Ah Fort Lauderdale, Florida–the Sunshine State and the land of the most magical place on Earth (hint: Disneyland), luxury hotels, and plush retirement communities for well-padded seniors. Boring and probably meant only those under seven or above seventy? Stop that thought right in its tracks because we at Trip101 are here to bust all your preconceptions. While Fort Lauderdale certainly has all that mentioned above, it is also famous for its beachfront hotels, lively cultural scene, beautiful people, and luxurious beach resorts. Wondering what to do in downtown Fort Lauderdale? Shopping, eating, and exploring Las Olas Boulevard are some of the best activities here. Travelling a little way out also offers many attractions for the discerning traveller. Read on and take extensive notes from this (almost!) definitive list of the top day trips from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
1. Jupiter, Florida (from USD 62.15)
Located on the eastern coast of Florida, Jupiter offers many outdoor activities and breathtaking sights for visitors. Spend your day exploring the picturesque Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum, or relax at Carlin Park’s beach. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for a hike or bike ride along the Riverwalk Trail, which offers stunning views of the Loxahatchee River.
For wildlife enthusiasts, head to the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary to see various animals up close. If you want more action, check out the Jupiter Inlet Surf Report and hit the waves for some surfing or paddleboarding. Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at one of the many waterfront restaurants while watching the sunset over the water in the evening.
Jupiter: Loxahatchee River Scenic Kayak Tour
Duration: 2.0 hour
2. West Palm Beach, Florida (from USD 51.0)
Located on Florida’s eastern coast, West Palm Beach offers visitors a variety of activities to enjoy. Start your day with a stroll along the waterfront and admire the beautiful boats and yachts in the marina. Head to the Norton Museum of Art to explore its impressive contemporary and modern art collections.
If you’re looking for retail therapy, head to CityPlace for a mix of local boutiques and high-end stores. For nature lovers, walk through the Mounts Botanical Garden or visit the Palm Beach Zoo to see various exotic animals. When you get hungry, grab a bite at one of the city’s many restaurants, serving everything from fresh seafood to delicious Cuban cuisine.
Palm Beach Catamaran Historic Sightseeing Cruise
Duration: 2 hours
3. Key West, FL (from USD 109.0)
A day trip from Fort Lauderdale to Key West means travelling over one of the longest bridges in the world, Seven Mile Bridge and enjoying the sensation of zooming over crystal clear waters on both sides of this bridge. You might recognise Seven Mile Bridge from the Hollywood blockbuster, 2 Fast 2 Furious, one of the many popular movies filmed on the bridge. Upon arriving in Key West, most visitors make a beeline for Flagler Museum. The museum is a stately estate that used to be the private residence of Henry Morrison Flagler, one of Florida’s most famous industrialists who connected the East Coast of America with his Florida East Coast Railway line. Henry Flagler was also the mastermind behind Seven Mile Bridge, which connects the various landmasses in the Florida Keys.
Fort Lauderdale to Key West Tour with Upgrade Options
Duration: 15 hours
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4. Miami, FL
Miami, Florida is the glittering pulse of the state with its dizzying range of activities. Make a stop at Miami Beach for what locals love to do - tanning! The beach has an Art Deco-style neighbourhood dating back to the 1930s and makes for a nice place to spot the more unique architecture. Soak up some Cuban flavour in Calle Ocha, the heart of Little Havana and enjoy Latin American food, music, as well as art. Visit the glitzy Bayside Market along the Miami waterfront especially at night for a taste of the vibrant nightlight that this city enjoys!
5. The Everglades, FL (from USD 41.99)
Looking for relaxing day activities near Fort Lauderdale? Take a journey on the wild side with a visit to Everglades National Park. It is the largest sub-tropical region in America and teems with wildlife that can be spotted if you are lucky enough. The swamplands in The Everglades are the best spot in Florida to see the famous gators and Florida panthers, in addition to a large variety of other wildlife. The swampland is also known as the River of Grass for its lush fields of sawgrass that create natural water passages by which visitors to Everglades National Park can travel by on a boat. The best time to visit the national park is from November to March when the weather is cool and dry.
Miami: Everglades National Park Airboat Tour & Wildlife Show
Duration: 1.0 hour
6. Biscayne Bay, FL (from USD 30.0)
One of the best experiences in and near Fort Lauderdale is gliding along the beautiful Biscayne Bay on a cruise and enjoying a stunning view of Miami from the water! Most touring cruises will take you through the sparkling, blue waters of Biscayne Bay, where you will see the famous Miami downtown skyline and spot celebrity mansions along the way. For a taste of Floridian life, visitors should also try to sail past the luxurious Venetian Islands, Port of Miami, and Miami Beach with tanned and beautiful bodies surrounding it almost 365 days a year. Keep a sharp eye out as you cruise along Biscayne Bay as there have been numerous sightings of marine wildlife that abound in the waters!
Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Cruise
Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes
7. Delray Beach, FL (from USD 104.0)
Foodies, rejoice! Delray Beach, Florida is the stop for you. With a wide range of cuisines available and numerous award-winning dining establishments firmly planted in the area, you can literally eat with every step. Try everything from Mexican to Cuban, bespoke cocktails, craft beers, and even vegan cuisine! As you amble along the main street in town, learn about Delray Beach’s history and check out the rich culture that is unique to the area of Baca Raton, with roadside art and buskers who add to the spirit of this town.
Delray Beach Craft Food and Drink Walking Tour
Duration: 3 hours
8. Naples, FL (from USD 60.0)
For those who want to get even closer to Mother Nature, consider exploring the natural scenery of Naples, Florida on a stand-up paddleboard! You can paddle along the mangrove backwaters of Naples or the sunny coast, depending on the day’s weather. Keep a lookout for Florida’s native marine wildlife along the way and marvel at the amazing variety of flora and fauna that grow in abundance along the water. No sweat even if you are a beginner to paddleboarding as this sport is pretty easy to pick up. Most paddle board schools also provide visitors with instructions and safety gear.
Naples Fl, Paddleboard Mangrove Forest Tour
Duration: 2 hours
9. Orlando, FL
No introduction is needed for Orlando, Florida as this is the spot where Walt Disney World Resort stands! The young and young at heart will love this gigantic theme park that is home to beloved characters such as Mickey Mouse and his friends as well as thrilling rides that will get your heart pumping. Choose from a number of differently themed parks within this mega-resort to visit or set aside a couple of days to see them all!
10. Sebring, FL
Sebring, Florida is known as “The City on the Circle” for a road in the heart of its historic downtown called Circle Drive. In a nod to the references to driving, Sebring is also famous for having hosted the 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race at Sebring International Raceway since 1950. However, the city is also known for its vibrant arts scene with many excellent galleries putting down roots in Sebring. Another popular attraction is Highlands Hammock State Park that boasts of 89 years in operation. As one of Florida’s oldest parks, Highlands Hammock State Park is home to a number of endangered plant communities, black bears, and the native Florida panthers. Visitors can bike or hike through the park and take a tram tour to view the wildlife up-close.
11. Lake Okeechobee, FL (from USD 354.0)
Lake Okeechobee is a favourite of many fishing enthusiasts for its abundant population of largemouth bass. For many years, Lake Okeechobee has also won the title for the number one bass fishing spot in the world. The largest bass ever caught in Lake Okeechobee was from 1932. This monster of a bass weighed about 22 pounds and four ounces or about 10 kilograms! Try your luck and see if you can break this record. Those who occasionally enjoy some bird watching are also in luck as the lake attracts a significant number of migratory flocks at different times of the year.
Lake Okeechobee Fishing Trips Near Palm Beach Florida
Duration: 4 to 12 hours
12. Fort Myers, FL (from USD 27.0)
Here is something that nature lovers will enjoy, out of the metropolis that is Fort Lauderale. Head to Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve and meet the adorable manatees that call this spot home. Other marine wildlife such as dolphins can also be seen, if you are in luck. The great thing about visiting Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve are the certified Florida Master Naturalists who are highly familiar with the bay and will be your guide in sharing information about these creatures as well as the delicate ecosystem in place. Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve is also home to many other attractions like mangrove islands, rookery islands, and Lovers Key State Park.
Fort Myers Beach Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise with Naturalist
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Make Fort Lauderdale, Florida your gateway to a wealth of experiences
Dispel your notions of Florida being a place that only the young and old would have cause to visit! With Trip101’s list of top day trips from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, enjoy a whole new world of experiences that are suitable for families, couples, friends, and even individuals. Start planning for a trip down south today!
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