1. Big Cypress National Preserve
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Location:
Ochopee, FLHighlights:
If you’re looking for a nature-filled escape just under an hour from Miami, Big Cypress is your spot. It’s a massive, wild, and wonderful preserve where gators, panthers, and orchids thrive across 720,000 acres of raw Florida beauty.Recommended For:
Wildlife lovers, photographers, national park enthusiasts, paddlers, and anyone craving off-the-grid exploration near South Florida.What I Love: ♥
Rare glimpses of Florida panthers, hauntingly beautiful swamp landscapes, scenic drives, and exciting ranger-led programs.- Learn about the preserve’s origins—it was established in 1974 as one of the country’s first national preserves.
- Spot unique wildlife like alligators, anhingas, river otters, and over 30 species of blooming orchids along scenic trails and waterways.
- Experience the Loop Road Scenic Drive, featuring Sweetwater Strand Bridge and the ghostly charm of Pinecrest’s Gator Hook Lodge legacy.
- Explore on your own via hiking and paddling routes, or join ranger-led swamp talks, canoe tours, or custom outings with Captain Steve’s Swamp Buggy or Airboat Adventures.
Distance from Miami:
About 45 minutes by car.How to Get to Big Cypress National Preserve:
Take US-41/Tamiami Trail west from Miami. The preserve’s visitor center is located at 33100 Tamiami Trail E in Ochopee, FL. Use Exit 80 off I-75 or continue along US-41.33100 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL 34141, Phone: 239-695-2000, Map
2. Bonita Springs
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Location:
Bonita Springs, FLHighlights:
If you’re craving a Gulf Coast getaway packed with soft sands, wildlife, and hidden gems, Bonita Springs is a total win. It’s the kind of coastal town that blends laid-back beach vibes with nature-filled adventures.Recommended For:
Beach lovers, families, kayakers, nature photographers, and anyone wanting a quieter Florida coastal escape.What I Love: ♥
Pristine beaches like Barefoot and Bonita, stunning nature preserves, and access to some of Florida’s most peaceful state parks and islands.- Relax at the 2.5-acre Bonita Beach Park, a year-round favorite for swimming and boardwalk strolls.
- Explore Barefoot Beach Preserve Park, one of the country’s top-rated beaches with 342 acres of untouched barrier island beauty.
- Adventure through Lover’s Key State Park, where kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and biking await across 1,000 acres and four barrier islands.
- Discover hidden treasures like Little Hickory Island Beach Park and meet exotic animals at the delightful Everglades Wonder Gardens.
Distance from Miami:
About 2 hours by car, depending on traffic.How to Get to Bonita Springs:
From Miami, take I-75 North across Alligator Alley, then take Exit 116 for Bonita Beach Road SE and follow signs into Bonita Springs. It’s an easy, scenic drive straight to the coast.3. Captiva Island
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Location:
Captiva Island, FLHighlights:
If you’re dreaming of a peaceful island escape with charm, history, and Gulf Coast beauty, Captiva Island is it. It’s quiet, walkable, and full of seashells, sunsets, and that old Florida magic.Recommended For:
Couples, families, shell collectors, nature lovers, and anyone looking for a relaxing, scenic getaway with no high-rises in sight.What I Love: ♥
Car-free exploring by golf cart, sunsets over the Gulf, low-rise island charm, and hidden gems like Doc Ford’s restaurant and the iconic South Seas resort.- Explore the 2.5-mile-long beach, known for its over 250 species of seashells—perfect for beachcombers and shell collectors.
- Enjoy boutique shopping, fresh seafood dining, and a laid-back nightlife scene you can reach by foot or bike.
- Learn the island’s unique history—it became separated from neighboring Sanibel Island by the formation of Blind Pass during a 1926 hurricane.
- Relax at South Seas resort, offering a nine-hole golf course, fitness center, and delicious eats at Doc Ford’s, inspired by author Randy Wayne White’s novels.
- Marvel at the local law: no building can be taller than the highest palm tree—keeping the views postcard-worthy.
Distance from Fort Myers:
About 1 hour by car, depending on traffic and bridge access from Sanibel Island.How to Get to Captiva Island:
Drive west from Fort Myers over the Sanibel Causeway, continuing through Sanibel Island to the northern tip where Captiva Island begins. Parking is limited, so plan ahead if you’re not staying overnight.Romantic Day Trips in South Florida:
4. Cayo Costa State Park
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Location:
Cayo Costa, FLHighlights:
If you’ve ever wanted to escape to a secluded island with nothing but waves, wildlife, and wide-open skies—Cayo Costa is calling your name. This off-the-grid paradise is only reachable by boat, which makes it feel like your own private stretch of the Gulf Coast.Recommended For:
Adventurers, campers, shell seekers, off-the-beaten-path travelers, and anyone craving pure nature with zero distractions.What I Love: ♥
The boat-only access, nine miles of unspoiled beach, and the rare chance to camp or stay in primitive cabins steps from the surf.- Access the park by boat or kayak—just 12 miles west of Cape Coral—and embrace its untouched, car-free charm.
- Swim, snorkel, and shell along nine miles of undeveloped shoreline, or spot birds and dolphins from the sand.
- Fish for redfish, snook, pompano, and tarpon in the surrounding waters, a local favorite among anglers.
- Hike the island’s interior trails, unwind at shaded picnic sites, or visit the small on-site nature center.
- Camp overnight in one of 30 tent sites or 12 rustic cabins and fall asleep to ocean breezes under the stars.
Distance from Cape Coral:
About 12 miles offshore—travel time depends on your departure point and boat access.How to Get to Cayo Costa State Park:
Visitors can reach the island by private boat, kayak, or charter ferry service from nearby ports such as Pine Island, Captiva, or Fort Myers. Be sure to book your transport in advance.Cayo Costa State Park, Cayo Costa, FL 33922, Phone: 941-964-0375
5. Everglades National Park
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Location:
Homestead, FLHighlights:
If you’ve never explored a subtropical wilderness where crocodiles, panthers, and manatees coexist, it’s time to discover the Everglades. This world-famous national park is Florida’s wild heart—wet, wild, and unforgettable.Recommended For:
Nature lovers, wildlife watchers, hikers, families, photographers, and national park collectors.What I Love: ♥
The rare mix of ecosystems, year-round wildlife spotting, UNESCO status, and a chance to experience the largest preserved wilderness east of the Mississippi.- Explore 1.5 million acres of coastal mangroves, pine flatwoods, and sawgrass marshes—habitats for endangered species like the Florida panther and West Indian manatee.
- Learn why it’s globally significant: declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 for its rare, fragile ecosystem.
- Hike boardwalks and forested trails that cross hardwood hammocks and freshwater sloughs teeming with life.
- Join ranger-led tours and boat rides to spot gators, crocs, birds, and even sharks or barracuda in estuarine areas.
- Camp under the stars at scenic sites like Long Pine Key and Flamingo, open year-round for tents and RVs.
Distance from Miami:
About 1 hour by car to the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center in Homestead.How to Get to Everglades National Park:
From Miami, head south on US-1 to Florida City, then west on State Road 9336 straight to the park entrance. Several access points are available, so check ahead for the activities and routes you plan to explore.40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034, Phone: 305-242-7700, Map
6. Fort Lauderdale
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Location:
Fort Lauderdale, FLHighlights:
Looking for sun, culture, and serious waterfront charm? Fort Lauderdale is one of Florida’s best all-around destinations—equal parts beach bliss, artsy vibes, and nonstop things to do.Recommended For:
beachgoers, art lovers, boating enthusiasts, and families looking for a fun, coastal city experience.What I Love: ♥
A beautiful canal-lined neighborhoods, the family-friendly Riverwalk, and access to state parks right by the beach.- Relax on world-famous beaches or hop on a water taxi through the scenic canals that earned Fort Lauderdale its nickname, “Venice of America.”
- Explore the Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk, packed with top cultural stops like the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and the Museum of Discovery and Science.
- Visit the historic Stranahan House, the city’s oldest building turned into a living history museum with period furnishings and guided tours.
- Unwind at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, where nature trails, canoeing, and camping meet the ocean’s edge—right in the city.
- Celebrate inclusivity—Fort Lauderdale is one of America’s top LGBTQ+ destinations, welcoming over 1.3 million LGBTQ+ visitors each year.
Distance from Miami:
Around 35 minutes north by car, depending on traffic.How to Get to Fort Lauderdale:
Take I-95 North from Miami, or hop on the Brightline train for a fast and easy ride. Fort Lauderdale is also just two miles from Port Everglades, making it a perfect pre- or post-cruise stop.Family Day Trips in South Florida:
7. Fort Myers
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Location:
Fort Myers, FLHighlights:
If you’re looking for a Gulf Coast destination with beaches, baseball, and a dash of history, Fort Myers is your place. It’s laid-back, sunny, and packed with nature and culture for every kind of traveler.Recommended For:
Families, beachgoers, history buffs, nature lovers, and baseball fans—especially during spring training season.What I Love: ♥
The Edison and Ford estates, manatee kayaking, shell-covered islands, and the city’s unbeatable blend of outdoorsy fun and educational charm.- Swim, fish, and relax along beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, ideal for families and sunseekers alike.
- Tour the historic winter estates of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford with garden, home, and lab tours available year-round.
- See wildlife at J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, where mangroves shelter crocodiles, gators, and vibrant bird species.
- Paddle through Manatee Park to observe Florida’s gentle giants in their natural waters, especially during cooler months.
- Learn and explore at the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, with butterfly gardens, live animal demos, and immersive space shows.
- Catch a game—Fort Myers is a beloved spring training hub for the Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox, with open practices and ticketed games each March.
Distance from Miami:
About 2 hours and 15 minutes by car via I-75 N.How to Get to Fort Myers:
From Miami, take I-75 North across Alligator Alley. For those flying in, Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is just minutes from downtown and the beaches.8. Islamorada
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Location:
Islamorada, FL (Florida Keys)Highlights:
If you want that classic Florida Keys experience—fishing boats at sunrise, coral reefs at your feet, and dolphins swimming nearby—Islamorada is your dream island stop. Stretching across six scenic keys, this village is packed with marine adventures and small-town charm.Recommended For:
Sport fishers, divers, nature lovers, families, and anyone craving a peaceful yet activity-packed Keys escape.What I Love: ♥
The epic fishing, hands-on marine parks, quirky museums, coral reef dives, and how the Everglades and the Keys meet right here.- Fish in the “Sportfishing Capital of the World,” home to the largest fishing fleet per square mile anywhere on the planet.
- Dive among vibrant coral reefs or explore the fascinating History of Diving Museum to learn how humans have ventured under the sea.
- Swim with dolphins and meet sea lions at Theater of the Sea, one of Florida’s oldest and most beloved marine parks.
- Hike and tour the geological wonders of Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, a former quarry filled with fossilized coral.
- Catch a show at the Coral Shores Performing Arts Center, which hosts local theater and community performances year-round.
Distance from Miami:
About 1 hour and 45 minutes by car via the scenic Overseas Highway (U.S. 1 South).How to Get to Islamorada:
From Miami, follow U.S. 1 South through the Florida Keys. Islamorada is located between Key Largo and Marathon and is accessible by car, bus, or private shuttle.Plan Your Trip