The beautiful Fort Myers area is the perfect place to take a break from commercial Florida and get back to nature. You should be sure to take a trip west, over the causeway, and explore Sanibel Island in One Day. The focus on Sanibel Island is wilderness and wildlife. Development has been limited since the 1970’s allowing nature to thrive. The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is the largest wildlife refuge on the island. Here you’ll discover wetlands and mangroves, ideal for bird-watching.

Sanibel Island is the perfect place to park the car and get active. Recreation options are plentiful. Biking around Sanibel is easy with dedicated bike lanes and multi-use paths as well. It’s easy to cover many sites on the island just by pedaling. Fishing and kayaking also let you enjoy the natural beauty of Sanibel up close. Sanibel has many beaches to relax on. But there’s more here.

Sanibel is famous for Shelling. You can join in the fun and search for unique colors and shapes of shells that are constantly deposited on the sand. Tourists also can take the family and visit the Shell Museum and the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village. Finally, you can end your day trip to Sanibel with a stunning sunset at Bowman’s Beach. All in all, this is one of the best day trips in Florida.

Website: https://www.fortmyersbeachfl.gov

Address: Second Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901

Phone: 239-997-8687

Google rating: 5.0/5.0

Taking a day trip to St. Augustine from Jacksonville is one of the most unique Florida day trips and an absolute must if you’re in the area. St. Augustine, having been founded in 1565 and continuously inhabited ever since, is known as the “oldest city” in the United States. St. Augustine is also technically a part of Jacksonville so the short, 45-minute drive from point to point should be no sweat.

While in St. Augustine you can check out such beautiful and historic sites as Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the U.S., you also can take a memorable tour of Flagler College, shop on the country’s oldest street, drink from the Fountain of Youth, ride a trolley around town and stop at each of the many important landmarks, and so much more. The city is also home to many delicious, locally-owned restaurants, beautiful green spaces, an unbelievable amount of history, and even a publicly accessible lighthouse.

The St. Augustine Lighthouse played a significant role in World War II and will be a highlight of your day trip to St. Augustine. You also can climb the 219 steps of the St. Augustine Lighthouse for amazing 360° views of the city and the coast, spend some time in the maritime museum, and grab a snack in the WWII-themed on-site cantina.

Website: https://www.jacksonvillenc.gov/

Address: W. Bay Street. Suite 1400. Jacksonville, FL 32202

Phone: (904) 542-4217

Google rating: 4.5/5.0

One of the most significant cities in Florida is Key West, the southernmost city in the continental United States. But there is another site, 80 miles southwest of Key West, where you can visit one of the most pristine islands in the State of Florida. Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most remote National Parks sites.

In fact, it is so remote and quite expensive to get here that most people opt to skip it. But for those who are interested, a day trip to Dry Tortugas is one of the must things to do from Key West. There are only two common ways to get to Dry Tortugas National Park. You can fly with a seaplane that costs around $356-625 round trip, or the most popular one with a Yankee Freedom III ferry for $180. Both will require you at least half a day to do.

Because of its remote location, you can expect to find a pristine landscape that offers an adventure of a lifetime. You can join the guided tour of historical Fort Jefferson, or simply enjoy swimming or snorkeling in the white-sand beach with crystal-clear, blue water. You can also arrange a kayaking tour if you bring your own kayaks on the ferry, as well as camping on this pristine land.

Website: https://fla-keys.com/

Address: 1418 6th St, Key West, FL 33040

Phone: 877-463-6539

Google rating: 4.2/5.0

A trip from Miami to Everglades National Park is known as one of the best day trips in Florida. This day trip’s drive is about 40 miles west of the city and takes about an hour with traffic. If you don’t have access to a car, there isn’t an easy public transport option but there are private tour agencies running this route. Just a touch past the visitor center, you need to make sure to stop in to the Miccosukee Indian Village, where you can learn more about the Miccosukee Tribe’s culture in both the present and past.

You can have a cafe for lunch, lots of real-time demonstrations with artisans, alligator handlers, and nearby airboat rides to get on the water (there are no airboat rides inside the park’s boundaries). Tourists will start out at the Shark Valley Visitor Center, arguably the most popular hub of the Everglades National Park.

There are a few small exhibits to explore before you set out on the paved, 15 mile path that leads to a tall observation tower with 360 degree views of the park. You can rent bicycles or walk if you’d like to DIY but they also have naturalist-led tram rides that will stop to point out animals. Alligators are common along with countless colorful birds, snakes, and turtles.

Website: https://www.nps.gov/

Address: 815 Oyster Bar Lane Everglades, FL 34139

Phone: 305-242-7700

Google rating: 4.5/5.0

One of the best day trips in Florida you can take is a day trip from Naples to Captiva Island. Located 60 miles north of the city, this beachy getaway is the perfect antidote to city living. Captiva Island is the smaller sister to the larger Sanibel Island, located just over Turner Bridge. Once upon a time, pirates sailed the waters near here followed later by the conquistadors. It’s also where the Calusa Indians once called home.

These days, the island is famous for its brilliant sandy beaches, its beautiful shells and its spellbinding sunrises and sunsets. Although the beach is the main draw, there are lots of other things to do in Captiva Island as well. Once you’ve had a swim, head to the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum. The museum was started in 1984 by a local shell collector and is today the only museum in the US devoted entirely to shells and mollusks. Next up should be a tour of the island, Florida style, on a golf cart. You can rent one from YoLo.

Other fun things to do paddle-boarding, listening to live music at the Mucky Duck pub and eating delicious local Floridian food. Captiva Island really is a great day trip from Naples but you’ll enjoy yourself so much, you’ll probably want to stay longer.

Website: https://sanibel-captiva.org/

Address: 11401 Andy Rose Ln. Captiva Island, FL 33924

Phone: 239-633-8142

Google rating: 5.0/5.0

The Gulf Coast of Florida has many great beaches and day trip opportunities. One of my favorite ones is Naples to Marco Island. The drive time is only 25 minutes between the two and while Naples has more of a downtown vibe and is a much bigger town, Marco Island has more of a quaint little beach town feel. While in Naples, you should be sure to check out 5th Avenue South for upscale shopping and dining or take one of the many eco-tours to go kayaking, dolphin watching, or boating around the islands in the area.

Naples Pier is a nice place to drop a line and catch a fish, go for a walk on the boardwalk, or watch the sunset. There are also world-class golf courses and a small zoo as well. On the drive south to Marco Island (taking Highway 41), you could stop in at Naples Botanical Gardens or see one of the largest mangrove swamps in the world at Collier Seminole State Park, you will quickly notice the tranquil vibe of Marco Island.

There are a couple of public beaches on the island with ample parking for guests. The water here is usually warm and calm, and many private companies offer watersport rentals or dolphin watching cruises. You will witness sea turtles nesting on the beach in the summer, which is pretty special. If you are looking for more “hustle and bustle”, walkable downtown, golf courses and nightlife, then Naples is a great place in Florida to spend some time. Marco Island offers a more affordable and quiet alternative a quick drive away.

Website: https://www.marco-island-florida.com/active.htm

Address: Downtown Naples; 350 Seventh St. North,. Naples, FL 34102.

Phone: 239-394-1670

Google rating: 5.0/5.0

One of the best Florida day trips is a trip from Orlando to Gainesville. Everyone knows Orlando has great theme parks and shopping. Less than two hours away in Gainesville, however, visitors traveling to Central Florida can experience nature, culture, and amazing food. There are a lot of things to do in Gainesville, for adults and kids alike.

Home to the University of Florida, Gainesville has world class museums, including the Florida Museum of Natural History that has daily butterfly releases. There are also beautiful parks and gardens, with both paved and unpaved trails. Typically, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens has the largest public display of bamboo in Florida.

And Gainesville is a college town, so there is a large variety of restaurants. From pizza to Southern comfort, Gainesville has something for every kind of foodie. The fastest and easiest way to get to Gainesville from Orlando is on the Florida Turnpike and I-75. You can note that the Turnpike is a tolled highway. If you’re in a rental, make sure to get a SunPass for your car; it’s the easiest way to pay. To sum up, this is one of the best day trips in Florida.

Website: https://nationalmaglab.org/

Address: 3601 SW 2nd Avenue, Gainesville, FL

Phone: (352) 392-2959

Google rating: 4.4/5.0

With a variety of beautiful beaches, world class shopping, great museums and tasty dining experiences, Palm Beach is a worthy destination, but sometimes the bright lights and big city call your name. And another trip should be mentioned in the list is a day trip to Miami from the Palm Beaches. Florida’s sparkling new train system can whisk travelers away for a quick one hour trip to the Magic City, where a full day of sightseeing awaits.

The enjoyable trip on the bright yellow transit system arrives in a convenient downtown location for easy transfer to all the city has to offer. The morning can be spent posing for Instagram worthy snaps in front of a myriad of street art in Wynwood. Tourists can stop for a bite in one of the many area cafes and then venture on to Ocean Avenue, and have a bit of fun in the sun in South Beach. You should make sure to save some time and your appetite for a walking tour in Miami’s Little Havana.

Visiting family-owned restaurants and getting a behind the scene look at the food scene will afford great insight into the Cuban community. Don’t leave without admiring the tradition of a hand-rolled Cubano and listening to traditional music. Trains run frequently for your return trip, with additional stops in Ft. Lauderdale and plans for Orlando in the not too distant future.

Website: https://www.palmbeachvacationrentals.net/index.aspx

Address: Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Phone: 561-801-0164

Google rating: 4.7/5.0

One of the most common questions for visitors to the Florida Panhandle is, should you go to Destin or Panama City Beach? They are both great options. Panama City Beach, with the natural beauty of Shell Island and all the dolphins in St Andrews Bay, is absolutely stunning. It’s known as ‘the Shipwreck Capital of the South’ because of all the Panama City Beach dive sites. Destin is known for its fishing and world-class white sand beaches of Okaloosa Island and deep-sea fishing. Why not do both and connect them by one of the best day trips in Florida along scenic Highway 30A?

It’s only fifty miles from Panama City Beach to Destin, but you can spend all day enjoying the sights along the way. As soon as you leave PCB, you reach Camp Helen State Park. The park is home to one of the most Instagrammable spots on the Panhandle, the ruins of an old pier on the beach. A little farther up the road, you reach the idyllic town of Seaside. The town square looks like it’s straight from a 50’s tv show. Between the delicious restaurants and innovative food trucks, you can’t beat lunch at Seaside. Highway 30A rejoins US 98 at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. This park features some of the most beautiful beaches and secluded sand dunes in Florida.

Snorkelers will love the aptly named Seahorse Reef at Topsail Hill Reserve. After rejoining US 98, you’re on the outskirts of Destin. Soon, you’ll see all the attractions like Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park that sprang up when Destin became the ‘World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,’ but you’ll have the memories of the Highway 30A trip to remind you of the natural beauty of the Panhandle before all the tourists came.

Website: https://panamacitybeach.com/

Address: Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407

Phone: 850-233-5070

Google rating: 4.7/5.0

If you are looking for a relaxing and sunny place, St Petersburg will be perfect for you! Located on the west coast of Florida, it’s home to some of the best beaches in Florida, a lively downtown, many museums and beautiful state parks. There are many things to do in St Pete and plenty of day trip options! One of them is going to Homosassa Springs!

Generally overlooked compared to Crystal River, Homosassa Springs are a way better option if you want somewhere away from the crowds. This State park offers beautiful springs and is home to many manatees. It will take you about 1 hour and half to get there. Once you do, head to the visitor center. There is an admission fee of $13. From there, you will go on a mini cruise on the springs and the Homosassa River, all the way across to the wildlife park.

The best time of the year to visit is in winter (January to March). At this time, the springs are warmer than the sea and that’s why you will find many manatees. If you love outdoor activities, Homosassa will be your paradise. It’s the perfect place to go kayaking and snorkeling! You can easily spend the entire day at Homosassa. And this is also one of the best day trips in Florida. However, if you want to add another activity to the list, you can stop at Weeki Wachee on the way. You can watch one of the mermaid shows there.

Website: https://www.stpete.org/

Address: St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Phone: 727-430-2677

Google rating: 4.9/5.0