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Day Trips from Fort Lauderdale

Day Trips from Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale Florida, USA Travel Guide

Miami

Approximately 30-45 minutes south of Fort Lauderdale.

Transportation: Drive (I-95/Turnpike, heavy traffic), Brightline Train (fastest, comfortable, ~30 min), Tri-Rail (budget-friendly, connects to Metrorail), Bus (Greyhound, FlixBus). Suggested Itinerary: Morning in South Beach (Art Deco Historic District), lunch in South Beach or Little Havana. Cultural option: Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) or Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science.

Highlights

  • Art Deco architecture
  • nightlife
  • Diverse culinary scene
  • Brightline access

Natural Escapes

Beyond the immediate Fort Lauderdale area, Florida has opportunities to connect with nature.

Everglades National Park

Approximately 1 hour drive west to closest access points like Sawgrass Recreation Park or Everglades Holiday Park.

Exploration Tips

  • Car is necessary for access points.
  • Airboat tours for wildlife viewing.
  • Walking trails like Anhinga Trail.

Palm Beach

Approximately 45-60 minutes north of Fort Lauderdale.

Attractions

  • Worth Avenue for upscale shopping.
  • Flagler Museum (Gilded Age estate).
  • Norton Museum of Art.

Other Natural Retreats

Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge

  • Everglades ecosystem section.
  • Boardwalks and trails for viewing.
  • Kayaking or fishing in designated areas.
  • Excellent birdwatching spot.

John U. Lloyd Beach State Park & Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

  • Quieter beach experience.
  • Fishing and picnicking.
  • Mangrove estuary for kayaking/paddleboarding.
  • Sea turtle rehabilitation (Gumbo Limbo).

Day Trip Highlights

  • Miami:Art Deco District, Little Havana, museums.
  • Everglades:Unique wetland, airboat rides, alligators.
  • Palm Beach:Luxury shopping, historic estates, art.
  • Gumbo Limbo:Nature preserve, sea turtles, aquariums.
  • Travel by Brightline:Fast connection to Miami and Palm Beach.
  • Car necessary for:Everglades and most state parks.
  • Public transport:Tri-Rail for budget travel.
  • Organized tours:Often include transportation for ease.

Tip for Day Trips

Consider booking tours in advance, especially for popular attractions like Everglades airboat rides. Check GetYourGuide.com for a variety of day trips and excursions from Fort Lauderdale.

Cultural Excursions

Expand cultural exploration with visits to historically and artistically rich sites outside Fort Lauderdale.

Art Deco Historic District

World-renowned area in Miami Beach, known for its distinctive 1930s architecture.

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

Stunning European-inspired estate in Miami with Italian Renaissance gardens and art collection.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

Tranquil retreat in Delray Beach with Japanese gardens, cultural exhibits, and tea house.

Vizcaya Insider Tips

Allow ample time to explore both the villa and the extensive, beautifully designed gardens.

What to See

  • Elaborate European-inspired villa.
  • Italian Renaissance gardens.
  • Impressive art collection.

Morikami Insider Tips

A peaceful spot for reflection and learning about Japanese culture.

Cultural Highlights

  • Six distinct Japanese gardens.
  • Cultural exhibits on Japanese immigration.
  • Traditional tea house (check schedule for ceremonies).

Cultural Excursion Overview

Art Deco DistrictIconic 1930s architecture
Vizcaya MuseumHistoric estate, beautiful gardens
Morikami MuseumTranquil Japanese gardens
Miami's Cultural HubsPAMM, Frost Science Museum, Wynwood
Delray Beach ArtsMorikami, Pineapple Grove Arts District
Broward County ArtsNSU Art Museum, FAT Village

Cultural Immersion

  • Support local museums and historical sites.
  • Attend local cultural events and festivals.
  • Check websites for special exhibits or tours.
  • Plan travel based on cultural interests.
  • Discover the diverse heritage of South Florida.

Multi-Day Extensions

For those with more time, Fort Lauderdale serves as a springboard for longer regional explorations.

Florida Keys

2-3 days minimum. Drive south from Miami along the scenic Overseas Highway.

Highlights

  • Largo (snorkeling, diving).
  • Islamorada (fishing paradise).
  • West (southernmost point).

Orlando Theme Parks

2-3 days minimum. Drive north (approximately 3-4 hours).

Major Parks

  • Walt Disney World Resort.
  • Universal Orlando Resort (Wizarding World).
  • SeaWorld Orlando.

Southwest Florida

2-3 days. Drive west across Alligator Alley (I-75).

Cities & Attractions

  • Naples (beaches, dining, shopping).
  • Fort Myers (beaches, Sanibel/Captiva islands).
  • Edison & Ford Winter Estates.

Logical Next Destinations

Nearby Regions

  • Northeast Florida (St. Augustine, Jacksonville).
  • Central Florida (Tampa, St. Petersburg).
  • Full Florida Loop for a comprehensive state tour.

Sample Itineraries

These routes combine Fort Lauderdale as a starting point with other regional attractions.

Coastal Route

Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Florida Keys for a South Florida focus.

Nature/Theme Park

Fort Lauderdale, Everglades, Orlando for natural beauty and entertainment.

Full Florida Loop

Comprehensive tour including Orlando, Tampa, Naples, Miami.

Plan Your Journey

Fort Lauderdale is an excellent starting point for exploring the diverse landscapes and cities of Florida. Plan excursions to create a memorable journey.