A Guide to the Best Day Trips from Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a great place to explore. There is plenty to do and see in the city, but sometimes it’s nice to take a break and explore the surrounding areas. Whether you’re looking for a beach day, a nature hike, or a cultural experience, there are plenty of day trips from Fort Lauderdale that are sure to please.

1. Miami Beach

Miami Beach is just a short drive from Fort Lauderdale and is a great place to spend the day. With miles of white sand beaches, it’s easy to find a spot to relax and soak up the sun. There’s also plenty of nightlife and shopping, as well as a vibrant art scene. Plus, you can take a break from the beach to visit some of Miami’s iconic attractions, like the Art Deco Historic District and the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.

Take a break from the beach and explore the sandbars and shallow reefs of Biscayne Bay. Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore the mangroves and seagrass beds of the bay. Or, take a guided tour of the bay and view some of the area’s unique wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles.

End your day with a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants on South Beach. From seafood to steaks to vegetarian fare, you’ll find something to satisfy your taste buds. And, of course, don’t forget to sample some of the local Cuban cuisine.

2. Key West

Key West is a great destination for a day trip from Fort Lauderdale. Located just off the coast of the Florida Keys, Key West is known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. The main attraction here is the beach, but there’s also plenty of shopping, dining, and nightlife to explore.

Take a stroll down Duval Street and explore the many shops, restaurants, and bars that line the street. For a more cultural experience, visit one of the many art galleries and museums, such as the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Or, take a tour of the island’s historic forts and lighthouses.

If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore the waters of Key West. You’ll get to see some of the area’s unique wildlife, including manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles. Of course, you can always just relax on the beach and soak up the sun.

3. Big Cypress National Preserve

Big Cypress National Preserve is a great destination for nature lovers. Located just north of Everglades National Park, Big Cypress is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including alligators, white-tailed deer, and bald eagles. It’s also a great place to explore the unique landscape of the Florida Everglades.

Take a guided tour of the preserve and learn about the area’s plants and animals. Or, hop in a canoe or kayak and explore the many cypress swamps and sawgrass marshes that make up this unique ecosystem. You may even spot a few alligators along the way!

After a day of exploring, take a break and relax on the boardwalk at the Big Cypress Visitor Center. Here you’ll find a variety of educational exhibits and programs, as well as an observation tower for bird-watching. Or, take a walk on the many trails that wind through the preserve.

4. Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a great place to spend the day. Located just south of Fort Lauderdale, this vast park is home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and a variety of birds. It’s also a great place to explore the unique landscape of the Florida Everglades.

Take a guided tour of the park and explore its many trails. Or, hop in a canoe or kayak and explore the wetlands and mangrove forests of the park. You’ll also have the chance to view some of the area’s unique wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and a variety of birds. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a Florida panther!

Be sure to take some time to explore the park’s many visitor centers and museums. Here you’ll find a variety of educational exhibits and programs, as well as guided tours of the park. You can even take a boat tour of the park and get a closer look at some of its wildlife.

5. Everglades Alligator Farm

The Everglades Alligator Farm is a great place to visit for a day trip from Fort Lauderdale. Located just south of Miami, the farm is home to hundreds of alligators and crocodiles, as well as a variety of other animals, including snakes, turtles, and birds.

Take a guided tour of the farm and learn about the area’s wildlife. Or, take a walk along the boardwalk and get a closer look at the alligators and crocodiles. You can even take a boat tour and get an up-close look at some of the area’s unique wildlife.

The Everglades Alligator Farm also offers a variety of educational programs and activities, such as live animal shows and interactive exhibits. You can even take an airboat ride and explore the wetlands and mangrove forests of the Everglades. Be sure to take some time to explore the farm’s gift shop and pick up some souvenirs.

6. John U. Lloyd Beach State Park

John U. Lloyd Beach State Park is a great destination for a day trip from Fort Lauderdale. Located just off the coast of Hollywood, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles. It’s also a great place to relax on the beach and soak up the sun.

Take a stroll down the beach and explore the area’s unique wildlife. Or, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore the mangroves and seagrass beds of the park. If you’re looking for a more active adventure, take a guided tour of the park and learn about the area’s plants and animals.

End your day with a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants on the beach. From seafood to steaks to vegetarian fare, you’ll find something to satisfy your taste buds. And, of course, don’t forget to sample some of the local seafood.

7. Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a great destination for a day trip from Fort Lauderdale. Located just north of the city, Boca Raton is known for its beautiful beaches, great shopping, and vibrant nightlife. It’s also home to a variety of cultural attractions, such as the Boca Raton Museum of Art and the Boca Raton Historical Society.

Take a stroll down Mizner Park and explore the many shops, restaurants, and bars that line the street. Or, take a guided tour of the area’s historic sites, such as the Boca Raton Resort & Club and the Spanish River Park. For a more cultural experience, visit one of the many art galleries and museums, such as the Boca Raton Museum of Art.

If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, hop in a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore the wetlands and mangrove forests of the Boca Raton area. You’ll get to see some of the area’s unique wildlife, including manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles. Of course, you can always just relax on the beach and soak up the sun.

8. Palm Beach

Palm Beach is a great destination for a day trip from Fort Lauderdale. Located just north of the city, Palm Beach is known for its beautiful beaches, great shopping, and luxurious resorts. It’s also home to a variety of cultural attractions, such as the Flagler Museum and the Norton Museum of Art.

Take a stroll down the iconic Worth Avenue and explore the many shops, restaurants, and bars that line the street. Or, take a guided tour of the area’s historic sites, such as the Flagler Museum and the Whitehall Mansion. For a more cultural experience, visit one of the many art galleries and museums, such as the Norton Museum of Art.

If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, hop in a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore the waters of the Intracoastal Waterway. You’ll get to see some of the area’s unique wildlife, including manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles. Of course, you can always just relax on the beach and soak up the sun.

9. Sawgrass Recreation Park

Sawgrass Recreation Park is a great destination for a day trip from Fort Lauderdale. Located just west of the city, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and a variety of birds. It’s also a great place to explore the unique landscape of the Florida Everglades.

Take a guided tour of the park and explore its many trails. Or, hop in a canoe or kayak and explore the wetlands and mangrove forests of the park. You’ll also have the chance to view some of the area’s unique wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and a variety of birds. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a Florida panther!

Be sure to take some time to explore the park’s many visitor centers and museums. Here you’ll find a variety of educational exhibits and programs, as well as guided tours of the park. You can even take an airboat ride and explore the wetlands and mangrove forests of the Everglades.

10. Bonnet House Museum and Gardens

The Bonnet House Museum and Gardens is a great place to visit for a day trip from Fort Lauderdale. Located just north of the city, the museum is home to a variety of plants and animals, as well as a variety of historic buildings. It’s also a great place to explore the unique landscape of the Florida Everglades.

Take a guided tour of the museum and learn about its history and its many plants and animals. Or, take a stroll through the gardens and explore the area’s unique wildlife. You’ll also get to see some of the area’s unique birds, such as the roseate spoonbill and the white ibis.

Be sure to take some time to explore the museum’s many exhibits and programs. Here you’ll find a variety of educational exhibits and programs, as well as guided tours of the museum. You can even take a boat tour and get a closer look at some of the area’s unique wildlife.

11. Hollywood Beach Boardwalk

The Hollywood Beach Boardwalk is a great destination for a day trip from Fort Lauderdale. Located just north of the city, the boardwalk is home to miles of white sand beaches, as well as a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s also a great place to explore the unique landscape of the Florida Everglades.

Take a stroll down the boardwalk and explore the many shops, restaurants, and bars that line the street. Or, take a guided tour of the area’s historic sites, such as the Hollywood Beach Theater and the Hollywood Fishing Pier. For a more cultural experience, visit one of the many art galleries and museums, such as the Hollywood Art & Culture Center.

If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore the waters of the Intracoastal Waterway. You’ll get to see some of the area’s unique wildlife, including manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles. Of course, you can always just relax on the beach and soak up the sun.

12. Fort Lauderdale Beach

Fort Lauderdale Beach is a great place to spend the day. Located just off the coast of the city, Fort Lauderdale Beach is home to miles of white sand beaches, as well as a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s also a great place to explore the unique landscape of the Florida Everglades.

Take a stroll down the beach and explore the area’s unique wildlife. Or, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore the mangroves and seagrass beds of the beach. If you’re looking for a more active adventure, take a guided tour of the beach and learn about the area’s plants and animals.

End your day with a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants on the beach. From seafood to steaks to vegetarian fare, you’ll find something to satisfy your taste buds. And, of course, don’t forget to sample some of the local seafood.

Summary

Fort Lauderdale is a great place to explore, but there is plenty to do and see in the surrounding areas as well. From Miami Beach to Key West, Big Cypress National Preserve to Everglades Alligator Farm, there are plenty of day trips from Fort Lauderdale that are sure to please. Whether you’re looking for a beach day, a nature hike, or a cultural experience, you’ll find something for everyone.