With endless places to explore in South Florida, THesis Hotel Miami serves as the perfect home base for fun day trips to some of the state’s most unique destinations. Whether you’re looking to check a Miami road trip off your bucket list or want to get up close and personal with local wildlife, there’s a perfect day trip for you. Keep reading for some of our favorites.
Day Trip #1: The Florida Keys
Traveling to the Florida Keys is one of the best day trips from Miami you can take, with a drive as beautiful as the final destination. While it takes around four hours to drive from Miami to Key West, you can reach other islands in the Keys in just over an hour. You’ll likely find yourself enjoying the drive with stunning views of crystal clear waters and some of Florida’s best beaches.
Once you reach the islands, you’ll have endless activities to explore. From scuba diving at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo to interacting with dolphins and sea lions at Theater of the Sea in Islamorada, there’s something for every interest. Keep driving until you reach Key West and you’ll be rewarded with famous historical sites like the Ernest Hemingway House—plus your chance to take a picture at the southernmost point of the Continental U.S.
Day Trip #2: Everglades National Park
When you’re in the hustle and bustle of downtown Miami, it’s hard to imagine that one of America’s most famous national parks is only an hour’s drive away. Hit the road and trade in the beach and city streets for the subtropical wilderness of Everglades National Park. You’ll discover an unparalleled natural landscape at this must-see Florida destination, including habitats for rare and endangered animals like manatees, American crocodiles and Florida panthers.
Climb aboard a boat for the best views of the park or join a ranger-led tour to learn more about the plants and animals that call the Everglades home. Bicycle and tram tours are offered for those who would rather stay on dry land, but the best way to see unexplored parts of the park is by kayak. No matter how you choose to see this landmark, you’re sure to leave impressed.
Day Trip #3: Biscayne National Park
While you’ve likely heard of the Everglades, did you know there are actually 11 Florida national parks? Explore one of the state’s hidden gems at Biscayne National Park. Under an hour from Coral Gables and Miami, you’ll find this rare combination of mangrove forests, coral reefs, and over 10,000 years of human history.
Popular activities include fishing, canoeing, and kayaking, but the can’t-miss attraction is undoubtedly the Maritime Heritage Trail. This underwater trail offers guests the opportunity to explore 6 of the park’s many shipwrecks dating back to the 1800s. The trail is accessible by both snorkeling and SCUBA diving, allowing explorers of all skill levels the chance to see not only centuries-old ships, but also some of the unique wildlife that calls Biscayne Bay home.
After a long day exploring Florida’s gorgeous destinations, return to THesis and indulge in the comforts of your modern hotel room.
