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Day Trips from Miami

Day Trips from Miami

Miami Florida, USA Travel Guide

Nearby Destinations

Several appealing destinations lie within easy day-trip distance from Miami.

Everglades National Park (1-hour drive), Largo (1.5-hour drive), Fort Lauderdale (45-minute drive), Boca Raton/Palm Beach (1 to 1.5-hour drive), and Biscayne National Park (1-hour drive) are all within reach.

Transportation Options

  • Car rental is often the most practical for flexibility.
  • Organized bus tours are available for destinations like the Everglades.
  • Brightline train for Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach.
  • Independent travel allows exploration at your own pace.

Natural Escapes

South Florida's unique ecosystems present natural escapes.

Parks & Nature Reserves

Explore Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park (95% underwater), and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Largo.

Scenic Views

  • Florida Keys Overseas Highway offers ocean vistas.
  • Big Cypress National Preserve displays cypress swamps.
  • Beaches at Largo and Fort Lauderdale.

Seasonal Phenomena

Observe specific natural events throughout the year.

Wildlife Sightings

  • Bird migration is excellent in the Everglades during cooler months.
  • Manatees gather in warm waters from November to March.
  • Homestead and Florida City offer agricultural experiences.

Cultural Excursions

Historical Sites

  • St. Augustine, oldest U.S. Settlement (overnight stay).
  • West with its history and architecture (longer day trip or overnight).
  • Homestead/Florida City for agricultural heartland.
  • No major pilgrimage sites immediately outside Miami.

Multi-Day Extensions

  • Spend 2-3 days exploring the Florida Keys.
  • Dedicate 2-3 days to Orlando's theme parks.
  • 1-2 days in Naples/Florida Gulf Coast for calmer beaches.
  • Miami is a hub for Caribbean Islands, Mexico, and Central America.

Time Required & Itineraries

  • EvergladesHalf-day to full-day.
  • LargoFull-day.
  • Fort LauderdaleHalf-day to full-day.
  • Organized ToursOffer transportation.
  • Independent TravelMore flexibility for exploration.
  • Largo ItinerarySnorkeling at John Pennekamp.
  • Everglades ItineraryAirboat ride and Anhinga Trail.
  • The Venice of america ItineraryLas Olas Boulevard and beach.

Tip for Extended Travel

For longer stays, consider renting a car to discover more of Florida or easily reach cruise ports for Caribbean adventures.

Multi-Day Extensions

Consider extending your journey to explore more of Florida or the Caribbean.

Florida Keys

Spend 2-3 days exploring Islamorada, Marathon, and West for an unique island vibe.

Orlando

Dedicate 2-3 days for theme parks like Disney World or Universal Studios, or other major attractions.

Naples/Gulf Coast

Spend 1-2 days enjoying calmer beaches, upscale shopping, and Everglades access.

Logical Next Destinations

Miami serves as a gateway to lots of famous regions.

Beyond Florida

  • Caribbean Islands through Miami's cruise hub and frequent flights.
  • Mexico and Central America are accessible with exceptional flight connections.
  • Other Florida cities like Tampa, St. Petersburg, or Sarasota.

Transportation Connections

Consider how to reach your extended destinations.

Travel Methods

  • Hiring a car is the best method to explore the Florida Keys.
  • Orlando is reachable by Brightline high-speed rail, Amtrak, or bus.
  • Car rental is a great choice for the route to Naples.

Itinerary Comparison

Everglades Organized ToursBrings transportation and airboat rides.
Everglades Independent TravelOffers flexibility in exploring visitor centers.
Keys Independent TravelRecommended for calling at various points of interest.
Fort Lauderdale/Palm BeachEasy to visit independently by train or car.
Everglades TimeHalf-day to full-day.
Largo TimeFull-day.

Natural Wonders

  • Everglades National Park
  • Biscayne National Park
  • John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
  • Florida Keys Overseas Highway
  • Big Cypress National Preserve

Cultural Preservation

Explore historical and cultural sites beyond Miami's city limits.

Historical Significance

Beyond Miami, rich historical sites await discovery.

Famous Locations

  • St. Augustine: Oldest European-established U.S. Settlement (overnight stay).
  • West: Rich in history, architecture, and the Ernest Hemingway Home (longer visit).
  • Homestead/Florida City: Agricultural heartland with fruit stands and markets.

Multi-Day Experiences

Extend your Florida trip with these recommendations.

Extended Stay Ideas

  • Florida Keys: 2-3 days exploring various islands.
  • Orlando: 2-3 days for theme parks.
  • Naples/Florida Gulf Coast: 1-2 days for different coastal experiences.

Connections & Flights

Miami links you to many destinations.

Further Travel

  • Caribbean Islands: Miami is a primary cruise hub.
  • Mexico/Central America: Frequent flights are available.
  • Other Florida Cities: Options like Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota.

Itinerary Pacing

Recommended Times

  • Everglades: A half-day to full-day.
  • Largo: A full-day trip.
  • Fort Lauderdale: A half-day to full-day.

Trip Comparison

Choosing between organized tours and independent travel.

Everglades Tours

Organized tours bring transportation and airboat rides.

Everglades Independent

Independent travel offers flexibility to explore visitor centers.

Keys Independent

Independent travel is suitable for making a stop at various points of interest.

Cultural Highlights

Discover rich history and local traditions beyond Miami.

Trip Planning Details

Efficient planning supports a smooth journey.

Day Trip Logistics

1

Everglades

An itinerary features an airboat ride, strolling the Anhinga Trail, and Ernest Coe Visitor Center.

2

Largo

Plan for snorkeling or diving at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and a visit to Dolphin Plus.

3

Fort Lauderdale

Explore Las Olas Boulevard, enjoy the beach, walk the Riverwalk, or catch a water taxi.

Day Trip Benefits

  • Have diverse ecosystems.
  • Explore historical locations.
  • Explore neighboring cities.
  • Enjoy outdoor and cultural activities.
  • Witness seasonal wildlife.
  • Taste local crops.

Next Destination Options

  • Florida Keys for an island escape.
  • Orlando for world-class theme parks.
  • Naples for Gulf Coast beaches.
  • Caribbean islands by cruise or flight.
  • Mexico or Central America for international exploration.
  • Tampa, St. Petersburg, or Sarasota for other Florida cities.

Transportation for Extensions

Florida Keys

Car rental is the preferred method for exploring the island.

Orlando

Brightline high-speed rail, Amtrak, Greyhound/FlixBus, flights, or car.

Naples

Renting a car is the ideal choice for this route.

Travel Flexibility

Either by car, train, or organized tour, diverse options bring different destinations within reach.
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