Top 11: Best Day Trips from Miami

Miami is a vibrant city with year-round great weather, great beaches, and a wonderful variety of food options, especially from Latin America. Between chilling out on South Beach, soaking in the culture in Little Havana, and Wynwood, there’s always plenty to enjoy in the city. However, given Miami’s location in South Florida, it’s also a prime location to discover other fantastic destinations on the peninsula. Let’s check out the best day trips from Miami!

1. Everglades

Travel Time: ~40 minutes by car or tour bus

Vibe: Nature escape, wildlife photography, airboat fun

The Everglades National Park in Florida is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the major Floridian city of Miami. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to lush subtropical landscapes and a wide variety of wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and exotic birds.

On this Everglades day trip from Miami with transport, you’ll make your way through the Everglades aboard a hoverboard, gliding over shallow waters, before enjoying a crocodile show, during which you’ll have the chance to snap a picture alongside one of these majestic reptiles.

• Check out more ways to discover the Everglades National Park with Civitatis.

2. Key West

Travel Time: ~4 hours by bus/car

Vibes: Tropical island experience without leaving the U.S.

The southernmost city in the continental U.S., Key West is a quirky, tropical city with fine Atlantic beaches, incredible sunsets, and amazing food (most famously, the ‘Key Lime Pie‘, which you can try out for yourself on this Key West food tour!) This is a very walkable city, which can also be explored comfortably by bike. In fact, if you want to discover the city on two wheels, check out this Key West bike tour and see the main landmarks like Simonton Beach, Mallory Square, the Key West Lighthouse, and more!

For us, however, the best part of Key West is its stunning waters. We highly recommend you go snorkeling in Key West, or do this all-in-one kayaking, paddle boarding & snorkeling trip in Key West. If you like spending time on the water but would prefer to take it a bit easier, maybe this glass-bottom boat ride is for you!

If you’re visiting from Miami it’ll take you around 4 hours by car or bus. However, we’d recommend you go on this day trip to Key West from Miami with Civitatis, to make life as easy as possible!

• Check out more tours & experiences in Key West with Civitatis.

3. Walt Disney World® Resort, Orlando

Travel Time: ~3.5–4 hours

Vibes: The Happiest Place on Earth

The first theme park on our list, Walt Disney World® Resort, is one of the best-known and most beloved theme parks in the world. This epic park covers 40 square miles (over 100 square kilometers), which is approximately the same size as the city of Paris. But don’t be overwhelmed—this isThe Happiest Place on Earth, after all! Do make sure to check out their website so you know what you want to see and do at the park to make the most of your trip.

The best way to visit the park from Miami is by booking a transfer from Miami, or, even better this Walt Disney World® Resort trip from Miami—on this page, you can reserve transport, your ticket, and accommodation, stress-free!

4. The Bahamas

Travel Time: ~2 hours by ferry

Vibes: Crystal waters, beach bars, and island breeze.

Believe it or not, the Bahamas are right off the coast of the Sunshine State, and Miami is one of the best cities from which to visit one of its many breathtaking islands. In fact, the islands are so close that you can comfortably enjoy a day trip to the Bahamas from Miami. On this activity, you can enjoy 5–7 hours on the Bimini Islands or Grand Bahama Island, depending on the day you travel.

You’ve surely seen photos online of the Bahamas, and yes—the water is just as bright blue and crystal clear in real life! Once you’re there, take in some sunshine, go snorkeling, and tuck into the islands’ incredible food—conch fritters are a local favorite!

• Check out more tours & experiences in the Bahamas.

5. Miami Outlets

Travel Time: 30–60 min

Vibes: Designer steals, outlet deals, retail therapy.

A very different vibe that isn’t for everyone, taking a day trip to Miami’s shopping outlets can be a great way to escape the madness of the city for a few hours and grab yourself some presents at the same time—you deserve it!

On this shopping trip to the Sawgrass Mills Mall from Miami, you’ll have the day to check out stores of all of your favorite brands, from Nike to Tommy Hilfiger, and more. If clothes aren’t your thing, don’t worry, check out BrandsMart USA for your electronics needs.

6. Kennedy Space Center

Travel Time: ~4 hours

Vibes: Geek out over space and space travel.

Next up on our list is the famous Kennedy Space Center, NASA’s primary launch site, handling the Apollo Missions, the Space Shuttle program, and the ongoing Artemis program. This center is also used for astronaut training and as an exceptional visitor center. Here, you can learn all about NASA’s incredible, cutting-edge equipment, enjoy live shows, meet real astronauts, and more! A highlight for us is the Mars Rover Simulator, which allows visitors to explore the mysterious Martian landscape.

The easiest way to get there is as part of this Kennedy Space Center private excursion. With Civitatis, you can also get your ticket to the Kennedy Space Center!

7. Fort Lauderdale

Travel Time: ~45 min

Vibes: Chic beaches, canal cruises, quiet living.

Less than an hour from the city, Fort Lauderdale is a bit like Miami’s younger cousin, boasting gorgeous beaches (Las Olas Beach, Fort Lauderdale Beach), stylish restaurants, and a vibrant art scene, with a lot less of the bustle, and generally at a cheaper price. The city is known as the ‘Venice of America‘ thanks to its extensive canal system, and one of the best ways to explore is on a Fort Lauderdal canal sightseeing cruise. Or, spice it up a bit by enjoying this Fort Lauderdale boat party!

8. West Palm Beach

Travel Time: ~1.5 hours

Vibes: Museums, gardens, and a polished beach town vibe.

West Palm Beach is the ideal spot for travelers looking to combine cultural experiences with Florida’s classic sun and sand. Visit the Norton Museum of Art or the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum for a dose of history and fine art, then relax in the beautiful Mounts Botanical Garden. Or, if you’re looking for something more exciting, West Palm Beach is also excellent for this beginner’s Scuba Diving experience, or this snorkeling activity at West Palm Beach.

9. Delray Beach

Travel Time: ~1 hour

Vibes: Charming artsy downtown, crystal-clear beaches, and a slower pace. Feels like a coastal secret.

Delray Beach is somewhat of a hidden gem on Florida’s Atlantic coast. Combining a charming downtown with some of Miami’s most magnificent beaches. You’ll find a strong artsy vibe here, with the Pineapple Grove Arts District full of galleries, boutiques, and murals.

Spend your day walking along Atlantic Avenue, then head to the beach for some sun and swimming. Delray also has excellent options for al fresco dining and a growing craft cocktail scene.

10. Jupiter

Travel Time: ~1.5 hours

Vibes: Small-town Florida charm, gorgeous nature, golf.

Jupiter, located in Palm Beach County, is a quieter destination known for its natural beauty. The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse is a must-see for its panoramic views, and the nearby Riverbend Park offers trails for hiking and kayaking through Florida’s native ecosystems. If you’re interested in sport, Jupiter is a prime golf destination, now home to some of the biggest names in the sport, including Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods.

11. Universal Orlando Resort

Travel Time: ~4 hours

Vibes: Epic rides, movie sets, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park.

Universal Orlando Resort is a world-class theme park filled with attractions that bring your favorite movies to life. Walk through Diagon Alley, sip butterbeer, and take a ride on the Hogwarts Express in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Then dive into action-packed adventures in Jurassic Park, Marvel Super Hero Island, and more!

To get to Universal from Miami, check out this day trip to Universal Orlando Resort via high speed train, or this day trip to Universal Orlando Resort via bus.

There you have it! There’s so much to check out across Florida, we couldn’t fit it all in this one list. If you’re planning a trip (or even you’re just daydreaming), be sure to check out more tours & experiences in Florida with Civitatis!