Fort Lauderdale makes weekend travel easy. With beaches, airports, Brightline rail, and highways like I‑95, I‑75, and the Florida Turnpike, you can turn two or three days into a full reset. In this guide, you’ll find the best weekend getaways from Lauderdale—short trips near Lauderdale that deliver sun-kissed beaches, wild nature, foodie scenes, and cultural finds without long travel days.
You’ll get practical, time-saving advice and curated picks for the best weekend destinations near Lauderdale, plus where to stay, when to go, and what to book in advance. Whether you want a scenic drive, a no-stress train ride, or a quick ferry hop, these destinations keep travel simple and the vibes high. Let’s plan your next escape.
Why Plan a Weekend Getaway from Lauderdale?
A weekend away breaks the routine without draining vacation days. From Lauderdale, you can reach new coastlines, national parks, and historic districts in two to four hours, which makes 2–3 day trips ideal. In fact, most of South Florida and much of Central Florida sits within a comfortable drive or train ride. Brightline connects Fort Lauderdale to Miami, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Aventura, and Orlando, so you can skip traffic if you’d like.
Why should I plan a weekend trip from Lauderdale? Because variety sits close. One direction brings coral reefs and tropical keys; another opens Gulf Coast sunsets and calm water. Head inland for Everglades wildlife or north for art museums and theme parks. You can leave Friday after work, check into a boutique hotel, and return Sunday night refreshed. With smart packing and a few pre-booked passes, these mini-getaways feel bigger than their footprint.
Top Weekend Getaways from Lauderdale
Miami & Miami Beach — Culture, Cuisine, and Iconic Nightlife
• Distance/Travel Time: About 30–45 minutes by car via I‑95 or US‑1; roughly 30–35 minutes on Brightline to MiamiCentral, then rideshare or Metrorail to Brickell/Beach connections. • Why Visit: Miami blends art, Latin flavors, and beach energy. You’ll snack your way through Little Havana, wander Wynwood’s murals, and catch ocean breezes along the Art Deco-lined sands. It’s an easy, high-impact weekend getaway from Lauderdale to Miami when you want culture with a side of surf. • Top Things to Do:
- Stroll South Beach’s Ocean Drive and the Art Deco Historic District.
- Explore Wynwood Walls and nearby galleries.
- Tour Vizcaya Museum & Gardens for old-world elegance.
- Visit Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) and the Frost Museum of Science.
- Taste Cuban classics and live music along Calle Ocho. • Where to Stay: Choose boutique hotels in South Beach, modern towers in Brickell/Downtown, or design-forward stays in Mid‑Beach. Book flexible rates on major travel sites; Brickell offers great weekend deals. • Best Time to Visit: November to April for mild weather and events like Art Basel. For fewer crowds and lower prices, try May or late September.
This all-in-one city pairs beaches and museums with late-night dining, so you’ll never run out of options.
Key Largo & Islamorada (Upper Florida Keys) — Reefs, Kayaks, and Sunsets
• Distance/Travel Time: Roughly 1.5–2 hours by car via Florida’s Turnpike and US‑1 to Key Largo; about 2–2.5 hours to Islamorada. • Why Visit: The Upper Keys deliver clear water, low-key beach towns, and easy access to coral reefs. A weekend getaway from Lauderdale to Key Largo and Islamorada gives you snorkeling, paddleboarding, and fresh seafood without the longer drive to Key West. • Top Things to Do:
- Snorkel or take a glass-bottom boat at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
- Kayak mangrove tunnels at sunset.
- Visit Theater of the Sea for marine life encounters.
- Cast a line on a backcountry fishing charter from Islamorada.
- Sip local brews and watch the sky turn pink on the bay side. • Where to Stay: Waterfront resorts, dive lodges, and cottage-style inns line US‑1. If you like amenities, look for resorts with on-site marinas and kayak rentals. Book early for peak season and consider free cancellation rates during hurricane season. • Best Time to Visit: November to May for dry weather and excellent visibility; summer brings warm seas but higher humidity and afternoon storms.
Pack reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes. The pace slows as soon as you cross the first bridge.
Key West — Old-Florida Charm at the End of the Road
• Distance/Travel Time: About 3.5–4.5 hours by car from Fort Lauderdale, depending on traffic along US‑1. • Why Visit: Key West mixes historic conch houses, literary lore, and turquoise water. As a weekend getaway from Lauderdale to Key West, it delivers Caribbean vibes without a passport. You’ll find artsy streets, sunset rituals, and a “come-as-you-are” spirit. • Top Things to Do:
- Tour the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum.
- Celebrate sunset at Mallory Square with street performers.
- Swim and snorkel at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park.
- Snap a photo at the Southernmost Point buoy.
- Bike Duval Street and explore Bahama Village eateries. • Where to Stay: Classic B&Bs, guesthouses with plunge pools, and boutique inns near Duval keep everything walkable. For families, consider resorts on the north end with shuttle service to Old Town. Book 30–60 days out for best weekend rates. • Best Time to Visit: December to May is prime. Late summer has deals but also heat and higher storm risk.
Drive down Friday morning to maximize time. Parking is limited, so plan to walk or bike once you arrive.
Naples & Marco Island — Gulf Sunsets and Sophisticated Dining
• Distance/Travel Time: About 2–2.5 hours by car via I‑595 to I‑75 (Alligator Alley). • Why Visit: Naples pairs white-sand beaches with upscale shopping and a refined restaurant scene. Marco Island adds wide beaches and easy access to the Ten Thousand Islands. Choose this weekend getaway from Lauderdale to Naples if you want laid-back luxury and golden Gulf sunsets. • Top Things to Do:
- Catch the sunset at Naples Pier.
- Browse galleries and dine along Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South.
- Take a boat tour into Ten Thousand Islands to spot dolphins and manatees.
- Spend a beach day at Delnor‑Wiggins Pass State Park.
- Visit the Naples Botanical Garden for tropical blooms. • Where to Stay: Beachfront resorts in Naples and Marco Island, boutique hotels near Fifth Avenue, and vacation rentals for families. For savings, look just inland along US‑41. Consider booking refundable rates during summer storm season. • Best Time to Visit: November through April for dry, sunny days. Shoulder months (May, October) offer value with warm water.
Make dinner reservations ahead, especially for waterfront venues around sunset.
Everglades National Park & Big Cypress — Wildlife, Airboats, and Wide Skies
• Distance/Travel Time: About 1–1.5 hours to Shark Valley (Everglades) or Big Cypress via US‑41 or I‑75. • Why Visit: This is South Florida’s wild heart. A weekend getaway from Lauderdale to the Everglades and Big Cypress brings alligators, wading birds, and vast skies. It’s the antidote to screen time—quiet trails, slow rivers, and starry nights. • Top Things to Do:
- Bike or take the tram to the observation tower at Shark Valley.
- Paddle the Turner River in Big Cypress (guided tours recommended).
- Join a ranger program at Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center.
- Take an airboat tour just outside park boundaries for speed and scenery.
- Drive the Loop Road for wildlife spotting. • Where to Stay: Look for eco-lodges and simple motels in Homestead or Everglades City; camping is available with reservations. Pack bug spray, a headlamp, and quick-dry clothing. • Best Time to Visit: December to April (dry season) for fewer mosquitos and better wildlife viewing. Summer brings heat, humidity, and afternoon storms.
If you visit multiple federal sites each year, the America the Beautiful annual pass can save money on entrance fees.
Palm Beach & Delray Beach — Gilded History Meets Laid-Back Fun
• Distance/Travel Time: About 45–60 minutes by car via I‑95; 35–40 minutes on Brightline to West Palm Beach, then a short rideshare to Palm Beach or Delray. • Why Visit: Palm Beach offers manicured beauty, Worth Avenue shopping, and the grand Flagler Museum. Delray Beach adds a buzzing main street and great dining. It’s a breezy weekend getaway from Lauderdale to Palm Beach County when you want beaches plus an easy, car-free option. • Top Things to Do:
- Tour the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum (Whitehall).
- Walk Worth Avenue’s vias and courtyards.
- Snorkel at Peanut Island or the Blue Heron Bridge (high tide is best).
- Dine and bar-hop along Delray’s Atlantic Avenue.
- Bike the Lake Trail with views of the Intracoastal and mansions. • Where to Stay: Boutique inns in Delray, luxury resorts on Palm Beach, and stylish hotels near Clematis Street in West Palm Beach. Book shoulder-season weekends for value and check Brightline packages that bundle rail and hotel savings. • Best Time to Visit: November to April for mild temps; late spring and early fall have fewer crowds and warm water.
Brightline’s walkable stations make this a stress-free, car-light escape.
Orlando Theme Parks — Big Thrills, Easy Train Ride
• Distance/Travel Time: About 3–3.5 hours by car via Florida’s Turnpike; Brightline runs roughly 3–3.5 hours to Orlando International Airport station, with shuttles or rideshare to resorts. • Why Visit: Theme parks transform a short break into a full-on adventure. A weekend getaway from Lauderdale to Orlando works for families, friend groups, and couples who want coasters by day and pool time by night. • Top Things to Do:
- Walt Disney World: Choose one or two parks for a focused weekend (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, or Animal Kingdom).
- Universal Orlando: Go park-to-park for the Hogwarts Express and major thrill rides.
- ICON Park and nearby dining for non-park downtime.
- Shop and dine at Disney Springs. • Where to Stay: On-site Disney or Universal resorts get early entry and park transit. Budget-friendly chain hotels along International Drive work well, too. Look for bundle deals on multi-park passes and hotel packages to save. • Best Time to Visit: January–March and September–early November for lighter crowds and pleasant temps. Summer offers extended hours but higher heat.
Buy tickets in advance; park reservations or timed entries may apply. Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable.
Sarasota & Anna Maria Island — Art, Beaches, and Old-Florida Vibes
• Distance/Travel Time: About 3–3.5 hours by car via I‑75. • Why Visit: Sarasota blends white-sand beaches with a serious art pedigree. Nearby Anna Maria Island channels an old-Florida feel—no high-rises, pastel cottages, and relaxed piers. Choose this weekend getaway from Lauderdale to Sarasota for culture and calm. • Top Things to Do:
- Tour The Ringling (Museum of Art, Ca’ d’Zan, and circus history).
- Sink your toes into Siesta Key Beach’s powdery quartz sand.
- Visit Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.
- Stroll Anna Maria’s Pine Avenue and grab a sunset at Rod & Reel Pier.
- Kayak the Lido Key mangrove tunnels. • Where to Stay: Downtown Sarasota boutiques, beach motels on Lido or Siesta Key, and cottages on Anna Maria. Book early for weekends; look for free parking and beach gear included. • Best Time to Visit: October to May for cooler temps and clear water. Summer is warm and budget-friendly, but expect afternoon storms.
Plan one culture day and one beach day to balance the weekend.
Bimini, Bahamas — Tropical Passport Escape by Ferry
• Distance/Travel Time: High-speed ferry from Port Everglades to Bimini takes around 2 hours, depending on operator and seas; schedules vary by season. • Why Visit: When you crave turquoise water and island flavor, a weekend getaway from Lauderdale to Bimini feels like a mini international vacation. Think conch salad, shipwreck snorkels, and cotton-candy sunsets—yet you’re home by Sunday night. • Top Things to Do:
- Snorkel the SS Sapona shipwreck in gin-clear water.
- Lounge at Radio Beach or rent a golf cart to explore North Bimini.
- Visit the Dolphin House Museum, built from shells and sea glass.
- Book a half-day fishing or reef trip. • Where to Stay: Resorts World Bimini offers pools, a marina, and a beach club; you’ll also find small guesthouses near Alice Town for local charm. Compare ferry-and-hotel packages on reputable booking sites to simplify logistics. • Best Time to Visit: December to May for dry, sunny weather. Summer is hot with higher chance of storms. Notes: You need a valid passport. Check ferry schedules, baggage limits, and customs procedures. Travel insurance is a smart add-on for international trips.
This hop feels far-flung without a long flight—a perfect twist on the classic Florida weekend.
Travel Tips for Weekend Trips from Lauderdale
Plan Smart and Pack Light
- Stick to a carry-on backpack or weekender. Use packing cubes, quick-dry layers, and a compact rain jacket.
- What should I pack for a weekend trip from Lauderdale? Bring reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent (for Everglades), reusable water bottle, portable charger, and swim gear.
Choose the Right Transportation
- For stress-free travel, consider Brightline to Miami, West Palm Beach, or Orlando. Book Saver or Value fares early for deals.
- Driving? Get a SunPass Mini for discounted tolls and faster lanes on I‑75 and the Turnpike. Check Florida 511 for live traffic.
Book and Bundle
- Reserve popular activities (airboat tours, snorkel trips, museum tickets) ahead. In Orlando, park-to-park or multi-day passes usually save money.
- Weekend stays sell out fast in the Keys and on the Gulf Coast—book flexible rates with free cancellation when possible.
Use Handy Apps
- Roadtrippers (route planning), GasBuddy (cheapest fuel), ParkMobile (beach parking), AllTrails (hikes/paddles), and the NPS app (Everglades maps).
Best Time to Plan Weekend Getaways from Lauderdale
South Florida has two main seasons. The dry season (roughly November–April) brings sunshine, lower humidity, and average highs around 75–82°F (24–28°C). The wet season (May–October) is warmer and humid, with highs around 86–92°F (30–33°C), frequent afternoon storms, and the Atlantic hurricane season (June–November, peak August–October).
- Beach breaks: Year-round, but late fall to spring offers mellow humidity. Summer water is the warmest.
- Nature and Everglades: Best in the dry season for active wildlife and fewer mosquitos.
- Culture and city trips: Any time; aim for shoulder months for lower hotel rates.
- Theme parks: January–March and September–early November bring lighter crowds and more comfortable temps.
Check forecasts a few days out, and always build a flexible plan during stormy months.
Budget and Planning Advice
How much does a weekend trip from Lauderdale cost? For most 2–3 day getaways, expect:
- Accommodation (per night):
- Budget/midrange: $120–220 in cities like Miami or Sarasota; $150–300 in Orlando.
- Keys and beachfront resorts: $250–500+, especially in peak season.
- Transport:
- Gas and tolls: $35–90 total, depending on distance.
- Brightline: About $19–$79 each way, route and timing dependent.
- Ferry to Bimini: Often $130–$200 round trip plus taxes/fees; watch for hotel bundles.
- Food: $40–$80 per person per day for casual dining; more for fine dining.
- Activities:
- Theme park tickets from about $109+ per person per day.
- Airboat tours $40–$70.
- Museums $10–$25; state park entries $5–$10 per vehicle.
Money-savers:
- Travel off-peak or shoulder seasons.
- Bundle hotels with rail or tickets when available.
- Use loyalty points for stays or rental cars.
- Pack snacks and a cooler for beach and road-trip days.
Trip-planning tools like Google Maps offline, Trailforks/AllTrails, and your hotel’s app (mobile check-in and digital keys) shave minutes off logistics—minutes you can spend on the beach instead.
With Fort Lauderdale as your launchpad, you can trade spreadsheets for seashells, neon skylines, or mangrove tunnels in just a couple of hours. Pick your vibe, book a flexible stay, and let your next weekend begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive usually takes 3.5–4.5 hours without long stops. Traffic can slow on Friday afternoons through Key Largo and Islamorada, so leave early morning or late evening for smoother travel. Speed limits drop across the Keys, and parking in Old Town Key West is limited, so reserve a hotel with parking or plan to walk and bike once you arrive.
Yes—Brightline takes about 3–3.5 hours from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando International Airport’s Terminal C station, which keeps the trip stress-free. You’ll get reserved seats, Wi‑Fi, and outlets, and then it’s a quick rideshare or shuttle to Disney or Universal area hotels. Fares vary by date and seat class, so book early for the lowest price.
Not necessarily. Take Brightline to MiamiCentral, then connect via Metromover or Metrorail to Brickell, Downtown, and Coconut Grove; use rideshare, the South Beach Trolley, or Citi Bike for Miami Beach. Parking in South Beach can be pricey and scarce, so going car-free usually saves time and money.
Go in the dry season, from December to April, when mosquitoes drop and wildlife viewing peaks. Shark Valley (about 1–1.5 hours from Fort Lauderdale) offers tram and bike access to an observation tower, and Big Cypress along US‑41 is great for paddling. In summer, plan early morning visits to beat heat, storms, and bugs.
It works well for a quick tropical break. The high-speed ferry from Port Everglades to Bimini takes around 2 hours, but you should factor in check-in and customs time on both ends. You do need a valid passport, and seas can be choppy, so monitor weather and consider travel insurance, especially in hurricane season (June–November).
Choose Key Largo (about 1.5–2 hours) if you want easy snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and shorter drive time. Pick Islamorada (roughly 2–2.5 hours) for top-tier backcountry fishing, waterfront dining, and sunset views. Both offer casual resorts, dive lodges, and cottages; book early for weekends, especially from December to May.
Orlando’s theme parks deliver maximum fun in 2–3 days, with on-site hotels and early entry perks. Closer to home, Miami’s Frost Museum of Science and PAMM, Palm Beach Zoo and the Cox Science Center in West Palm Beach, and Shark Valley’s tram in Everglades National Park are top family picks. Naples also works well with calm Gulf beaches, the Naples Zoo, and Delnor‑Wiggins Pass State Park.
Two full days hit the highlights. Spend one day on Naples Pier, Fifth Avenue South dining, and the Naples Botanical Garden; then devote the second to Marco Island beaches or a Ten Thousand Islands boat tour for dolphins and shelling. For cooler, sunny weather, plan November–April; for value, try May or October.
Yes, it’s a well-maintained toll road, but services are limited in the Everglades stretch. Fuel up before the crossing, obey speed limits, and watch for wildlife near the shoulders. Summer evenings can bring heavy rain or fog, so reduce speed and use headlights; cell coverage is generally good, and rest areas have basic facilities.
Yes. Ride Brightline to West Palm Beach, then walk or rideshare to Clematis Street, the waterfront, or across the bridge to Palm Beach’s Worth Avenue and the Lake Trail. To reach Delray Beach, rideshare from the West Palm Beach station takes about 25–35 minutes, and once there, Atlantic Avenue is very walkable with trolleys and beach shuttles in season.
Susan CalliesSusan Callies is a travel writer at Travleon.com, where she shares guides, itineraries, and hidden gems from around the world. When she’s not writing about new destinations, Susan enjoys playing the violin, ice skating during the winter months, and exploring local food scenes wherever she travels. She's also passionate about photography, journaling her adventures, and visiting art museums. Susan believes that the best stories are found off the beaten path — and she’s always chasing the next one.