Whether you’re headed to Miami for business or pleasure, there’s plenty waiting for you in this 24-hour beach city. While Miami’s bursting with things to do, there are also quite a few attractions within driving distance that should be at the top of your bucket list. If you’ve secretly dreamed of swimming with dolphins, driving through a safari park or taking an airboat ride through an alligator farm, it’s time to pack up the car with your road trip essentials and check out these five Miami day trips that are worth the drive.
About an hour away from Miami, this 1.5-million acre preserve is home to swamps, hiking trails and a large bird population. A number of guided tours are available, including airboat tours into the depths of the Everglades for alligator-spotting. You can also rent canoes or bicycles to make your way through the park.
If you’ve always wanted to go on a safari but haven’t made it to Africa yet, you’re in luck: There’s a drive-through safari about an hour and a half from Miami. Animals roam wild at Lion Country Safari, and you can get a close-up look at giraffes, wildebeests and other desert creatures as you drive along the five-mile paved road that runs through the park.
There’s a reason the Beach Boys included Key Largo in their list of stops on the way to Kokomo. A little more than an hour’s drive from Miami, this island is known for its coral reefs, water sports and sunsets. If you’re up for an aquatic adventure, don’t miss your chance to swim with dolphins at Dolphins Plus.
The 3.5-hour drive to Orlando is a must if you’re visiting Miami with the family. This giant playground is home to theme parks like Disney World, SeaWorld and Universal Studios.
Escape the hustle and bustle of Miami’s South Beach and head 30 miles north to the relatively calmer shores of Fort Lauderdale, where families can enjoy sand and surf without the crowds that Miami typically attracts. All beached out? Head to Las Olas Boulevard for an afternoon of window shopping. You can also step into Florida’s history with a visit to the nearby Stranahan House, the oldest residence in the city.
(Main image: Emlyn Stokes)
