The Resy Guide to Road Trips From Miami — Resy | Right This Way

Published: July 20, 2026

Summer is the best time to pack up the car and hit the open road, and from Miami, we have plenty of destinations to explore. Head north for a swanky Palm Beach staycation, where chic restaurants pair perfectly with cultural spots like the Norton Museum of Art. For something more low-key, Key West welcomes offers jaw-dropping sunsets and fun rum tastings at its local distillery. No matter where you go, this guide has you covered with memorable getaways and, most importantly, recommendations for where to eat.

Resy Road Trips

Trip 1: Key West
Trip 2: Fort Lauderdale
Trip 3: West Palm Beach & Palm Beach Island
Restaurants Worth More Than a Detour

Photo courtesy of Four Flamingos, A Richard Blais Key West KitchenPhoto courtesy of Four Flamingos, A Richard Blais Key West Kitchen

Island Vibes at Key West

Disconnecting from the daily hustle is easy in Key West. Everything seems to slow down in this island paradise, where you can choose from endless land and sea activities, or opt to simply relish the expansive ocean views with a margarita in hand.

Distance from Miami: 166 miles.

How to Get There: Drive for at least 3.5 hours, depending on our often insufferable traffic, or take a nonstop 90-minute flight from Miami.

Where to Stay: Regardless of your mode of transportation, you’ve fought the gridlock and won. Celebrate with a weekend stay at the Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa. Located near all the best restaurants, bars, and hotspots, the hotel also offers a relaxed waterfront experience, making it the ideal home base for your getaway.

Stop #1: While in Key West, the best way to kick off your day is with a Blue Heaven breakfast. The decades-old institution doesn’t take daytime reservations, so arrive early or be prepared to wait. A Bloody Mary at the bar will make time fly by. Regardless of whether you order the banana pancakes or Key West pink shrimp Benedict, the laid-back vibes and wandering roosters will make you want to linger just a little longer. Pro tip: Save room for its famous Key lime pie.

Stop #2: After a stroll around town to admire the art galleries that dot the tree-lined streets, pop into Papa’s Pilar Distillery for one of its unique tours or cocktail classes. Tours include exclusive barrel tastings paired with a cigar-rolling tutorial or a creative blending class, followed by the chance to enjoy your creation. Named after Ernest Hemingway’s boat, Pilar, the distillery honors the legendary Key West resident with the Chronicles tour, where book enthusiasts are treated to a literary exploration of his works paired with a rum tasting in the distillery’s library.

Stop #3: Explore Duval Street and its local artisan vendors and then enjoy an afternoon snack and cocktail at The Saint Hotel. Here you can hop onto a stool at Burgundy Bar just in time for its happy hour or peruse Tempt Restaurant’s seven deadly sins cocktail menu and pair your choice with a few small plates, like the crab cakes, fried green tomatoes, or pork belly stacks.

Stop #4: If you’ve spent the day poolside, wander off property for dinner at Hot Tin Roof. The restaurant, located just a block away at the Ocean Key Resort & Spa, offers a menu inspired by the region’s Caribbean and Latin influences. Crispy mojo chicken and blackened shrimp share the menu with plantain-crusted swordfish and pork with yuca hash. Pro tip: Time your reservation just right and be rewarded with a front-row seat to one of Key West’s stunning sunsets.

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Photo by Craig Denis Creative, courtesy of Anthony’s Runway 84Photo by Craig Denis Creative, courtesy of Anthony’s Runway 84

The Venice of America: Fort Lauderdale

Miami’s baby sister to the north is all grown up. While it still has its beach bars, famous canals, and laid-back attitude, Fort Lauderdale now offers first-rate hospitality with its standout restaurants, bars, and hotels.

Distance from Miami: 30 miles.

How to Get There: Brave I-95 or a Brightline train.

Where to Stay: If you want a beachside staycation, check into the Four Seasons Hotel & Residences for a blissful experience from start to finish. If mega-yacht views are more your speed, choose Pier Sixty-Six.

Stop #1: Heritage has been garnering praise for its pizza and small plates long before the Michelin Guide bestowed its Bib Gourmand designation. You’ll find its rockstar (literally) chef-owner and singer, Rino Cerbone, overseeing his kitchen and dining room with his laser-sharp gaze as fragrant pizzas are pulled from the fiery oven and delightful dishes like his wagyu arancini or eggplant parmigiana are whisked out.

Stop #2: Take advantage of the warm, sunny weather and enjoy a day at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. This beachfront park has it all: Rent bikes, paddle board, hike its coastal hammock trail, or head to the beach for a swim. On weekends, the park offers live animal presentations and ranger-guided walks.

Stop #3: Explore the beloved Las Olas Boulevard before popping into one of its storied restaurants, Yolo. Its name honors the “You Only Live Once” adage, and you should, too, with cocktails on its expansive, lively outdoor patio. Its bar bites are shareable, perfect for sunset hour.

Stop #4: The husband-and-wife duo behind The Katherine has crafted a concept that makes you feel right at home, thanks to its warm, attentive staff and comforting dishes. Award-winning chef Timon Balloo and his wife, Marissa Katherine, take guests on a culinary journey featuring globally inspired dishes such as clam chowder fries, whipped ricotta, duck and truffle risotto, and mom’s Trini oxtail.

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Photo courtesy of Café Boulud Palm BeachPhoto courtesy of Café Boulud Palm Beach

West Palm Beach & Palm Beach Island Bound

Here’s an opportunity to discover two distinct areas mere minutes apart. While Palm Beach Island embodies timeless elegance with a sprinkle of pristine luxury, West Palm Beach is its livelier, urban sidekick.

Distance from Miami: 72 miles.

How to Get There: Drive north or take the train.

Where to Stay: The Colony is quintessentially Palm Beach, with its colorful, tropical design aesthetic. Enjoy its old-glamour pool setting on a plush lounger, or dine at its signature restaurant, Swifty’s Restaurant at the Colony, which hosts fun events throughout the week, such as bingo and trivia.

Stop #1: Pair an unhurried, extended lunch at Le Bilboquet Palm Beach with a Worth Avenue shopping spree. Start with the French bistro’s tuna tartare, then try its famous mussels, lobster roll, or steak and fries. You can’t go wrong with whatever you choose.

Stop #2: South Florida weather can be unpredictable, so if it’s sweltering or rainy, opt for a cultural (and air-conditioned) visit to the Norton Museum of Art. Check its event calendar for unique classes and workshops. And take a hydration break at its restaurant overlooking the sculpture garden.

Stop #3: Sip a chilled glass of Champagne or a refreshing cocktail, surrounded by super yachts, at Lamarina. This Mediterranean restaurant is best enjoyed on its covered, marina-facing patio with a selection of coastal-inspired small plates.

Stop #4: An understated exterior — just look for the blue door — reveals a stylish dining room that transports you to the Mediterranean, even before you take a bite. The husband-and-wife team behind The Blue Door has a standout Miami pedigree, which they’re now sharing with Palm Beach through their stellar hospitality and coastal fare.

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Photo courtesy of Jay’s

Photo courtesy of Jay’s

Restaurants Worth More Than a Detour

Standout spots worthy of planning an entire road trip around, in our humble opinion.