Everglades National Park swamp. Photo courtesy of Hein Mück.
While Miami has much to offer visitors, sometimes you just need a change of scenery. Luckily, there are many worthwhile destinations accessible from Miami. To help you plan the perfect Miami day trip, here are some suggestions.
Everglades National Park
Located about an hour away, Everglades National Park is a worthwhile Miami day trip. The 1.5 million acre (610,484 hectares) national park is dedicated to protecting fragile ecosystems and the largest subtropical wilderness in the country. Here you’ll find the largest mangrove ecosystem in the western hemisphere, over 30 threatened or protected species and an array of options for wildlife viewing, environmental education and outdoor recreation. Bird watchers will enjoy photographing the 350 species of birds, some of which include the white ibis, snowy egret, yellow-crowned night heron, ruby-throated hummingbird and black vulture. Moreover, taking a nature walk with a certified naturalist guide can help you learn about the more than 1,000 species of plants in the park. A few of the many other Everglades National Park experiences include canoeing through mangroves, hiking through wetlands, fishing for snapper and trout, front- and backcountry camping, geocaching, taking in a live alligator show and taking an airboat through the park. To make the most of your day trip you may want to book a great Everglades National Park day trips from Miami.
Key West
Key West can be the perfect Miami day trip, as it’s located only three hours away and is a city island known for its beautiful beaches, water sports and historic sites. Immerse yourself in nature at one of the many parks and preserves, like the Key West Nature Preserve, Fort Zachary Taylor and the McCoy Indigenous Park. Additionally, Key West is known for its vibrant underwater world, so taking a snorkeling, diving or glass bottom boat trip is a must when visiting. That being said, there are great indoor attractions in the destination as well. While the Shipwreck Museum provides education on the area’s shipwreck history as well as aerial views from its observation tower, the Custom House Museum presents two floors of history, art and culture.
Becauses Key West is a bit far, it can be worth it to book a tour to maximize your day. For instance, a Key West Sail and Snorkel Trip from Miami will allow you ride across 32 islands, explore top Key West city attractions, enjoy a scenic cruise and snorkel coral reef abundant with marine life. Additionally, a Key West Day Trip from Miami is a flexible tour that transports you to and from Key West and allows you to have the experiences you want, some of which can include strolling the city, snorkeling coral reef, seeing fish on a glass bottom boat, parasailing, enjoying a train ride around the Old Town and more.
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, located only 30 minutes away, is another great Miami day trip. Known for its beaches, historic riverfront and vibrant art and culture scene, Fort Lauderdale provides an array of experiences for the day traveler. Stroll down Las Olas Boulevard, filled with world-class museums, boutiques, art galleries, bars and al fresco dining options. Also make a stop at the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, a historic plantation-style home showcasing old world architecture; paintings and mural art; wildlife like parrots, Costa Rican squirrel monkeys, manatees and gopher tortoises; an array of themed gardens; and five distinct ecosystems with naturally-growing vegetation. Of course, no trip to Fort Lauderdale would be complete without spending time in the outdoors in the city’s many parks and beaches, some of which include the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, Deerfield Beach, Hillsboro Beach, Las Olas Beach and Sawgrass Recreation Park.