Day Trips from Miami, Florida
Looking for a weekend escape or just a change of scenery from Miami? The Miami curated the best day trips within 2 hours drive — cities to explore, lakes for water recreation, state parks for hiking, and unique destinations worth the gas.
Planning tip: Miami traffic is brutal. Day trips heading SOUTH (Everglades, Keys) are usually faster than NORTH (Lauderdale, Palm Beach) which fights I-95.
Top day trip destinations
Key West
Distance: 165 mi
Drive time: 3h 30m (lots of stops)
Best for: Iconic island
Budget: $$$
7-mile bridge drive through the Keys. Hemingway House, Mallory Square sunset, conch fritters, southernmost point. Tight as a day trip — better overnight.
beacheshistoriciconicdrive
Everglades National Park
Distance: 40 mi
Drive time: 50m
Best for: Nature + adventure
Budget: $
1.5M acres of subtropical wilderness. Airboat tours (Coopertown), Anhinga Trail (alligators), bike rentals.
national-parkairboatalligatorswildlife
Fort Lauderdale
Distance: 30 mi
Drive time: 45m
Best for: Beach + alternative to Miami
Budget: $$
Wider beaches than Miami, Las Olas Boulevard dining, Riverwalk, water taxi tours of the canals (Venice of America).
beachdiningcanalsalternative
Naples + Marco Island
Distance: 110 mi
Drive time: 2h
Best for: Beach + luxury
Budget: $$$
Gulf Coast beaches (calmer than Atlantic), Naples Pier, 5th Avenue South dining + shopping, Naples Botanical Garden.
beachluxurygulf-coastdining
Bahamas (Bimini)
Distance: 50 mi (boat)
Drive time: 55m fast ferry
Best for: International quick trip
Budget: $$$
Hop a fast ferry to Bimini for the day. Passport required. Beaches, conch salad, casino. Limited but unique.
internationalbeachpassport-required
Palm Beach
Distance: 70 mi
Drive time: 1h 15m
Best for: Luxury + Worth Avenue
Budget: $$
Worth Avenue luxury shopping, The Breakers grounds, Flagler Museum (Gilded Age mansion), beaches. Quieter than Miami.
luxuryhistoricbeachshopping
Sanibel Island
Distance: 160 mi
Drive time: 3h
Best for: Shells + nature
Budget: $$
World-famous shell collecting beach. J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Tight as a day trip from Miami — consider overnight.
beachshellsnaturerefuge
When to go
Miami is a year-round base for day trips. October-April are the most pleasant for outdoor destinations. Avoid summer heat for outdoor activities; use those months for indoor museums and air-conditioned destinations.
How to choose
- For couples: Pick a city with great dining + walkability (downtown areas, historic districts)
- For families: Pick destinations with multiple attractions (zoo + park + restaurant)
- For outdoor enthusiasts: State parks, lakes, hiking trails
- For history buffs: Museums, historic sites, battlefields
- For foodies: Cities known for distinctive cuisine (BBQ, Tex-Mex, seafood, ethnic neighborhoods)
Packing essentials
- Water bottles (Texas/Florida heat is no joke)
- Sunscreen + hats
- Cash (some smaller venues are cash-only)
- Charged phone + portable charger
- Comfortable walking shoes
- First-aid kit (especially for hiking destinations)
- Snacks for the drive
Get more Miami-area content
Weekly newsletter with local news, events, and travel ideas for Miami residents.
Subscribe to The Miami →
Related guides
More from The Miami
Local guides, business directory, and how to reach our readers.