Top Day Trips—In and Around Miami Up to 90 Minutes Away

What does taking a day trip less than 90 minutes away from home mean exactly? It means you can drop off your kids at school, and be back by the time school gets out! I don’t do this enough, but when I do take the time to do these “field trips” I end the day feeling recharged, energized, and inspired. Here are just a few day trips I've gone on recently that were too good not to share. 

FOR THE ACTIVE NATURE ENTHUSIAST

Shark Valley Visitor Center at Everglades National Park. No, you won't encounter sharks here, but you will see other wildlife. It's surprising to me that this is one hour and 15 minutes away from us in Miami- it truly feels like a world away thanks to the serenity, tranquility, and vastness it offers. 

One of my favorite Everglades experiences is the 15-mile bike ride at Shark Valley, where you’re guaranteed to see wild alligators (and maybe a croc or two) as close as 2 feet away from you! 

Although this may sound scary, and I will admit at times it is- this is such a unique experience. Once you hit mile 8, there is an iconic visitors tower. This 65 foot tower, has beautiful panoramic views you’ll have to see for yourself.

Deep inside the park, this feels so remote but you will see people all along the way. If biking just isn’t your thing, a tram tour still allows you to climb up the tower! 

How many alligators did YOU see today? Not to brag, but we saw 30 🐊.

FOR THE CULTURE, NOSTALGIA, AND/OR HISTORY BUFF

The Flagler Museum preserves the legacy of Henry, a key figure in Florida’s development, particularly in railroads, luxury hotels, and tourism. Allow yourself to be transported back in time to the Gilded Age right in Palm Beach! I recently read a book about Marjorie Merriweather Post with my book club and this whole area now has so much more backstory. Opulence, glamor and lavish luxury is what you'll find here. This mansion is reminiscent of what you see in Newport Rhode Island. It is a true gem. 

Railcar 91 Tea Room - This Tea Room has a brighter, more open feel, perfect for casual dining. This is separate from the home and has a spectacular waterfront view. It’s designed to resemble a Beaux-Arts railway station. Don’t miss a visit to Railcar No. 91, Flagler’s luxurious mobile office and residence while overseeing the construction of the Florida East Coast Railway that connected Florida’s mainland to Key West.

FOR THE BOTANIST

The Kampong. Formerly the home to David Fairchild of Fairchild Tropical Gardens fame, this property boasts an incredible garden with an array of plants & trees. "Kampong" is a Malay word meaning "village" or "small settlement." The well known plant explorer chose this name after spending time in Southeast Asia, where he was inspired by the tropical landscapes and cultures he encountered. It was his way of bringing a piece of the tropics back to Florida and creating a peaceful, village-like retreat for plants and people alike. This oasis hidden in plain sight is located in Coconut Grove. These amazing gardens must be explored- learn about rare and exotic trees and plants, then find “The Point,” where the views of Biscayne Bay are breathtaking!

FOR THE NOT-SO-QUICK ERRAND

Another option is turning an errand into an adventure. Load the kids up into the car and drive a little further instead of heading to your closest market, bookstore, or department store. You can start the day with the errand and reward everyone with something cool, or mix it up. Just being somewhere else, breathing different air, seeing other people, and being surrounded by something new will make everyone feel like they spent the day on a trip (even if it doesn’t feel like a vacation 🤣). 

Some ideas:

• Miracle Mile, Barnes & Noble and Merrick Park. 

• Have to go to Nordstrom? Once you get to Merrick Park, there is a Barnes & Noble 5 minutes away, and loads of restaurants on Miracle Mile

• Brickell City Centre has all the retail with an added bonus of Golf at Puttshack.

I am always amazed at how much beauty there is around me—you just have to make the time and go see it. Try to take one day per month and block it off. Grab a friend and take an adventure together. Use that random teacher’s work day as a “daycation” or make a Sunday less mundane. 

All of us deserve to break out of our routines but it doesn’t have to take up so much time or money. I hope I’ve inspired you to think outside the box, and do something completely surprising. I promise the reward will be immense!

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