This self-drive holiday encompasses a glorious stretch of Florida’s west coast and some of the state’s most stylish seaside resorts. Beginning with the trendy Art Deco scene of Miami’s South Beach, and culminating with a couple of days at glamorous Palm Beach, this is the perfect itinerary for lovers of chic coastal living.
South Beach’s Art Deco Historic District is best explored on foot early morning, when the pastel facades and ocean light feel at their most composed
Miami's Cuban influence is most evident in Little Havana, where independent cafés and cigar shops maintain a clear sense of continuity
Boca Raton’s coastline is carefully managed, with clean, wide beaches and a notably calm atmosphere compared with its neighbours
The Pineapple Grove Arts District of Delray Beach adds a lighter, creative counterpoint, with studios and small-scale cultural venues worth seeking out
Palm Beach is defined by its order and restraint, with carefully kept streets, formal gardens and a long-established social calendar
Arrive at Miami Airport, collect your hire car and make your way to The Betsy - South Beach, where you'll enjoy a stylish two-night stay. Anchoring one end of iconic Ocean Drive, The Betsy is in the heart of the bustling Art Deco district and offers a refreshing, more intimate alternative to Miami’s towering resort hotels. This tropical hideout is home to elegant guestrooms and restaurants ranging from the appropriately named LT Steak & Seafood to a casual trattoria serving fine Italian fare. Facilities include a spa and fitness centre, a skyline deck that’s perfect for sunrise yoga, plus a rooftop pool with 360-degree views of Miami and the ocean.
Spend the day exploring the many delights of this coastal city, famed for its Art Deco architecture, lively arts scene and sizzling cuisine. Soak up the sunshine on one of the beautiful beaches, then peruse the shops before heading for dinner at a bustling restaurant, where brilliantly inventive chefs blend Eastern and Western cooking styles. Why not end the day with drinks at a trendy rooftop bar, soaking up the vibrant colours of the glittering skyline when the city comes alive at sunset.
Drive north to Boca Raton, a Floridian city hugging the shoreline between West Palm Beach to the north and Fort Lauderdale to the south. With miles of beaches, numerous scenic parks and two golf courses, Boca Raton enjoys all the charm and affluence that Florida has to offer. Taking pride of place among the city’s impressive hotels is The Boca Raton, where you will stay for three nights. This dreamy 200-acre resort with a private golden beach is extraordinary at every turn. Following a recent multi-million dollar renovation, the resort’s five hotels offer exceptional levels of luxury and variety, from the all-suite Yacht Club, iconic 1920s Cloister and the all-new Tower, to the oceanfront Beach Club, or Bungalows perfect for longer stays. Discover an equally varied choice of restaurants, sports, beach and pool clubs, plus the 50,000-square-foot Spa Palmera.
Continue your journey to Delray Beach, a laidback ‘Village by the Sea’ offering a two-mile stretch of pristine family-friendly beach, eclectic restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, bars and restaurants lining Atlantic Avenue, as well as the amazing wildlife habitat of Wakodahatchee Wetlands. For the next three nights you will stay at The Ray, a stylish and contemporary Curio Collection by Hilton hotel that opened in September 2021. A place to relax, meet and mingle, the hotel features a stunning rooftop pool, lounge and bar, plus a choice of fabulous food outlets, including Michelin-starred menus, an American grill and a quaint coffee shop. Outside of the hotel you'll find an array of eateries and attractions within easy walking distance.
For your final stop, the route takes you to the upmarket island of Palm Beach. Connected to the mainland by bridges, it is the third-wealthiest city in America, making it a playground for the rich and famous. Here you will find legendary resorts, impressive mansions, the landmark shopping nirvana of Worth Avenue, chic restaurants and, of course, fabulous golf. Make the most of your time on the island with a two-night stay at The Breakers. Occupying 140 acres of sun-drenched oceanfront, the hotel’s range of facilities is truly something to behold. Two championship golf courses, a tennis complex, a 20,000-square-foot spa and a Mediterranean-style beach club are just for starters. You’ll also find four oceanfront pools, a sea-view fitness centre, a high-end shopping arcade and no fewer than eight restaurants.
On the final day, and as your adventure draws to a close, return your hire car to Palm Beach Airport ahead of your flight back to the UK.