Best Day Trips in South Florida & Things to Do
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, avant-garde nightlife of lively metropolis Miami.
South Florida holds more than sunshine and skyscrapers. Just beyond the buzz of Miami and the hum of highways, you'll find quiet beaches, tangled mangroves, islands that speak in sea breeze, and trails where the only noise is your breath and the birds. Each of these day trips offered me something I didn’t know I needed ... space to think, to drift, to just be. Whether it was the hush of the Everglades or the slow glow of a Captiva sunset, these escapes reminded me that a change in pace can be just as powerful as a change in place.
Best Day Trips in South Florida:
Palm Beach: Gilded Shores & Flavorful Stories
It started with olive oil and ended with murals. I joined the Taste History Food & Art Tour not knowing what to expect, but by the second stop, sampling sweet plantains and hearing the story of immigrant chefs shaping Delray’s culinary scene, I was hooked. “This isn’t just about eating,” I thought. “It’s about everything that brought the flavors here.”
Palm Beach had always felt opulent to me, white-columned homes behind hedges, Worth Avenue shimmering under bougainvillea, but this tour showed me the roots beneath the glamor. We walked through historic neighborhoods, tucked into family-run cafés, and heard artists explain the story behind their wall-sized works. I tasted empanadas, ginger-chili chicken, and pastelitos while standing just steps from century-old buildings and mosaic storefronts.
What I Loved Most: The moment we stepped into a gallery where a local artist explained the brushstrokes behind a mural of the Glades. Her voice was soft, but her message vivid, history here isn't locked behind velvet ropes, it's painted in full color on street corners.
My highlights? Mid-tour, I sipped a mango iced tea that was cold, tangy, and just sweet enough. It washed down bites of grilled jerk chicken and flaky yuca pastries. Everything smelled of spices and fresh herbs, carried on the warm breeze between stops.
The only drawback? I loved the elegance of Palm Beach, but it came with high prices everywhere, from parking to a simple lunch. It sometimes felt hard to relax knowing we were splurging at every turn.
Plan your South Florida day trip:
- Drive Time from Fort Lauderdale: ~1 hour north
- Vibe: Polished, historic, layered with flavor
- Highlights: Worth Avenue, Palm Beach Lake Trail, Taste History Food & Art Tour, The Breakers, Flagler Museum
- Best Time to Visit: Winter or spring for cooler weather and lively art tours
- Cost: Tour $65–75; advance booking required; beach access is free with paid parking (~$5/hr)
- Hours: Tours begin at 11 a.m. and last 3–4 hours; beaches open daily
Stillness and swamps in Big Cypress National Preserve
Big Cypress didn’t feel like a park. It felt like stepping into something older than language, moss hanging low, water quietly holding reflections of trees, and a stillness that wrapped around my shoulders like dusk. I walked a boardwalk trail at first light and watched mist rising off the swamp as if the earth itself was exhaling. I remember thinking, “This isn’t quiet, it’s a kind of listening.”
What I Loved Most: Catching sight of an alligator half-submerged in the water, unmoving, powerful, like the preserve itself.
My highlights? After the walk, I stopped at Joanie’s Blue Crab Café on the Tamiami Trail. Fried gator tail and a slice of homemade Key lime pie , strange, southern, and perfect. I ate with the doors open and the hum of the swamp in the background.
A downside? The mosquitoes were relentless, especially in the warmer months. I found myself wishing I had packed twice as much bug spray.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Miami: ~1.5 hours west
- Vibe: Wild, primal, slow-moving
- Highlights: Scenic drives (Loop Road), boardwalk trails, wildlife viewing, swamp walks
- Best Time to Visit: Winter dry season (Nov–Apr) for clear skies and fewer mosquitoes
- Cost: Free to enter
- Hours: Trails and boardwalks open sunrise to sunset; visitor center 9am–4:30pm
Davie: Rustic Trails & Western Echoes
The scent of hay and saddle leather hit me as I stepped out of the car. In Davie, palm trees gave way to paddocks, and I found myself in a version of Florida that still wore its boots. Horses trotted calmly through Tree Tops Park as bikers waved to joggers, and I thought, “This is the Florida people don’t expect, but should.”
Davie didn’t rush. I wandered through the Flamingo Gardens first, where flamingos stood on one leg like sentinels, and the air buzzed with bees and orchids. Later, I drove past ranch houses and feed stores, and watched a group of kids take riding lessons at a local equestrian center, helmets crooked, ponies patient.
What I Loved Most: Walking the shady boardwalks at Tree Tops Park. The sawgrass whispered as I passed, and the air smelled like pine and wet soil. It felt untouched, almost like a secret held in the middle of suburbia.
My highlights? A hearty lunch at Flashback Diner, the chicken pot pie arrived bubbling hot, the crust golden and buttery. The inside was creamy, with big chunks of vegetables and tender meat, and the smell reminded me of Sunday kitchens. I followed it with a slice of apple pie that was tart, sweet, and cinnamon-rich.
One challenge? I liked the small-town, Western vibe, but the attractions were pretty spread out. You really need a car here.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Miami: ~45 minutes north
- Vibe: Western, relaxed, nature-forward
- Highlights: Flamingo Gardens, Tree Tops Park, Bergeron Rodeo Grounds, Old Davie School Historical Museum
- Best Time to Visit: Winter and spring for dry trails and blooming gardens
- Cost: Most parks ~$5–10; gardens ~$22 adult; parking generally free
- Hours: Parks typically open 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; attractions vary
Coral Springs: Quiet Paths Beneath the Palms
“This feels like the kind of place you grow into,” I thought as I walked along the shaded trail in Betti Stradling Park, families laughing around picnic tables and kids chasing each other across the splash pad. Coral Springs wasn’t trying to dazzle, it was clean, calm, and quietly lived-in, with wide boulevards and neighborhoods where hibiscus bloomed behind white fences.
I began my morning at the Sawgrass Nature Center & Wildlife Hospital, where rescued owls blinked at me from their perches and turtles sunned themselves beside shallow ponds. It smelled of pine mulch and sun-warmed stone. I kept watching a hawk tilt its head as if studying me. Later, I walked along the paths of the Sherwood Forest Nature Trail, a tiny preserve tucked away in the middle of suburban sprawl, ferns and palms arching overhead like a secret canopy.
What I Loved Most: The way nature and neighborhood wove together, pocket parks, whispering trails, and ponds where ducks coasted like little boats.
My highlights? Lunch at Coral Springs Diner, the kind of local spot where the menu feels like a hug. I ordered the turkey club on toasted rye, stacked tall and layered with crispy bacon and tangy mayo. The dill pickle on the side smelled sharp and fresh, and the fries came out hot and golden. It was simple, satisfying, and exactly right after a walk in the sun.
A downside? On late afternoons, thunderstorms can roll in fast, soaking you completely in minutes.
Plan your Coral Springs day trip:
- Drive Time from Miami: ~1 hour north
- Vibe: Family-friendly, suburban, green
- Highlights: Betti Stradling Park, Sawgrass Nature Center, Sherwood Forest Trail, Coral Springs Museum of Art
- Best Time to Visit: Late fall through early spring for cooler temps
- Cost: Free to explore; museums and nature center by donation or under $10
- Hours: Parks open 8am–sunset; museums 10am–6pm
Sanibel Island: Where Shells Outnumber Footprints
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen this many seashells in one place,” I thought, crouched barefoot at the edge of the tide.
Sanibel Island truly is a hidden gem for shell collectors. Shells clinked like tiny porcelain cups, catching the light as the waves swept in and out. I loved how natural Sanibel felt. There were no high-rises, no hurry. Just the rhythm of surf, sun, and seabirds overhead.
I spent the morning at Bowman’s Beach. The air smelled of salt and sunscreen, and a gentle wind carried the rustle of palm fronds as if even the trees were whispering to keep it quiet here.
Later, I wandered along the trails of the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, spotting a roseate spoonbill wading like a blush-pink ghost through the mangroves. The whole place felt like a watercolor painting, soft around the edges, full of light and patience.
What I Loved Most: That feeling of being cradled by nature, barefoot, unbothered, and surrounded by beauty that asked nothing of me except to look.
A downside? The crowds that descend in high season clog up the only road. I also felt the ever-present concern that another storm could cause a lot of damage again.
My highlights? Lunch at Over Easy Café, tucked under a canopy of trees. I ordered the crab cake Benedict, and the first bite hit with the tang of lemon hollandaise and briny sweetness of fresh crab. The English muffin was crisp at the edges, soft in the middle. My plate smelled like citrus and butter, and the outdoor seating was shaded and breezy, exactly what I needed after the beach.
Plan your Sanibel Island day trip:
- Drive Time from Fort Myers: ~45 minutes west via Sanibel Causeway
- Vibe: Serene, natural, shell-laden
- Highlights: Bowman’s Beach, Lighthouse Beach, J.N. “Ding” Darling Refuge, Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum
- Best Time to Visit: Winter through spring for mild weather and ideal shelling
- Cost: Causeway toll ~$6; most beaches ~$5 parking
- Hours: Beaches dawn to dusk; refuge open 7am–5pm (closed Fridays)
Estero: Cypress Shadows and Coastal Ease
“I didn’t expect it to be this peaceful,” I thought, standing beneath the swaying branches at Koreshan State Park. The wind moved gently through the bamboo and old oaks, and for a moment, it felt like time had slowed. Estero held a quiet sort of history, strange, serene, and deeply rooted in the land.
I wandered along the shell-lined paths of the old Koreshan settlement, where weathered buildings from the 1890s still stood beneath a canopy of trees. The smell of damp earth and crushed pine lingered in the air. Nearby, the Estero River glinted through the trees, and I watched a paddleboarder drift quietly by, arms moving in slow rhythm with the current.
Later, I made my way to Coconut Point, where palm-lined walkways gave way to small fountains and boutiques. Though it’s a modern development, it didn’t feel loud or rushed, just open-air and easy. I found a bench in the sun and sat watching families stroll by with shopping bags and iced lemonades in hand.
What I Loved Most: That contrast between the mystical hush of the Koreshan site and the soft hum of modern-day Estero. It all flowed together like brackish water, old and new, wild and tidy.
My highlights? Lunch at South Fork Grille at Coconut Point. I ordered the grilled salmon BLT, and the smokiness of the fish melted into the tang of tomato and peppery arugula. The toasted ciabatta was buttery and warm, and the lemon aioli clung to each bite just right. It smelled like citrus and salt, and the server brought it with a smile like I was a regular.
Plan your Estero day trip:
- Drive Time from Naples: ~30 minutes north
- Vibe: Tranquil, historic, coastal-modern
- Highlights: Koreshan State Park, Estero River, Coconut Point, Mound Key Archaeological State Park (via kayak)
- Best Time to Visit: Winter and early spring for mild weather
- Cost: Koreshan entry ~$5/car; shopping free to browse
- Hours: State park 8am–sunset; Coconut Point shops 10am–8pm
Air, water, and wild stillness in the Everglades
The Everglades felt like Florida unfiltered, no skyline, no soundtrack, just air and water trading places under an open sky. I took a slow walk on the Anhinga Trail, where alligators sunbathed inches from the boardwalk and herons moved like poetry through the reeds. I remember thinking, “This isn’t danger, it’s presence. Everything here knows its place, and for a while, so did I.”
What I Loved Most: Hearing nothing but the rustle of sawgrass and the low bellow of a distant gator, primal, grounding, unforgettable.
My highlights? A stop at Robert Is Here fruit stand on the way back, a passionfruit milkshake so fresh it tasted like sunshine in a glass, surrounded by peacocks and roosters strutting nearby.
One challenge? The airboat ride thrilled us, but the heat and humidity drained our energy fast. I realized quickly the Everglades are best enjoyed in cooler months.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Miami: ~1 hour to Homestead entrance
- Vibe: Raw, alive, reverent
- Highlights: Anhinga Trail, Shark Valley, airboat tours, wildlife viewing
- Best Time to Visit: Dry season (Dec–Apr) for wildlife and cooler temps
- Cost: $30 per vehicle for 7-day pass
- Hours: Open 24/7; visitor centers 8am–5pm
History & Sea Breezes in Fort Lauderdale
“This place feels like sunshine wrapped around a secret.” That’s what I thought while standing outside the Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum. The city buzzed nearby with boats and brunches, but here it felt hushed, like the air remembered something you didn’t yet know. My husband and I had come to Fort Lauderdale for the weekend to soak up warmth and water, and we found history tucked among the palms.
We started our Saturday with a visit to the Naval Air Station Museum. Housed in an original WWII-era building, the museum felt personal, handwritten logs, faded photographs, and relics from Flight 19. My husband read every display with quiet reverence, while I lingered in front of a weathered flight suit and thought, “This is the kind of story you only hear when you slow down.”
What I Loved Most: That deep contrast between oceanside leisure and the solemn history just a few miles inland, it made the day feel grounded.
A downside? I loved the canals and beaches, but traffic downtown was frustrating. It took longer than expected to get from one attraction to another.
Plan your Fort Lauderdale weekend getaway:
- Drive Time from Miami: ~40 minutes north
- Where We Stayed: Sea Club Resort, mid-range beachfront with pool, older charm, and ocean views
- Vibe: Laid-back luxury, with hidden layers of military history and canal-front charm
- Highlights: Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum, Fort Lauderdale Beach, water taxi tour, Las Olas Boulevard, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
- Best Time to Visit: Winter and spring for sunshine and fewer storms
- Cost: Lodging ~$140–$200/night; food tours or water taxis ~$25–$50 per person
- Hours: Museum open Wed–Sat 11am–3pm; beach and taxis daily
Miami: Color, Wildness, and Quiet Surprises
“The city moved fast, but we didn’t have to.” 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.
We stayed at The Betsy South Beach, a hotel that felt like a poem. I enjoyed soft lighting, quiet corners, and books everywhere. It gave us space to rest and remember the day in pieces, not all at once.
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.
Plan your Miami visit:
- Wynwood Arts District – Vibrant street art and creative energy
- Laundromat Art Space – Studio and gallery supporting local artists
- Overtown Music & Arts Festival – Annual summer celebration of music, food, and culture
- Zoological Wildlife Foundation – Guided encounters with rare and endangered species
- Painting with a Twist – Casual, fun-filled painting class for beginners
- The Betsy South Beach – Boutique hotel with literary charm and rooftop serenity
- Seaspice – Upscale waterfront dining with Miami River views
Island breezes and ocean stillness in Islamorada
Islamorada offered turquoise water, dockside music, and sunsets that slowed your down. I watched pelicans dive from a bench at the marina, sipping from a coconut with a tiny paper umbrella. I remember thinking, “This is vacation distilled ... no rush, no noise, just salt, sun, and time that drifts like tide.”
What I Loved Most: Wading through the flats at Anne’s Beach, the water barely ankle-deep and shimmering like glass.
My highlights? Fresh snapper sandwich and key lime mojito at Lazy Days Restaurant, toes in the sand, ocean stretching out in every direction. The flavors were bright, clean, and exactly what the day called for.
A downside? We loved the laid-back Keys atmosphere, but activities and restaurants were pricey. For a last-minute trip, it stretched the budget more than we planned.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Miami: ~1.5 to 2 hours south along scenic US-1
- Vibe: Tropical, tranquil, keys-casual
- Highlights: Beaches, fishing docks, marine parks, laid-back waterfront dining
- Best Time to Visit: Winter to spring for warm, dry weather
- Cost: Free to explore; meals ~$15–30
- Hours: Beach and dock access sunrise to sunset; restaurants 11am–10pm
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.
