Best Day Trips from Miami — Keys, Everglades, and Beyond
NextBreakout team with AIMiami is a destination in itself — beaches, Art Deco, Little Havana, and South Beach nightlife keep most travelers busy. But one of the city’s biggest perks is its location: from here, you can venture into the wild Everglades, island-hop in the Florida Keys, or cruise up the coast to Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach. For first-time visitors, these day trips add incredible variety to your Miami adventure. Closer to the city, you can also explore Coconut Grove with its bohemian energy or Coral Gables, famous for Mediterranean Revival architecture.
Here’s your ultimate guide to the best day trips from Miami — with travel times, highlights, costs, and who each is best for.
🏝️ The Florida Keys: Islands on the Edge of Paradise
Few drives rival the Overseas Highway, a ribbon of road crossing 40+ bridges over turquoise water. The Keys feel like a different world from Miami — more laid-back, colorful, and Caribbean in spirit.
Key Largo (≈1 hr from Miami)
- Why go: Gateway to the Keys, famous for diving and snorkeling.
- Highlights:
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park — glass-bottom boat tours, snorkeling over coral reefs.
- Kayaking in mangroves.
- Who it’s for: Families, snorkelers, anyone short on time.
Islamorada (≈1.5 hrs)
- Why go: Sportfishing capital + artsy vibe.
- Highlights:
- Robbie’s Marina — hand-feed massive tarpon.
- Beach bars and seafood shacks with sunset views.
- Who it’s for: Couples, foodies, relaxed day-trippers.
Key West (≈3.5–4 hrs)
- Why go: Historic architecture, Duval Street nightlife, Ernest Hemingway Home.
- Reality check: As we note in Miami vs. Key West, it’s technically possible as a day trip, but expect 8+ hours of driving. An overnight stay is far more enjoyable.
🐊 Everglades National Park: Miami’s Wild Backyard
Just an hour west, the Everglades feels worlds away. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a vast subtropical wilderness — a mix of sawgrass prairies, wetlands, and mangroves.
- Top experiences:
- Airboat rides to spot alligators, turtles, and rare birds.
- Shark Valley Tram Tour — a 15‑mile loop with observation tower views.
- Kayaking/canoeing through mangrove tunnels.
- Best time: November–April (dry season), when wildlife is most visible and mosquitos are minimal.
- Who it’s for: Nature lovers, families, photographers, adventure seekers.
Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and water — shade is limited.
🌊 Key Biscayne: Miami’s Close-to-Home Escape
If you only have half a day, Key Biscayne is your answer. Just 15–20 minutes from Downtown over the Rickenbacker Causeway, it offers the feel of an island getaway without the long drive.
- Highlights:
- Crandon Park — wide beaches, picnic areas, and a nature center.
- Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park — historic lighthouse, bike trails, kayaking.
- Best for: Families with kids, couples wanting a quiet beach afternoon, or travelers without a car. See our South Beach vs. Key Biscayne guide for a full comparison.
- Costs: $8 per vehicle for park entry; food and rentals extra.
🌴 Fort Lauderdale: A Relaxed Coastal Contrast
North of Miami, just a 40‑minute drive up I‑95, lies Fort Lauderdale — known as the “Venice of America” for its network of canals.
- Highlights:
- Las Olas Boulevard — boutiques, art galleries, and cafes.
- Riverwalk — a scenic waterfront promenade.
- Beaches — calmer, less crowded, great for families.
- Best for: Travelers who want a slower pace compared to Miami. We covered this in detail in Miami vs. Fort Lauderdale.
- Costs: Hotel rates ~$150–250/night; day trips mainly cost meals + parking.
🌺 Palm Beach: Gilded-Age Elegance
Around 1.5 hours north, Palm Beach offers a glimpse of old Florida wealth and style.
- Highlights:
- Worth Avenue — luxury shopping and European-style architecture.
- The Breakers Hotel — historic resort with Gilded-Age grandeur.
- Flagler Museum — history of Florida’s railroad tycoon era.
- Best for: Couples, architecture buffs, upscale travelers.
- Costs: Higher-end dining ($40–80 per person) and parking fees.
🎨 Nearby Cultural Neighborhoods — Coral Gables & Coconut Grove
For a more relaxed, culturally rich day trip, explore the leafy streets of Coconut Grove with its bohemian vibe, waterfront cafés, and charming boutiques, or wander through Coral Gables, known for its Mediterranean Revival architecture, the iconic Venetian Pool, and historic charm. These neighborhoods offer a peaceful contrast to Miami’s bustling city center and can be paired with itineraries like South Beach vs. Key Biscayne or South Beach vs. Little Havana for a diverse and fulfilling Miami experience.
🏞️ Biscayne National Park: The Underrated Adventure
Just 45 minutes south of Miami, this is one of the U.S.’s least-visited national parks — because 95% of it is water.
- Highlights:
- Boat tours to remote islands like Boca Chita Key.
- Snorkeling & diving around coral reefs.
- Kayaking through mangrove forests.
- Best for: Adventurers, nature lovers, travelers seeking something off the beaten path.
🗓️ Suggested Itineraries
| Traveler Type | Day Trip Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Families | Morning at Everglades airboat tour → Afternoon beach time in Key Biscayne |
| Couples | Scenic drive to Islamorada → Sunset dinner on the water |
| Adventure seekers | Kayak in Biscayne NP → Snorkel at John Pennekamp reef |
| Short trips | Half-day in Key Biscayne or Fort Lauderdale |
| Week-long stays | Mix it up: Keys (1–2 days), Everglades (1 day), Palm Beach (1 day), Miami neighborhoods (Little Havana, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables) on others |
🚗 Practical Tips for Day Trips
- Rent a car for maximum flexibility; most spots are not transit-friendly.
- Start early to beat traffic and maximize daylight hours.
- Pack smart: sunscreen, hats, water, snacks, insect repellent.
- Book tours in advance for popular activities (airboats, snorkeling trips, boat tours).
- Check weather conditions — hurricane season (Aug–Oct) can affect outdoor trips.
- Plan your return before dark for longer drives (especially the Keys).
🏆 Final Verdict — Where Should You Go First?
Miami is more than its neighborhoods — it’s the launchpad for South Florida’s greatest adventures.
- If you crave nature & wildlife, head to the Everglades or Biscayne National Park.
- For a beach day without the drive, Key Biscayne is unbeatable.
- If you want culture + calm city vibes, try Fort Lauderdale.
- For romantic elegance, make the trip to Palm Beach.
- And if you have time, the Florida Keys are a bucket-list experience — but save Key West for an overnight.
✨ Pro Tip: If you’re in Miami for a week, plan 2–3 day trips. They’ll give you a richer, more diverse experience than staying only in the city.