Best Day Trips in South Florida
The sun-soaked stretch of South Florida is a world unto itself, where vibrant cities spill into lush wetlands, turquoise waters meet white-sand beaches, and colorful cultures weave together into something unforgettable.
From buzzing Miami streets and art-filled corners to tranquil islands and untamed national parks, there’s always a new discovery around the corner. Over my many visits, I’ve found that the real magic lies in the day trips, the adventures that carry you just beyond the city and reveal the wildly diverse beauty of the region.
Whether you’re craving crystalline waters, a brush with nature, or a taste of Old Florida charm, here are some of the incredible places I’ve come to love.
1. Palm Beach
I thought Palm Beach was absolutely enchanting! I was swept away by its blend of pristine golden beaches, turquoise waters, lush tropical gardens, and its mix of refined elegance with laid-back coastal charm. The island feels both glamorous and relaxed, with grand Mediterranean-style estates, luxury boutiques, and quaint cafes nestled along palm-lined streets.
Just an hour and 15 minutes from Miami, it’s located on a barrier island along Florida’s Atlantic Coast, just across the Intracoastal Waterway from West Palm Beach and around 70 miles north of Miami. With a population of around 9,000 residents, Palm Beach combines resort-style luxury with small-town intimacy.
I spent a sun-soaked day here exploring its highlights. I strolled along Worth Avenue (often called the “Rodeo Drive of the East Coast”), admired the European-inspired architecture of The Breakers hotel (we spent three days here on our four week Florida road trip), and relaxed on the silky sands of Midtown Beach. I also toured the Flagler Museum (the Gilded Age mansion of Henry Flagler), walked through the tropical beauty of Pan’s Garden, and paused for coffee at Via Roma Cafe.
One thing to note, Palm Beach carried higher prices across the board, lodging, meals, even parking. You should plan your budget ahead so you can enjoy the best of it without stress.
My highlight was dining at Buccan on Palm Beach for small plates full of flavor. I ordered the short rib empanadas—crispy on the outside, savory and tender within—and the smoky aroma made the whole meal linger in memory. Sitting in the airy dining room, I felt the lively energy that defines Palm Beach dining.
2. Davie
Davie was one of the best day trips in South Florida when I moved to the Each Coast. I thought it had its own charm with its blend of modern suburban neighborhoods, rustic ranch-style homes, and wide open green spaces dotted with horses, all set against the backdrop of Florida’s endless blue skies, swaying palm trees, and nearby coastal waters.
Just a short drive inland from Fort Lauderdale, Davie has a unique Old Florida-meets-Wild West character, with ranches, equestrian trails, and a more laid-back suburban vibe compared to the coastal glam of Palm Beach.
Flamingo Gardens were a highlight, horseback riding trails at Tree Tops Park, and a taste of Western-style culture at Davie’s rodeo grounds.
I was really won over by how the town was so many things at once...it was laid-back yet lively, it also had outdoor adventures, cultural diversity, and a unique Western-inspired heritage. I could be enjoying a coffee in a cozy spot near Nova Southeastern University, and then kayaking through the Everglades in no time! To me, it was the perfect mix of South Florida’s easygoing lifestyle and its own distinct small-town flavor.
One challenge? I liked the small-town, Western vibe, but the attractions were pretty spread out. You really need a car here.
3. Coral Springs
I absolutely loved Coral Springs when I visited! I also thought it was such a beautiful and well-planned city, with its neat neighborhoods, leafy parks, sparkling lakes, and colorful public art installations, all set against South Florida’s bright skies and warm tropical breezes.
I was really won over by how the city managed to be so many things at once – it was peaceful and family-friendly, yet vibrant and full of cultural life. It also had outdoor adventures, a diverse dining scene, and a strong sense of community.
It’s nestled in Broward County in South Florida, about 20 miles northwest of Fort Lauderdale and less than an hour from Miami. We based ourselves at 4-star Fort Lauderdale Marriott Coral Springs Hotel for two night.
I spent a fun few days here and explored the Coral Springs Museum of Art with its inspiring exhibits, wandered through the lush Sawgrass Nature Center & Wildlife Hospital, relaxed at Mullins Park with its open fields and recreation facilities, and enjoyed a performance at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts.
My personal highlight was the Coral Springs Covered Bridge, a rare and charming landmark in Florida I really admired.
4. Sanibel Island
I absolutely loved Sanibel Island when I visited! I also thought it was absolutely enchanting with its soft, shell-strewn beaches, pastel-colored cottages, and winding bike trails shaded by palms and sea grapes, all set against the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico and fiery tropical sunsets.
I was really won over by how the island was so many things at once – it was laid-back yet full of charm, it also had outdoor adventures, natural beauty, and a touch of island sophistication. I could be enjoying a leisurely breakfast in a beachfront café, and then be collecting shells along the shore or kayaking through mangrove tunnels in no time! To me, it was the perfect blend of barefoot island living and quiet coastal elegance.
It’s nestled just off the coast of Southwest Florida, connected to the mainland by the Sanibel Causeway near Fort Myers where we were based at 3-star Hilton Garden Inn Fort Myers for two nights. We drove about 45 minutes to reach Sanibel Island on a day trip from Fort Myers. It’s well known for its seashells, pristine nature preserves, and peaceful, slow-paced atmosphere.
You can explore the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge with its incredible birdwatching and nature trails, visit the charming Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, admire the iconic Sanibel Lighthouse and its surrounding beaches, and bike along more than 25 miles of scenic paths.
Simple, casual pizza lunch at Wickies Lighthouse Restaurant was a personal highlight.
5. Estero
I think that Estero is one of the best day trips in South Florida. Why? Estero has a unique mix of untouched natural preserves, sparkling Gulf waters, and welcoming small-town vibes, yet it still offers plenty of modern comforts. To me it felt relaxing and warm, with a slower pace than nearby Naples or Fort Myers, but just as beautiful.
Established in the late 1800s as a utopian settlement, Estero has grown into a vibrant community with around 40,000 residents. It’s nestled along the Gulf Coast between Naples and Fort Myers, with easy access to pristine beaches, nature parks, and cultural attractions. The area is also known for its wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, and sea birds thriving in the mangrove estuaries.
I drove down from Fort Myers in under 30 minutes and stayed at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa for two nights, which felt like the perfect balance between luxury and nature. From there, I explored nearby trails, paddled through calm waters, and soaked up the Florida sun.
6. Fort Lauderdale
I just loved this vibrant coastal city! Fort Lauderdale offers a perfect mix of waterways, beaches, and an energetic urban vibe. To me it felt lively yet laid-back, with an easygoing charm that makes it less hectic than Miami but just as full of culture and things to do.
Known as the "Venice of America" thanks to its 165 miles of canals, Fort Lauderdale has grown into a thriving destination for boating, arts, and dining. I loved its beaches, marinas, and cool nightlife. It makes for an amazing day trip, but I usually like to stay a few nights.
I flew into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and stayed three nights at the 3-star Riverside Hotel on Las Olas Boulevard, a perfect base for exploring both the waterfront and the city’s cultural side. From there, I enjoyed boat tours, beach walks, and evenings filled with great food and live music.
I want to point out that I loved the canals and beaches, but traffic downtown was frustrating. It took longer than expected to get from one attraction to another.
7. Miami
Miami feels like a crossroads of cultures—where art, music, food, and ocean life all collide. To me it felt both energetic and glamorous, with an electric pulse that makes it more fast-paced than Fort Lauderdale but with endless layers of discovery, from sleek city skylines to quiet tropical hideaways. I arrived through Miami International Airport and stayed four nights at The Betsy Hotel on Ocean Drive, an elegant yet relaxed base right on South Beach.
We started in Wynwood Arts District, where murals stretched taller than rooftops and every block felt like a curated walk through someone else’s imagination. At Laundromat Art Space, we stepped into a studio-gallery hybrid, quiet and sunlit, where artists worked while we wandered. It felt real and alive.
We made our way to Versailles Restaurant in Little Havana. I was eager to eat at "the world's most famous Cuban restaurant." I had arroz con pollo which was savory, aromatic, just right.
Later, we made our way to Overtown Music & Arts Festival. Music poured into the street, jazz, gospel, soul, blending with food trucks and families. It wasn’t touristy. It was joyful. Grounded. Local.
For something completely different, we visited the Zoological Wildlife Foundation. Tucked away from the city’s buzz, it gave us a chance to see endangered species up close. A handler introduced us to a clouded leopard, and I remember thinking how rare it is to feel both awed and humbled like that in one moment.
In the evening, we signed up for Painting with a Twist, not sure what to expect. We left with two canvases, messy hands, and the kind of easy laughter that only comes when no one’s trying too hard. It was simple. And fun.
On our final night, we ate at Seaspice, where the view over the Miami River glowed with lights from passing boats. I had the truffle risotto; my husband ordered grilled octopus. The food was perfect, but it was the stillness between bites that I’ll remember most.
The only drawback? The energy was unforgettable, but Miami felt busy and loud, even on the beach. My son loved the colors and music, but I sometimes wished for a quieter escape.
8. Islamorada
I just loved this laid-back island village! Islamorada, known as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World,” feels like the perfect blend of turquoise waters, tropical charm, and island-time relaxation. To me it felt tranquil and unspoiled, with a slower pace than Key West but still full of adventures both on and off the water.
Islamorada is actually a collection of six islands in the Florida Keys, stretching across a narrow strip between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. With just over 7,000 residents, it’s smaller and quieter than other parts of the Keys, but it’s world-famous for boating, snorkeling, and fishing. The sunsets alone—fiery skies fading into calm seas—were worth the trip.
I drove down from Miami in just under two hours along the scenic Overseas Highway and stayed at the boutique-style Cheeca Lodge & Spa, which made for an ideal island escape with its beachfront views and easy access to water adventures.
9. Big Cypress National Preserve
Big Cypress felt raw, immersive, and authentic—an incredible landscape of cypress swamps, prairies, and mangroves that gave me the sense of stepping into true Florida wilderness. To me it felt adventurous and grounding, less crowded and far less commercialized than Everglades National Park, yet just as rich in wildlife and natural beauty.
Established in 1974, Big Cypress National Preserve protects over 729,000 acres of critical swamp ecosystem just north of the Everglades. It’s home to around 30,000 residents within its boundaries but is most famous for its wildlife—alligators, river otters, black bears, and the elusive Florida panther roam freely through its wetlands. The preserve also holds cultural significance, with Seminole and Miccosukee communities maintaining traditions here.
I drove about an hour west from Miami along the Tamiami Trail and spent three days exploring the preserve, basing myself at the Everglades City Motel for easy access to trails and ranger-led tours.
10. Everglades
This is one of the most unique natural landscapes on the planet! Yes, I found it humid and buggy at times, but I was also in awe! It felt like stepping into a living, breathing wilderness of slow-moving waters, lush wetlands, and extraordinary wildlife – a place that was both tranquil and raw with natural power.
The Everglades, often called the “River of Grass,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. Stretching across southern Florida, it formed thousands of years ago as waters from Lake Okeechobee slowly drained southward, creating a massive, shallow ecosystem that supports countless species, from alligators and manatees to rare birds like roseate spoonbills and endangered species such as the Florida panther.
I drove about an hour from Miami and spent three days exploring different parts of the park. I glided through sawgrass marshes on an airboat ride, hiked the Anhinga Trail where wildlife seemed just a few feet away, and kayaked through mangrove tunnels that felt like natural cathedrals. The highlight was spotting both alligators and crocodiles in the same waters – one of the few places in the world where they coexist!
Conclusion
What stayed with me after each trip wasn’t the postcard view, it was the pause. The trail that opened into a still marsh. The ocean breeze that held me a little longer. The meal that tasted better because I wasn’t in a hurry. In South Florida, the destinations are beautiful, but the journey is what changes you. Sometimes all it takes is one road out of town to feel like you’ve arrived somewhere entirely new, and more connected to yourself.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
