South Florida’s Hidden Gems: The 5 Best Day Trips From Key West
Key West is a popular getaway destination for those looking for a bit of sun, sand, and fun and though the scenic island has a lot to offer, some travelers may want to pack their itinerary with even more South Floridian sights and sounds. If you’re looking for a day away from Key West’s iconic shoreline and quirky island vibes, there are several options within day-trip distance. Grab a pair of sunglasses and your sense of adventure, here are the 5 best day trips from Key West. There are various attractions that are within driving distance from Key West. Not to worry - if you arrived by air, you can book a jeep rental through Vacation Key West for discounted daily rates!
5 of the Best Day Trips From Key West, Florida
1. Dry Tortugas
Calling all history buffs and nature lovers, approximately 70 miles off the shores of Key West lie the Dry Tortugas—a tiny cluster of islands that once served as a historic military fort before their designation as a national park in the 1990s. Just a hop, skip, and a 2-hour 15-minute ferry ride away, the Dry Tortugas offer shimmering turquoise waters and pristine white sand beaches, as well as a 19th-century brick fortress originally designed to protect the island harbor and its shipping infrastructure from passing enemy ships.
Don’t miss → The Dry Tortugas are home to some of the most vibrant coral reefs in the continental U.S., making them a prime destination for your next snorkeling or scuba diving excursion.
2. Everglades National Park
Speaking of nature lovers, one of the country’s largest national parks is within day-trip distance from Key West! From alligators and wading birds to turtles, manatees, and the elusive Florida panther, Everglades National Park is home to a diverse variety of wildlife species. The park is gigantic, spanning 1.5 million acres, and is best accessible by getting up early, renting a car, and making the trek yourself, about a 3.5-4 hour drive from Key West.
Don’t miss → Since the park is made up of coastal wetlands and surrounded by water, the best way to explore the Everglades is by airboat (or kayak if you’re feeling daring) and there are plenty of opportunities to maximize your time with a guided boat tour. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and SPF!
3. Key Largo
Nestled in the Upper Florida Keys, Key Largo lies about an hour outside of Miami, making it a little over a 2-hour drive from Key West. The northernmost island of the Keys, Key Largo boasts breathtaking ocean views and serene sunsets, and also holds a self-proclaimed title as the dive capital of the world—it’s even home to the only underwater hotel in the US! Known for its relaxing vibe, abundant water activities, and stunning natural beauty, Key Largo is an ideal day-trip destination for families and solo-travelers alike.
Don’t miss → If you’re a film buff, don’t miss out on touring the Hollywood sights on the island. Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall’s 1948 classic Key Largo prompted the island to change its name from Rock Harbor to Key Largo in 1952. While most of the movie was filmed on a set, you can have a drink and check out some live music at the Caribbean Club, one of the iconic locations from the film, or take a ride on the African Queen canal cruise—the historic boat made famous by the 1951 Academy-Award winning film of the same name.
4. Islamorada
One of the best day trips from Key West, Islamorada, a small group of islands located about a 1.5-hour drive to the north, is the perfect destination for those looking for a little R&R. With its charming island scenery, calm waters, and laidback atmosphere, there are plenty of ways to beat the summer crowds in Islamorada. Scuba fans and families with children can find enjoyment at the History of Diving Museum where you can see an authentic 16th-century treasure chest before heading to one of the nearby state parks or beaches for a casual picnic lunch. You can also try your hand at sport fishing—after all, Islamorada is considered the sport fishing capital of the world!
Don’t miss → Head to Robbie’s Marina for a delicious meal and to browse souvenirs at the artsy and tropical open-air market, but don’t miss out on the destination’s most memorable experience—hand-feeding the giant tarpon right off the dock! No reservations are required and you can purchase buckets of bait at the marina.
5. Miami, Florida
Key West is brimming with nightlife, culture, and incredible dining, but those in search of the hustle and bustle of a major city will be delighted by what Miami has to offer. A 3.5-hour drive north from Key West, Miami has no shortage of shopping, street art, non-stop nightlife, and year-round attractions. The Magic City is also home to some of the best multicultural gastronomy in South Florida, so be sure to book a walking food tour to try a mouthwatering selection of Cuban, Caribbean, and Spanish cuisine.
Don’t miss → Think Miami is all sand, sunbathing, and nightclubs? Think again—meander to North Miami Beach to visit the historic cloisters of a 12th-century Spanish monastery. The former Church of St. Bernard de Clairvaux is cloaked in lush gardens and lined with picturesque sculptures, stained glass, and Romanesque columns. Construction of the church began in 1133 AD and remained occupied by Spanish monks for over 700 years before its sale to the United States in the 1800s, though the medieval structure didn’t find its final resting place in Dade County until 1952.
Looking to add one of these fine destinations to your holiday itinerary?
Vacation Key West’s relationships with local providers allow us to provide planning services at no additional cost to you. When you book with us, our experienced team handles everything from finding the perfect hotel, organizing your activities, and discovering hidden gems–you have nothing to lose but stress.