Fort Lauderdale offers much more than beaches and canals. Its location in South Florida makes it a hub for short drives to nearby destinations filled with culture, nature, and entertainment. Day trips from Fort Lauderdale FL highlight just how much variety exists within a few hours of the city, providing an easy way to experience other parts of the region without committing to overnight travel.
This breakdown shows how a single day can provide a memorable change of scenery without straying far from Fort Lauderdale.
Hollywood Beach (11 miles)
Located just 20 minutes south, Hollywood Beach is a convenient and popular option. Its highlight is the 2.5-mile Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, a paved promenade with restaurants, cafes, and small shops. It is ideal for walking, cycling, or relaxing by the ocean.
Hollywood Beach also features a mix of local parks, beachfront resorts, and water sports rentals. Because it is so close, visitors can easily spend a half-day enjoying the area and return to Fort Lauderdale in time for dinner. This makes it one of the simplest day trips from Fort Lauderdale FL for those wanting a quick getaway.
Hollywood Beach also features a mix of local parks, beachfront resorts, and water sports rentals. Because it is so close, visitors can easily spend a half-day enjoying the area and return to Fort Lauderdale in time for dinner. This makes it one of the simplest day trips from Fort Lauderdale FL for those wanting a quick getaway.
Miami’s Wynwood and Design Districts (26 miles)
In less than an hour’s drive, Fort Lauderdale residents can reach Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood. Known for its street murals, galleries, and trendy eateries, Wynwood is one of South Florida’s leading cultural hubs. The nearby Design District offers luxury shopping, architectural displays, and fine dining, making the two neighborhoods complementary destinations.
The Wynwood Walls outdoor museum is particularly well-known for its rotating collection of large-scale murals. Combined with the fashion and art-centered atmosphere of the Design District, this area offers a full day of exploration. It appeals to those looking for a more urban-focused day trip, contrasting Fort Lauderdale’s coastal vibe.
The Wynwood Walls outdoor museum is particularly well-known for its rotating collection of large-scale murals. Combined with the fashion and art-centered atmosphere of the Design District, this area offers a full day of exploration. It appeals to those looking for a more urban-focused day trip, contrasting Fort Lauderdale’s coastal vibe.
West Palm Beach (46 miles)
Just under an hour north, West Palm Beach combines cultural attractions with waterfront settings. The Norton Museum of Art features works by American and European masters and Chinese collections, while Clematis Street offers shopping and dining in a lively atmosphere.
The city’s waterfront district along Flagler Drive provides views of Palm Beach across the Intracoastal Waterway. With its balance of arts, shopping, and scenic views, West Palm Beach is one of the more diverse destinations close to Fort Lauderdale.
The city’s waterfront district along Flagler Drive provides views of Palm Beach across the Intracoastal Waterway. With its balance of arts, shopping, and scenic views, West Palm Beach is one of the more diverse destinations close to Fort Lauderdale.
Everglades National Park (69 miles)
Driving west brings visitors into the unique ecosystem of Everglades National Park. The park offers an entirely different environment compared to the beaches and waterways of Fort Lauderdale. Sawgrass marshes, mangrove forests, and wildlife viewing opportunities dominate the landscape.
Visitors often explore by airboat tours, hiking trails, or guided educational programs. Wildlife sightings include alligators, wading birds, and turtles, all part of the park’s natural draw. For nature-focused day trips from Fort Lauderdale FL, the Everglades provides unmatched biodiversity within easy reach of the city.
Visitors often explore by airboat tours, hiking trails, or guided educational programs. Wildlife sightings include alligators, wading birds, and turtles, all part of the park’s natural draw. For nature-focused day trips from Fort Lauderdale FL, the Everglades provides unmatched biodiversity within easy reach of the city.
Key Largo (96 miles)
The northernmost island of the Florida Keys, Key Largo is about two hours from Fort Lauderdale. It is best known for its coral reefs and diving opportunities, especially at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Visitors can snorkel, dive, or take glass-bottom boat tours to view the underwater landscape.
On land, Key Largo offers a slower pace compared to the mainland. Small restaurants, marinas, and local shops create a relaxed atmosphere. For those wanting a mix of marine adventure and island charm, Key Largo is an ideal choice for longer day trips from Fort Lauderdale FL.
On land, Key Largo offers a slower pace compared to the mainland. Small restaurants, marinas, and local shops create a relaxed atmosphere. For those wanting a mix of marine adventure and island charm, Key Largo is an ideal choice for longer day trips from Fort Lauderdale FL.
Naples (109 miles)
Across the state on the Gulf Coast, Naples is about a two-hour drive. Known for its white-sand beaches and upscale amenities, it offers a distinctly different coastal environment from Fort Lauderdale. The Naples Pier is a popular landmark, providing views of the Gulf of Mexico and opportunities to watch dolphins offshore.
Naples also emphasizes art and culture. The Naples Art District and The Baker Museum feature galleries and exhibitions, while Fifth Avenue South offers a range of dining and boutique shopping. The combination of beach and culture makes Naples a rewarding full-day excursion.
Naples also emphasizes art and culture. The Naples Art District and The Baker Museum feature galleries and exhibitions, while Fifth Avenue South offers a range of dining and boutique shopping. The combination of beach and culture makes Naples a rewarding full-day excursion.
Orlando (218 miles)
While farther than most other destinations, Orlando remains one of the most popular day trips from Fort Lauderdale FL. At roughly three and a half hours by car, it is possible to leave early in the morning and return at night after experiencing one of its major attractions.
Orlando is best known for its theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld. Beyond the parks, the city also offers dining and entertainment districts like International Drive. For those seeking high-energy experiences, Orlando provides options unmatched elsewhere in Florida.
Orlando is best known for its theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld. Beyond the parks, the city also offers dining and entertainment districts like International Drive. For those seeking high-energy experiences, Orlando provides options unmatched elsewhere in Florida.
Make Fort Lauderdale Real Estate Yours With Austin Bergman
For those considering making Fort Lauderdale their home, Austin Bergman is your go-to Fort Lauderdale real estate agent. With a deep understanding of the city and its neighborhoods, Austin Bergman can help you find the perfect home that aligns with your lifestyle and preferences.
Contact Austin Bergman for knowledgeable and professional real estate services and take the first step towards experiencing the best of Fort Lauderdale.
Contact Austin Bergman for knowledgeable and professional real estate services and take the first step towards experiencing the best of Fort Lauderdale.
