Fort Lauderdale stands out as one of South Florida’s most vibrant coastal cities. Known for its boating canals, sandy beaches, and lively arts scene, it also serves as an ideal base for exploring the greater region. Within a two-hour drive, you’ll find everything from tropical national parks and wildlife refuges to historic towns, family-friendly attractions, and charming beach communities. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, foodie, or someone looking for a quick escape from city life, there are numerous destinations within reach for an unforgettable day trip.
This guide offers a comprehensive look at the best day trips from Fort Lauderdale. The destinations featured range from natural wonders like the Everglades to cultural gems such as Miami’s art districts and the historic allure of Palm Beach. Each location is chosen for its unique appeal, accessibility, and the quality of experiences it offers for a single-day adventure. You’ll find details on travel time, top attractions, and helpful planning tips to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.
How the Day Trips Were Chosen
Selecting the top day trips from Fort Lauderdale was a careful process. The destinations listed here are based on a blend of expert recommendations, traveler reviews, and official tourism information. Forums like TripAdvisor, Reddit, and Quora provided first-hand accounts and practical advice from real visitors. Travel boards and local tourism offices offered insights into seasonal events, accessibility, and hidden gems that might not appear on every tourist map.
Key factors considered in curating this list include:
- Driving distance and accessibility: All locations are within two hours of Fort Lauderdale, making them feasible for a round trip in one day.
- Variety of experiences: The list covers a mix of nature, culture, history, and family-friendly activities.
- Popularity and uniqueness: Destinations with consistently high ratings and distinctive features were prioritized.
- Practicality: Each location offers a full day’s worth of activities, with amenities and services suitable for visitors.
By cross-referencing multiple sources and focusing on up-to-date traveler feedback, this guide aims to provide reliable, useful recommendations for every type of traveler.
Nature & Wildlife Escapes
Everglades National Park
Driving Distance and Travel Time
- Distance: 40–60 miles (depending on entrance)
- Travel Time: 1–1.5 hours by car
Key Attractions
The Everglades National Park is one of Florida’s most iconic natural treasures. Known as the “River of Grass,” it’s home to a vast network of wetlands, sawgrass marshes, and unique wildlife—including alligators, manatees, and hundreds of bird species.
What to Do There
- Airboat tours: Glide through the marshes and spot alligators and wading birds.
- Wildlife viewing: Visit Shark Valley or Anhinga Trail for some of the best wildlife observation.
- Hiking and biking: Explore short trails like Gumbo Limbo or the Bobcat Boardwalk.
- Visitor centers: Stop by Ernest Coe or Shark Valley Visitor Centers for maps and exhibits.
Travel Tips
- Parking: Ample parking at main entrances; fees apply.
- Best season: Winter and early spring offer cooler temperatures and fewer mosquitoes.
- Timing: Arrive early for quieter trails and better wildlife viewing.
- Bring: Sun protection, insect repellent, and water.
Biscayne National Park
Driving Distance and Travel Time
- Distance: 55 miles
- Travel Time: 1 hour by car
Key Attractions
Biscayne National Park is a marine paradise, with 95% of its area underwater. It’s famous for its clear waters, coral reefs, and mangrove forests.
What to Do There
- Snorkeling and diving: Explore shipwrecks and colorful reefs on guided tours.
- Boat tours: Join ranger-led trips to Boca Chita Key and lighthouse.
- Kayaking and paddleboarding: Rent gear at the visitor center.
- Wildlife spotting: Look for dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees.
Travel Tips
- Parking: Free at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center.
- Best season: Late fall through spring for calm seas and good visibility.
- Timing: Morning tours fill up quickly—book ahead.
- Bring: Swimwear, towels, and waterproof bags.
Butterfly World (Coconut Creek)
Driving Distance and Travel Time
- Distance: 18 miles
- Travel Time: 30 minutes by car
Key Attractions
Butterfly World is the largest butterfly park in the world, housing thousands of butterflies in lush tropical gardens.
What to Do There
- Walk-through aviaries: See butterflies, tropical birds, and hummingbirds up close.
- Botanical gardens: Stroll through themed gardens blooming with exotic plants.
- Interactive exhibits: Learn about butterfly life cycles and conservation.
Travel Tips
- Parking: Free and plentiful on-site.
- Best season: Year-round, as exhibits are mostly indoors or covered.
- Timing: Weekdays are quieter.
- Bring: Camera and comfortable walking shoes.
Beach & Coastal Getaways
Miami Beach & Art Deco District
Driving Distance and Travel Time
- Distance: 30 miles
- Travel Time: 45 minutes by car
Key Attractions
Miami Beach is renowned for its white sand, turquoise waters, and the historic Art Deco District along Ocean Drive.
What to Do There
- Beach day: Relax or swim at South Beach.
- Art Deco walking tour: Admire pastel-hued architecture from the 1920s and 1930s.
- Lincoln Road: Shop and dine along this pedestrian mall.
- Cultural stops: Visit The Bass for modern art or the Wolfsonian-FIU museum.
Travel Tips
- Parking: Use public garages or parking apps; street parking is limited.
- Best season: November to April for cooler, dry weather.
- Timing: Arrive early to avoid heavy traffic and crowds.
- Bring: Beachwear and sun protection.
Delray Beach
Driving Distance and Travel Time
- Distance: 27 miles
- Travel Time: 35 minutes by car
Key Attractions
Delray Beach combines small-town charm with vibrant arts and a lively downtown.
What to Do There
- Atlantic Avenue: Browse boutiques, art galleries, and open-air cafes.
- Public beach: Swim, sunbathe, or rent paddleboards.
- Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens: Explore serene gardens and cultural exhibits.
- Pineapple Grove Arts District: Discover street art and local studios.
Travel Tips
- Parking: Municipal lots and garages near Atlantic Avenue.
- Best season: Late winter to spring for festivals and outdoor events.
- Timing: Evening visits offer a lively dining scene.
- Bring: Walking shoes and casual attire.
Palm Beach
Driving Distance and Travel Time
- Distance: 47 miles
- Travel Time: 50 minutes by car
Key Attractions
Palm Beach is synonymous with luxury, history, and stunning coastal scenery.
What to Do There
- Worth Avenue: Window-shop along this famed shopping street.
- Flagler Museum: Tour Henry Flagler’s Gilded Age mansion.
- Public beaches: Enjoy pristine sands or stroll the Lake Trail.
- Society of the Four Arts: Visit beautifully landscaped gardens and galleries.
Travel Tips
- Parking: Metered parking near beaches and Worth Avenue.
- Best season: Winter for social events and pleasant weather.
- Timing: Morning visits are less crowded.
- Bring: Dressier casual clothes for dining and shopping.
History & Culture
Coral Castle (Homestead)
Driving Distance and Travel Time
- Distance: 65 miles
- Travel Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes by car
Key Attractions
Coral Castle is a mysterious stone sculpture garden, built single-handedly by Edward Leedskalnin in the early 20th century.
What to Do There
- Guided tours: Learn about the castle’s history and construction.
- Photography: Capture unusual limestone formations and structures.
- Gift shop: Browse quirky souvenirs and books.
Travel Tips
- Parking: Free on-site lot.
- Best season: Year-round, but winter is most comfortable.
- Timing: Arrive early to avoid midday heat.
- Bring: Water and sun hat.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens (Miami)
Driving Distance and Travel Time
- Distance: 30 miles
- Travel Time: 45 minutes by car
Key Attractions
Vizcaya is a lavish Italian Renaissance-style villa with ten acres of formal gardens, right on Biscayne Bay.
What to Do There
- House tour: Explore ornately decorated rooms and art collections.
- Garden walk: Wander through European-inspired landscapes and fountains.
- Photography: The estate is popular for its scenic beauty.
Travel Tips
- Parking: On-site lot fills quickly; street parking nearby.
- Best season: Winter and spring for blooming gardens and cool weather.
- Timing: Mid-morning is ideal before crowds and heat.
- Bring: Comfortable shoes and camera.
Family-Friendly Adventures
Lion Country Safari (Loxahatchee)
Driving Distance and Travel Time
- Distance: 60 miles
- Travel Time: 1 hour by car
Key Attractions
Lion Country Safari is Florida’s only drive-through safari park, with over 1,000 animals roaming free.
What to Do There
- Safari drive: View giraffes, rhinos, lions, and zebras from your car.
- Safari World: Walk-through area with rides, animal encounters, and water play.
- Feeding sessions: Purchase feed for giraffes and lorikeets.
Travel Tips
- Parking: Included with admission.
- Best season: Cooler months for active animals and fewer bugs.
- Timing: Early morning for best wildlife viewing.
- Bring: Binoculars, snacks, and sunscreen.
Jungle Island (Miami)
Driving Distance and Travel Time
- Distance: 28 miles
- Travel Time: 40 minutes by car
Key Attractions
Jungle Island is an interactive zoological park with exotic animals, shows, and adventure activities.
What to Do There
- Animal encounters: Meet sloths, lemurs, and parrots up close.
- Adventure park: Try zip lines, ropes courses, and escape rooms.
- Shows: Catch educational wildlife presentations throughout the day.
Travel Tips
- Parking: Paid parking garage on-site.
- Best season: Fall and winter for outdoor comfort.
- Timing: Arrive early to fit in all activities.
- Bring: Reusable water bottle and casual clothes.
Sawgrass Recreation Park (Weston)
Driving Distance and Travel Time
- Distance: 25 miles
- Travel Time: 35 minutes by car
Key Attractions
Sawgrass Recreation Park offers classic Everglades airboat tours and wildlife exhibits.
What to Do There
- Airboat rides: Zip through sawgrass marshes to see alligators and birds.
- Animal exhibits: View rescued reptiles and native species.
- Night tours: Book a nighttime airboat ride for a unique experience.
Travel Tips
- Parking: Free on-site.
- Best season: Winter for fewer bugs and pleasant temperatures.
- Timing: Morning tours are cooler and less crowded.
- Bring: Ear protection (provided), sunglasses, and camera.
Tips for Planning Day Trips from Fort Lauderdale
Planning a day trip from Fort Lauderdale is straightforward, but a few tips will help you maximize your experience:
- Transportation: Renting a car offers the most flexibility for reaching destinations outside the city. Public transportation is available to some areas, but service can be limited, especially for natural attractions.
- Packing: Always bring sun protection, water, and light layers. South Florida weather can change quickly, with sudden rain showers even in the dry season.
- Weather: The best time for most outdoor activities is from November to April, when temperatures are cooler and humidity is lower. Summer brings afternoon storms and higher mosquito activity, especially in the Everglades.
- Timing: Start your day early to avoid traffic and crowds, particularly on weekends and holidays.
- Seasonality: Some wildlife and festivals are seasonal. For example, birdwatching peaks in winter, while sea turtle nesting occurs from March to October along the coast.
- Reservations: For popular tours (especially in national parks), book tickets in advance to secure your spot.
- Navigation: Use GPS navigation apps for real-time traffic updates. Many attractions are well-signed, but rural areas may have limited cell service.
- Local laws: Check for toll roads and parking regulations at your destination.
Recommended Resources
Several resources can enhance your day trip planning:
- Car rentals: Numerous agencies operate in Fort Lauderdale, offering vehicles suitable for all group sizes and itineraries.
- Day tours: Guided tours are available for destinations like the Everglades, Miami, and Biscayne National Park. These can include transportation, which is convenient if you prefer not to drive.
- Packing gear: Consider bringing a small backpack, reusable water bottle, sun hat, rain poncho, and insect repellent for outdoor excursions.
- Travel apps: Use apps for navigation, parking, and weather updates. Some attractions have their own apps with maps and event schedules.
- Visitor centers: Stop by local visitor centers for maps, brochures, and up-to-date information on events and closures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Miami is about 30 miles south of Lauderdale, typically a 35–45 minute drive. It’s a popular and easily manageable day trip, offering a wide variety of attractions within a compact area.
The most convenient way is by car, heading west to the Shark Valley Visitor Center or other park entrances. Guided tours are also available, which include transportation and expert guides.
Yes, several destinations are perfect for families, including Butterfly World in Coral Springs, Hollywood Beach, and the Palm Beach Zoo in West Palm Beach. Each offers activities and amenities geared toward children.
The dry season, from November to April, is ideal for outdoor activities. Temperatures are comfortable, humidity is lower, and there are fewer insects. Summer can be hot and rainy, but beach destinations remain popular.
Public transportation is available to some nearby cities and beaches, but service can be limited for more remote destinations or natural areas. Renting a car or joining a guided tour offers the most flexibility.
Pack sunscreen, hats, reusable water bottles, towels, and swimwear. Many beaches offer equipment rentals, but bringing your own gear ensures comfort and convenience. Arriving early helps secure parking and a good spot on the sand.
While it’s possible, it can make for a rushed day. Each destination offers enough activities to fill a full day. For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting them on separate days.
Yes, places like Oleta River State Park and the Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens are less crowded and offer unique experiences away from the main tourist routes.
Essentials include insect repellent, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and plenty of water. Binoculars and a camera are recommended for wildlife viewing.
Yes, many local tour operators offer guided excursions to the Everglades, Miami, and other popular destinations. These tours often include transportation, entry fees, and expert commentary.
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.