10 Best Day Trips in Florida

South Florida attractions vary widely. There are all kinds of places you can see and visit, locations to explore, and history to discover. South Florida is perfectly situated for long-time residences and new residents alike to experience familiar favorites or new excitements. 

Moving Squad has long been the most trusted moving company in the area, and we’ve learned a thing or two in that time. So if you’re looking for some fun day trips in Florida, we’ve got some expert local suggestions for you.

Everglades Airboat Tour

Everglades National Park is a 1.5 million-acre area of Florida wetlands. The vast space is preserved so that the wildlife and plantlife can live uninhibited by outside influences. There are hundreds of rare or endangered species housed and protected in the mangroves, pine flatwoods, marshes, and sawgrass habitats. It attracts more than 1 million visitors yearly and is the third-largest national park in the United States. 

Hop on an airboat and take a tour through this beautiful landscape. You’ll be sure to spot plenty of alligators and other wildlife. Even just being on the airboat and experiencing the miles of uninterrupted nature will be an experience you’ll never forget. 

Big Cypress National Preserve

Check out another spot of preserved land at Big Cypress National Preserve, located 45 minutes west of Miami. There are all kinds of self-guided tours and experiences you can have in this 720,000-acre part of Florida, including hiking and paddling trails. For nature enthusiasts, it’s a must.

Sea Shelling in the Ten Thousand Islands

The Ten Thousand Islands are located about an hour and a half from Miami. Once you’ve arrived, you can experience a very unique, secluded sea shell hunting experience. You won’t be walking down a beach—instead, visitors take a boat ride to small islands and can take their pick of shells brought in by the tide. 

There are various touring companies you can book this experience through. Find one that suits your budget, and enjoy collecting beautiful souvenirs. 

Bimini

Bimini is an island in the Bahamas, located 50 miles off the southern coast. The famous Spanish explorer, Ponce de Leon, came to visit this island during his famous search for the fountain of youth. Ernest Hemingway owned a home on the island, and it was on Bimini that Martin Luther King Jr. composed his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech. 

In other words, if you’re looking for vistas beautiful enough to inspire your own artistic instincts, it’s hard to beat Bimini.

Captiva Island

Captiva Island is located in Lee County, within Florida’s Gulf of Mexico coastline. It’s another stunning, pristine spot to enjoy beautiful beaches and oceanfront vistas. Explore the island as you traverse it by foot, bicycle, or golf cart. There are other world-class amenities like shopping, eateries, and golfing to help keep boredom at bay.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is one of South Florida’s most beautiful cities. It’s famous for beautiful beaches and boating canals. Walk through the Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk landscaped park and check out the Arts and Entertainment District while you’re at it. Then, wrap up your visit by taking a trip down memory lane at The Fort Lauderdale Historical Center.

Swim with Manatees in Crystal River

Manatees come into bays in South Florida during the colder winter months. This provides new and existing residents a very unique opportunity to swim with these underwater giants. Guests to Crystal River can kayak, paddleboard, or just swim around. The chances of running into some of these sea cows is very high, particularly during the winter months, so be sure to have your camera on-hand. 

Boat to the Bahamas

South Florida is the only location in the country where you can plan a day-trip to the Bahamas. The two-hour ferry ride from Port Everglades gives you stunningly beautiful watery views as you head to your destination. Take some time to explore Freeport, the main city in Grand Bahama. Then, be sure to enjoy the gorgeous beaches, or the popular shopping areas nearby.

Ready to get your feet wet? Deadman’s Reef is well-known for offering excellent snorkeling, and the surrounding offshore waters are great locations for diving. Travel a little further up the coast to explore some underwater caves, great kayaking spots, and some fun nature trails as well.

Key West

Key West is just 90 miles north of Cuba, making it the southernmost point of the whole state. There are beautiful and historic conch-style homes to see as well as several stunning lookout points you can drive to. Feast your eyes on centuries-old Spanish gold showcased on a preserved ship, or check out some significant cultural sites such as the 1860 African Burial Ground.

Sightseeing not your style? Just wait for the sun to go down, and enjoy Key West’s thriving nightlife. 

Seaquarium

The Miami Seaquarium is a 38-acre oceanarium found on the island of Virgina Key in Biscayne Bay. It was founded in 1955 and remains today as one of the oldest oceanariums in the entire country. See fun shows with killer whales, dolphins, and other exotic sealife. It’s perfect for the amateur marine biologist in everyone.

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