Miami Beach offers an energizing coastal lifestyle, but many travelers and locals enjoy stepping outside the city for a change of scenery. The region around South Florida offers a diverse range of experiences, from serene island escapes to cultural destinations and nature-focused retreats. Those looking for weekend getaways from Miami Beach FL can reach several standout locations within a few hours by car or ferry.
Key West
Key West remains one of the most popular weekend destinations for residents of Miami Beach. Located at the southern end of the Florida Keys, it takes roughly four hours by car, with a drive that includes long stretches across the Overseas Highway. The island offers a walkable downtown area anchored by Duval Street, eclectic dining, and a mix of historic sites, including the Ernest Hemingway Home and the Truman Little White House.
The sunset at Mallory Square is a daily tradition and continues to attract visitors. Beaches on Key West are smaller than those in Miami Beach, yet the island’s calm water and reef access provide unique snorkeling opportunities.
Islamorada
Islamorada lies midway through the Florida Keys and caters to travelers who enjoy time on the water. The area is known for fishing charters, paddleboarding, and protected marine environments. Visitors often spend mornings exploring shallow reefs or trying local seafood at dockside restaurants.
Founders Park provides green space, a bayfront beach, and walking paths, offering a more relaxed alternative to Miami Beach’s urban shoreline. Islamorada also features small galleries, craft breweries, and a compact commercial district.
Naples
Naples sits on Florida’s Gulf Coast, roughly two hours west of Miami Beach. The city is renowned for its manicured streets, pristine white sand beaches, and refined dining scene. Third Street South and Fifth Avenue South anchor the shopping and restaurant districts, providing a sophisticated setting for a weekend stroll.
Naples Pier serves as a focal point, stretching into the Gulf and offering expansive views of the horizon. The city’s natural areas include the nearby Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, both known for preserved habitats and walking trails.
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is less than an hour away, making it one of the easiest weekend trips for Miami Beach locals. The city’s beachfront promenade, lined with hotels and restaurants, offers a different feel compared to South Beach. The Riverwalk area along the New River features shaded walking paths, museums, and water taxi stops that connect several neighborhoods.
Las Olas Boulevard remains a central destination, featuring boutiques, galleries, and dining options that strike a balance between casual and upscale. Fort Lauderdale’s boating culture, including its canal network, adds a dimension not found in Miami Beach, making the city an appealing quick getaway.
Boca Raton
Boca Raton sits between Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, offering a neighborhood feel within a coastal city setting. The Mizner Park district serves as a central gathering point, with outdoor dining, a cultural arts center, and walkable landscaping. The Boca Raton Museum of Art adds a cultural stop to the area, and nearby beaches offer a clean, accessible coastline.
Red Reef Park and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center highlight the city’s conservation focus and provide educational exhibits and boardwalk trails. Boca Raton’s laid-back atmosphere and well-designed public spaces make it a reliable option for a low-stress weekend away.
Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park, located west of Miami, attracts those who prefer nature-focused trips. The park’s large wetland ecosystem includes sawgrass marshes, slow-moving water channels, and hundreds of bird species. Visitors can explore by taking a boat tour, kayaking along designated kayak routes, or walking on boardwalk trails, such as those at Shark Valley or Royal Palm.
Weekend visitors often appreciate the contrast between Miami Beach’s city environment and the Everglades’ open natural landscape. The park offers an opportunity to disconnect, observe wildlife, and learn about one of the country’s most distinctive ecosystems.
Palm Beach
Palm Beach, known for its manicured streets and historic architecture, is about 90 minutes from Miami Beach. Worth Avenue stands out as one of the state’s premier shopping districts, featuring galleries, cafés, and high-end boutiques. The side courtyards and walkways off Worth Avenue add charm and make the area pleasant for walking.
The Flagler Museum, located along the Intracoastal Waterway, offers insight into the region’s early development and features preserved interiors and gardens. The beaches of Palm Beach provide wide sand and open water views, contributing to the island’s reputation for luxury and quiet elegance.
Key Biscayne
Key Biscayne sits closer to Miami Beach than most destinations on this list, yet its atmosphere feels distinctly separate. Crandon Park features shaded areas, boardwalks, and a lengthy shoreline that attracts both residents and visitors. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park at the island’s southern tip includes bike paths, picnic areas, and the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse.
The village itself has a calm residential feel, with small eateries and local shops serving the community. Key Biscayne appeals to those who want to stay nearby while still enjoying a weekend change of setting.
The Bahamas (via Ferry or Short Flight)
Some Miami Beach residents choose to venture beyond Florida altogether. Ferry services and short flights make it possible to reach islands such as Bimini in under two hours. These trips offer access to clear water, beach clubs, and small resort areas, making them ideal for quick two- or three-day stays.
Bimini Road, local shipwreck sites, and marinas create opportunities for snorkeling and boating. For those seeking a more international weekend without lengthy travel days,
The Bahamas offers a practical option.
Plan Your Next Escape
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