys, the Everglades and the Gulf Coast, and it all starts with the right rental booked through DiscoverCars to keep costs down.
Key Takeaways
- A 7-day loop from Miami to Tampa covers the Keys, Everglades and Gulf Coast.
- Compare one-way (Miami pickup, Tampa drop-off) vs round-trip on DiscoverCars.
- Best weather is November to March; cheapest rentals are May to September.
- Buy your own SunPass (~$5) for the cashless tolls around Miami.
- The Overseas Highway to Key West is 113 miles across 42 bridges.
How Long Do You Need for a Florida Road Trip?
Seven days is the sweet spot for a Miami-to-Tampa loop. It gives you two nights in the Keys, time to cross the Everglades, and a relaxed run up the Gulf Coast without rushing. Ten days lets you add Orlando or extra beach time; five is doable but tight.
Because the regions are so different — islands, wetlands, then Gulf beaches — a car is essential. There’s no practical public transit linking them, which is exactly why this trip rewards a well-chosen rental.
Days 1–3: Miami & the Florida Keys
Pick up your car at Miami International (MIA) and head south on the Overseas Highway (US-1) — 113 miles and 42 bridges to Key West. You can drive it in about 3 hours, but take your time. Stop at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park on Key Largo, cross the famous Seven Mile Bridge, and settle into Key West for a night or two.
In Key West itself, Old Town is walkable, so you can park the car and explore on foot. Watch for reduced speed zones like Big Pine Key, where night limits drop to 35 mph to protect Key deer.
Days 4–5: The Everglades
Head west on the Tamiami Trail (US-41) into Everglades National Park — 1.5 million acres of wetland where a car is the only practical way in. Stop at Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk and Shark Valley for gators and birdlife, then continue to Naples. February has the fewest mosquitoes.
Fuel up in Florida City before this stretch — it’s the last reliable gas and food stop before an isolated 22-mile run through the Everglades.
Days 6–7: Naples to Tampa
Spend a day in Naples — upscale shopping, white-sand beaches, and a must-see sunset on Naples Pier. Then drive up the Gulf Coast to Tampa, stopping at Siesta Key near Sarasota, often ranked among the best beaches in the US. Drop the car at Tampa International (TPA).
Ready to compare Florida rentals on DiscoverCars?
Should You Book One-Way or Round-Trip?
Since this route ends in a different city, compare a one-way rental (Miami pickup, Tampa drop-off) against a round trip on DiscoverCars. Some companies offer free one-way rentals within Florida, while others charge a drop fee. The all-in comparison tells you which is cheaper for your dates.
Booking about a week ahead in Miami, or 2–4 weeks for the Keys and Tampa, generally locks the best rate. Choose free cancellation so you can rebook if the price drops before you travel.
When Is the Best Time for This Trip?
November to March has the coolest, driest weather — but it’s peak season, so hotels and cars cost more. Late spring (May–June) is the cheapest for rentals, though it’s hotter and hurricane season begins. Pick your priority: comfort or cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Florida road trip rental cost?
It varies by season and one-way fees. Miami starts around $24–$30/day in low season; expect more in December. Comparing one-way vs round-trip on DiscoverCars usually reveals meaningful savings for a Miami-to-Tampa route.
Do I need a 4×4 for a Florida road trip?
No. Florida roads are flat and paved, so a standard compact or midsize car handles this entire route comfortably. An SUV only helps if you have a big group or lots of luggage.
Is the Overseas Highway hard to drive?
Not at all. US-1 through the Keys is mostly two lanes with unhurried traffic and stunning views. Settle in, mind the speed zones, and enjoy the 42-bridge drive to Mile Marker 0 in Key West.
The Bottom Line
A 7-day Miami-to-Tampa loop packs islands, wetlands and Gulf beaches into one unforgettable drive — and the rental makes it all possible. Compare one-way vs round-trip, book with free cancellation, and handle tolls with your own SunPass. Compare Florida rentals on DiscoverCars to start planning.
What to Pack and Prepare for the Drive
A Florida road trip needs little special gear, but a few things make it smoother. Bring sun protection and a reusable water bottle — the Keys and Everglades get hot and shade is scarce. A phone mount and a car charger keep navigation running, and an offline map helps in the Everglades, where signal drops.
Set up your toll plan before you leave Miami: register your SunPass plate online, load $10, and you’re covered for the whole loop. Download park information for the Everglades in advance too, since connectivity along US-41 is patchy.
Where to Stop Along the Way
Beyond the headline destinations, the joy of this route is the small stops. In the Keys, Islamorada is great for a seafood lunch and Marathon has family-friendly beaches. On the Gulf side, Sarasota’s Ringling Museum is worth an hour, and St. Pete’s pier makes an easy sunset stop before Tampa.
Because you control the pace in your own car, you can linger where you like and skip what you don’t — the whole reason a self-drive beats a guided tour for this trip.
Disclosure: This is an independent guide. This article contains affiliate links to DiscoverCars; if you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes what you pay or what we recommend.