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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.
Must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly.
Resy Road Trips
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.
More Highlights:
White Street Pizza: If you’re looking for a casual lunch or dinner, this spot delivers brick-oven pizzas in a playful diner-inspired setting.
Four Flamingos: Located inside the Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa, celebrity chef Richard Blais invites you to his restaurant for tempting tropical fare. It’s open all day, so whether you’re craving an acai bowl for breakfast, an ahi tuna tartare tostada for lunch, or the daily catch with coconut rice and a side of yucca fries, he’s got you covered.
Louie’s Backyard: This classic restaurant serves a variety of island cuisine paired with expansive sea views just steps from the beach. Start with the Bahamian conch chowder or cracked conch before cutting into a sesame-crusted tuna steak or grilled swordfish with risotto and pancetta cream. Call (305) 294-1061 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to make a reservation.
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.
More Highlights:
Anthony’s Runway 84: If you’re interested in dinner and a show, here’s where to go for classic Italian dishes while you’re serenaded by Rat Pack hits.
Union Kitchen & Bar: It’s in the name. The union of this couple paired with the union of their backgrounds — chef Christie is Peruvian, and Roberto, her sommelier husband, is Italian – ensures your dinner here will be filled with love and unforgettable flavors.
Sakana Nikkei: This swanky restaurant isn’t just a pretty face. The Peruvian Japanese dishes deliver exciting flavor combinations in their takes on hamachi tiradito and lomo saltado.
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.
More Highlights:
Malka: Celebrity chef Eyal Shani brings his kosher-certified restaurant to West Palm, offering his unique take on vegetable, seafood and red meat dishes.
Café Boulud: The Brazilian Court and chef Daniel Boulud have cultivated a time-honored relationship that effortlessly blends his standout take on French fare with the hotel’s boutique charm.
Okeechobee Steakhouse: A staple in the community for nearly 80 years, it has perfected the art of steak.
La Terraza: If you’re willing to drive a short distance south to Boca Raton, you’ll be transported to Spain at La Terraza while treated to classic tapas like cod croquettes, patatas bravas, and garlic shrimp.
Restaurants Worth More Than a Detour
Standout spots worthy of planning an entire road trip around, in our humble opinion.
Florida Room
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
If you’re a pickler (aka pickleball aficionado), the drive to The Fort Pickleball Center is worth it. But after your match, do stop by the Florida Room, curated by “Top Chef” alums Janine Booth and Jeff McInnis.
MIA Kitchen & Bar
Delray Beach, Fla.
Ideally located right off the Turnpike in Delray Beach, this is chef Jason Binder’s playground. Make sure to try the PB&J foie gras, and wait to hear the specials before making any final decisions.
Jay’s
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
For live entertainment while you eat, pair your surf-and-turf with a cabaret show.
Sunness Supper Club
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Tucked into an unassuming strip center, Sunness will delight you with its unique take on American classics, where kosher hot dogs share the menu with mango-barbecue baby back ribs and fried chicken and gravy. Make sure to check out its speakeasy, Bar Betty, and its nightly live music.
Oceano Lake Worth Beach
Lake Worth Beach, Fla.
You’re never going to have a bad experience here. It’s sometimes as simple as that. Award-winning chefs Jeremy and Cindy Bearman have not only perfected their craft but also fine-tuned their hospitality, so you feel cared for throughout your stay. The contemporary American menu is hyper-local and seasonal, but you can’t go wrong with one of their staple pizzas or pastas.
Little Palm Island
As an exclusive destination in its own right, you really can’t drive here. Instead, a private boat picks you up and delivers you to the Relais & Châteaux property, where you’ll truly get to escape and relax. At The Dining Room, start with caviar service and end with a glass of Champagne. It’s all up to you.
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Christie Galeano-DeMott is a Miami-based lifestyle journalist, travel enthusiast, bookworm, art lover, Francophile, and food editor. When she’s not writing about the plates, places, and people that capture a city’s soul, she is irresistibly happy in the company of her husband, their two dogs, and a glass of red wine. Follow her on Instagram. Follow Resy, too.
