10 Best Day Trips from Miami!
Miami is famous for its beaches, nightlife, and culture, but sometimes the best way to enjoy the city is to step outside of it. A short drive from Miami brings you to places filled with natural islands, historic towns, and several cultural spots that work well for day trips. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 10 best day trips from Miami, explain what makes each place special, and give you tips to make your visit smooth and enjoyable.
1. Key West
Planning a day trip to Key West takes around 3.5 hours from Miami, and gives travelers a chance to enjoy the beauty of the Florida Keys. The ride along the Overseas Highway is part of the adventure, with stretches of road that pass over islands and the well‑known Seven Mile Bridge. Once you arrive, Duval Street is a lively place to walk, and most visitors stop at the Southernmost Point marker to take photos, since it marks the closest spot to Cuba within continental U.S. Another highlight is the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, a calm space where guests can see butterflies and tropical birds in a natural setting.
2. Everglades National Park
From Miami, a day trip to Everglades National Park takes about an hour by car and gives travelers a chance to see Florida’s wild side. One of the most popular ways to explore is by joining an airboat ride, where you glide across the wetlands and often spot alligators, birds, and other animals up close. The Ernest Coe Visitor Center is a good starting point, offering maps, displays, and helpful details about the park’s environment. Easy walking paths like the Anhinga Trail make it simple to view wildlife, and many visitors see alligators resting or wading birds hunting in the water.
3. Fort Lauderdale
A quick trip to Fort Lauderdale only about half an hour from Miami, is a nice way to see more of South Florida. The Riverwalk is a main highlight, offering a calm path along the water where you can watch boats and yachts move through the canals. Families often enjoy the Museum of Discovery and Science, which has hands-on exhibits and an IMAX theater for an added experience. To see the city from a different angle, boat rides along the Intracoastal Waterway are popular, showing why Fort Lauderdale is often called the “Venice of America” for its wide canal network.
4. Florida Keys
Taking a trip from Miami to the Florida Keys makes for a perfect day of exploring the tropical islands. The ride along the Overseas Highway is part of the adventure, stretching more than 113 miles and crossing 42 bridges, with ocean views on both sides. At John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, visitors can join snorkeling trips or hop on a glass‑bottom boat to see colorful fish and coral reefs without getting wet. In Marathon, many visitors enjoy the views of Seven Mile Bridge, one of the longest bridges in the country, with scenic ocean scenery stretching on both sides.
5. Naples
Just a 2 hours drive west from Miami brings you to Naples, a quiet spot on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Most people like to start at Fifth Avenue South, a busy street lined with small shops, art galleries, and restaurants that make it easy to spend your afternoon. Third Street South adds more choices for dining and boutique shopping. For those who enjoy nature, the Naples Botanical Garden and Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary offer peaceful trails and outdoor experiences. The city also has many cultural stops like Baker Museum, where travelers can explore many exhibits of both modern and contemporary art.
6. Biscayne National Park
From Miami, Biscayne National Park is famous for its coral reefs, mangrove areas, and old shipwrecks. A good place to begin your visit is the Dante Fascell Visitor Center, where you can learn about the park’s environment. Joining a guided kayak trip through the mangroves is a peaceful way to spot wildlife like manatees and different kinds of birds. For those who like exploring underwater, snorkeling on the Maritime Heritage Trail lets visitors see old shipwrecks and coral reefs up close. Elliott Key, the park’s biggest island, is another highlight where travelers can follow trails and enjoy the natural views.
7. West Palm Beach
Driving from Miami to West Palm Beach takes about just 2 hours, giving people a chance to experience a quiet side of South Florida. The downtown area is easy to explore, with Clematis Street offering shops, small cafes, and places to grab lunch. Rosemary Square is close by and has more dining spots and stores, all within walking distance. For those who enjoy art, the Norton Museum is worth visiting, with collections that cover different styles and cultures. Nature fans often spend time at Mounts Botanical Garden, walking through tropical plants and themed gardens.
8. Big Cypress National Preserve
Start a day trip from Miami to Big Cypress National Preserve takes about 1.5 hours by car and gives travelers a chance to see Florida’s wild side. Visitors often begin at the Oasis Visitor Center, where maps and exhibits explain the area’s ecosystem. Along Loop Road, the drive often brings sightings of turtles, birds, and even alligators resting near the water. The Kirby Storter Boardwalk is an easy walk into the swamp, perfect for families who want a short trail. Ranger programs, guided walks, and swamp buggy tours are offered at different times, making the visit more educational.
9. Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park
A day trip from Miami to Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park takes about 2 hours and it’s well-known for large cypress swamps and the biggest royal palm forest in the country. Many travelers start at the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk, a short trail that leads into the swamp and often shows alligators, turtles, and wading birds. Inside, guided swamp walks are also available, where experts lead visitors through shallow water and explain local wildlife that live in the area. Scenic drives through the preserve give another way to explore, with pullouts to stop and look for wildlife.
10. Fort Myers
Taking a day trip from Miami to Fort Myers takes about 3 hours by car and gives travelers a chance to see Florida’s Gulf Coast. Most visitors begin in downtown River District, where streets are lined with shops, small restaurants, and restored buildings. History lovers often stop at Edison and Ford Winter Estates, which show how these inventors lived and worked in Florida. Families enjoy Lakes Regional Park, with trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas that make it easy to spend time outdoors. By evening, the return drive to Miami feels rewarding after a full day of history, nature, and coast.
FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What are the most popular day trips from Miami?
Many travelers enjoy visiting the Florida Keys, Everglades National Park, and Biscayne National Park. Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach are also common choices because they are close and easy to reach. Naples and Fort Myers on the Gulf Coast are popular for beaches and museums. Big Cypress National Preserve and Fakahatchee Strand are favorites for those who want to see swamps and wildlife. Each of these trips offers something different, from city life to quiet nature.
2. Are there any family-friendly day trips from Miami?
Yes, there are many options that work well for families. The Miami Zoo and Jungle Island are close by and easy for kids. Everglades airboat rides are safe and fun for children, giving them a chance to see alligators and birds. Naples has parks and calm beaches that families enjoy. Museums like the Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale are also good for kids. Families can choose trips that mix learning with outdoor fun.
3. What’s the cheapest way to travel for a day trip from Miami?
The most affordable way is usually by bus or train, depending on where you are going. Tri-Rail connects Miami to cities like Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach at low cost. Buses are slower but often the cheapest choice for short trips. Driving with friends and sharing fuel costs can also save money. Picking closer destinations helps keep travel costs down while still enjoying a full day out.
4. Which day trips from Miami are best for nature lovers?
Nature lovers often choose Everglades National Park for its wetlands and wildlife. Big Cypress National Preserve is another good option, with boardwalks and scenic drives. Biscayne National Park is perfect for snorkeling and kayaking. Fakahatchee Strand Preserve is known for orchids, birds, and swamp walks. These places give travelers a chance to see Florida’s natural side away from the busy city.
5. Are there guided tours available for day trips from Miami?
Guided tours are available at many well‑known places and can be booked without much effort. Airboat tours in the Everglades are one of the most common. Biscayne National Park offers boat trips and snorkeling tours with guides. In Fakahatchee Strand, naturalists lead swamp walks and explain the plants and animals. City tours in Fort Lauderdale and Naples are also available. Guided trips make it simple for visitors to learn more without planning everything on their own.
6. What should I pack for a day trip from Miami?
It’s best to bring light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat since Florida is sunny most of the year. Comfortable shoes are important if you plan to walk trails or explore cities. A reusable water bottle helps you stay hydrated. Bug spray is useful for swamp or nature trips. A small backpack is handy for carrying snacks, maps, and personal items while keeping your hands free.
