Top Day Trips from Miami

Miami has a bit of everything, from old-Hollywood glitz to coastal charm. But suppose you want to get out of town to see a bit more of South Florida? There are countless places to visit in Miami and the surrounding areas, from stunning drives to the Florida Keys to airboat rides on the Everglades. Whether you're looking for a scenic drive and a lovely restaurant brunch or an outdoor adventure that you'll never forget, you'll find ideas for the top day trips from Miami right here.

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Homestead, Florida is widely considered the gateway to Everglades National Park. It also packs in the small-town charm with intimate eateries and hole-in-the-wall spots, all of which are well worth a visit. Stop for a 60-minute airboat tour on the waterways of the Everglades, drive over to the Homestead-Miami Speedway, which hosts the NASCAR championship every year, or get a taste of the tropics on a full-day guided tour of the best local eateries and wineries in the area. You'll find a bit of everything here; it would be easy to spend a full day, even if you just barely venture into the 1.5-million-acre Everglades National Park.

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Vero Beach is a bit further afield than most of the locations on this list, but trust us: it's well worth the drive. This little beach town offers calmer, less-crowded beaches than you'll find in Miami. And whether you're in the mood for sunbathing, jet-skiing, snorkeling or diving, you'll find opportunities to make the most of your time in the water here. Book a private tiki cabana boat tour for a truly memorable experience, or try a fat tire electric bike tour to take in the best off-road views in the area. Vero Beach is also home to a number of excellent restaurants and spas, so you'll have no shortage of ways to unwind after a day of taking in the casual-chic atmosphere that permeates Vero Beach.

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Key Largo occupies an almost mythic status in the American consciousness, thanks to a handful of Hollywood films. It's an easy, oceanfront mini road trip from Miami down to this northernmost island in the Florida Keys. Here, you can swim with the dolphins, lay out on sparkling white sand, take a guided snorkeling tour, or partake in a cocktail on a Tiki Fun Cruise. Looking for the freshest seafood and best pies around? Definitely stop in at Fish House, a classic seafood joint that's been around since 1982. The only problem with taking a day trip to Key Largo is that you might find yourself planning your next vacation here.

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Islamorada, Florida is a bit further south than Key Largo; it's a little less than two hours from Miami to this slice of tropical paradise. The drive itself is gorgeous--arguably one of the country's most breathtaking. If you're feeling adventurous, you could book a two-hour snorkeling adventure on a pontoon boat. Or you wander through the resorts and marinas, with their many boutique shops, dining and drinking options. Pierre's Restaurant & Lounge and Lounge and Nikai Sushi at the Cheeca Lodge and Spa are a couple of the best dinner spots. If you happen to be visiting on the third Thursday of the month, you'll get to enjoy the town's Art Walk event, which showcases the work of local artists and musicians.

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West Palm Beach is a world of its own. Known as a haven for wealthy reclusives with money to spend, you'll find your fair share of upscale shopping and dining establishments. But you'll also encounter incredible art museums--most notably, the Norton Museum of Art--and gorgeous public spaces that welcome wandering, shopping and taking in the atmosphere. Looking for design inspiration? Stop by Restoration Hardware, a multistory furniture and interior design mecca, then grab cocktails in their rooftop RH Restaurant. Or you could head over to The Square, a multi-use complex in downtown West Palm Beach that has something for everyone: shopping and dining, outdoor recreation, sustainability initiatives and community events like outdoor movies and concerts happening regularly.

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In some ways, this day trip is the easiest on our list--because there's no driving involved. Hop on a ferry leaving from Miami, enjoy a comfortable two-hour ferry ride (complete with restrooms, drinks and air conditioning) and step off into a whole new world. Bimini embodies laid-back island vibes. Stroll around the coastal area, grab a drink and dinner at one of the open-air dining establishments, or dip your feet into the pristine water. Want to experience the best of Bahamian cuisine? Try a guided Island Food Taste Experience. It's hard to go wrong with a day trip to an island nation that will leave you refreshed and renewed at the end of the day.

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We mentioned that Homestead, Florida is worth a visit, but you could also make a beeline for the Everglades National Park and spend an entire day exploring, particularly if you're a fan of outdoor adventures. From hiking trails to kayaking excursions, you'll find it here--along with the wild occupants of this haven: alligators, Florida panthers and rare birds. If you're planning to hike or spend a lot of time outdoors, the best time to visit is December-March, thanks to the cooler weather and less-pesky mosquitos. But if you're here at another time of the year, it's still worth the day trip to Everglades National Park from Miami. Just don't forget to pack your bug spray.

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Located in Ochopee, Florida, the Big Cypress National Preserve gives you another way to experience the Everglades. This might be one of the most overlooked Miami day trip spots. Typically quieter and less crowded than Everglades National Park, Big Cypress has a lot to offer: breathtaking views of the everglades and protected cypress trees. You can rent a paddleboard and enjoy a paddle up the Turner River. Or just take a lovely drive along Loop Road before stopping at one of Ochopee's excellent restaurants for lunch. It's free to enter Big Cypress National Preserve and it doesn't have the same restrictions as the Everglades National Park. It also has a good number of wooden boardwalks that make it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

Of course, there are plenty of other day trips from Miami, many of them to other sparkling South Florida cities and towns. But these are our top Miami day trips that will give you a unique experience you simply won't find in Miami itself. It's worth taking a day of your vacation to venture a little far afield; you might discover your next vacation spot.

When thinking of the best time to visit Miami it’s important to know that AAA members can access perks and take advances for vacation planning such as getting the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.