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Best Day Trips From Miami (2026)
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Miami is a great base for day trips. The Florida Keys, Everglades, and Fort Lauderdale are all within 1–2 hours by car or rideshare. This guide covers the top three options with drive times, what to expect, and which season works best. Book the trip through our Expedia affiliate partner link to help fund student scholarships.
Key Largo and the Upper Keys
About 1 hour from Miami by car. Best for snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, glass-bottom boat tours, and a relaxed Keys lunch. Doable as a one-day trip; better as an overnight if you want to reach Islamorada or further.
Everglades National Park airboat tours
About 45 minutes west of Miami. Half-day airboat tours leave from multiple operators along Tamiami Trail. Best for wildlife (alligators, wading birds) and a totally different ecosystem from the city.
Fort Lauderdale
30–45 minutes north. Walkable beach, Las Olas Boulevard dining, and the Riverwalk. Great low-effort day trip if you want a different beach scene without committing to the Keys drive.
Booking transportation
All three trips work via rental car. The Keys and Everglades are car-dependent; Fort Lauderdale is also reachable via Brightline rail (faster than driving in traffic).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do the Florida Keys as a day trip from Miami?
Yes — Key Largo is doable in a day. For Islamorada and further, plan an overnight to make the drive worthwhile.
Are Everglades airboat tours worth it?
Yes — most travelers rate the wildlife viewing and ecosystem experience highly. Half-day tours are the standard format.
How do I get to Fort Lauderdale from Miami without a car?
Brightline rail offers fast, comfortable service between Miami and Fort Lauderdale stations.