36 of The Best Weekend Trips from Miami
Guest post written by Abby from Trekking Prices
Are you searching for the best weekend trips from Miami?
Miami is located in southern Florida and is home to fantastic beaches, unforgettable culture and cuisine, and countless things to do.
The city of Miami is vibrant and lively, located right by the Atlantic Ocean. Although there are an abundance of things to do and see in the city, there are endless weekend trips from Miami that you can take to explore nearby destinations as well.
The Ultimate Guide to Weekend Trips from Miami
There are endless weekend trips from Miami that you can embark on whether it is by car or air.
Whether you would like to stay in the state of Florida and explore nearby beach towns or take a short drive to nearby states or you would like to hop on a quick direct flight to a nearby destination, there are so many great destinations to be explored on weekend trips from Miami, Florida.
In State Weekend Trips from Miami (within Florida)
1. Key West, Florida
Key West is located about 170 miles southwest of Miami and is one of Florida’s most beautiful beach towns and is known for its island vibe, fresh seafood, picturesque buildings, and boutique shops.
Whether you would like to relax by the beach, bring your favorite beach fishing cart and best surf fishing rod to reel in some spectacular fish, or you would like to eat a delicious meal at one of Key West’s local food spots, there is something for everyone in the Florida Keys.
For those looking to enjoy delicious Cuban cuisine, you must check out El Siboney Restaurant for a meal and drinks that you will not forget.
Distance by Car from Miami to Key West: 3 hours and 45 minutes
2. Cocoa Beach, Florida
Cocoa Beach is another great destination for those searching for the best weekend trips from Miami. It is known for its pristine beaches and incredible surf.
Additionally, Cocoa Beach is famous for having the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. This is an excellent place to visit for those wanting to learn more about NASA, space exploration, and astronauts.
Be sure to purchase your Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral Admission Ticket ahead of time so that you can reserve your spot in advance to learn more about people walking on the moon and to experience all of the simulators and exhibits that the Kennedy Space Center has to offer.
Distance by car from Miami to Cocoa Beach: 3 hours and 20 minutes
3. Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Florida
For those looking for a more unique Florida experience by the water, consider checking out Jonathan Dickinson State Park. This state park consists of over 10,000 acres of land and is a great destination for exploring, hiking, fishing, camping, and learning about its rich Florida history.
There are endless excursions and activities to indulge in at Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Due to its thousands of acres and various environments to learn about and explore, we recommend bringing along your favorite hot weather tent for camping or an RV so that you can take a few days to stay in the park and experience all that it has to offer.
Distance by car from Miami to Jonathan Dickinson State Park: 1 hour and 30 minutes
4. Sarasota, Florida
Located about 230 miles northwest of Miami, Sarasota is a great place to visit on a weekend trip.
Known for its impeccable beaches such as Lido Beach and Siesta Key Beach, Sarasota is a great place to visit for those looking to relax on the beach and take in the incredible views.
For art lovers, you must check out The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. This museum is known for being Florida’s state art museum and is home to breathtaking exhibits, incredible archives and collections, as well as great lectures.
Distance by car from Miami to Sarasota: 3 hours and 50 minutes to 4 hours
5. Mount Dora, Florida
Mount Dora is located in central Florida about 4 hours North of Miami. This area of Florida is known for its antique shops and countless festivals throughout the year.
For those that love finding a great antique shop, we recommend checking our Renninger’s Flea Market and Antique Center for a great place to discover hidden gems.
Distance by car from Miami to Mount Dora: 4 hours
6. Delray Beach, Florida
The distance from Miami to Delray Beach is roughly one hour making it a quick and easy drive for a weekend trip.
Delray Beach is a smaller city on Florida’s southeastern coast and is known for its beaches, the Pineapple Grove Art District, and for being the home to Wakodahatchee Wetlands.
This is a great place to visit for those looking to get out of the hustle and bustle of the big city of Miami and enjoy a more local city experience exploring Delray Beach and all that it has to offer.
Distance by car from Miami to Delray Beach: 1 hour
7. Islamorada, Florida Keys
For those searching to head about 2 hours South of Miami into the Florida Keys, you must check out Islamorada.
This small community in the Florida Keys is known for being the home to some truly fantastic fishing. Whether you would like to pack your own fishing gear and embark on an unforgettable excursion or you would like to devour the fresh catch of the day, Islamorada is a great destination to visit.
For those looking for a great place to eat, be sure to head to Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar for delicious food, tremendous views of the ocean, and live music.
For history lovers and diving enthusiasts, you must check out the History of Diving Museum. This museum showcases some old school diving equipment and gear and will also teach you the history behind the sport of diving.
Distance by car from Miami to Islamorada: 1 hour and 50 minutes to 2 hours
8. St. Petersburg, Florida
St. Petersburg is about 4 hours northwest of Miami and is one of the best weekend trips to embark on for those searching for museums, beautiful gardens, excellent golf, and endless things to do.
For those looking to explore vibrant plants and colorful flowers, head to the Sunken Gardens where you can explore 4 acres of lively plants. This is an incredible place to visit for those looking to spend some time amongst greenery and take in the surrounding beauty.
For art enthusiasts, head to The Dali, an art museum that’s main goal is to preserve the work of Salvador Dali.
Lastly, for golf fanatics be sure to check out of the many phenomenal courses in the area such as Mangrove Bay and Cypress Links Golf Courses.
Distance by car from Miami to St. Petersburg: 4 hours
9. Naples, Florida
Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Naples is home to tranquil white sand beaches, high end shopping, and the famous Naples Pier.
Naples is famous for its white sand beaches such as Clam Pass Park and Lowdermilk Park. These are two excellent beaches known for their beauty and public access.
If you would rather splurge and explore the high end shopping in the area, head to Third Street South where you can explore endless luxury brands.
Lastly, the Naples Pier is the landmark that is often associated with the town of Naples. This is not only a great place to snag a beautiful picture but is home to some great pier fishing and even a great spot to watch for dolphins!
Distance by car from Miami to Naples: 2 hours
10. Tampa, Florida
Tampa, Florida is home to some great professional sports teams such as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Tampa Bay Rays. This is a great city to visit for those looking to catch a game or explore the city and nightlife of Tampa.
For those looking for more of a thrill, head to Busch Gardens where you can hop on endless rides and rollercoasters for a fun and exhilarating experience.
If catching a game and going to an amusement park are not on your radar, consider visiting The Florida Aquarium. This aquarium is one of the best in the country and is a great place for individuals, couples, or families to visit to take in aquatic life and learn more about how we can take care of our oceans and the sea creatures living in them.
Distance by car from Miami to Tampa: 4 hours
11. Jacksonville, Florida
For those looking to discover another large city in the state of Florida, Jacksonville should be on your bucket list.
This city is home to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, many museums, several beaches, and endless shopping and restaurants.
For those looking to get out and enjoy some shopping, we recommend visiting the St Johns Town Center that is full of shops, dining, and entertainment options.
Distance by car from Miami to Jacksonville: 5 hours
12. Orlando, Florida
Home to the infamous Walt Disney World Studios and Universal Studios, Orlando is one of Florida’s most lively and touristy cities filled with incredible amusement theme parks, shopping, restaurants, and so much more.
For those looking to head inland to central Florida, Orlando is located roughly 3 hours and 30 minutes from Miami and is a great destination for an unforgettable weekend trip from Miami.
Distance by car from Miami to Orlando: 3 hours and 30 minutes
13. Key Largo, Florida
Key Largo is located about 70 miles South of Miami and is a quick drive for those looking to escape the city life of Miami and enjoy a more slow paced island vibe.
Not only is Key Largo a great place to relax by the beach but the island is also famous for being the home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and its exceptional scuba diving.
Distance by car from Miami to Key Largo: Roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes
14. West Palm Beach, Florida
Located about 70 miles North of Miami, West Palm Beach is one of the best weekend trips from Miami due to its incredible shopping, beautiful architecture, and phenomenal bars and restaurants.
There are countless things to do in the area but one of the most popular activities is to head to The Square which is famous for its beautiful architecture and endless shopping options.
Distance by car from Miami to West Palm Beach: 1 hour and 15 minutes
15. Fort Myers, Florida
Fort Myers is an awesome destination for a weekend trip from Miami. It is a great place to visit for those looking to explore various history and science museums and an excellent location for families.
For those looking to gain some knowledge while visiting the area be sure to check out IMAG History & Science Center and the Edison & Ford Winter Estates.
For individuals or families looking to spend time outside, check out the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, the Manatee Park, or the Lakes Park.
Fort Myers is truly a great destination for individuals and families alike and it has something to offer for everyone including countless outdoor areas, museums, attractions, and much more.
Distance by car from Miami to Fort Myers: 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours
16. Sanibel Island, Florida
Sanibel Island is a dream for seashell lovers. Not only is this island known for its incredible shelling but it is an absolutely breathtaking destination to relax by the water and take in the incredible views.
Once you are tired of looking for seashells, head to the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum where you can learn more about shelling and see a variety of different intricate shells.
Distance by car from Miami to Sanibel Island: 3 hours
17. St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine is a great place to visit for history lovers! This city is known for being one of the oldest cities in the United States and is rich in history.
For those looking to learn more about the history behind this city be sure to check out the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum as well as the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.
If you aren’t necessarily a history buff and would rather get to know more about Florida’s wildlife, be sure to visit the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park where you will be able to see countless alligators and learn more about these unique animals.
Distance by car from Miami to St. Augustine: 4 hours and 45 minutes to 5 hours
18. The Everglades, Florida
If you are searching for a unique place to visit within the state of Florida that is not a coastal town or another large city, The Everglades is a great spot for you.
The Everglades are renowned for being one of the most beautiful national parks in the Americas and are located about an hour northwest of Miami. They are a great place to visit for those looking to see some of the wetlands and wildlife that live amongst these areas such as alligators, turtles, and different bird species.
Distance by car from Miami to The Everglades: 1 hour
19. Lake Okeechobee, Florida
For those looking to escape the typical city and beach atmosphere of Miami, you must check out Lake Okeechobee.
This lake is just under 2 hours away from the city of Miami and is the largest freshwater lake in the United States. Around the area you can explore Okeechobee Battlefield Historic State Park and the Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park where you can take in the surrounding greenery and lake areas.
Distance by car from Miami to Lake Okeechobee: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Out of Florida Weekend Trips from Miami
20. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is a robust town known for its charming architecture, history, and infamous River Street.
The town of Savannah, Georgia is known for its unique architecture and beautiful oak trees throughout the area. For those looking to get outside and discover some truly gorgeous landscapes be sure to head to Forsyth Park, the Savannah Historic District, and the breathtaking Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist Church.
For those looking for a more lively Savannah experience head to the infamous River Street that is full of countless bars and restaurants.
Distance by car from Miami to Savannah: 7 hours and 40 minutes to 8 hours
21. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is rich in history, full of delicious southern cuisine, and has endless charm and romance.
For those looking to head out of state about 9 hours North of Miami, Charleston is an excellent option for those looking to experience a slower pace of life but with endless things to do and a lively atmosphere.
To experience the southern cuisine in full swing, be sure to book the Downtown Charleston Food Tour. This tour is about 3 hours in length and will take you to several local restaurants where you can try southern dishes and learn about the history of Chaleston’s cuisine as well as the history behind the city itself.
Distance by car from Miami to Charleston: 9 hours and 15 minutes
Weekend Trips from Miami Outside the USA
22. Bimini, Bahamas
Bimini is a great destination for those looking to hop on a short flight to the Bahamas. Bimini is known for being less crowded than other areas in the Bahamas such as Nassau and is famous for being the home to Radio Beach and its beautiful and tranquil beaches.
Flight time from Miami to Bimini: 45 minutes
23. Aruba
For those looking to catch a quick flight to some incredible white sand beaches, Aruba is the perfect destination and is one of the best weekend trips from Miami.
Some attractions that you must check out when visiting the area include Conchi Natural Pool and the California Lighthouse.
Flight time from Miami to Aruba: 3 hours
24. Havana, Cuba
Havana, Cuba is another fantastic destination for a weekend trip from Miami. Known for its gorgeous beaches, delicious Cuban food, and unique architecture. For those looking to explore a new culture and a lively city, you must check out Havana.
Flight time from Miami to Havana: Roughly 1 hour
25. Bonaire
Bonaire is known for being a divers paradise due to its incredible shore diving and countless coral reefs. It is an absolutely incredible place to visit for those looking to take in the sea from a unique perspective underwater.
Flight time from Miami to Bonaire: Roughly 3 hours
26. Nassau, Bahamas
For those looking to hop on a short flight to one of the most popular and buzzing areas of the Bahamas, you must check out Nassau. Known for being the home to beautiful beaches and bright blue ocean water.
Additionally, it is home to the popular Atlantis Bahamas resort which features countless pools, a water park, a casino, many restaurants, and so much more.
Be sure to book your stay at the Atlantis Bahamas for an unforgettable experience in Nassau.
Flight time from Miami to Nassau: 1 hour
27. Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman is the largest island in the Caymans and is known for its beautiful beaches, excellent scuba diving, abundance of sea turtles, and for having a major cruise ship port.
For sea turtle enthusiasts, be sure to visit the Cayman Turtle Centre. This facility strives to improve conservation efforts of sea turtles. Not only do they take phenomenal care of the sea turtles within this facility but they are passionate about teaching others about these beautiful creatures and how we can better take care of them and their ecosystems.
Flight time from Miami to Grand Cayman: Roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes
28. Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos is one of the best weekend trips from Miami that requires a short flight. These islands are known for their pristine beaches such as Grace Bay Beach.
The Turks and Caicos islands are a fabulous destination to escape the city life of Miami and truly relax and take in the beautiful scenery.
Flight time from Miami to Turks and Caicos: 1 hour and 45 minutes
29. Cancun, Mexico
Another excellent weekend trip to embark on from Miami is to Cancun, Mexico. This is a great place to visit for those looking for various all-inclusive resorts with warm weather and delicious Mexican cuisine and drinks.
Flight time from Miami to Cancun: Roughly 2 hours
30. San Juan, Puerto Rico
Another fantastic weekend trip from Miami is to San Juan, Puerto Rico. This is an excellent place to visit for those looking to learn more about the culture and customs of the beautiful island of Puerto Rico.
Additionally, San Juan is a fabulous place to visit for those looking for vibrant nightlife and delicious cuisine.
Flight time from Miami to San Juan: Roughly 3 hours
31. Guatemala City, Guatemala
For those looking to head further into Central America, Guatemala City is a great location for a weekend trip from Miami. This city is known for its Mayan history and volcanoes nearby.
When visiting Guatemala City, be sure to visit the Mercado Central which has a lively market in the area.
Flight time from Miami to Guatemala City: Roughly 3 hours
32. Montego Bay, Jamaica
Montego Bay is known for its fantastic beaches and countless all-inclusive resorts. If you are searching for a weekend getaway from Miami and would like to have great views, a tremendous atmosphere, and an all-inclusive experience, you must check out Montego Bay.
Flight time from Miami to Montego Bay: 2 hours
33. Belize City, Belize
Belize City is a great destination for those looking to journey down from Miami to an island known for great restaurants and bars and its proximity to great scuba diving and nearby jungles.
Flight time from Miami to Belize City: 2 hours
34. San Jose, Costa Rica
San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica and is known for its museums, parks, architecture, and nightlife. For those looking to experience a new culture, get outside for a new excursion, and learn more about the country of Costa Rica, you must check out San Jose.
Flight time from Miami to San Jose: 3 hours
35. Bogota, Columbia
Full of vibrant and colorful buildings, incredible museums, and fabulous art, Bogota is an incredible destination to visit.
For those looking to explore some seriously incredible architecture in the area, head to Plaza de Bolivar which is the main square in the city of Bogota.
Flight time from Miami to Bogota: 4 hours
36. Guadeloupe
Known for its beautiful beaches and lush greenery, Guadeloupe is an exceptional place to visit. Be sure to check out Plage de Grande Anse for a fabulous public beach in the area as well as Jardin Botanique de Deshaies for a vibrant botanical garden that will have you in awe.
Flight time from Miami to Guadeloupe: 3 hours and 15 minutes
FAQs About The Best Weekend Trips from Miami
What cities are 3 hours away from Miami?
Cocoa Beach is about 3 hours away from Miami and is a great place to visit for its incredible beaches and fabulous surf.
What is 1.5 hours away from Miami?
West Palm Beach is roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes away from Miami and is a great place to visit for shopping and extraordinary beaches.
What island resort is 2 hours from Miami?
Key Largo is roughly 2 hours from Miami. For those looking for a beautiful island resort, be sure to check out the Island Bay Resort nearby.
What cities are 2 hours from Miami Florida?
Naples, Islamorada, and Jonathan Dickinson State Park are all roughly 2 hours from Miami, Florida and great places to visit on weekend trips!
Like this post on the best weekend trips from Miami?
Pin to save it for later!
More posts about the USA
