Need a change of scenery without going far? These day trips from Fort Lauderdale offer beaches, nature, and culture just a short drive or boat ride away!
Highlights:
Unique Day Trips from Fort Lauderdale:
1. Delray Beach - 35 minutes from Fort Lauderdale
Fabulous Delray Beach welcomes you with its sandy beach, shopping and restaurants.
You can visit the Delray Beach Historical Society at Cason Cottage Museum, take a tour of the Wakodahatchee Wetlands, have a picnic at Veteran’s Park or grab a paddleboard from Saltfly Paddleboard Rentals.
Try to visit on the third or fourth weekend of each month when you can join a free Taste History Culinary Tour.
Delray Beach, FL 33444
2. Big Cypress National Preserve - 1 hour and 20 minutes
The Big Cypress National Preserve protects the massive Big Cypress freshwater swamp, which in turn provides a home for countless plants and native Florida wildlife.
The preserve is located west of Fort Lauderdale, where it offers a fun and educational day out for the whole family.
There is no shortage of fun family activities in the preserve which you can explore on foot or by bike along several trails.
Wherever you go you can enjoy wonderful wildlife viewing including the opportunity to spot otters, turtles, alligators and even the elusive Florida panther.
Canoeing and kayaking are a wonderful experience if you have time to try it.
33100 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL 34141, Phone: 239-695-2000
3. Biscayne Bay
The amazing Biscayne National Park is located approximately one hour south of Fort Lauderdale, where it offers a perfect day of water activities in pristine surroundings.
The enormous marine park covers over 173,000 acres of azure waters, coral reefs, islands and keys.
If it is your first visit to the park you could benefit from a guided snorkeling, boating or kayaking tour which will introduce you to the splendors of the park.
Park activities include sailing (lessons available), scenic boat tours, diving and snorkeling excursions, sea-plane tours and fishing charters.
You can find all the information you need at the Visitor’s Center.
I stayed at the nearby The Elser Hotel - Miami which had water views from my balcony.
4. Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
Located on a coastal barrier island close to central Fort Lauderdale, the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens will entice you to step back in time to the gracious 1920’s, when the home was built by the Chicago-born artist Frederick Clay Bartlett.
Today Bonnet House joyfully celebrates the artistic talents of Frederick and his third wife Evelyn, both of whose art is prominently displayed throughout the house.
The gardens are impressive to say the least and visitors can admire one of the best collections of orchids the country. You can also take a walk along the nature trail where manatees can still occasionally be spotted.
The home also offers a gift shop, orchid shop and café. I loved arriving by water taxi. I costs a little extra but it really adds to the fun of your visit!
750 Breakers Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, Phone: 954-563-5393
5. Coral Springs
Coral Springs is located just 30 minutes from Fort Lauderdale.
Art lovers can visit the Coral Springs Museum of Art or catch a show at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts.
There is plenty of outdoor fun to be had in the Tall Cypress Natural Area where you can walk, hike, cycle or picnic in beautiful natural surroundings.
You can learn to scuba dive at No Shenanigans Dive Shop. Downtown Coral Springs offers great shopping and dining as well as regular events and a thriving Farmer’s Market.
Romantic Day Trips from Fort Lauderdale:
6. Dania Beach
Offering you a long list of popular activities, Dania Beach is easily accessible from Fort Lauderdale by car or bus.
One of the area’s most popular attractions if the Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park. You'll find a great variety of beach and lagoon facilities including canoeing, swimming, boating, snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing.
To get a great overview of the coastline you can go on a charter boat trip with Cruzin Dania Beach.
If you are a fishing fan, don't miss visiting the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum.
7. Deerfield Beach
Perfectly nestled between the Boca Raton and Hillsboro inlets, just half an hour north of Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach is the ideal day-trip location for the whole family.
The beach has been awarded Blue Wave status for its crystal clear waters, beach facilities and eco-friendliness, but Deerfield Beach is more than just a brilliant beach destination.
You can spend the day at Quiet Waters Park, one of just a handful of Florida venues where you can try cable skiing, or make your way to Sullivan Park where there is a huge splash-pad for children to enjoy.
Fishing is excellent from the International Fishing Pier. I love that there were loads of excellent seafood restaurants to discover.
8. Everglades National Park
Fort Lauderdale locals and visitors are fortunate to have the amazing Everglades National Park just about on their doorstep (You can reach the Shark Valley park entrance in about an hour from Fort Lauderdale).
To get a marvelous overview of the park energetic visitors can climb to the top of the observation tower (65ft high).
A good way to see the sights is to join a guided 2-hour Shark Valley Tram Tour.
Other activities in the park include canoe and kayak excursions, bicycle rentals, ranger-led walking tours, fishing, hiking and boating.
Bird watching and photography opportunities abound throughout the park.
Everglades National Park, Shark Valley Entrance, 36000 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33194, Phone: 305-221-8776, Video
Family Day Trips from Fort Lauderdale:
9. Fort Myers
Fort Myers is located on the west coast of the Florida panhandle, approximately two hour’s drive from Fort Lauderdale, so you will need an early start for a day visit.
The city offers many excellent activities for families, starting with the impressive IMAG History and Science Center where you can have hours of educational fun with over 60 interactive exhibits.
Six Mile Cypress Slough Reserve has a brilliant boardwalk for wildlife watching, while Manatee Park offers paved walking trails and kayak rentals for some up-close manatee watching.
History buffs and garden lovers will enjoy touring Burroughs Home and Gardens and the fabulous Edison and Ford Winter Estates or joining the Fort Myers Historic Walking Tour.
Fort Myers, FL 33913
10. Hollywood Beach
You will find Hollywood Beach about halfway between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, where a wonderful two and a half-mile boardwalk leads you along a brilliant sandy beach.
The (brick) boardwalk is perfect for walking, cycling and rollerblades, so be sure to bring yours along.
Once you have enjoyed all the beach facilities you can hop aboard the free Sun Shuttle which will take you to arty and bustling Downtown Hollywood where you can do the rounds of the various art galleries, shops and boutiques.
Try not to miss the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project, the Arts and Culture Center of Hollywood and the Historic Downtown Walking Tour.
Last but not least, I wanted to mention Coconut Creek just 40 minutes from Fort Lauderdale.
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
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What makes Fort Lauderdale a great starting point for exploring Southern Florida?
- Fort Lauderdale is perfectly positioned to explore Southern Florida, and there are a host of brilliant day-trip destinations located within 60 to 90 minutes of the city.
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What beaches can visitors enjoy near Fort Lauderdale?
- As you can imagine, there are a large selection of fabulous beaches if you just want to spend the day soaking up the sun or testing the waters – try Biscayne Bay National Park, Deerfield Beach, Hollywood Beach, or Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.
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What nature attractions are available near Fort Lauderdale?
- Nature lovers have the spectacular Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve to explore by car, air-boat, canoe, or kayak.
Best Time for Day Trips from Fort Lauderdale, Florida:
- December to April – Dry season brings sunny skies, cool breezes, and perfect weather for beaches, boat tours, and outdoor exploring.
- May to June – Warm and vibrant—great for gardens, coastal drives, and early summer adventures with fewer crowds.
- July to August – Hot and humid, but ideal for water parks, snorkeling, and breezy island getaways.
- September to October – Off-season charm with lush landscapes, lighter traffic, and peaceful nature escapes.
- November – Comfortable temps and thinner crowds make this a great time for Everglades trips and cultural outings.
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