10 Best Day Trips from Miami, FL in 2026

From the Everglades to Key West — the ultimate guide to South Florida's best escapes from Miami.

Published March 1, 2026 · Updated March 11, 2026 · 7 min read

Miami's location at the tip of Florida places it within reach of some of the most extraordinary natural landscapes in the United States. The Everglades, the Florida Keys, and Biscayne Bay are all within an hour's drive, while the Gulf Coast beaches and the Dry Tortugas are accessible for longer day trips. This guide covers the 10 best day trips from Miami in 2026.

1. Everglades National Park — Airboat Tours & Wildlife (1 hr)

The Everglades is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, a 'river of grass' that flows slowly from Lake Okeechobee to Florida Bay. Airboat tours from Everglades City or the Tamiami Trail offer the most exciting introduction to the ecosystem, with alligators, roseate spoonbills, and manatees commonly seen. The Anhinga Trail at Royal Palm is one of the best wildlife viewing walks in the US. The Shark Valley tram tour offers a 15-mile loop through the heart of the Everglades. Best time to visit: December through April (dry season) for the best wildlife viewing.

2. Key Largo — Snorkeling the Only Living Coral Reef in the Continental US (1.5 hrs)

Key Largo is the gateway to the Florida Keys and home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park — the first undersea park in the United States. The coral reef here is the only living coral reef in the continental US, with spectacular snorkeling and scuba diving. The Christ of the Abyss statue is a famous underwater landmark. Glass-bottom boat tours are available for non-swimmers. The African Queen — the actual boat from the 1951 Humphrey Bogart film — is docked at the Holiday Inn and offers canal cruises. Best time to visit: November through May for the clearest water.

3. Islamorada — Sport Fishing Capital of the World (1.5 hrs)

Islamorada is known as the Sport Fishing Capital of the World, with more fishing world records than any other location. The village is spread across six islands and has excellent restaurants specializing in fresh seafood. Robbie's Marina is famous for its tarpon feeding — massive silver fish that can be hand-fed from the dock. Theater of the Sea is a marine mammal park with dolphin and sea lion shows. Best time to visit: Year-round for fishing; November through May for the best weather.

4. Biscayne National Park — Kayaking & Snorkeling (45 min)

Biscayne National Park is 95% water, protecting the northernmost Florida Keys and the third-largest coral reef in the world. The park is accessible only by boat, with ranger-led snorkeling tours departing from the Dante Fascell Visitor Center in Homestead. Kayaking through the mangrove shorelines is excellent. The park protects several historic shipwrecks accessible to scuba divers. Best time to visit: November through May for the clearest water and best snorkeling.

5. Fort Lauderdale — Venice of America (30 min)

Fort Lauderdale is often overlooked in favor of Miami, but it has its own distinct character and excellent attractions. The city has 165 miles of inland waterways, and water taxi tours are the best way to see the mansions and yachts. Las Olas Boulevard is lined with excellent restaurants and boutiques. The NSU Art Museum has an outstanding collection. The Bonnet House Museum and Gardens is a beautiful historic estate. Best time to visit: Year-round.

6. Palm Beach — Gilded Age Mansions & Worth Avenue (1.5 hrs)

Palm Beach is one of the wealthiest communities in the United States, with a fascinating collection of Gilded Age and Mediterranean Revival architecture. Worth Avenue is one of the most exclusive shopping streets in the world. The Flagler Museum — Henry Flagler's former winter estate — is a stunning Beaux-Arts mansion with an extraordinary collection of Gilded Age artifacts. The beaches are beautiful and less crowded than Miami. Best time to visit: December through April (season).

7. Big Cypress National Preserve — Off-Road Adventure (1 hr)

Big Cypress National Preserve is a vast subtropical wilderness adjacent to the Everglades, with excellent opportunities for off-road vehicle exploration, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The Florida Trail passes through the preserve, and the Turner River Road is one of the best wildlife drives in Florida. Alligators, Florida panthers (rarely seen), and hundreds of bird species inhabit the preserve. Best time to visit: December through April for the best wildlife viewing.

8. Dry Tortugas National Park — Remote Island Paradise (by boat or seaplane)

The Dry Tortugas is one of the most remote and spectacular national parks in the United States, accessible only by boat or seaplane. The park protects a cluster of seven islands 70 miles west of Key West, dominated by the massive Fort Jefferson — a 19th-century military fort built on a coral island. The snorkeling is exceptional, and the bird watching during spring migration is world-class. The Yankee Freedom III ferry from Key West takes 2.5 hours each way. Best time to visit: March through May for bird migration and calm seas.

9. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary — Ancient Cypress Forest (2 hrs)

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary protects the largest old-growth bald cypress forest in North America, with trees up to 700 years old and 130 feet tall. The 2.5-mile boardwalk trail winds through the ancient forest, past alligators, wood storks, and hundreds of bird species. The sanctuary is managed by Audubon Florida and is one of the best birding destinations in the state. Best time to visit: December through March for nesting wood storks and the best wildlife viewing.

10. Key West — The Southernmost Point (3.5 hrs)

Key West is the southernmost city in the continental United States and one of the most unique destinations in Florida. The Old Town is beautifully preserved, with Victorian conch houses, excellent restaurants, and the famous Duval Street nightlife. The Hemingway Home and Museum is a fascinating glimpse into the writer's life. The sunset celebration at Mallory Square is a Key West institution. Snorkeling at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is excellent. Best time to visit: November through May for the best weather.