MIAMI & FLORIDA KEYS DAY TRIPS

By  Mike Miller  Updated February 21, 2022

The Miami Florida day trips and one tank trips described on this website are all within 100 miles of metro Miami-Dade County.

The trips include the Florida Everglades and the major towns of Southwest Florida such as Fort MyersNaples, Everglades City, and Marco Island.

Map of 100 Mile Radius from Big Cypress Swamp in the Florida EvergladesMap of 100 Mile Radius from Big Cypress Swamp in the Florida Everglades

Here are some things to do and places to see within 100 miles of Miami.


Recommended Miami Florida Day Trips

Alabama Jack's is an Old Florida ramshackle bar and grill with a Homestead address on Card Sound Road on the way to Key Largo.

Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, Big Cypress Seminole Reservation, 34725 W Boundary Rd, Clewiston, FL 33440.  Tel: 877-902-1113.  The museum has more than 180,000 artifacts that will help you learn about the culture and history of the Seminole Indians.

Ave Maria OratoryAve Maria Oratory

Ave Maria is a new town east of Naples that is home to a Catholic University and an oratory that is an architectural wonder.

Babcock Ranch Eco Tours, 8000 State Road 31, Punta Gorda, Florida 33982. Tel:800-500-5583. The tours take place on a 92,000 acre working ranch where you will see not only wildlife but typical cattle ranching operations. 

Bahia Honda State Park is a great place to camp for the night or enjoy the day at a great beach.

Bailey-Matthew National Shell Museum, 3075 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957. Tel: 239-395-2233. This museum is a reference center for scientists and amateur shell collectors.  Shells from all over the world are on display. 

Beaches. Some of the best in the world. Here are some of them including Florida's only legal clothing optional beach.  You need to know where it is in case you want to avoid it.  

Barnacle Historic State Park in Coconut Grove has a historic house built in 1891 and shows you how life was many generations ago in Miami.

Big Cypress Loop Road and Lucky's Place is a wilderness drive between Miami and Naples on US-41.   Lucky is a photographer who specializes in nude women. His home and studio are open to visitors on weekends.

Billy Swamp Safari AirboatBilly Swamp Safari Airboat

Billy Swamp Safari, 30000 Gator Tail Trail, Clewiston, FL 33440. Tel: 863-983-6101.  Tours and attractions including swamp buggy tours through the natural settings of the Everglades.  See a Seminole snake show. Admission fee varies.

Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134.  Tel:855-311-6903. A magnificent structure built in 1926 and was at that time the tallest building in Florida at 315 feet.  You can eat and sleep and gawk. It's free to just walk in and look.

Biscayne National Park, 9700 Southwest 328th Street, Sir Lancelot Jones Way, Homestead, Florida 33033.  Tel:  305-230-33033. The park is nearly 173,000 acres and most of it is underwater. You will enjoy yourself in this park.  You can snorkel, camp, boat, watch wildlife, fish, take guided eco-adventures, or just relax.

Blowing Rocks Preserve, 574 S Beach Rd, Hobe Sound, FL 33455. Tel:  561-744-6668. You will enjoy the amazing breaking waves at this environmental preserve on Jupiter Island. When the surf is heavy, the waves force themselves through holes in the limestone and can blow ocean spray as high as 50 feet in the air.  It's free.

Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, 900 N. Birch Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304.  Tel: 954-563-5393. a 35 acre estate with a main house full of art and grounds that have some of the last remaining Florida beach native habitat. 

Breakers Hotel, One South County Rd, Palm Beach, FL 33480.  Tel: 877-724-3188. It was opened in 1886 by Henry Flagler.  On the ocean and a great place to tour, dine, eat, and stay.  It's free to walk in and look.

Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW 5th Ave, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33312. Tel: 954-462-0222. It is ranked in the top ten most visited theaters in the world.  More than 700,000 patrons enjoy more than 700 performances each year. 

Butterfly World,  3600 W. Sample Rd, Coconut Creek, FL. Tel: 954-997-4400.  Located in Tradewinds Park, the largest butterfly park in the world with more than 20,000 live butterflies an a hummingbird aviary.

Captiva Island Chapel By The SeaCaptiva Island Chapel By The Sea

Captiva and Sanibel Islands are beautiful quiet islands joined by causeway to the Fort Myers area. They are known for fine beaches and great sea shells.

Coconut Grove is a beautiful community just south of downtown Miami on Biscayne Bay. It has attracted artists and writers for years, and is jam packed with shops, restaurants, movies and just plain good people watching.

Coral CastleCoral Castle

Coral Castle is a unique place made out of coral stone by a man who was jilted by his lover. Engineers are still amazed at how one little man could put all of this together.

Coral Gables is a beautiful city in the Miami metro area that is a mecca for shopping, dining and upscale hotel and residential areas. It is also the home of the University of Miami and the world famous Biltmore Hotel.

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary375 Sanctuary Rd West, Naples, FL 34120.  Tel: 239-349-9151. This sanctuary has preserved the last remaining large stands of bald cypress and pond cypress in North America. 

Delray Beach is on the Atlantic Ocean about one hour north of Miami. It has some of the best art galleries and white sand beaches in Florida.

Dry Tortugas National Park,Mailing Address: 40001 State Road 9556, Homestead, FL 33034. Tel:  305-242-7700. You can take a long day trip or enjoy a camping adventure by visiting Dry Tortugas National Park about 70 miles west of Key West.  It is home to Fort Jefferson.

Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33901. Tel:239-334-7419. The great inventor and his auto tycoon friend had homes side by side on the Caloosahatchee River.  You can visit these amazing places and see where Edison worked on his inventions.

Everglades and Keys Kayak Tours, 104050 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037. Tel: 305-451-3018. Run by Florida Bay Outfitters, this is where you can begin your Florida Keys and South Florida paddling trips.

Everglades City and Chokoloskee are about halfway to Naples. Fishing and seafood and a lot of history. Take the Tamiami Trail and turn left. Also the western entrance to the Florida Everglades. This would be one of your longest Miami Florida day trips, but you will enjoy the different setting.

Everglades National Park, Entrances in Everglades City, Shark Valley, and Homestead.  Basic fee is $25.00 per car.  Best time to visit is December to March when mosquitoes are on vacation.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33156. Tel: 305-667-1651.  This 83 acre garden is one of the world's best tropical botanic gardens.  It has the largest palm collection in the world.  

Whitehall, Palm BeachWhitehall, Palm Beach

Flagler Museum, WhitehallOne Whitehall Way, Palm Beach, FL 33480.  Tel: 561-655-2833. The former mansion of railroad tycoon Henry Flagler, it is now a 73 room museum with guided tours, exhibits, and programs.

Florida Day Trips by ThemeSome people like to focus on one theme like museums, art, theater, history, architecture, etc.  This web page has 250 attractions involving 20 different themes such as outdoor adventures, Florida history, arboretums, gardens, historic buildings, and more.

Florida Everglades is just to the west and south of Miami. Take US-1 or the Turnpike to the road that goes to Flamingo. The Everglades are all around you.

Florida FestivalsThere are numerous Florida events that take place on an annual schedule. In addition to Florida's many art and music festivals, there are great boating and sporting events, and fun festivals that don't quite fit into any neat category.

Florida Heritage SitesThese are 1,300 historic and culturally significant sites scattered all over the state. There is something for everyone on this list.

Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center 35 East Quay Road, Key West, FL 33040.  Tel: 305-809-4750. The center teaches you about the native plants, animals, and ecosystems of the Florida Keys.  There are several exhibits including an interactive satellite map of the Florida Keys. 

Fort Lauderdale is called the Venice of America because of its hundreds of miles of canals. If you like boats and beaches, you will love Fort Lauderdale. Some of the finest yachts in the world call this city home. Visit Pier 66 and other iconic places.

Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi5 Boarding Locations in Fort Lauderdale, Tel: 954-467-6677.  You can go to a specific destination or ride all day on the rivers and canals of Fort Lauderdale.  Stop and get on at many locations. 

Fruit and Spice ParkFruit and Spice Park

Fruit and Spice Park is a fascinating botanical treasure managed by the Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation Park. It has some unbelievable spices, fruits and other plants that are unique to this part of Florida. It is in the Redlands area down towards Homestead.

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center1801 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432. Tel: 561-544-8605. Twenty acres of protected barrier island with ecosytems, exotic trees, and a turtle rehabilitation facility. 

Harbor Branch Ocean Discovery Center, 5600 N US Highway 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34946. Tel: 772-242-2293. When you step through the doors here, you will be entering a large functioning oceanographic research institution with a storied history.

Hemingway Home,907 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. Tel: 305-294-1136.  The great author lived here from 1931 to 1940.  It has many of his furnishings and the first in ground swimming pool in Key West.

Highlands Hammock State Park, 5931 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872. Tel: 863-386-6094. This park has one of Florida’s diverse collections of plant and animal life in Florida.  The park is home to 1,000-year-old oaks, old growth hammock, and the Florida panther. 

Jackie Gleason's Grave in an area of Doral is a sentimental tribute to one of America's most beloved entertainers.

Jungle Island was known for most of its 75 years of existence as Parrot Jungle and for most of those years has been one of the most popular Florida tourist attractions. It is now renamed and in the heart of downtown Miami.

Jungle Queen on the New RiverJungle Queen on the New River

Jungle Queen is a popular riverboat type attraction that takes you on cruises along the waterways of Fort Lauderdale. Tour guides explain what you are seeing.

Key Biscayne is reached by toll causeway from downtown Miami, and is one of the nicest places in Florida. Crandon Park has some of the best beaches in Florida, and you can also visit Bill Baggs State Park and its Cape Florida lighthouse.

Key West is just a little bit outside of the 100 mile radius, but it still qualifies as a one tank trip. It is a unique city full of sunshine, interesting characters and good restaurants and bars.

Key West Aquarium is an historic marine attraction that is fun to visit while you are in Key West.

Key West Express100 Grinnell St., Key West, FL 33040. Tel: 239-463-5733.  This two vessel passenger ferry operates between Fort Myers Beach, Marco Island, and Key West.  It is a fast and comfortable way to travel.

Koreshan State Park3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero, FL 33928. Tel: 239-992-0311. The buildings are preserved of a cult that believed the entire universe existed inside of a giant, hollow sphere.  Interesting exhibits and a serene campground.

Lake Okeechobee Scenic TrailThis is a free hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, and roller blading trail around the perimeter of Lake Okeechobee.  The trail is on top of the 110 mile long dike around the lake.  Great scenic views of lake.

Lake Placid Murals18 North Oak St, Lake Placid, FL 33852.  Tel: 863-465-4335.  Downtown Lake Placid has one of the largest outdoor art displays in Florida. These displays are in the form of murals on building walls that celebrate the history of the area.  At last count, there are 47 historic murals in town. 

Lion Country Safari, West Palm BeachLion Country Safari, West Palm Beach

Lion Country Safari is west of West Palm Beach. It is one of the first attractions where the animals walk free and the visitors stay in their cars. It's a unique experience.

Mallory Square, 400 Wall St, Key West, FL 33040.  Tel: 305-809-3700.  This is the gathering place for locals and visitors.  There is all kind of entertainment, food vendors, and the best sunset in Florida. 

Marco Island was created from the mangrove swamps of Southwest Florida and has become a beautiful community of canals and homes.  Good restaurants, lodging, beaches, and more. 

Miami is a huge city that has evolved into an influential city for not just the United States but also Latin America. Many places to see, fine restaurants and wonderful neighborhoods.

Miami Marine Stadium is an historic derelict that is hopefully being saved by Jimmy Buffett, Gloria Estefan and other lovers of Miami history.

Miami Seaquarium, 4400 Rickenbacker Cswy, Miami, FL 33149. Tel: 305-361-5705.  A 38 acre child friendly attraction where you can interact with dolphins, sea lions, sharks, birds, fish, and more. 

Miccosukee Indian Village, This tribe separated from the Seminoles in 1962.  The village is about 30 miles west of Miami on the Tamiami Trail (US-41).  Guides will explain the tribes history, culture, and lifestyle.

Morikami GardensMorikami Gardens

Morikami Gardens is west of Delray Beach. It's a tribute to the Japanese Americans who first settled this part of Florida. The gardens have extensive displays of bonsai trees.

Murder Mystery Dinner Train, Colonial Passenger Station, 2805 Colonial Blvd , Fort Myers, FL 33966. Tel: 239-275-8487. Have you ever wanted to go to a murder mystery dinner?  Have you ever wanted to ride on a train?  Here is your chance to do both. 

Museum of the Everglades, 105 Broadway Ave West, Everglades City, FL 34139. Tel: 239-695-0008.  This small museum is in the former laundry building of the historic Everglades Rod and Gun Club.  The building is on the National Register of Historic Places and has a small collection of artifacts.

Naples and Old Naples are great towns to visit with restaurants, shopping, and historic homes.

Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples, FL 34112. Tel: 239-643-7275.  This unique garden specializes in plants that exist between 26 Latitude North and 26 Latitude South.  They have plants from all over the world, and a 90 acre nature preserve with otters, eagles, and more.

Naples Princess Cruises, 550 Port O Call Way, Naples, FL 34102. Tel: 239-649-2275.  A 105 foot luxury yacht that offers daily public cruises along the waterfront in Naples.  You will see magnificent homes, and can enjoy a sunset.

Naples ZooPrimates at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, 1590 Goodlette Frank Rd, Naples, FL 34102. Tel: 239-262-5409.  One of the oldest zoos in Southwest Florida, it is divided into habitat areas where you can see animals in natural conditions. 

National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum, 3300 N Hwy A1A, Fort Pierce, FL 34949. Tel: 772-595-5845.  Artifacts and exhibits dedicated to SEAL warriors and their predecessors, the Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT).

Ocean Drive Art Deco District, 1001 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, Florida. Tel: 305-763-8026. South Beach has an interesting mix of well preserved and functioning hotels, restaurants, and shops with Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Miami Modern Styles. 

Okeechobee is an old Florida cattle and fishing town on the north shore of the lake of the same name.

Okeechobee Waterway is a series of rivers, canals, locks, and Lake Okeechobee that takes you from the Atlantic Ocean near Stuart to the Gulf of Mexico near Fort Myers.

Palm Beach and West Palm Beach are about an hour and one half north of Miami. Great beaches, and a look at some of the most opulent mansions in the world.

Philharmonic Center for the Arts, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples, FL 34108. Tel: 239-597-1111. Fondly called "The Phil" by locals, the Philharmonic complex in Naples includes the Baker Museum as well as the performing home of the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra.

Raymond E. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd, W. Palm Beach, FL 33401. Tel:561-833-8300. The center has a performance and black box theater, an amphitheater and an events hall. It is the first performing arts center in the world to have a custom-designed digital organ.

Robert is HereRobert is Here

Robert Is Here is a fantastic fruit and produce stand located south of Miami in the Florida City and Homestead area.  Great fruit, produce and exotic shakes.

Sanibel and Captiva Islands are beautiful quiet islands joined by causeway to the Fort Myers area. They are known for fine beaches and great sea shells.

Schnebly Redlands Winery makes wine from all kinds of tropical fruits and is a fun venue for special events like weddings and birthday parties.

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, FL 33314. Tel: 866-502-7529.  A very large hotel and event center, along with 2,000 slot machinces, restaurants, a beach club, and other gaming opportunities.

Shark Valley Tram Tours36000 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33194.  Tel: 305-221-8455.  This tour is in Everglades National Park 40 miles west of Miami.  You can ride your own bike on the 15 mile long trail or take a tram tour.

Smallwood Store360 Mamie St, Chokoloskee, FL 34138. Tel: 239-695-2989.  This old store was opened in 1906 and is now operating as a museum that displays the items that were sold here to pioneers and Seminoles in the old days.  It has survived six hurricanes (as of 2018).

The Ancient Spanish Monastery, North Miami BeachThe Ancient Spanish Monastery, North Miami Beach

The Ancient Spanish Monastery is reportedly the oldest European structure in the Western Hemisphere, located in North Miami Beach and open to the public.

Theatre Of The Sea, Mile Marker 84.5, Islamorada, Florida. Tel: 305-664-2431.  An old attraction where you can swim with dolphins and watch sharks, turtles, and other species swimming around in front of you.

The Dolphin Connection is located at Hawk's Cay Resort on Duck Key in the middle keys. It is a great resort, and you and the kids will enjoy swimming with the dolphins. Miami Florida day trips are great when you can share them with a dolphin.

The Revs Institute2500 S Horseshoe Dr, Naples, FL 34104. Tel: 239-687-7387. A formerly private collection, it's home to more than 100 beautiful autos manufactured between 1896 and 1995.

Truman Little White House111 Front St., Key West, FL 33040.  Tel: 305-294-9911.  Florida's only presidential museum.  The 33rd President of the U.S. stayed here many times and it displays some of his memorabilia.

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens , 3251 S Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33129.  Tel: 305-250-9133. The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is the former estate of James Deering of the Deering-McCormick International Harvester fortune. 

Wynwood Walls , Wynwood Art District, Miami, FL. Tel: 305-799-3166.  The walls of the buildings in Wynwood are decorated by constantly changing murals by some of the world's most gifted and famous graffiti writers and street artists. 




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