Miami is incredible on its own, but some of the most memorable experiences are waiting just a short drive away in every direction. From wildlife-filled swamps to underwater adventures and charming coastal escapes, these nine day trips show you sides of South Florida that feel nothing like the city you left behind that morning.
The sunny state of Florida, located in the Southeastern region of the US, is home to Miami, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the States. While it is a dream destination with its beach and exclusive VIP clubs, it has nearby towns and cities waiting to be explored on day trips from Miami.
These towns and smaller cities are a breather from the overcrowded and sometimes hectic metropolis.
From the wetlands of the Everglades to the breathtaking roads of Key Largo and oceanic adventures in the Bahamas – are all within a day’s range of Miami.
Even if you’re just spending a short time in the city, it’s worth checking out its surroundings. Here is a guide on the perfect day trips from Miami.
Table of Contents
The best day trips from Miami
Everglades National Park
One of the most extensive wetlands in North America, the Everglades National Park is home to many animals such as alligators, egrets, dolphins, manatees, Florida panthers, and endangered animals. It also has various plant species.
The Everglades is around an hour away from South Beach and it’s the perfect day trip if you are visiting Miami with teens. It runs for 800 sq. miles, without any rugged landscape – completely flat. Its unique ecosystem consists of swampland, marshes, a state reservoir, and walking trails.
The park can be enjoyed by car, bike, tram, or even by boat. There is a $15 entrance fee or $30 if you’re bringing a vehicle.
When visiting, you should be well prepared with the right things for comfort like sunscreen, shades, water, bug spray. And with the Everglades having some great hiking trails in Florida, don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes too.
Additionally, you can take a tour on an airboat or on a kayak and enjoy observing the wildlife for nearly two hours. The mangrove tunnels make for a fascinating tour guided by local experts.
Alternatively, you can explore the park as part of a small adventure group tour with pick up from Miami.
Virginia Key
Virginia Key is an island located close to the financial centers of downtown Miami. This area is one of the top tourist destinations close to the city, which makes it a great Miami day trip.
It’s a peaceful lagoon with a body of water that is surrounded by walking trails. It can be a serene getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. You have the option to take bike rides with breathtaking oceanic views.
The beach park has sports, dining, educational institutions, and retail facilities. It also hosts significant events such as concerts, weddings, and conventions.
The Virginia Key Outdoor Center lets you rent bicycles, kayaks, and paddleboards to explore the water parts close to it. It’s famous for the manatees that live in the lagoon right next to it.
It’s perfect for nature lovers looking for a break from Miami – an ideal getaway close to the city, making it one of the best Miami day trips you can take.
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Key Largo
Located an hour to an hour and a half drive from Miami, towards the Northern part of the Florida Keys, Key Largo is a renowned diving spot. Divers travel across the state to dive into the shallow waters rich in coral reefs and other plant species.
Some of the resorts are located right outside the prime spots, offering fantastic vacation packages if you’re looking to scuba dive during your vacation.
It’s also a great place for snorkelers, as it’s home to one of the top Florida State Parks, the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, as well as the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The former is an undersea park that allows activities like kayaking, snorkeling, and boating.
The Crocodile Lake is a refuge that is abundant in crocodiles, mangroves, and salt marshes.
It’s an ideal spot for a picnic on dry sand overlooking beautiful beaches. So don’t forget to bring your camera in a spacious backpack to capture some memorable photos.
The seafood, luxury resorts, and hotels all make it an eventful day trip. It’s a must-visit if you’re visiting the Florida Keys.
Key West
One of the most popular of the Florida Keys, Key West, is very close to Cuba – only 90 miles away. It’s 3.5 hours away from Miami (about 113 miles) via route US-1 S.
You can travel to Key West in many different ways, such as by coach, boat, plane, or as part of an organized tour.
The streets have pastel-colored houses and give off a Caribbean architecture vibe. The Caribbean vibe is also evident by the laid-back attitude of the locals. While the beaches here are quite shallow, the main water attraction is snorkeling.
Apart from that, Key West has Duval Street, an entertainment area known for drinking and dining, abundant in cocktail bars.
Using shuttle buses or renting buggies is a preferred mode of commuting. Otherwise, traveling on foot is also worth it, especially with the breathtaking architecture as the view.
You should also visit the Hemingway Museum, which was Ernest Hemingway’s former home.
Biscayne National Park
Accessible only via a boat ride, Biscayne National Park is a collection of small islands close to downtown Miami and a Florida hidden gem.
The park has an area of 173,000 acres, home to mangrove forests and coral reefs. It contains many wildlife species like turtles, pelicans, and dolphins in the Bay Lagoon area.
The sandy beaches at Key Biscane are also nearby and highly recommended to those looking for fun water sports.
The park is popular among divers since it has the unique Maritime Heritage Trail, which offers divers and snorkelers the opportunity to see old shipwrecks.
The trails lead to spectacular views such as Boca Chita Lighthouse, the Dante Fascell Visitor Center museum, and the Jones family home. Overall, it’s a fun place with art workshops, eco-tours, and historical sites. Everything you need to make the most of your day trip from Miami.
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Bimini, The Bahamas
You wouldn’t think that the Bahamas would be one of the coolest day trips from Miami. However, the Bimini Islands are only 50 miles outside of the city, which means a day trip is possible by ferry. They are a 2-hour drive away through a high-speed ferry boat.
The journey itself is pretty picturesque and also not too expensive. The ocean is crystal clear, and the beaches pearly white. The islands are the nearest Caribbean spots for entertainment close to Miami.
The islands are known for fishing activities, including international tournaments. Snorkeling, diving, parasailing and jet-skiing are other common attractions. They are perfect for the typical adventure traveler.
The Bimini Sharklab provides public tours through the biology facility. The fee is donated, and a prior reservation needs to be made before attending.
It has famous diving spots like Sapona wreckage and Bimini Road. The Bimini islands are known for fascinating stories and tales that have made the region popular. Since there is so much to do, an overnight stay is ideal.
Naples
Situated in the Gulf Coast of Southwest Florida, a great day trip retreat from the busy Miami city is Naples. It’s about 1.5 hours away from Miami via Route 41 and is known for its Italian-style architecture and culture.
The city is rich in historical sites, a vibrant downtown, and some of the best beaches found in the state.
Its warm weather all year round makes for a popular destination during the winters. The tropical vibes attract people who are laid back and dress in casual, airy clothing and flip-flops.
To travel within the waterways, kayaks are available to visit places like the Botanical Garden. With walking trails and boardwalks, the area has many exploration opportunities. And of course, Naples can be enjoyed from the unique vantage point that is the sea on a sightseeing boat tour.
It also has interesting places like antique stores, tearooms, and attractive strips like the Third Street South. The restaurants provide a lovely ambiance on top of terraces – draped in lights and live music.
It’s also an excellent place for golf enthusiasts as it has many famous golf courses. There are plenty of breweries in the area, so don’t forget to try some of the local beers.
West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach is an urban center encompassing several cultural spots. About 60 miles from the city, and you can take the Brightline train route to get there in around an hour, so it can easily be a fun day trip from Miami.
It has a lot of commercial developments, including famous luxury hotels. West Palm Beach has some of the finest restaurants like the Regional Kitchen and Public House.
It’s known for housing one of the largest art museums in the state — Norton Museum of Art. Art installations and murals are also showcased at the Culture Lab.
The SunFest, a renowned music festival, takes place here on its waters – where famous artists routinely perform. Thus it is perfect for music and art lovers who want to entertain themselves for a day.
Coconut Creek
About 39 miles from Miami, Coconut Creek makes for a wonderful one-day trip. Coconut Creek is the perfect place for a family destination as it has both nature and retail experiences everyone can enjoy.
Here you can find the Fern Forest Nature Center, a shaded park with about 30 species of fern plants, hiking trails, and picnic spots.
The Tradewinds Park is perfect for those looking for an adventurous time. The 600-acre park has horse riding, a steam train model, golf courses, volleyball courts, and soccer fields.
There is an open-air shopping mall and 30 dinner restaurants at the Promenade, as well as a luxury theater. Coconut Creek makes for a lovely day trip from Miami for the whole family.
Universal Orlando Theme Park
Orlando is not quite a day trip distance from Miami, but while you are in Florida, why not pop over for a weekend to Universal Orlando? Here is a list of the best rides.
Have you done any of these day trips from Miami? Would you add any others?
Let me know in the comments!
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