Fort Lauderdale is known for its beaches, boats, and balmy nights—but some of the best experiences are just a short drive away. Whether I was kayaking through mangroves, strolling pastel boardwalks, or discovering the quiet charm of an inland art museum, these day trips helped me slow down, breathe deeper, and rediscover what I love most about South Florida.
Each destination offered something different—Delray’s energy, Big Cypress’s quiet, Biscayne’s endless water—but they all reminded me how lucky we are to live near such easy escapes. These aren't just pretty places—they’re little shifts in perspective, one road trip at a time.
Best Day Trips from Fort Lauderdale:
Soaking in the sunshine at Delray Beach - 35 minutes from Fort Lauderdale
Delray Beach felt like a vacation in miniature—bright, breezy, and full of good energy. I wandered down Atlantic Avenue with no agenda, just letting the rhythm of the place carry me along. Palm trees swayed over art galleries and sidewalk cafés, and every corner seemed to offer something new to stumble into. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of day that refills the tank.”
Eventually, I made my way to the beach itself. Warm sand, gentle surf, and just enough people to feel lively but never crowded. I stayed longer than I meant to, toes in the sand, mind a million miles from anything stressful.
What I Loved Most: Walking from the beach straight into town without changing clothes—everything felt casual, easy, beach-breezy in the best way.
My highlights? A fresh, colorful lunch at Ceviche 401 on Atlantic Ave. I had the passionfruit ceviche—tangy, citrusy, and just a little sweet—alongside crispy plantain chips and a coconut mojito. It was vibrant and totally satisfying, just like the day.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Fort Lauderdale: ~35–40 minutes north
- Vibe: Fun, artsy, beachy
- Highlights: Atlantic Avenue shops, beach lounging, art galleries, fresh seafood
- Best Time to Visit: Late winter to early spring for mild weather and sunny skies
- Cost: Free beach access; parking and dining vary
- Hours: Beach open dawn to dusk; shops and cafés typically 10am–9pm
Getting grounded inBig Cypress National Preserve - 1 hour and 20 minutes
Big Cypress felt like another planet—humid, hushed, and alive with things just out of sight. The boardwalks snaked through ancient cypress trees, and every rustle in the underbrush made me pause and listen. I remember thinking, “This place doesn’t need to shout. It whispers... and that’s enough.”
I spotted gators sunning in the distance, white egrets gliding silently overhead, and felt completely outside of time. It was the kind of stillness that sticks with you.
What I Loved Most: Loop Road Scenic Drive, where the wilderness gets even wilder and the swamps stretch for miles in every direction.
My highlights? After hiking the Kirby Storter Boardwalk, I grabbed a hearty meal at Joanie’s Blue Crab Café. The fried gator bites were crisp and peppery, the crab cake sandwich juicy and packed with flavor. Eating in a funky roadside spot surrounded by swamp? Unforgettable.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Fort Lauderdale: ~1.5 hours west
- Vibe: Wild, earthy, meditative
- Highlights: Wildlife watching, scenic drives, boardwalks, ranger talks
- Best Time to Visit: Winter to early spring for cooler temps and fewer bugs
- Cost: Free entry; bring cash for food and supplies
- Hours: Preserve open 24/7; visitor centers typically 9am–4:30pm
Drifting through Biscayne Bay
Biscayne Bay had a softness to it—sky meeting water, mangroves stretching into the horizon, and silence broken only by birdsong and the occasional splash. I kayaked past tiny islands and through warm, shallow flats, feeling the world grow quieter with every paddle stroke. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of quiet I can carry with me.” It wasn’t just beautiful—it was restorative.
What I Loved Most: Floating over seagrass beds and spotting stingrays gliding under the kayak—it felt like being inside a nature documentary.
My highlights? A fresh and breezy meal at Black Point Ocean Grill, just outside the park entrance. I had the grilled mahi-mahi tacos with pineapple salsa, plus an ice-cold lemonade. It tasted like summer in every bite.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Fort Lauderdale: ~1.5 to 2 hours south
- Vibe: Peaceful, aquatic, nature-first
- Highlights: Kayaking, snorkeling, island tours, marine wildlife
- Best Time to Visit: December–April for calm water and clearer skies
- Cost: Free entry; optional boat tours or rentals
- Hours: Park open daily 9am–5pm; boat access varies
Finding quiet in Coral Springs
Coral Springs surprised me—not with flash, but with calm. I wandered into the Coral Springs Museum of Art expecting a quick stop, and ended up lingering in front of bright canvases, feeling oddly inspired. Outside, tree-lined paths and manicured parks gave the day a sense of rhythm. I remember thinking, “Maybe a good day doesn’t have to be exciting—it just has to feel good.”
What I Loved Most: The sculpture garden at Betti Stradling Park and the way the sun broke through the trees while kids played in the distance.
My highlights? Brunch at The Croissant Time French Bakery. I had a warm ham-and-gruyère croissant with a side of fresh fruit and the smoothest iced latte. It felt like the kind of place you discover once and never forget.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Fort Lauderdale: ~30 minutes northwest
- Vibe: Quiet, artsy, suburban calm
- Highlights: Museum of Art, parks, sculpture walks, local cafés
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, especially spring for park weather
- Cost: Low-cost or free; museum admission is under $10
- Hours: Most parks open dawn to dusk; museum 10am–5pm
Romantic Day Trips from Fort Lauderdale:
Coasting through Dania Beach
Dania Beach felt like Fort Lauderdale’s little sibling—just as sunny, but a little more low-key. I strolled the wide pier with a lemonade in hand, watching pelicans dive and anglers reel in their catch. I remember thinking, “This is the Florida postcard... but quieter.” There was something sweetly old-school about the place—boardwalk vibes, beach towels flapping in the wind, and no rush whatsoever.
What I Loved Most: Watching the waves from the pier and feeling like the clock had stopped for a while.
My highlights? Fish tacos from Quarterdeck Dania Pier—spicy, crispy, and served with a killer ocean view. Paired with a frozen margarita and salty air? Perfection.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Fort Lauderdale: ~15 minutes south
- Vibe: Casual, coastal, retro-cool
- Highlights: Pier walks, beach time, water sports, laid-back dining
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round; early morning for fewer crowds
- Cost: Free beach; parking and food extra
- Hours: Beach and pier open sunrise to sunset
Unwinding at Deerfield Beach
Deerfield Beach had this way of slowing me down without me even realizing it. I parked, walked over the sand dunes, and suddenly felt like I could finally stop thinking.
The beach stretched wide and calm, with a steady rhythm to the waves and just enough people to keep it interesting. I remember thinking, “I could stay here all afternoon... maybe longer.” It was bright, breezy, and the kind of easy Florida day that lingers in your memory.
What I Loved Most: The beach boardwalk lined with palms and pastel hotels, and the way the ocean sparkled like it was showing off.
My highlights? Breakfast at Café Med, right across from the beach. I had the smoked salmon eggs Benedict with a side of hash browns and fresh-squeezed orange juice. Sitting on the patio, watching the world slowly wake up, was its own kind of therapy.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Fort Lauderdale: ~25–30 minutes north
- Vibe: Relaxed, sunny, refreshingly simple
- Highlights: Pier, beach walks, boardwalk cafés, morning ocean views
- Best Time to Visit: Winter through early spring for perfect weather
- Cost: Free beach access; pier entry ~$2
- Hours: Beach open sunrise to sunset; shops and restaurants open 8am–9pm
Conclusion
What I learned from these day trips is that you don’t have to go far to feel different. A short drive from Fort Lauderdale can bring you into stillness, into color, into something new. Whether I was sipping a coconut mojito in Delray, watching egrets in Big Cypress, or sinking my toes into the sand in Dania Beach, I kept thinking the same thing: “Why don’t I do this more often?”
So pack light, keep your plans loose, and let the sunshine guide you. Sometimes, the best parts of Florida are just one day away.
More to Explore
Planning more than a day trip? These helpful guides can take your Florida journey even further: