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Road Trips from Miami
March 31, 2021

Road Trips from Miami

The surrounding area of Miami, Florida is one of the coolest and most unique metropolitan areas in the entire United States. Nowhere else can you be within driving distance of world-class coral reefs, white sand beaches, wetlands, and theme parks like Universal Studios and Walt Disney World. Though Miami itself has plenty to do, the energy, nightlife, and pace of the city can get intense after a while. Luckily, there are plenty of places within a few hours that feel worlds away from the city (and country) itself. Here are our top picks for the best road trips from Miami.

Get Swampy in the Everglades

1-2 hours from Miami

The closest of three entrances to the expansive Everglades National Park is at the Shark Valley Visitor Center, which is located due west of Miami. In totality,  over 20% of Florida’s trademark swampland is preserved at the Everglades. While your road trip from Miami will get you to the edges in about an hour, you should allow even more time to explore the park, as roads are limited. In this vast wetland, you’ll see massive flocks of colorful birds, countless alligators, rare manatees, and gorgeous mangrove forests. Much of the Everglades is only accessible via boat, but visitors can also take a two-hour tram tour or explore small sections of the park via boardwalk trails.

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Dive into Key Largo

1 hour 30 minutes from Miami

Visit this watersports paradise often hailed as the “dive capital of America”. Clear, turquoise waters, white sand, and rich sea life make Key Largo an incredibly popular tropical destination for travelers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Miami. Snorkel, swim with dolphins, or dive on the world’s largest artificial reef, the 510-foot USS Spiegel Grove. If you don’t like to be completely submerged, you can just kick back and relax with an umbrella drink in hand.

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Blast Off at Cape Canaveral

3 hours from Miami

Home to the famous Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral is the hub of NASA's launch operations. Visitors to the Kennedy Space Center can explore tons of attractions, including the Astronaut Hall of Fame, Spaceflight simulators, the Space Shuttle Atlantis, and new concepts for the Mars Rover. It’s very possible to be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of U.S. space memorabilia and history, so carve out at least a full day to take it all in.  For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, check out the rocket launch schedule to see if you can line up your visit and grab tickets to get up close. Launches are infrequent but take place year-round from Merritt Island.

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