Miami is full of energy, color, and heat—but sometimes what I crave is the exhale just beyond it. A quiet wildlife refuge, a beach with no crowds, a town that still moves on island time. These day trips gave me all of that and more. I remember thinking, “This is still South Florida—but slower, softer, and just what I needed.”
From limestone coastlines to tropical art walks, each destination brought its own rhythm. I kayaked rivers, fed tarpon, got sand in my shoes, and tasted some of the best seafood I’ve ever had. Whether you're chasing nature, food, or a new view, there's a day trip from Miami that feels tailor-made.
Best Day Trips from Miami:
Watching waves crash at Blowing Rocks Preserve
Walking along the limestone shoreline at Blowing Rocks Preserve felt like discovering a wilder side of Florida. The ocean wasn’t gentle here—it thundered and sprayed as waves smashed through holes in the ancient rock. I stood in the mist and thought, “Nature’s not always soft, and that’s the beauty of it.”
What I Loved Most: Watching the waves burst through the rock with incredible force—like mini geysers rising from the sea.
My highlights? A coastal brunch at Hog Snappers in nearby Tequesta. I had coconut shrimp and a pineapple mojito, still damp from the surf and smiling from ear to ear.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Miami: ~1.5 hours north
- Vibe: Rugged, natural, ocean-wild
- Highlights: Limestone rock formations, crashing waves, ocean trail
- Best Time to Visit: Winter or spring for dramatic surf
- Cost: $2–$5 suggested donation
- Hours: 9am–4:30pm daily
Address: Blowing Rocks Preserve, 575 S Beach Rd, Hobe Sound, FL 33455, Phone: 561-744-6668
Soaking up city-meets-beach energy in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale always has this easygoing confidence—boats gliding through canals, palms rustling over cafés, and locals moving at half-speed. We wandered Las Olas, strolled the Riverwalk, and ended the day watching the sun set over the beach. I remember thinking, “If Miami’s the spotlight, Fort Lauderdale’s the exhale.”
What I Loved Most: Cruising the canals on the water taxi and watching mansions and mega-yachts slide by like a movie set.
My highlights? A breezy dinner at Coconuts on the Intracoastal. I had the Scoobies—garlic blue crab claws—and a rum punch. Everything about it felt perfectly beachy.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Miami: ~45 minutes north
- Vibe: Nautical, urban, fun
- Highlights: Las Olas Blvd, Riverwalk, beaches, boating
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round
- Cost: Water taxi ~$30; other activities vary
- Hours: Shops and restaurants 10am–10pm
Exploring quiet nature at Hobe Sound National Wildlife Preserve
Hobe Sound was like pressing pause. No crowds, no noise—just dunes, hammocks, and sea breeze. I walked the trails through whispering pines and climbed the boardwalk to views that made me stop and breathe. I remember thinking, “Sometimes the best places ask nothing from you except to listen.”
What I Loved Most: Watching shorebirds sweep over the quiet lagoon while the only sound was wind in the grass.
My highlights? A stop at The Grove Cucina & Wine Bar in Hobe Sound for a wood-fired margherita pizza and a glass of rosé. Laid-back, earthy, and perfect.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Miami: ~2 hours north
- Vibe: Peaceful, natural, meditative
- Highlights: Nature trails, beach access, birdwatching
- Best Time to Visit: Fall through spring
- Cost: ~$5 donation suggested
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Discovering charm and flavor in Homestead
Homestead felt like Florida's agricultural soul—fresh fruit, dusty roads, and sunshine that seeped into your bones. We explored Coral Castle, picked strawberries, and stopped at a fruit stand that looked like it hadn’t changed in decades. I remember thinking, “There’s something honest about this place—it doesn’t try to be anything else.”
What I Loved Most: Walking through Coral Castle’s handmade stone sculptures and wondering how one man could build something so big, so quietly.
My highlights? A tropical shake and arepas at Robert Is Here—sweet mango, tart key lime, and pure joy blended into every sip.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Miami: ~1 hour southwest
- Vibe: Quirky, homegrown, fruitful
- Highlights: Coral Castle, fruit stands, Everglades gateway
- Best Time to Visit: Winter and spring for harvest season
- Cost: Coral Castle ~$18; fruit markets free
- Hours: Most attractions open 9am–6pm
Family Day Trips from Miami:
Chasing salt air and art in Islamorada
Islamorada had that breezy, creative spirit that makes you slow down and stay a little longer. We browsed the Morada Way Art Walk, fed giant tarpon at Robbie’s, and dipped into turquoise water on a whim. I remember thinking, “This is what island time should feel like.”
What I Loved Most: Walking the docks with music in the distance and the scent of grilled fish on the breeze.
My highlights? A waterfront lunch at Lazy Days, where I had the yellowtail snapper stuffed with crab and smothered in key lime butter. Ridiculously good.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Miami: ~1.5 hours south
- Vibe: Creative, tropical, free-spirited
- Highlights: Robbie’s Marina, art galleries, snorkeling
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and early fall
- Cost: Tarpon feeding ~$5; galleries free
- Hours: Most attractions 9am–6pm
Walking through wild beauty at Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Jonathan Dickinson felt like stepping into another world. We kayaked past mangroves, hiked through pine flatwoods, and climbed Hobe Mountain for views that stretched to forever. I remember thinking, “Florida has its own kind of wilderness—and it’s quietly powerful.”
What I Loved Most: Watching the golden light fall across the Loxahatchee River as the sun dipped low through the cypress.
My highlights? A camp-style lunch at Dune Dog Café nearby—grilled mahi sandwich with slaw and a fresh-squeezed lemonade. No frills, all flavor.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Miami: ~1.5 hours north
- Vibe: Wild, quiet, immersive
- Highlights: Kayaking, hiking, scenic tower views
- Best Time to Visit: Winter and spring
- Cost: $6 per vehicle
- Hours: 8am–sunset daily
Where the Road Meets the Sea
These day trips reminded me that Miami is just the beginning. A couple hours in the car can lead to wild rivers, whispering pines, or a fresh snapper sandwich eaten dockside. You don’t need to go far to feel like you’ve gone somewhere.
So roll the windows down, follow the breeze, and let the Florida sun lead the way. There's always another stretch of coast, another hidden path, and another perfect afternoon waiting just outside the city.
More to explore...
Looking for even more coastal calm or fun under the sun? Check out these guides to beaches, day trips, and top attractions in South Florida: