Once you’re done exploring our region, let us help you plan few great day trips from Miami. Several interesting places can be easily reached within a few hours drive and best of all, most are unique costal locations.

Wether you’re into nature, island hopping, countryside or beaches, South Florida has them all!

Here’s our favorite picks that you can easily plan and discover them at your own pace. Some are so relaxing that you may even decide to spend few extra days. So don’t forget to pack extra items.

• The Everglades National Park comes at the top of our list for a simple reason: It’s the must-see park in the entire Florida and it’s only an hour drive from Miami. You’ll get an incredible and intimate view of our wildlife and flora. It’s also near there that you can experience on our famous airboat. Get more tips from our post on the Everglades.

• Key West, the most southern tip of the continental US, has been captivating travelers since the early days. Key West’s most noticeable character is the relaxed and laid back atmosphere with eccentric locals. Take a stroll on Mallory Square and admire the sunset or head to Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and relax on its tranquil beach, which also offers some great snorkeling. Hit Duval Street to witness the funky street life and nightlife. Some of the restaurants and bars on this strip are renown institutions such as Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville restaurant and Sloppy Joe’s historic bar.
• Sanibel Island is sadly not on the itinerary of most South Florida visitors. It’s a hidden gem and worth the drive! Nature and wildlife enthusiasts are greeted with a peaceful atmosphere. Sanibel is popular for its shell beaches and for hosting the only seashells museum in the entire world, the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum. Most of the island is a well preserved large wildlife refuge for many endangered species. Everywhere you look is also a pristine white sandy beach.

• Sarasota was once a sleepy town but grew rapidly in recent modern days. Today, it still maintains its slow pace lifestyle. It is best known for its incredibly white sandy beaches where Siesta Key Beach is always ranked as the best beach in the US and one of top in the world! For a small city, it also has an unusual concentration of Italian architectures and monuments. Immerse in its history with a start at the impressive Ringling Estate. Finally, stop at the historic and family owned Sarasota Jungle Gardens to learn about the sleepy days of old Florida, in a charming outdoor.
• Marco Island is the largest of the Ten Thousand Islands in southwest South Florida. It’s particularly known for its upscale resorts as the area is geared toward affluent retirees and visitors. It also offers amazing beaches and beautiful parks such as Collier Seminole State Park. Nature and serene beaches are the top reasons to visit Marco Island.

• Homestead, located within a short drive from Miami, is the primary destination for a glimpse of South Florida’s countryside. Homestead is full of beautiful organic farms, unique parks such as the Fruit and Spice Park and plenty of fresh fruit stands, Robert is Here or Knaus Berry Farm are not to be missed! Few pleasantly awkward sites like Coral Castle and Redland Koi Gardens are delightful and worth visiting. Homestead has a sizable Mexican and Thai population, a hint for the best town to enjoy authentic Mexican and Thai food in the entire South Florida!

These are just a few day trips from Miami but we have many more. It’s best to rent a car if you want to make the most out of your trip and stop over at few other places along the way. Some South Florida charming spots are often hidden in between popular destinations.

Last but not least, take your time, and don’t rush. Enjoy your visits and happy travels!

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