Explore all that the East Coast has to offer by taking a road trip from New York City to Miami. Driving allows you to see the sights on your own schedule, and to visit places off the beaten path. Depending on the route you take, you could potentially pass through seven states on your way south, giving you a great look into the scenery and cultures of different parts of the United States. Rent an exotic car in Miami with SIXT deals and make your trip memorable.
Tips for a One-Way Road Trip from NYC to Miami
Your drive from NYC to Miami will take between 18 and 21 hours, not including stops. But there’s so much to do and see along the way. The fastest route takes you through cities like Washington, D.C. and Savannah, GA, and various beach towns in Florida. In Miami, you can spend your days lounging on the beach and your nights at one of its many dance clubs. The city is famous because of its warm weather year-round, its Cuban and Latin culture, and Art Deco architecture.
Driving Directions from NYC to Miami
- The fastest route south from NYC to Miami is to take Interstate 95 South the entire way. You will go through Trenton, NJ and other notable East Coast cities like Baltimore, MD, Washington, D.C., Richmond, VA, Fayetteville, NC, Savannah, GA, Jacksonville, FL, and finally, your destination of Miami.
- It’s also possible to take a slightly slower route that goes through Pennsylvania on I-78 and I-81 before going south on I-77 through the center of North Carolina and South Carolina before meeting up with I-95 S just after Columbia, SC.
- When you get hungry, stop for blue crabs in Baltimore or fresh fish if you are taking the coastal I-95 route. Or you can try some of the regional barbecue in North Carolina or South Carolina.
5 Sights to See Along the Way
National Aquarium, Baltimore, MD
Located on the Inner Harbor of Baltimore, the National Aquarium is a great stop for families or those just wanting to visit a great attraction. You can see a variety of aquatic animals, sea creatures and take a behind-the-scenes tour of the aquarium. If the weather is nice, you can also take the opportunity to eat at one of the nearby harborside restaurants.
The National Mall, Washington, D.C.
Take a break from driving and take a stroll on the National Mall. When visiting this historic landmark, you’ll be within walking distance of various noteworthy museums, like those of the Smithsonian, and monuments, plus the U.S. Capitol.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond, VA
Delve into the world of plants and flowers on a tour of the 50-acre Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. You can enjoy the greenery, lakes, and even an apiary and relax at the tea house. It is also easily accessible from I-95.
Carowinds, Charlotte, NC
Take a break from the road and spend the day riding rollercoasters and cooling off at the waterpark at Carowinds amusement park. The park straddles the state line between North and South Carolina and is open seasonally. If you are doing the long drive with kids in tow, the park offers a great break from the car.
Cocoa Beach and Kennedy Space Center, Cocoa Beach, FL
Take in the ocean breeze as you enter the final stretch of your trip. You can easily spend a full day at the beach and at the Kennedy Space Center, where NASA launches spacecraft. The center’s Visitor Complex allows you to learn about space, see how astronauts train, and more.
SIXT Rent a Car in NYC
We offer convenient locations in NYC for you to rent a car with SIXT. You can pick up your rental car in downtown Manhattan, JFK International Airport or LaGuardia Airport. Both locations offer easy access to the city’s boroughs, or to New Jersey, Long Island and other parts of the region. Our fleet in NYC offers both compact cars perfect for city driving, and larger vehicles like SUVs for more passenger and cargo room. For longer trips, check out weekly rentals cars from SIXT.
