Day Trips from Miami to the Everglades and Keys

October 18, 2026

The most useful day trips from Miami are to national parks and the nearer coast, and a few distant ideas need more time than a day allows. Pick by how many hours you are willing to spend in a car, then check opening details before you leave. Distances are approximate and US dollars are used throughout.

Short drives, half a day or more

Fort Lauderdale, about 30 miles north. Brightline trains leave from MiamiCentral and reach Fort Lauderdale in about 30 to 35 minutes. Fares move with demand, so look at the Brightline website on the day you plan to travel. Once there, the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi offers an all-day pass at $38 for adults and $18 for children 5 to 11, with a stop at Las Olas. See the Water Taxi FAQ .

Shark Valley, about 30 miles west. This is the Everglades entrance on US-41 (36000 SW 8th St). A tram runs a 2-hour narrated loop ($36 adult, $27 senior, $19 child), and you can also cycle the loop. The tram is run by a concessioner, so reserve through Shark Valley Tram Tours , especially from November to April. Cards only at the park gate. Park fees are $35 per vehicle, and non-US residents aged 16 and over add $100 each unless they hold an annual pass. The National Park Service fee page has details.

Full days

Everglades from Homestead, about 45 to 50 miles southwest. The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center (40001 SR 9336) is the starting point for the Anhinga Trail area. The vehicle ticket is valid at all entrances for 7 days, so a Shark Valley visit and a Homestead visit can share one purchase.

Biscayne National Park, about 35 miles south. Convoy Point in Homestead has the visitor center, and park entry is free. The cost comes from the boat trips, which start at $39 for a mangrove kayak outing. If you would rather not drive to Homestead, trips also leave from Dinner Key Marina in Coconut Grove. Details are on the Biscayne National Park Institute site .

Key Largo and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, about 60 miles south. Allow about 1.25 to 2 hours each way. Vehicle entry is about $8, and reef boat trips depart from the park, with prices that vary, so confirm them before you set out.

Everglades safety and comfort

Keep at least 15 feet from any alligator or crocodile, and never feed one. Summer is very hot and humid. Take water, wear long sleeves and use repellent, because mosquitoes bite most at dawn, dusk and on overcast days. Airboat operators on US-41 are separate private businesses about 10 to 20 minutes east of Shark Valley, and none operates inside the Shark Valley entrance. Ask each one about ear protection and current ticket prices.

Key West is too far for a single day

Key West sits about 160 miles away along US-1, which takes roughly 3.5 to 4 hours each way before traffic, and a crash can shut the road. The Key West Express passenger boat leaves from Fort Myers Beach rather than Miami. Coach day trips exist and last 12 to 16 hours, which leaves a short stay and a long, tiring day. A night in the Keys is the sensible plan, and Key Largo works well as a shorter alternative.

Season and weather

The Atlantic hurricane season runs 1 June to 30 November, and trips on the water are cancelled when a Hurricane Watch or Warning is issued. Check the forecast the night before and follow any county evacuation order.

Tour operators that pick up in Miami are listed on Viator’s Everglades page , and reef outings from Key Largo appear on GetYourGuide .