Miami is an exciting, glamorous city with great shops, restaurants and nightlife. If you have a hire car, it’s even better, because you’ll be able to get from the palm-fringed sandy beaches on the offshore islands into the downtown and onto outlying sights like the Keys and Everglades.

The road system is a typically easy-to-follow grid arrangement of mostly straight roads in numbered blocks. There are plenty of broad, multi-lane roads to whisk you from one section of the city to another. If you’re looking to explore the waterfront, look out for Biscayne Boulevard which runs parallel to the ocean. Take the 826 State Road to explore the glitz of Palm Springs, or to get right into the heart of downtown Miami, you’ll want the 836 State Road or Highway 41.

The key routes to look out for in the city include Interstate 95, which runs north-to-south through the heart of Miami and gives access to the ports and resorts to the north, and Route 1, which links the south of the city to the chain of islands. These ‘Keys’ are linked by a spectacular causeway, creating one of the world’s great driving routes – with its picturesque views, it’s definitely worth a day trip if you’ve time.

Several of Miami’s main roads require a toll payment, including the ‘express lanes’ on I-95, the Florida Turnpike and Airport Expressway. You can pay each time you pass at the toll-booth or use an automatic payment lane if you have pre-purchased a special local toll card. Parking in Miami can be tricky but all parking lots are clearly signposted - some facilities allow you to pay for spaces by your phone. Find more handy local tips like these at the city’s visitor information website.

From the Cuban-influenced Calle Ocho to the city’s contemporary art scene, Miami is a vibrant hub of cultures and backgrounds, all combining to make one of the world’s hottest locations. And during your stay, there’s a whole host of places to explore, right on your doorstep.

The waterfront city

It’s Miami’s spectacular waterfront location that seals its place as one of America’s most popular visitor destinations. The wide sandy beaches run for miles and are backed by swaying palm trees and stylish promenades. The famous South Beach area is something to behold, with a seafront of ultra-trendy art deco hotels and restaurants. It’s a place to explore in your hire car or sit at a pavement café watching the world go by. Day or night, there’s a buzz along the South Beach strip.

For a taste of how the other half live, take a stroll around Miami Harbour and see all the million-dollar yachts and boats. You can get out on the water yourself by jumping aboard one of the boat trips and touring across the entire waterfront. Discover the districts

Miami’s downtown is at the heart of this vast urban area. For many, it’s the centre of Florida commerce but it’s also the place to go for luxury shopping, fine dining and the classiest nightlife. Check out the lively Bayside Marketplace, a cool spot for browsing the shops and eating. There are more great views across the waterfront from here and watch out for the wild pelicans that wander freely in the area.

Further north is the Design District, which boasts an amazing collection of more than 130 art galleries. Galleria Ca’d’Oro homes a wide range of European artwork, with Rome being its main inspiration, or take in more contemporary works at the Markowicz Fine Art Gallery, with works by the likes of Damien Hirst and Andy Warhol on display.

Explore the antique stores, and try some of the local delicacies in Miami’s quirky cafes and independent restaurants. Alongside the culture and cuisine, you’ll find top fashion boutique, with the area becoming increasingly popular with shoppers.

And for a more ethnic atmosphere head to Little Havana to the south or Little Haiti to the north. They are both wonderfully colourful centres of art, food and shops.

Gorgeous groves and gables

Head out to Biscayne Island to find a more relaxed ambience. The views back across the city are stunning with many of the area’s quieter beaches here, plus there are plenty of opportunities to try your hand at a game of golf or tennis. The seaside areas of Coconut Grove and Coral Gables in the south offer yet more beaches and the perfect chance for some memorable waterfront dining. Try Miami’s seafood, including stone crabs, as well as fresh swordfish and succulent tuna.

When you hire a car in Miami, there’s one drive you must try to experience. Take Route One southbound to the Keys, an exotic chain of islands dangling down into the Caribbean. The drive itself is memorable and the islands offer gorgeous beaches, cafes and restaurants. If you’re interested in wildlife head west to the Everglades, a huge area of protected wildlife reserve among the swamps and waterways of the west coast. You may spot the rare manatees, large marine mammals often called ‘sea cows’, or crocodiles lurking within the swamps and wetlands. Miami is clearly a place of contrasts – a fast-paced city surrounded by unique wildlife and picture postcard views.