Top day trips from Fort Lauderdale

If you’re learning to fly at our Florida campus, have you been on any of these day trips from Fort Lauderdale? These are our top picks when it comes to getting away from it all, and are a perfect way to see more of fantastic Florida!

Miami: 30 miles

Miami needs little introduction, but you’re likely to need more than one day trip to take it all in! If you enjoy Cuban food, music, and parties, a trip to vibrant Little Havana is a must. Step back to days gone by in the Art Deco district for 1920s hotels painted all colors of the rainbow, and be sure to head to The Magic City to eat your bodyweight in some of the most fantastic food this state has to offer!

Everglades National Park: 110 miles

It may take a little longer to get to, but it’s totally worth it. The Everglades National Park is where you can get up close and personal with Florida’s amazing flora and fauna. Take a walk on the Anhinga Trail through the sawgrass marsh, keeping an eye out for alligators and amazing birds, or join a tour or rent a bike at Shark Valley to take in this incredible ecosystem. And then, of course, there’s the chance to ride in an airboat on the water for some real close encounters with gators!

West Palm Beach: 46 miles

As well as expansive white sands, West Palm Beach is popular with daytrippers who visit for its attractions, food, and shopping. Spend big at the many outlet malls or shops downtown, select from the many bars or restaurants on Clematis Street, or have fun at McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary or Mounts Botanical Garden.

Delray Beach: 28 miles

Just a 35-minute drive north of Fort Lauderdale is beautiful Delray Beach. It’s one of the lesser-known places on our list, but was voted one of the best small towns in America – so is certainly worth a visit! Filled with shops and restaurants, its compact size makes it a quieter alternative to busier beaches along the rest of the coast. And if you’re into your art, make sure you stop by the Pineapple Grove Arts District for a trip down the Artists’ Alley!

Florida Keys: 85 miles to Key Largo; 189 miles to Key West

Not many people know you can get to the Keys and back in a day, but you can if you leave early! What’s more, it’s one of our favorite day trips from Fort Lauderdale. Either by car or by boat, you can get to Key Largo in 90 minutes, where you can hire a boat for an unforgettable fishing trip or jump on a glass-bottomed boat for a tour of the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. If you’re feeling super adventurous, you could even squeeze in a drive to Key West – the southernmost tip of the US.  And don’t forget to sample some Key Lime Pie during your visit! After all, when in Rome…