Ready to go on some fun day trips from Miami?
There’s so much to see and do in this buzzing city, but sometimes, you just need a change of scenery.
From exploring lush nature preserves to visiting charming small beach towns in Florida, you’ll find plenty of day trip ideas near Miami.
I’ve lived in South Florida for about four years now, and I’ve taken advantage of every opportunity to explore as much of the state as possible.
Here are 24 of my favorite day trips from Miami that I know you’ll enjoy, too.
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In This Post:
24 Exciting Day Trips From Miami: Get Out of the City and Explore What Florida Has to Offer
To make things easy for you, I’ve organized this list of day trips from Miami by drive time.
1. Everglades National Park
- Distance: ~45 miles
- Drive Time: ~An hour and fifteen minutes
Everglades National Park is one of the most unique and fascinating day trips from Miami.
Spanning over 1.5 million acres, the park is home to various plant and animal life, including alligators, panthers, manatees, pythons, deer, and more.
There are plenty of ways to explore the park, from airboat tours to tram rides to hiking and biking trails.
Touted as one of the best national parks on the East Coast, the Everglades offer opportunities for birdwatching (the Everglades are home to over 360 species of birds), fishing, and camping.
⭐️ Escape Miami for the day and paddle through the breathtaking mangroves of the Everglades on a boat-assisted kayak tour, where you can spot wildlife like manatees and bald eagles up close while soaking in the serenity of this unique ecosystem.
2. Bimini, Bahamas
- Distance: ~56 miles
- Ferry Ride Time: ~2 hours
There’s no better way to escape the hustle and bustle of Miami than by taking a day trip to the Bahamas.
Despite its close proximity to Florida, Bimini feels like a world away.
The island is home to crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and an abundance of marine life. You can enjoy snorkeling, diving, fishing, and more.
The best part is that getting to Bimini from Miami is easy. You can either go via plane or ferry. The ferry is the more affordable option and takes about two hours.
Once you arrive in Bimini, you can explore the island at your leisure.
There are plenty of restaurants and bars to enjoy, or you can simply relax on the beach with a good book.
3. Naples
- Distance: ~125 miles
- Drive Time: ~Two and a half hours
If you’re looking for a day trip from Miami that offers a little bit of everything, then Naples is the perfect destination.
Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Naples is known for its pristine beaches, luxury shopping, and championship golf courses.
But, that’s not all there is to do in this lively city. You can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing.
If you’re not an outdoorsy person, Downtown Naples is the perfect spot for you to visit. It’s home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries.
The historic Fifth Avenue South is lined with palm trees and boasts a Beverly Hills kind of vibe.
End the day in Naples by having dinner at one of the city’s many award-winning restaurants and watching the sunset at Naples Pier.
⭐️ Get to know Naples on this laid-back sightseeing boat tour that takes you through its historic spots, scenic neighborhoods, and beautiful waterfront views, giving you a true feel for this Gulf Coast gem.
4. Fort Lauderdale
- Distance: ~30 miles
- Drive Time: ~45 minutes (can be longer depending on traffic)
One of the easiest day trips from Miami is Fort Lauderdale. One of the city’s most popular attractions is its beaches.
From the laid-back atmosphere of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea to the lively scene of Las Olas Beach, you’ll find the perfect spot to relax and soak up the Florida sun.
For those who want to take a break from the sun, there are plenty of shopping and dining options available along Fort Lauderdale’s famed “Strip.”
If you’re interested in exploring Fort Lauderdale’s arts and culture scene, there are plenty of options to choose from.
The NSU Art Museum offers a variety of rotating exhibitions, while the Museum of Discovery and Science is perfect for those who want to learn about the area’s ecology and wildlife.
5. Fort Myers
- Distance: ~160 miles
- Drive Time: ~Two and forty-five minutes
Fort Myers is a popular destination for day-trippers from Miami.
Situated on the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida, Fort Myers is home to a variety of beaches, parks, and attractions.
There’s plenty to see and do in the city, from visiting the historic Edison & Ford Winter Estates to hanging out in the artsy downtown area.
And, of course, no trip to Fort Myers would be complete without spending some time on the beach.
With its sugar-white sand and crystal-clear water, Fort Myers Beach is the perfect place to get your beach fix.
6. Key Largo
- Distance: 56 miles
- Drive Time: ~An hour and fifteen minutes (longer depending on traffic)
Key Largo is a day-tripper’s paradise!
This beautiful island is home to sparkling turquoise waters, tranquil beaches, and lush tropical foliage.
Whether you’re looking to relax in the sun or explore the underwater world, Key Largo is one of the most exciting day trips from Miami.
You can snorkel or dive among the colorful fish at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, paddle through the mangroves on a kayak tour, or take a glass-bottom boat ride to see the amazing coral formations up close.
If you’re looking for a more active day trip, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails winding through the tropical forest.
7. Palm Beach
- Distance: ~73 miles
- Drive Time: ~Two hours
Palm Beach is an exquisite city located on Florida’s Atlantic coast and is one of the best Miami day trips.
Here, you’ll find gorgeous beaches, world-class shopping, and a thriving arts and culture scene.
One of the city’s most popular attractions is Rosemary Square (formerly known as CityPlace), an open-air shopping and dining complex with a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Shopaholics will love browsing the designer boutiques on Worth Avenue, while art lovers can explore the galleries and museums in Downtown West Palm Beach.
Nature lovers will enjoy spending the day at Grassy Waters Preserve, a vast wetlands area that’s home to a variety of plant and animal species.
8. Islamorada
- Distance: ~79 miles
- Drive Time: ~Two and a half hours
Islamorada, also known as the “Village of Islands,” is a picturesque town located in the Florida Keys.
Islamorada is a chain of six islands that offers a remote, laid-back atmosphere a world away from Miami’s bustle.
The village is home to a number of great restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as a variety of activities and attractions.
Anglers will love casting their lines in the waters off Islamorada, while nature lovers can explore the mangroves on a kayak or paddleboard.
For a more relaxing day, you can lounge on one of the village’s many beaches or take a glass-bottom boat tour to see the amazing coral reefs up close.
I recommend visiting the Florida Keys History and Discovery Center to learn about the area’s shipwreck and diving history.
⭐️ Experience the beauty of the Florida Keys on a glass-bottom boat tour in Islamorada, where you can admire the vibrant coral reefs and marine life below without getting wet—perfect for day-trippers who want a relaxing yet fascinating view of the underwater world.
9. Marco Island
- Distance: ~106 miles
- Drive Time: ~Two and a half hours
As any Floridian will tell you, Marco Island is a must-visit destination.
Tucked away in Southwest Florida just south of Naples, this little slice of paradise is famous for its white-sand beaches, lush vegetation, and clear blue waters.
Start your day with a leisurely stroll down Tigertail Beach. Tigertail Beach is one of Marco Island’s most popular beaches and is great for swimming, sunbathing, and shelling.
The highlight of Marco Island is the Ten Thousand Islands, which is a vast network of mangrove-covered islands located just off the coast.
This area is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including manatees, dolphins, and bald eagles.
I recommend kayaking through the mangroves to get a closer glimpse at the local ecology and wildlife.
⭐️ Explore the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge on a small-group boat tour from Marco Island, where you’ll spot dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and more with a certified naturalist guide before enjoying a shelling adventure on a secluded barrier island.
10. Sanibel Island
- Distance: ~170 miles
- Drive Time: ~Three hours
Sanibel Island is a barrier island located off the southwest coast of Florida that has a very laid-back and relaxed vibe.
This small island is world-famous for its shelling beaches, which are covered in shells that have been washed ashore by the Gulf of Mexico.
Sanibel Island is also home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, dolphins, spoonbills, and more.
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a must-visit to learn about the importance of conservation and see some of the amazing creatures that call Sanibel Island home.
Some of the best beaches on Sanibel Island include Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Park, Bowman’s Beach, and Blind Pass Beach.
If you have time, I also recommend visiting Captiva Island, which is 14 miles north of Sanibel Island.
Captiva Island is less developed than Sanibel Island and has a more remote and wild feel to it.
11. Alligator Alley
Alligator Alley is a scenic section of the Tamiami Trail (US-41) that runs through the Everglades between Naples and Fort Lauderdale.
This 80-mile stretch of road is famous for its large number of alligators, which can often be seen sunning themselves on the side of the road.
Alligator Alley is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including panthers, snakes, and birds, and is fenced off to protect the wildlife from drivers.
Don’t do this drive at night, and don’t get out of your car!
12. Big Cypress National Preserve
- Distance: ~48 miles
- Drive Time: ~1 hour
Big Cypress National Preserve is actually located on Alligator Alley, which covers 790,000 acres of swamp.
The preserve is home to many different kinds of animals and offers a variety of activities.
One of the best ways to explore the preserve is by hiking on one of the many trails. The trails are of varying lengths and difficulty levels, so there is something for everyone.
You can also go canoeing or kayaking on the many waterways that wind through the preserve.
Just a few feet over is Big Cypress Oasis Visitor Center, which serves as a welcome center for the preserve and has a wildlife observation deck where you can see alligators sunbathe.
Big Cypress National Preserve is a beautiful place to spend a day, and it is an easy day trip from Miami.
13. Key Biscayne
- Distance: ~8 miles
- Drive Time: ~15 minutes
One of the easiest day trips from Miami is Key Biscayne. Located just a short drive from downtown Miami, this barrier island offers an array of activities for visitors to enjoy.
The island is home to a few parks, including Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and Crandon Park.
There are also numerous beaches on Key Biscayne, including Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, Crandon Park Beach, and Hobie Beach also known as Windsurfer Beach).
When you’re ready for a break from the heat, head to one of the island’s many restaurants for a refreshing drink or bite to eat.
Key Biscayne is the perfect place to spend a day in the sun if you don’t want to wander too far from Miami.
14. Dania Beach
- Distance: ~27 miles
- Drive Time: ~35 minutes
Another one of the coolest day trips from Miami is Dania Beach.
Located just south of Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach is a small beach town with a lot to offer visitors.
The town is brimming with antique shops, so it’s the perfect place to go if you’re looking for a unique souvenir.
An interesting fact about Dania Beach is that it’s home to the world’s largest jai alai fronton.
15. Deerfield Beach
- Distance: ~43 miles
- Drive Time: ~Fifty minutes
Located just an hour north of Miami, Deerfield Beach offers a wide variety of activities for everyone in the family.
It’s named Deerfield Beach because of the deer that once used to live there.
The Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier is the highlight of Deerfield Beach and is a great place to go for a walk, fish, or watch the sunset.
There are also several parks in Deerfield Beach, including Sullivan Park and Constitution Park.
If you’re looking for a low-key day trip from Miami, Deerfield Beach is the perfect place for you.
16. Bonita Springs
- Distance: 135 miles
- Drive Time: Two hours
Bonita Springs is one of the prettiest small beach towns in Florida and makes for a perfect day trip from Miami.
This small town is sandwiched between Naples and Fort Myers and is known for its white-sand beaches and turquoise waters.
The beaches are what draw people to Bonita Springs, especially Barefoot Beach Preserve.
In fact, Dr. Beach ranked Barefoot Beach as the number two beach in the United States in 2014.
Downtown Bonita Springs is charming and is becoming a hip place to be. Here, you’ll find a craft cocktail bar, a brewery, a coffee shop, and a wine bar.
This seaside town is the perfect escape from Miami!
17. Delray Beach
- Distance: 55 miles
- Drive Time: 1 hour
Delray Beach may be a small town, but it packs a big punch when it comes to day trips from Miami. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in personality.
The best part about Delray Beach is that it has a little bit of everything, including a thriving nightlife scene, gorgeous beaches, and arts and culture.
Atlantic Avenue is the most happening spot in the town, with its pedestrian-friendly streets lined with restaurants and shops.
Another fun spot to visit is Delray Beach Market. It’s Florida’s biggest food hall, and the individual stalls offer a unique culinary experience.
Numerous art galleries and fun pop-up shops make Delray Beach the perfect day trip for art lovers.
Last but not least, Pineapple Grove Arts District is a great spot to explore galleries and boutiques. As its name implies, there’s a huge pineapple mural that you can take a photo in front of.
⭐️ Stroll through Delray Beach’s best restaurants and bars, sample delicious bites, meet local chefs, and discover the hidden gems and vibrant culture of the Pineapple Arts District on this fun and flavorful food and drinks tour.
18. Key West
- Distance: 166 miles
- Drive Time: 3 hours and 15 minutes
Although you can visit Key West as a trip from Miami, I recommend spending a few days here.
First, the Miami to Key West drive can take longer than three hours and fifteen minutes, depending on traffic. One time I went, it took five hours!
Second, there’s so much to do in Key West that you won’t be able to fit everything into one day, and several other islands on the way are worth stopping at.
But, if you’re set on a day trip, you should visit The Hemingway Home and Museum, stroll down Duval Street, take a picture at the Southernmost Point buoy, and see Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Beach.
Several day trips, including Dry Tortugas National Park, are also worth taking from Key West.
19. Pompano Beach
- Distance: 38 miles
- Drive Time: 40 minutes
Located in Broward County, Pompano Beach is a popular destination for day trips from Miami.
Pompano Beach Pier is the main attraction, and there are plenty of activities to enjoy here, including swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and more.
You can also explore the nearby Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse or hang out at Fisher Family Pier and watch the local fishermen reel in a catch.
If you’re interested in history, you can visit the Pompano Beach Historical Society and Kester Museums or wander around the Old Town district.
20. Boca Raton
- Distance: 48 miles
- Drive Time: 50 minutes
Boca Raton is another one of the best short trips from Miami and it’s easy to see why.
With its sandy beaches, luxury hotels, and upscale shopping, Boca Raton has something for everyone.
But there’s more to this city than its superficial attractions. Boca Raton is also home to several historical and cultural sites, making it an ideal destination for those who want to learn more about Florida’s past.
The Boca Raton Museum of Art is a world-class museum that features exhibits on everything from ancient Egyptian art to contemporary American painting.
If you want to enjoy some shopping, head over to Mizner Park. This popular, high-end outdoor mall is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. The cool thing about this mall is that its architecture has a Mediterranean flair.
You’ll also want to visit the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, which is devoted to Japanese culture and history. There are several fascinating exhibits and gardens.
21. Juno Beach
- Distance: 85 miles
- Drive Time: 1.5 hours
Juno Beach is another small coastal town that makes for a great day trip from Miami.
One of the best things to do in Juno Beach is to visit the Loggerhead Marinelife Center.
This sea turtle conservation center is open to the public and offers a variety of educational programs about these amazing creatures.
You can also take a walk on the beach and see the sea turtles nesting in their natural habitat. However, please respect their privacy and don’t get too close to them or touch them!
If you’re looking for some history, the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum is a great option.
The museum offers tours of the historic lighthouse, as well as exhibits on the area’s maritime history.
There are also beautiful views of the Jupiter Inlet from the top of the lighthouse.
Those who love nature can visit the Juno Dunes Natural Area and enjoy some birdwatching. It’s also a part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.
22. Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
- Distance: 130 miles
- Drive Time: 2 hours
Located near Naples, Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary provides a unique opportunity to get close to various Florida wildlife.
It’s a wetlands area with a 2.25-mile boardwalk trail. It’s an easy and peaceful walk.
You’ll get the chance to see all kinds of birds, snakes, alligators, and a “Super” ghost orchid.
Just make sure you stick to the boardwalk at all times and don’t touch the wildlife.
23. Port St. Lucie
- Distance: 115 miles
- Drive Time: One hour and forty-five minutes
Port St. Lucie offers another incredible day trip option from Miami with so many great things to do.
The main reason to visit is to explore the Savannas Preserve State Park.
As its name implies, the park is home to a variety of savannas, and you can learn about this endangered natural system.
You might also be lucky enough to see bobcats, deer, bald eagles, and alligators.
The Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens are also a must-see. This 20-acre garden features a lake with a fountain, a pavilion, a butterfly garden, an orchid room, and a rose garden.
Other places worth visiting in Port St. Lucie are the Elliott Museum, Oxbow Eco-Center, and Oak Hammock Park.
24. Vero Beach
- Distance: 27 miles
- Drive Time: 42 minutes
Nestled on Florida’s Treasure Coast, Vero Beach is a charming seaside town with plenty to offer day-trippers from Miami.
While it may be best known for its beautiful beaches, Vero Beach offers plenty of other activities to enjoy.
For starters, the Indian River Lagoon Greenway is a great place for fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching.
And, of course, no trip to Vero Beach would be complete without spending some time enjoying the sun and sand at one of the town’s many beaches.
Some of the best beaches in Vero Beach are Golden Sands, Treasure Shores, Sexton Beach Plaza, Turtle Trail Beach, and Humiston Park.
Day Trips From Miami Final Thoughts
While Miami offers plenty of excitement and activities, sometimes it’s nice to escape for a day and explore other parts of Florida.
This list of 24 day trips from Miami are the perfect way to do just that.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day by the beach or an adventure in the wilderness, you’re sure to find something on this list that interests you.
So get out there and explore all that Florida has to offer!
Have you taken any of these day trips from Miami? Let me know in the comments below!
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Disha Smith is the founder of Disha Discovers. She quit her job in 2017 to travel the world to explore new cultures and experience new adventures. She has since been to 95+ countries and counting and has lived in South Africa, Thailand, Croatia, and Australia. She has done all kinds of travel ranging from luxury to budget backpacking, and her mission is to inspire others to discover their own sense of adventure and to help them plan a life full of meaningful experiences through travel.