You can go on many fabulous day trips from Miami.
Located in the Southern tip of Florida and filled with white-sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, vibrant nightlife, and a delicious food scene, Miami is a hot spot for travelers from all around the world. And while Miami is a wonderful travel destination, a secret that most people don’t know is that there are also many hidden gems surrounding the area that make for a perfect day trip. Here is my guide on all the best places to let your wanderlust run free past the borders of Miami.
Continue reading for a selection of the unmissable day trips from Miami.
15 Fantastic Day Trips from Miami
Go to Fort Lauderdale
Located a quick 35 minutes away, Fort Lauderdale is the perfect day trip from Miami. Famous for its incredible art scene, events, lavish nightlife, and beautiful beaches, Fort Lauderdale is the ultimate getaway.
With so many things to do in this one-of-a-kind city, Fort Lauderdale is friendly to all different types of travelers. Whether you come with your family for a nice relaxing vacation or with your buddies to party the night away, it is the ultimate day trip.
Fort Lauderdale is a quick 35 minutes drive from Miami.
Take a segway tour through Millionaire Row
Also known as Golden Mile, Millionaire Row is an island off the shore in Miami filled with the most exquisite and expensive mansions and luxury hotels. Many celebrities reside on this island as it is very exclusive and high-end. Some of the residents of Millionaire Row include none other than Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, Shakira, Oprah, Matt Damon, and so much more.
If you are looking to experience the ultimate day trip from Miami, you can’t go wrong with a Segway tour through Millionaire Row. Where you can get a first-hand look at all the houses of the biggest celebrities in the business. You can book it here. Alternatively, opt for a cruise, which you can book here.
Explore Naples, Florida
Known around the world for its culture, world-class shopping, and high-end dining, Naples Florida is the perfect day trip from Miami. Located on the Gulf of Mexico and a short two hour drive away, Naples is the perfect destination for anyone visiting the Sunshine State.
Naples is famous for its incredible golf courses as well as endless white-sand beaches. It is the ultimate getaway if you are looking to spend a day relaxing and forgetting all of life’s troubles. Unlike its vibrant neighbor, Miami, Naples is a calm and quiet town in Florida. Which in turn, also makes it the perfect vacation spot in the US for couples looking for a romantic getaway.
Naples is about two hours drive from Miami.
Once in Naples, you can opt for a boat tour along the coast (book it here) or a romantic sunset cruise such as this one.
Experience Disney World, Florida
There are many things in this life that we will never be too old for, one of them being Disney World. Residing in the beautiful city of Orlando in Florida, Disney World is the ultimate getaway from Miami.
Home to four different theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios) and two water parks (Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon), one day will hardly be enough to cover all of the grounds of Disney World. Aside from the theme parks, you can also find two full service spas, five gold courses, 34 resorts, and world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment. So, while a day hardly suffices to visit, it’s indeed one of the best places for a day trip from Miami.
It takes about three hours to drive from Miami to Disney World.
Visit Orlando, Florida
Only 3 hours and 30 minutes from Miami, Orlando is one of my favorite cities in the world. I like to consider it the city of fun. More than a dozen theme parks reside in Orlando and if that wasn’t enough to seal the deal, you can expect to find beautiful beaches nearby, an upside down house, and a huge ferris wheel.
One of the highlights of my trips while I was in Orlando, was getting to walk down International Dr. International Dr is a tourist hot spot, with outlet malls, delicious restaurants, and entertainment all around.
Orlando is an easy 3 hours and 30 minutes drive from Miami.
Visit the Kennedy Space Center
Located a short 200-miles away from Miami, the Kennedy Space Center which is owned by none other than NASA itself, is an incredible sight to visit. With an abundance of things to do at the Kennedy Space Center, there are a handful of things that are a must-add to your Miami itinerary.
While visiting the Kennedy Space Center, you can meet an astronaut, view the Atlantis Space Shuttle, visit Rocket Garden, partake in an astronaut training simulator, try a shuttle launch experience, and more!
The Kenny Space Center is one of the most popular activities to do while visiting the Sunshine State of Florida. Filled with history, knowledge, and cool facts, you can’t go wrong with this day trip from Miami.
Kennedy Space Center is about 3 hours drive from Miami. As this is a very popular attraction, it is highly recommended booking your admission tickets in advance, as well as other activities. You can get your Kennedy Space Center: Admission Skip the Ticket Line here.
Admire sea shells in Ten Thousand Islands
Ten Thousand Islands is a string of islands located off the coast of southwest Florida between Cape Romano and Lostman’s River. One of the most famous activities that Ten Thousand Islands is known for is sea shelling.
I don’t really approve of sea shelling as it truly isn’t an eco-friendly activity (read more about it here) you can still enjoy looking at the shells during tours of Ten Thousand Islands. You will be taken by boat to the different islands to admire the different sea shells that have been brought in by the tide. It is a very unique experience as it will be a private tour instead of being on a public beach.
To get to Ten Thousand Islands you need to drive to Everglades City, which is 1.5 hours drive from Miami.
Go to Key West, Florida
Take a drive to the most Southern City in the United States, Key West. Key West is located a short 3-hour drive from Miami and it is astonishingly beautiful. To access Key West you will drive on a bridge that rests over the ocean and with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, it is one of the most breathtaking drives in the United States.
Key West is famous around the world for its snorkeling and diving locations, water sports, historic sights, incredible nightlife, and beaches. It is the perfect day trip from Miami for anyone looking to have a day out in the water or enjoy a fun night out on the town. While Key West is definitely no Las Vegas, you can count on the party lasting till the late hours of the night.
Key West is only 90 miles away from Cuba and about 3 hours and 15 minutes by car from Miami.
You can go there on day trips from Miami or, alternatively, join some guided activities once there. These are the best options:
- Key West Full-Day Tour from Miami Beach with Options – an excellent tour with an English speaking tour guide during which you get to visit Hemingway’s home and – if you pick the option – can go on a boat ride to admire Dolphins. You get lots of free time in Key West!
- Key West full day tour from Miami by coach – it really is just transportation, but you get to see Key West at your own pace once there.
- Parasailing flights – the best way to get an adrenaline rush.
- Key West Dolphin Watch and Snorkel Eco Tour – a good tour if you want to admire local marine life.
- Sunset party cruise by catamaran – a great tour to end a glorious day.
Check out my post The Best Day Trip To Key West.
Head over to the Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are a chain of islands which span over a distance of 120 miles. The Florida Keys are a perfect getaway from Miami and luckily the drive is only about an hour long. There are an abundance of things to do in the Keys. From full moon parties, Bahia Honda State Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, and more. The Florida Keys are a must for anyone visiting nearby.
Morada Bay, located in Islamorada in the Keys, hosts a full moon party every month when the moon is full, high, and bright. Along with the celebration, you will find marching bands, bonfires, fireworks, tiki torches, fire jugglers, acrobats, Brazilian dancers, and stilt walkers. It is the ultimate beach party for anyone visiting the Keys and wanting to celebrate life.
Visit the Everglades National Park
Another must-do day trip to add to your Miami itinerary are the Everglades. Only 36 minutes away from the vibrant city of Miami, the Everglades are a 1.5-million-acre wetlands preserves and where hundreds of animal species reside.
In the Everglades there are an abundance of things to do. You can view the wildlife, go bicycling, kayaking, geocaching, hiking, camping, boating, and more. While this national park is a big tourist destination, keep in mind that there is a lot of wild life and to be respectful of their home and exercise caution when visiting. You might even get lucky and spot a famous Florida panther.
It takes about one hour to get to Everglades National Park Visitors Center from Miami by car. There is small entry fee. Once there, you can opt for an airboat tour and wildlife show (you can book it here) or for a mangrove tunnel kayak tour (book it here).
And the Biscayne Bay National Park
Close enough to Miami to keep your eye on the city, Biscayne Bay is a lagoon in Florida and the ultimate day trip. It is divided into three different parts which are North Bay, South Bay, and Central Bay.
This national park is only accessible by boat but lucky for you, it is just a short ride away from Miami. You can rent jet skis, go parasailing, or just bask in the beauty of it all. It is a popular spot for divers as there are numerous ship wrecks in the area you can go and explore. Biscayne Bay is also known for its coral reef and the park is about 170,000 acres big.
Take a trip to Bimini
About 2-hours away from Miami, you will find the island of Bimini which is owned by the Bahamas. It is the closest point in the Bahamas to the continental United States. While a passport is required to enter and return, Bimini is the ultimate day trip from Miami if you are looking to escape the North American continent for a day.
Bimini is known for its picturesque sights and underwater wildlife. While on the island you can partake in activities such as jet skiing, kayaking, bicycling, swim with dolphin and sharks, visit ship wrecks, and more!
There are also incredible sights to visit such as the Fountain of Youth. Legend has it that this limestone well carved thousands of years ago can preserve your youth. Along with the Fountain of Youth, you can find the Healing Hole which is rumored to provide you with flashbacks of your life and allows you to recollect special events.
You may want to consider joining this guided tour departing from Miami. It’s surprisingly budget friendly. Book it here.
Explore Little Havana
While Little Havana is still technically in Miami, this neighborhood is so vastly different from American culture, that it rightfully owned its spot in the list of day trips from Miami. Think of Little Havana as a mini Cuba. From its prominently Cuban population and Cuban culture, taking a trip to Little Havana will have you feeling like you just made it to Cuba itself.
Little Havana is known for its incredible food scene and lively atmosphere. From street parties, gallery walks, food tours, museums, rum tasting, and cigar smoking, Little Havana or as I like to call it, Little Cuba, is the perfect destination if you are looking to leave the United States sans passport and without actually leaving the continental United States.
The best thing to do there? My, a food tour for sure! Book it here.
Check out Palm Beach
Located a short 1-hour drive and 71-miles away from Miami, Palm Beach is the ultimate getaway and perfect for day trips from Miami. Famous for its breathtaking beaches, high-end boutiques, and fine dining, you can’t go wrong with it! Unlike Miami, Palm Beach is known for being on the calmer side and more relaxing than its sister city. If you want to spend a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city, I would highly recommend visiting Palm Beach. While it can be the perfect adult getaway, it is also very family friendly with tons of activities to do for people of all ages.
The drive from Miami to Palm Beach is just about one hour.
Visit Coral Castle
Between the cities of Leisure City and Homestead, you can expect to find Coral Castle. Coral Castle was built by Ed Leedskalnin between 1923 and 1951. It is filled with mystery to this very day. No one was ever able to figure out how one man single handedly built this castle. When confronted, Ed would only say that he knew the secrets on how the ancient pyramids were built which allowed him to build his beloved Coral Castle.
After learning the history of this one-of-a-kind castle, it is quite a fascinating sight to be able to witness the castle up close and personal. Take a day trip from Miami to come see this mysteriously made castle for yourself.
Coral Castle is about 40 minutes drive south of Miami.
With so many amazing locations all throughout Florida, a day trip from Miami is the ultimate getaway to explore more of the Sunshine state. Whether you prefer to relax on a quiet beach, go on a thrilling excursion, or party until the sun comes up, Florida has a piece of happiness for everyone.
Further Readings
Planning to visit the USA? Make sure to check out these other posts:
- 40 Incredible Things To Do In New York City
- A Complete Guide To Visiting The Statue Of Liberty
- The Perfect Itinerary To See New York In 2 Days
- A Fabulous Itinerary For 3 Days In New York
- An Easy To Follow Itinerary For 4 Days In New York
- 5 Days In New York: An Easy To Follow New York Itinerary
- A Great Itinerary For 3 Days In San Francisco
- 15 Unmissable Things To Do In California
- Everything You Must Know To Plan A Trip To Miami
- 23 Unmissable Things To Do In Miami
- Seven Adrenaline Filled Things To Do In Yellowstone (With Kids!)
- Where To Get The Best Views In New York
- The 23 Best National Parks In USA
- 12 Free Things To Do In Denver
- 10 Not To Miss Hikes Near Denver
- The Best Things To Do In Rocky Mountain National Park
This post was written by Caresa, traveler, blogger and owner of This Spontaneous Life. Caresa thrives on helping people follow their travel dreams and motivating them to get out there, see the world, and get out of the corporate lifestyle. She is a firm believer that we need to make the most out of our time while we are on this earth so follow her on her journey and let her help you live your best life. You can follow her on Instagram here.
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