Quick Summary:

  • What makes South Florida special?
    • South Florida is home to some of the United States' loveliest natural and cultural attractions, including the protected wilderness of famed Everglades National Park and the vibrant nightlife of lively metropolis Miami.
  • What natural attractions can visitors explore in South Florida?
    • Visitors can explore natural attractions like the beautiful Big Cypress National Preserve, a popular spot for alligator viewing, or go snorkeling at Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the nation's first underwater park.
  • What are some luxurious resort areas in South Florida?
    • Beautiful resort areas like Palm Beach and Naples are home to lavish Gilded Age estates, upscale shopping districts, and some of Florida's best golf courses.
  • What are some must-see places in the Florida Keys?
    • Sites throughout the Florida Keys like Key West and Key Largo are accessible from the mainland via bridge or boat, home to lovely museums, historic attractions, and opportunities for outdoor recreation.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Big Cypress National Preserve ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Big Cypress National Preserve | Day Trips in South Florida
© JUAN CARLOS MUNOZ/stock.adobe.com

2. Bonita Springs ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Bonita Springs | Day Trips in South Florida
© capic/stock.adobe.com

3. Captiva Island

Romantic Islands
Captiva Island | Day Trips in South Florida
© romanbreitung/stock.adobe.com

4. Cayo Costa State Park

Category: Activities
Cayo Costa State Park | Day Trips in South Florida
© eblue/stock.adobe.com

5. Everglades National Park

Category: Activities
Everglades National Park | Day Trips in South Florida
© National Parked/stock.adobe.com

6. Fort Lauderdale

Category: Activities
Fort Lauderdale | Day Trips in South Florida
© kmiragaya/stock.adobe.com

7. Fort Myers

Category: Activities
Fort Myers | Day Trips in South Florida
© Fotoluminate LLC/stock.adobe.com

8. Islamorada

Islamorada | Day Trips in South Florida
© Chris/stock.adobe.com

9. Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Category: Activities
Jonathan Dickinson State Park | Day Trips in South Florida
© Phil/stock.adobe.com

10. Key Biscayne

Key Biscayne | Day Trips in South Florida
© /stock.adobe.com

11. Key Largo

Key Largo | Day Trips in South Florida
© lucky-photo/stock.adobe.com

12. Key West

Key West | Day Trips in South Florida
© CheriAlguire/stock.adobe.com

13. Lake Okeechobee, Florida's Largest Freshwater Lake

Category: Activities
Lake Okeechobee, Florida's Largest Freshwater Lake | Day Trips in South Florida
© XOX Photography/stock.adobe.com

14. Marco Island

Romantic Islands
Marco Island | Day Trips in South Florida
© Kjersti/stock.adobe.com

15. Miami

Miami | Day Trips in South Florida
© Gabriele Maltinti/stock.adobe.com

16. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

Category: Activities
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens | Day Trips in South Florida
© Ana/stock.adobe.com

17. Naples

Naples | Day Trips in South Florida
© Jennifer Brinkman/stock.adobe.com

18. Palm Beach

Category: Beaches
Palm Beach | Day Trips in South Florida
© Solarisys/stock.adobe.com

19. Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Category: Activities
Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park | Day Trips in South Florida
© Happy monkey/stock.adobe.com

20. Sanibel Island

Romantic Islands
Sanibel Island | Day Trips in South Florida
© captiva/stock.adobe.com

21. Venice Beach

Category: Beaches
Venice Beach | Day Trips in South Florida
© Gabriele Maltinti/stock.adobe.com

22. West Palm Beach

Category: Beaches
West Palm Beach | Day Trips in South Florida
© doncon402/stock.adobe.com

23. Ave Maria

Ave Maria | Day Trips in South Florida
© Jane/stock.adobe.com

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