Day trips from Miami
Miami is a perfect base to explore South Florida and beyond. From the Keys to Orlando, through the Everglades and Gulf Coast, there are excursions for every taste. We sort the best options by distance and trip type.
Key Biscayne and Bill Baggs State Park
Island 20 min away with the cleanest and most virgin beaches in the county. Historic Cape Florida Lighthouse, restaurants with views and bike trails through mangroves.
TIP: Full day. Pack food (free grills) or book a table at Boater's Grill (fresh seafood with canal views). Climb the lighthouse at 10:30 a.m. (free tour).
1200 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne FL 33149 · 15 mi · 30 min by car· entrance USD 8/car
Fort Lauderdale
Miami's more laid-back neighbor. Beach Strip with shops and restaurants, Las Olas Boulevard (pedestrian with galleries), gondola rides through the canals (Venice of America).
TIP: Full day. Combine beach + Las Olas + outdoor dinner. Gondola tour $35–50 per person (60 min). Outlet Sawgrass Mills 10 min away.
Fort Lauderdale, FL · 30 mi · 40 min by car
Everglades National Park (Homestead entrance)
The only subtropical ecosystem in North America: 1.5 million acres with alligators, manatees, panthers and 350+ bird species. Full nature immersion.
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TIP: Full day. Go early (8 a.m. opening) — wildlife more active, less heat. Bring water, bug spray, sunscreen and closed shoes. Must-do trails: Anhinga Trail and Gumbo Limbo.
40001 SR-9336, Homestead FL 33034 · 50 mi · 60 min by car ·
Shark Valley (north entrance)
15-mile trail crossing the Everglades to a scenic tower. Do it by bike or guided tram. Easier than the southern trail.
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TIP: Half day. Tram has A/C and narration: best option if it's hot or you have kids. Bikes are more free but you're in the sun.
36000 SW 8th St, Miami FL 33194 · 40 mi · 55 min by car
Key Largo (the first Key)
First Key coming from Miami. Famous for John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: snorkeling and diving on coral reefs. Great seafood restaurants.
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TIP: Full day. Snorkel tour $50 + boat $35. Lunch at Mrs. Mac's Kitchen (famous key lime pie). If driving, leave 8 a.m. to avoid traffic.
Key Largo, FL 33037 · 65 mi · 1 hour 15 min by car
Islamorada (mid Key)
The Key with the most premium restaurants and best beach-life ratio. Famous for sport fishing, waterfront tiki bars and sunsets.
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TIP: Full day or weekend. Lunch at Lazy Days (seafood, ocean terrace) or Lorelei (spectacular sunset).
Islamorada, FL 33036 · 85 mi · 1 hour 30 min by car
Key West (the most famous Key)
The southernmost Key in the U.S. (90 miles from Cuba). Bohemian life, Ernest Hemingway's house, sunset at Mallory Square, Duval Street, quiet beaches. A mini-vacation within the trip.
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TIP: Minimum 2 days: leave very early (6 a.m.) if you'll come back the same day (12+ hours driving). Better: sleep 1–2 nights. Mallory Square sunset (free, with live performers).
Key West, FL 33040 · 160 mi · 3 hours 30 min by car
Naples y Marco Island
Gulf Coast with white sand beaches and calm sea. Naples has 5th Avenue (boutiques and galleries), historic pier, and premium beaches. Marco Island is quieter and family-friendly.
TIP: Minimum 1 day (better 2). Gulf beaches have much calmer water than the Atlantic — ideal for kids. Naples Pier sunset is unmissable.
Naples, FL · Marco Island, FL 125 mi · 2 hours by car
Kennedy Space Center (NASA)
The space center where Apollo missions and space shuttles launched. Vehicle Assembly Building tour, Atlantis Shuttle, launch simulator, astronaut meet-and-greets.
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TIP: Full day. Admission $75 adults / $65 kids. If you coincide with a SpaceX or NASA launch, get viewing tickets (paid separately).
Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island FL 32953 · 225 mi · 3 hours 30 min by car
Day cruise to the Bahamas (Bimini)
Quick cruise (Bimini Express) leaves early and returns at sunset. Spend the day in Bimini, an island 50 miles from Miami. Turquoise-water beaches and waterfront restaurants.
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TIP: Full day (10–12 hrs). Need valid passport. Book 1–2 weeks ahead.
Departures from Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale30 mi to port · 35 min by car