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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

Packing essentials

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