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We advise packing a change of clothing and leaving on the Best Day Trips From Miami when you’re ready for a break from the best Miami beaches. Or when you’ve had enough of spending Saturday nights at a club. Our choices range from Key Largo, a small but attractive town where you can swim with dolphins, to Bimini, the nearest Bahamian island to the United States, where you may enjoy total seclusion. These locations are also home to some fantastic eateries, fun activities, and iconic natural sites. Ready for a short journey? Check out the day trips we recommend leaving from Miami below.

Day trips from Miami

1. Homestead, FL

Day Trips From Miami Shame on any traveler who makes it this far south and doesn’t carve out at least a little time to wander through Everglades National Park. It is the largest natural subtropical park in the country. Spanning 1.5 million acres, it’s not the easiest national park to tackle. But the wildlife alone—think Florida panthers, alligators, and bald eagles—makes this a fascinating side trip for anyone with a penchant for getting lost in the deep, jungle-y wilderness for a few hours. The laid-back town of Homestead, which is an easy 45-minute drive from Miami, acts as a portal to the Everglades; and while Homestead offers several affordable hotel options, hardcore naturalists will want to make use of the park’s 48 designated backcountry campsites.

EAT:

The family-style restaurant Mario’s is a favorite choice for its hearty quantities of churrasco steak, Cubano sandwiches, and, of course, empanadas, in case you didn’t have your fill of Cuban food back in Miami.

DRINK:

The beautiful estate Schnebly Redland’s Winery & Brewery, known for fermenting unusual fruits like mangos and avocados into wine, welcomes guests for tours of the facility, followed by sampling at the bar.

DO:

Visitors can sign up for an exhilarating airboat tour at Alligator Farm, just outside of Homestead, close to the entrance to Everglades National Park, where you’ll skim the surface of the waters that alligators and turtles call home.

STAY:

Keep things easy at the Best Western Gateway to the Keys, an airy motel with a pool outside, air conditioning (essential during the sweltering summer), and a complimentary breakfast each morning.

If you only take one action…

Drive to the nearby Homestead-Miami Speedway, a renowned racetrack that serves as the site of the annual NASCAR Championship. Not in a hurry to return? During the high-speed event, which draws thousands of racing spectators, camping and RV parking are permitted.

2. Key Largo, FL | Day Trips From Miami

Day Trips From Miami Entering Key Largo feels like entering a massive metropolis after what seems like an eternity of driving through the congested Overseas Highway or, worse yet, Card Sound Road. But don’t go too far in advance. Despite being larger than its neighbors, the first of several Florida keys is nevertheless quaint and full of small-town charm.

EAT:

The Fish House, which has been in operation since 1982, is a reputable supplier of locally caught seafood, house-made chowders, and its signature key lime pie. In fact, the dessert is so well-known that many customers passing by the establishment stop to get complete pies to go.

DRINK:

The boisterous tiki bars of Key Largo are legendary. The majority of patrons arrive at the waterfront bars via boats, however, they may also be reached on foot. Gilbert’s is among the area’s most well-liked restaurants, and the divey ambiance perfectly complements the laid-back character of Largo.

DO:

Imagine that you are on the Flipper set. You may stroke the cute mammals while seated on a floating dock at Dolphins Plus, give them a peck, and even go behind the scenes with trainers to learn how they are cared for.

STAY:

In the Keys, you can choose from a wide variety of motels and bed-and-breakfasts, although there aren’t many luxurious resorts. Playa Largo Resort & Spa is a sizable facility that is both opulent and laid-back, and it is one of the most recent additions to the area. Spend some time relaxing in a hammock, cool down in the lagoon-style pool, and schedule some time to observe the sunset.

If you only take one action…

Pennekamp, John In the roughly 70 miles of open water that make up Coral Reef State Park, visitors can go swimming, snorkeling, boating, diving, and nearly all other types of aquatic activities. Without a water break, a vacation to the Keys wouldn’t be the same.

3. Islamorada, FL| Day Trips From Miami

It’s a common misconception that Miami and the Florida Keys require distinct vacation plans, but this is simply untrue. Highway 1, often known as the “Overseas Highway,” is a completely enjoyable drive from Miami. Once you’re on it, the name makes sense; the 113-mile thoroughfare connects the Keys’ slender, fragmented strip to the mainland. It is stretched out over a glistening blue ocean. The ideal place to start your exploration of what is undoubtedly Florida’s most iconic coastal topography is Islamorada, a small, lovely beach village that is traditionally recognized as a sportfishing capital. The trip from Miami takes less than two hours, but you’ll want to allow more time because of the breathtaking surroundings so you can stop and take pictures along the way.

EAT:

Green Turtle Inn, an all-day eatery that first debuted in 1947, alone is worth the drive to sunny Islamorada for dishes like Barney’s Fish Sandwich and the Ultimate Patty Melt, which landed it a position on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives.

DRINK:

Take a break from the beach and settle into a bar stool at the vibrant Florida Keys Brewing Co., which occasionally hosts group painting nights.

DO:

The third Thursday of each month, when Artwalk—a display of regional painters, sculptors, jewelers, and musicians—takes over this quarter-mile stretch of the Old Highway, may be the ideal time to visit Islamorada.

STAY:

The Cheeca Lodge & Spa is the place to go if you want to treat yourself to a night in a tastefully decorated suite with a screened-in balcony and deep soaking tub (in addition to 3 restaurants and an outside tiki bar).

If you only take one action…

Be sure to arrive for happy hour at Holiday Isle, which has a brand-new facade now that Hurricane Irma almost destroyed it. Inside the Postcard Inn, there is a hip tiki bar with panoramic ocean views and chilled ice rum runners.

4. West Palm Beach, FL

West Palm Beach has long been overshadowed by its opulent neighbor to the east, Palm Beach, where the rich and famous cruise around in six-figure automobiles and duck in and out of multimillion-dollar homes. Although it’s a stunning location, we are drawn to the region west of the Intracoastal Waterway for a laid-back break that’s also bursting with charm (more on our favorite method to sightsee in Palm Beach shortly).

The Square, a 72-acre mixed-use development

The Square, a 72-acre mixed-use development with a community focus where you can find retail, dining, family-friendly activities, public art, and much more, lies at the center of it all. The venue was designed with sustainability in mind. Includes outposts of several well-known restaurants, including South Florida’s health-conscious café Pura Vida (get the chocolate chip cookie). Miami’s sophisticated plant-based favorite Planta, and other popular eateries. When the weather is nice, it’s a terrific location to hang out and enjoy a movie on the grass. The weekly farmers’ market, or just a leisurely stroll. Additionally, it’s a short trip from Miami: take the Brightline from Miami Central Station and you may arrive in WPB in less than an hour while taking in the scenery, getting complimentary refreshments (if you upgrade to Select), and avoiding traffic.

EAT:

The Regional Kitchen & Public House is a stunning modern American restaurant with significant roots in the Southern cooking tradition, run by Top Chef finalist and multiple James Beard Award contender Lindsay Autry. Favorites from the countryside like grits, fried chicken, and pimento cheese have been fine-tuned for modern palates and prepared to fine-dining standards.

DRINK:

A must-drink at the RH Rooftop Restaurant inside the stunning, multi-story Restoration Hardware design and furnishings store is sunset cocktails. The restaurant offers a wide variety of wines and beers to make up for the absence of alcoholic beverages. Choose a couch that faces the window, then unwind with a cheese spread and a refreshing rosé. Avoid spilling at all costs!

DO:

With more than 8,200 pieces of European, American, Chinese, contemporary, and photographic art in its permanent collection. The Norton Museum of Art is one of South Florida’s most spectacular cultural organizations. Along with these amenities, there is an auditorium, a well-stocked store, a cafeteria, and a larger gallery that holds touring exhibitions.

STAY:

Although it is close to the Palm Beach Convention Center. The Hilton West Palm Beach is nothing like the stuffy business hotel you may be used to. Its position close to The Square and the Brightline station is unbeatable, and it is totally modern with a sizable, welcoming pool.

If you only take one action…

Rent a Moke and head to Palm Beach for a DIY sightseeing tour of the upscale island while taking in the sights along Worth Avenue and Ocean Boulevard (you can locate them parked in The Square or outside the Hilton Palm Beach with scannable QR codes).

5. Bimini, Bahamas

Day Trips From Miami. The most common means to go to Bimini, the nearest island in the Bahamas to the United States (and a favorite of none other than Ernest Hemingway), is via ferry. The two-hour, once-daily service departs from Miami Port’s Port H and is operated by FRS Caribbean (which sits across from downtown Miami). Since there is no driving involved and the boat puts you off at the beach in Alice Town. Bimini after going 48 nautical miles from the mainland. Can be considered the simplest of all potential day trips from Miami. Although there is a small cafe on the ferry, it is best to hold off on eating until you get to the island, which is dotted with pleasantly laid-back seafood stands and beachside barbecues.

EAT:

There is no better or more traditional south Florida eating experience than tucking into a lobster. And conch salad at the bar at Stuart Conch Salad Stand, which has an open kitchen and windows that look out to sea.

DRINK:

Island House is the prototypical coastal dive pub, complete with a hand-painted sign outside and dollar notes stapled all over the place.

DO:

In the mood for exploration? Enroll in a four-hour tour with a company that offers Bimini Undersea tours. And they’ll take you out for a leisurely swim with dolphins (kayaking, scuba diving, and stand-up paddle boarding are also available).

STAY:

The Hilton at Resorts World Bimini, a 750-acre luxury resort with almost a dozen restaurants and a casino serve as the primary landing point for those looking to stay the night.

If you only take one action…

Rent a golf cart and travel to a quiet area along the sparkling white sand beach to take advantage of Hilton’s expansive oceanfront property.

6. Naples, FL

Day Trips From Miami, Naples, Florida, which is only one and a half hours from Miami, is the perfect destination for a laid-back weekend away from the hustle and bustle. Because the beaches there are much nicer and the gulf side of Florida tends to be less tourist. Naples used to be known as a winter retreat for affluent east coasters. But in recent years it has grown into a bustling city with a distinct culture and dining scene. Craft beer enthusiasts will have plenty to discover here, while the Artis Naples’ performing arts program features a diverse lineup of headliners in jazz, classical, and even stand-up comedy.

EAT:

For dinner, you should go to Campiello if you’re planning a romantic break. The award-winning rustic Italian restaurant has a patio for eating outside and a fantastically opulent dining room.

DRINK:

The only thing standing between you and the water at Rhode’s End Beach Bar is a narrow wooden barrier; the views of the setting sun only contribute to the relaxed atmosphere.

DO:

Naples Botanical Gardens boasts ten distinctively themed gardens, including Brazilian, Orchid, and Jungle, that are dispersed on a 170-acre plot of land.

STAY:

The contemporary luxury tower Naples Grande Beach Resort, situated on a mangrove estuary, offers guests the best of both worlds: three miles of unspoiled white sand beach, a chic cocktail bar, a seafood bistro, and a full-service spa.

If you only take one action…

To locate a unique memento to take home, visit Third Street South, which is home to a diverse array of antique stores, contemporary boutiques, and art galleries.