Best Day Trips from Miami

From gorgeous beaches to incredible food to exciting nightlife, there's more than enough going on in Miami to keep just about everyone occupied. This South Florida city has everything you need for a great vacation, including cultural attractions like the best museums and art galleries in Miami and some amazing bars and restaurants to keep the warm tropical nights fun and exciting all year round.

But every now and then, you need a break from the city. That's where the best day trips from Miami come in. Drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage in Miami, and you'll be ready to enjoy everything South Florida has to offer. From the stunning Florida Keys to the iconic Everglades National Park, the best day trips in Miami offer everything you need to have a spectacular vacation.

How to get out of Miami

Getting around Miami is fairly easy, thanks to a solid public transportation network. Once you head out of downtown Miami, though, that network starts to get more and more patchy. If your goal is to travel to outlying cities like South Beach or West Palm Beach, public transportation may be all you need to take advantage of some great Miami day trips. But if you prefer to explore more isolated locations, you may find that a car is the best way to go. Renting a car is relatively easy in Miami and can help you get to places you otherwise might never see. And while driving in downtown Miami is no picnic, outside of the city itself, things get a lot easier.

Of course, in a coastal city like Miami, boats are also a great way to get around. If you want to visit the Florida Keys or other island locations, there are few more pleasant ways to explore than by boat.

From Miami to Miami Beach

There's no place like Miami Beach, and it's only a short drive from downtown Miami. With miles of sandy beaches, world-class shopping and dining, and plenty of art deco architecture to gawk at, Miami Beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Florida.

South Beach is the most well-known part of Miami Beach, thanks to its iconic art deco architecture, beautiful people, and lively nightlife. But there's more to Miami Beach than just South Beach. The North Beach area is a great place to find quieter beaches and less crowded restaurants. And if you're looking for someplace to stay, there are plenty of hotels in Miami Beach to choose from.

No matter what you're looking for in a beach vacation, you will find it in Miami Beach. And with plenty of public transportation options to get you there, it's easy to make the trip from downtown Miami.

How to get to Miami Beach

Bus line J can take you from the mainland to Miami Beach's island. You'll need to take another bus first to get to NE 36 Street, so expect the whole journey to take around 40 minutes. Driving should be quicker, at around 25 minutes, but that assumes no traffic, and in downtown Miami, there probably will be traffic. Still, Miami Beach is close enough to make it one of the best day trips from Miami for those who don't want to go too far from the city.

From Miami to Key Largo

If you're looking to get away from it all, there's no place like the Florida Keys. And Key Largo, the first stop on the famous Overseas Highway, is the perfect place to start your Keys adventure.

Key Largo is known for its diving and snorkeling, thanks to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. But even if you don't want to get wet, there's plenty to do in Key Largo. Take a glass bottom boat tour of the reef, explore the history of piracy at the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum, or just relax on one of Key Largo's many beaches.

And when you're ready for a bite to eat, Key Largo has no shortage of great restaurants, from casual seafood shacks to fine dining establishments. There's something for everyone in Key Largo, making it easily one of the best day trips from Miami.

How to get to Key Largo

It's around an hour and 20 minutes by car over the famous Seven Mile Bridge to reach Key Largo. Alternatively, you can get a ferry from the city, which will take a lot longer but will also offer a very pleasant way to explore the coast.

From Miami to Key West

No list of the best day trips from Miami would be complete without Key West. The southernmost city in the continental United States, Key West is a place like no other.

Key West is known for its laid-back attitude and stunning beaches. But there's more to the island than just sand and sun. Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, take a tour of the Little White House, or explore the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. And be sure to catch a sunset at Mallory Square, one of Key West's most popular attractions.

With so much to see and do, it's no wonder Key West is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Florida. And with regular ferry service from Miami, it's easy to make the trip from downtown.

How to get to Key West

Key West is further from the city than Key Largo, requiring a drive of more than three hours to reach it. However, you'll follow the same route, so you could combine these two locations into one excellent day trip from Miami.

From Miami to West Palm Beach

If you're looking for a dose of luxury, look no further than West Palm Beach. Just a short drive from Miami, West Palm Beach is home to some of the finest shopping, dining, and resorts in Florida.

Whether you're looking to spend your day relaxing on the beach or exploring world-class museums, you'll find plenty to do in West Palm Beach. And with its close proximity to Miami, it's easy to make the trip for a day of fun in the sun.

How to get to West Palm Beach

It's an hour and a half drive north from Miami to West Palm Beach. It's also possible to take bus number 9 from the city and then catch the Palmland bus, a journey which will take around two hours.

From Miami to Everglades National Park

The Everglades is one of the most unique places on earth, and it's just a short drive from downtown Miami. A visit to the Everglades is like stepping back in time into a world of marshes, mangroves, and alligators.

There are plenty of ways to explore the Everglades, from airboat tours to hiking trails. And no matter how you choose to spend your time in the Everglades, you're sure to see some amazing wildlife. So if you're looking for an adventure, there's no better place to start than the Everglades. This primeval landscape is something you can only see in Florida, and the pristine environment perfectly contrasts the busy and bustling city of Miami. Take a glass bottom boat tour or airboat tour for an unforgettable Florida Everglades experience, and keep your eyes peeled for the incredible wildlife that has made this region famous worldwide. This is easily one of the best day trips from Miami for nature lovers and a place you simply can't afford to leave off your Florida itinerary.

How to get to Everglades National Park

Despite how remote it feels, Everglades National Park is surprisingly close to Miami, reachable by only an hour of driving. Because it's so close, it's also possible to take a guided tour which will bring you to the National Park by bus if you don't feel like driving.

From Miami to Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park is another top day trip destination from Miami. Just a short drive from downtown, Biscayne National Park is one of the largest marine parks in the country. And with over 95% of the park underwater, it's a great place to go snorkeling or diving.

But even if you don't want to put on your bathing suit, there's plenty to do in Biscayne National Park. Take a boat tour of the park to see the coral reefs and shipwrecks, go kayaking or canoeing through the mangroves, or just relax on one of the park's many beaches.

And with its close proximity to Miami, Biscayne National Park is one of the easiest places to reach for a day trip. So if you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Biscayne National Park is the perfect place to spend a day in nature.

How to get to Biscayne National Park

It's less than an hour's drive south of the city to reach the embarkation point for this park, but from there, you'll need to take a boat to explore the island location.

From Miami to Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is another top destination for a day trip from Miami. Just a short drive down the coast, Fort Lauderdale is home to some of the best beaches in Florida.

But there's more to Fort Lauderdale than just its beaches. The city is also known for its vibrant arts scene, world-class shopping, and delicious restaurants. And since it's so close to Miami, there's no reason not to make the trip here.

So whether you're looking to relax on the beach or explore a new city, Fort Lauderdale is the perfect place for a day trip from Miami.

How to get to Fort Lauderdale

It's a 45-minute drive from Miami to Fort Lauderdale, making this one of the easiest day trips from Miami. You can also take the Tri-Rail from Miami Airport, which takes about an hour to go from one city to the other.

From Miami to Naples

If West Palm Beach didn't satisfy your need for a bit of luxury, look no further than Naples. This small city on Florida's southwest coast is home to upscale resorts, fine dining, and top-notch shopping.

Naples is well known as the home of Naples Botanical Gardens, a place that provides the perfect break from the busy city on a Miami day trip. But the city also offers plenty of other activities, from shopping on Fifth Avenue South to golfing at one of the many championship courses.

No matter how you spend your time in Naples, you're sure to have a luxurious and relaxing day. Don't let its small size fool you, Naples packs a punch.

How to get to Naples

It's a two-hour drive across the state to Florida's West Coast, where Naples is located. It's also possible to get a series of buses, but this will take over three hours, so driving is the best option.

From Miami to Fort Myers

Fort Myers is another top destination for a day trip from Miami. Just a short drive down the coast, Fort Myers is home to more impressive beaches.

Since you may have already had your fill of beach activities, the city is also known for its vibrant arts scene, world-class shopping, and various restaurants. Head to Manatee Park for a chance to kayak and get up close and personal with the majestic Florida sea cows. Or, for a dose of history, visit the adjacent homes of the Edison and Ford winter estates. The museum and botanical garden here will keep you busy for a few hours.

How to get to Fort Myers

Fort Myers is located north of Naples. Expect to spend two and a half hours driving to get there from Miami.

From Miami to Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park is one of Miami's most popular day trip destinations. And it's no wonder why. This pristine park is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

But that's not all Dry Tortugas National Park has to offer. The park is also known for its incredible snorkeling and diving, as well as its rich history.

Located just 70 miles from Miami, Dry Tortugas National Park is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. So if you're looking for a day of fun in the sun, Dry Tortugas National Park is the perfect place to spend a day. However, given its distance from Miami, it might be better to plan to spend at least a couple of days there.

How to get to Dry Tortugas National Park

You won't be driving to this iconic location. Dry Tortugas is located on an island and can only be reached by ferry from Fort Lauderdale. The journey will take at least seven hours, so this is definitely too far for a single day. But it's too spectacular of a location not to visit when you have the chance.

Conclusion

There's plenty to do both in and outside Miami. These phenomenal day trips can show you what South Florida is all about and provide the perfect contrast to the busy city. Drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage and try some of these iconic locations on your next Miami trip.