
Luxury Travel
7 Scenic Drives Near Orlando to Take in an Exotic Car
Central Florida is famous for theme parks, not mountain passes, but there are still plenty of beautiful drives within easy reach of Orlando. Lakes, canopy roads, rolling hills and the Atlantic coast are all close enough for a day in an exotic car.
Here are seven of our favorites, from short evening cruises to full coastal day trips, with approximate distances to help you plan around your mileage allowance.
Planning note: Mileage on Emiris rentals is limited, with allowances starting at 100 miles per day depending on the vehicle. Distances below are approximate one-way figures from downtown Orlando. For longer drives, share your route with your concierge when you book so your allowance is set in your rental agreement.
1. Winter Park and Park Avenue
Distance: about 6 miles from downtown Orlando
Winter Park is Orlando's most charming neighborhood for a slow drive. Its brick streets, mature oaks and lakeside homes make it ideal for a convertible with the roof down. Finish on Park Avenue, a walkable street of boutiques, galleries and restaurants, and park up for dinner.
Best car for it: something elegant rather than loud, like the Porsche 911 Targa or Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
Tip: brick streets and speed humps call for a gentle pace. Take it slow and enjoy the scenery.
2. Windermere and the Butler Chain of Lakes
Distance: about 15 miles
West of the theme parks, Windermere is a quiet lakeside town surrounded by the Butler Chain of Lakes. The roads wind past water views and upscale neighborhoods, and the pace is relaxed. It's an easy loop from the Dr. Phillips area, where you can stop for dinner on Restaurant Row.
Best car for it: a grand tourer or convertible, such as the Lamborghini Huracán EVO Spyder.
3. Mount Dora
Distance: about 30 miles
Mount Dora is a small lakeside town northwest of Orlando known for its antique shops, historic downtown and views over Lake Dora. The drive out takes you away from the city into greener, hillier countryside, and the town itself is perfect for a lunch stop and a stroll.
Round trip: about 60 miles, which fits comfortably within a daily allowance.
Best car for it: anything comfortable for an hour each way, like the Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 or the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
4. Clermont and the rolling hills of Lake County
Distance: about 25 miles
Most visitors are surprised that Central Florida has hills. Around Clermont, the landscape rolls through citrus country and lakes, and the area is popular with cyclists for exactly that reason. The Citrus Tower in Clermont offers views across the region.
Best car for it: a driver's car, like the Porsche 911 GT3 or Corvette C8.
Tip: these are public roads shared with cyclists and local traffic. Give cyclists plenty of room and obey posted limits.
5. Lake Nona
Distance: about 15 miles
Lake Nona, just south of Orlando International Airport, is one of the region's newest communities, with wide, smooth roads, modern architecture and a growing dining scene. It's a convenient first drive if you've just picked up your car at MCO.
Best car for it: something modern and dramatic, like the McLaren 570S.
6. Celebration and Kissimmee
Distance: about 20 miles
Celebration, a planned town near Kissimmee, has a picture-perfect small-town center around a lake and a relaxed atmosphere that's ideal for a slow cruise and a coffee. Combine it with a drive through Kissimmee and around Lake Tohopekaliga.
Best car for it: a luxury SUV if you're with family, such as the Lamborghini Urus.
7. The road to Cocoa Beach
Distance: about 55–60 miles
For a true coastal day, head east toward Cocoa Beach on the Atlantic coast. The drive is mostly highway, but arriving at the ocean in an exotic car is a memorable moment, and Cocoa Beach's pier and beachfront restaurants make a great lunch stop.
Round trip: about 110–120 miles. That's above the starting daily allowance of 100 miles, so tell your concierge about this trip when you book so your allowance is set to fit in your rental agreement.
Best car for it: something comfortable at highway speeds with a little luggage space, such as the Mercedes GLE 63 S or Mercedes-Maybach GLS600.
Tip: leave early to beat beach traffic on weekends, and keep sunscreen and a towel in the car so sand stays out of the interior.
A sample full-day route: Winter Park to Mount Dora
If you only have one day with the car, this route combines several of the drives above and keeps the total distance reasonable.
- Morning — Winter Park. Start with coffee on Park Avenue and a slow loop past the lakes while the streets are quiet.
- Late morning — head northwest. Leave the city behind and drive toward Mount Dora, about an hour away. The scenery turns greener and hillier as you go.
- Lunch — Mount Dora. Park downtown, walk the historic streets and antique shops, and have lunch with a view of Lake Dora.
- Afternoon — the long way back. Return through the countryside toward Clermont's rolling hills if your allowance allows, or head straight back to Orlando.
- Evening — Windermere and dinner. Finish with a sunset cruise around the Butler Chain of Lakes and dinner on Dr. Phillips' Restaurant Row.
Depending on your exact route, this kind of day typically lands around 80–110 miles. Check it against the allowance in your rental agreement, and share the plan with your concierge when you book.
Tips for a great drive in an exotic car
Drive early or late
Orlando traffic peaks during weekday rush hours and around the attractions. Early mornings and evenings are the most enjoyable times to drive.
Watch the weather
In summer, afternoon thunderstorms roll in quickly. If you're in a convertible, check the forecast and know how to raise the roof. Standing water on Florida roads can be deep after heavy rain, so slow down.
Respect the car and the road
Exotic cars are fast, but public roads are for enjoying the car responsibly. Obey speed limits, avoid aggressive driving, and give cyclists and pedestrians space.
Plan parking
Choose well-lit parking spaces away from tight corners when you stop. Low cars can scrape on steep driveways and parking lot ramps, so approach them slowly and at an angle.
Keep track of your miles
Note the odometer at handoff and check it during the day so you stay within your mileage allowance.
What you need to rent
- Every driver 21 or older
- A valid driver's license
- Insurance covering the vehicle (full coverage preferred)
- A refundable security deposit
- A signed rental agreement with your mileage allowance
See full details on our rental requirements page.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best scenic drive near Orlando? For a short drive, Winter Park. For a half-day trip, Mount Dora. For the coast, Cocoa Beach.
Can I drive a rental exotic car to the beach? Yes, as long as the round trip fits the mileage allowance in your rental agreement. Share your plans with your concierge when you book.
How many miles are included per day? Allowances start at 100 miles per day and depend on the vehicle.
Which car is best for a scenic drive? A convertible like the Lamborghini Huracán EVO Spyder or Porsche 911 Targa for open-air drives; a luxury SUV like the Rolls-Royce Cullinan for longer, relaxed trips.
Book your drive
Browse the collection or contact our concierge with your dates and route. Call or text (407) 476-6159, or message us on WhatsApp.
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