Every once in a while, it's nice to get a change of scenery, venture a little farther from home than usual, and try something new. When you want to go on an adventure but only have a day to do it, there's nothing better than a nice day trip! But you don't want to spend all day in the car, either, so check out these options within a two-hour drive of Fort Lauderdale!
Drive: ≈ 30 minutes
Nicely blending the casual vibes of a beach town and the glamour of a beach resort lifestyle, Delray Beach has something for anyone. Along with hitting the beach, you can explore their Downtown area, take a stroll down Atlantic Avenue, and soak up the amazing culture this small town has to offer!
Drive: ≈ 1 hour and 15 minutes
If you're looking to escape into nature try checking out Everglades National Park. As the first national park created strictly due to preserve the diversity of species found there, you never know what you may see. There are also nine distinct habitats explore, too; it might be a day trip worth repeating to truly experience them all!
Drive: ≈ 1 hour 45 minutes
From Key Largo to Key West, you can spend a day exploring some of the 125 miles of islands just south of Miami. The Keys are home to some amazing dive sites, including the only living coral barrier reef in North America. You can also go and recharge, taking in the scenic, laid-back beach lifestyle. Even if you only get through one of the five districts, you're sure to have a great day and want to go back to see everything you missed.
Drive: > 30 minutes
The most notable reason to go to Davie is to check out the famous Flamingo Garden Between the botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary, this 60-acre plot of land is home to the largest collection of wildlife native Florida wildlife. You can also find 18 champion trees (largest of their species) throughout the garden. However, if you're not interested in checking out the garden, you can also take advantage of the equestrian lifestyle that the town promotes and go on a leisurely trail ride.
Drive: ≈ 1 hour 20 minutes
Through Clewiston, you can access Lake Okeechobee using the Jolly Roger Marina to enjoy a relaxing day of boating, and maybe even catch a few bass! You can also give into your sweet tooth in a town famous for their sugarcane crop, and you can also take sugar tours around the city!
Drive: ≈ 45 minutes
If you want to experience the hustle of a bigger city for the day, Miami's not too far a drive. Although there's way to much there to see in just a day, you have to start somewhere. In a city this lively, there are always events going on throughout the city; be sure to plan accordingly so you don't hear about something amazing just a little too late. Between the beautiful beaches and the vibrant city life, you're sure to have a day of excitement!
Drive: ≈ 1 hour 50 minutes
If you're interested in checking out the view from the other coast, Naples is less than two hours away! While there, you can also experience the high-end side of life the small town is known for. To experience the height of glamour here, be sure to check out the historic 5th Avenue South. Then, whether you're looking for glamour or laid-back beach vibes, take the opportunity to gaze out on the Gulf of Mexico and enjoy a delicious meal by the water.
Drive: ≈ 1 hour
Along with their beautiful beaches, West Palm Beach offers enriching opportunities to experience a wide variety of art and culture. You can take in a show at the Kravis Center or view the collections at the Norton Museum of Art. If you go downtown, you'll have a wide variety of shopping and entertainment options between Clematis Street, CityPlace, and Northwood Village. It's a great place to spend the day taking in the art and scenery and maybe picking up a few things along the way.
Drive: ≈ 3 hour 30 minutes
Although it's more than a two-hour drive, when you talk about day trips in Florida, you always have to mention Orlando. If you want your pick of amusement parks, it's definitely the place to go. With the four Disney Parks and two sides of Universal, you can plan a long day of fun!
The Bahamas
If you're looking for an even bigger adventure and have a valid US Passport, you can also take a day trip down to the Bahamas. Many travel agencies like BahamasPlus offer ferries from Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas that can bring you back the same day.
No matter what kind of adventure you're looking for, there's plenty to experience just a drive away!
Find more on travel in Fort Lauderdale by registering on 954area, your free guide to the Fort Lauderdale area.
Cover photo courtesy of Pixabay
