The best day trips from Miami for a little escape from the big city

Lots of people assume Miami and the Florida Keys need to be dealt with as separate vacations, but that’s simply not so. From Miami, it’s an utterly pleasant drive down the Overseas Highway. That name makes sense once you’re on it—stretched over sparkling blue water, the 113-mile throughway connects the narrow, broken-up strip of the Keys back to the mainland. 

Islamorada, a small, idyllic beach community traditionally known as a sportfishing capital, is the perfect gateway to exploring what is arguably Florida’s most iconic coastal terrain. The drive from Miami takes less than two hours—though with such brilliant scenery, you’ll want to leave extra time for stopping and taking pictures along the way.  

EAT: All-day dining spot Green Turtle Inn, which originally opened in 1947, is alone worth the trip down to sunny Islamorada: standouts like Barney’s Fish Sandwich and the Ultimate Patty Melt earned it a spot on the popular TV show Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives. 

DRINK:

Take a break from lazing on the beach and pull up a barstool at Florida Keys Brewing Co., a colorful taproom that occasionally hosts fun events like group painting nights.

DO: The third Thursday of the month is possibly the best time to visit Islamorada, as that’s when Art Walk—a monthly showcase of local artists, sculptors, jewelry makers and musicians—takes over this quarter-mile stretch of the Old Highway.

STAY: If you’re looking to treat yourself to an overnight stay inside a handsomely furnished suite with a generous balcony and deep soaking tub (not to mention three on-site restaurants and two open-air tiki bars), Cheeca Lodge & Spa is the place.

If you do just one thing... Even in you’re just passing through on your way to more southern Keys, there’s perhaps no more iconic detour than stop at Robbie's of Islamorada to feed the massive tarpon off the dock.

West Palm Beach has long lived in the shadows of its glitzy neighbor to the east, Palm Beach, where the wealthy mosey about in their six-figure-priced cars, ducking in and out of million-dollar mansions. It’s a beautiful place to visit (more on our preferred way to sightsee in Palm Beach below), but for a lowkey getaway that’s also brimming with charm, we’re drawn to the area west of the Intracoastal Waterway. 

Plus, it’s a quick jaunt from Miami: just 60 miles north of downtown, you can hop on the Brightline (MiamiCentral Station) and be in WPB in just over one hour all while enjoying the view, free snacks (if you upgrade to Select) and a traffic-free ride.

EAT: The Regional Kitchen & Public House, helmed by Top Chef finalist and multiple James Beard Award nominee Lindsay Autry, is a spectacular contemporary American restaurant with roots deep in the Southern cooking tradition. Countryside favorites like pimento cheese, grits and fried chicken are finessed for modern palates and done up to fine-dining standards.

DRINK: Restoration Hardware is a breathtaking, multistory design center and furniture store that also happens to house the RH Rooftop Restaurant, where sunset cocktails are a must. The restaurant doesn’t serve liquor, but it makes up for it with an extensive wine and beer selection. Request a sofa closest to the window and wind down with a cheese board and a crisp rosé. Whatever you do, don’t spill!

DO: The Norton Museum of Art is one of the most impressive cultural institutions in South Florida, where the permanent collection comprises more than 8,200 works across European, American, Chinese, contemporary and photographic art. There’s also an auditorium, a well-stocked shop, a restaurant and an expanded gallery that hosts traveling exhibitions.

STAY: The Hilton West Palm Beach is connected to the Palm Beach Convention Center, but it’s not at all the stodgy business hotel you might be familiar with. It’s thoroughly modern with a large, inviting pool, and its location near The Square and the Brightline station is truly impossible to beat.

If you do just one thing... At the center of it all is CityPlace, a community-focused, mixed-use complex in downtown where you’ll find retail, restaurants, family-friendly programming, public art and so much more. Curated with sustainability in mind, the space boasts outposts of Miami’s sophisticated plant-based favorite Planta and South Florida health-conscious café Pura Vida (do order the choco chip cookie), among other well-known eateries. It’s a great place to hang out when the weather’s right, be it catching an outdoor movie on the lawn, shopping the weekly farmers’ market or just strolling around. 

Shame on any traveler who makes it this far south and doesn’t carve out at least a little time to wander through Everglades National Park, the largest natural subtropical park in the country. Spanning 1.5 million acres, it’s not the easiest national park to tackle, but the wildlife alone—think Florida panthers, alligators and bald eagles—makes this a fascinating side trip for anyone with a penchant for getting lost in the deep, jungle-y wilderness for a few hours. 

The laid-back town of Homestead, which is an easy 45-minute drive from Miami, acts as a portal to the Everglades. And while Homestead offers several affordable hotel options, hardcore naturalists will want to make use of the park’s 48 designated backcountry campsites.

EAT: In case you didn’t get your fill of Cuban food back in Miami, the family-style restaurant Mario’s is a top pick for its generous portions of churrasco steak, Cubano sandwiches and, of course, empanadas.

DRINK: With a reputation for fermenting unconventional fruits—think mangos and avocados—into wine, lush estate Schnebly Redland's Winery & Brewery welcomes visitors to take tours of the property, followed by a tasting at the bar. 

DO: Just outside Homestead, near the entrance to Everglades National Park, visitors can sign up for a rollicking airboat tour at Alligator Farm, where you’ll skim the surface of waters that alligators and turtles call home.

STAY: You probably won't be staying the night, but in case you do, keep things simple at Best Western Gateway to the Keys, a breezy budget inn with an outdoor pool and free breakfast.

If you do just one thing... Drive out to the world-famous Homestead-Miami Speedway, which sits just outside the town, and hosts the annual NASCAR Championship. Not in a rush to get back? The event, which draws thousands of racing fans, allows camping and RV parking during the high-speed event.

After what seems like an eternity driving through cramped Overseas Highway or, worse yet, Card Sound Road, entering Key Largo is like crossing over into a giant metropolis. But don’t get ahead of yourself. The first of several Florida keys is large compared to its neighbors, but it’s still quaint with plenty of small-town charm. 

EAT: In business since 1982, the Fish House is a trusted source for fresh and local seafood, house-made chowders and its famous Key lime pie. The dessert is so famous that people driving past the restaurant often stop in to order whole pies to-go.

DRINK: Key Largo is famous for its laidback tiki bars. Most people pull up to the waterfront bars on boats, but they’re also accessible via dry land. Gilbert’s is one of the area’s largest and most popular, with a divey atmosphere that fits right in with Largo’s casual vibe.

DO: Pretend you’re on the set of Flipper. At Dolphins Plus, you’ll get to swim with the adorable mammals, pet them while sitting on a floating dock, give ’em a peck and even go behind-the-scenes with trainers to see how they’re cared for. 

STAY: Playa Largo Resort & Spa, an expansive property that’s both luxurious and relaxed, fits the bill if you're planning to indulge in a long afternoon of frozen daiquiris and need a chic place to crash. Spend time lounging on one of the hammocks, take a dip in the lagoon-style pool and pencil in an afternoon of watching the sunset. 

If you do just one thing… John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park encompasses approximately 70 miles of open water where visitors can go swimming, snorkeling, boating, diving—basically any aquatic activity you can think of. It wouldn’t be a trip to the Keys without some kind of excursion.

There are a few ways to get to Bimini, the closest Bahamian island to the USA (and a favorite of none other than Ernest Hemingway), but the most traditional is via ferry. Run by Balearia Caribbean, the two-hour trip runs daily except Tuesdays and Thursdays and leaves from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.

After traveling 51 nautical miles from the mainland, the ferry drops you right at the beach in Alice Town, Bimini, so there’s little need for excessive planning or itinerary-making. The ferry comes equipped with a small cafe and bar, though if you can, hold your appetite until reaching the island, which is plied with delightfully laid-back seafood stands and beachside grills. 

EAT: Equipped with an open kitchen and with windows facing out to sea, there’s no better or more classic south Florida dining experience than digging into a lobster and conch salad at the bar at Stuart Conch Salad Stand. 

DRINK: After-hours spot Island House, with a hand-painted sign outside and dollar bills staples all over the bar, is the quintessential beachside dive bar.

DO: In the mood for an authentic experience? Sign up for a two-hour tour with Cleveland "Max" Rolle Jr. of Bimini Island Tours, who gives an insider's glimpse into island life complete with excursions to shipwrecks, the Dolphin House Museum, the local straw market, a tasting of Charlie's famous Bimini Bread and more.

STAY: The main landing spot for anyone looking to spend the night, the 750-acre luxury resort Hilton at Resorts World Bimini comes equipped with scenic water views, nearly a dozen restaurants and a casino. 

If you do just one thing... Make use of Hilton’s sprawling oceanfront real estate by renting a golf cart and driving out to a secluded spot along the glistening white sand beach.

While the quaint downtowns of Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Coconut Grove and Coral Gables get a lot of love for their charming walkability, Delray Beach is an up-and-coming seaside pocket worth adding to your day trip bucket list. Located about an hour north of Miami, its main artery is Atlantic Avenue, dotted with local boutiques and restaurants and culminating in picturesque white-sand dunes. Unlike some other beach towns on this list, Delray has managed to hold on to its quirky and affordable Old Florida charm.

EAT: Capturing that smaller town vibe, Farmhouse Kitchen serves up house-made deviled eggs, velvety mac and cheese, shrimp and grits and other comfort food staples. Snag a seat out on the sidewalk for a leisurely meal as the locals walk their pups down Atlantic Avenue.

DRINK: SaltWater Brewery is as friendly as it gets, tucked on the west side of I-95. Open daily, it has a tasting room with over a dozen craft brews on tap at a given time. Expect to find food trucks and events like trivia, bingo and live jams on any given day. 

DO: Find a little Zen at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. A haven for Japanese culture and arts, there are two museum buildings, quiet paths, pine forests and an expansive bonsai collection to explore. Peep the schedule for classes and workshops where you can learn how to perform a Japanese tea ceremony, arrange flowers and more.

STAY: The Colony Hotel is located downtown and is a stately icon that dates to 1926. A perk of staying at The Colony is access to its Cabaña Beach. The Cabaña Beach is a private space on the sand with a heated saltwater pool, bath houses and free wi-fi. It’s a vibe.

If you only do one thing… Strolling Atlantic Avenue is the quintessential experience here. Aside from chatting it up with friendly locals, pop your head in boutiques like Bolufé, grab a funky flavored latte (kettle corn and cotton candy have shown up on the menu) at The Seed or book a tennis session at the world-class Delray Beach Tennis Center, home of the Delray Beach Open.