Day Trips from Miami: The Everglades, Biscayne and the Keys

Miami sits between two of America's most unusual national parks and the start of the Florida Keys, so a day out of the city can mean alligators, coral reefs or a drive over the sea. You'll need a car or a tour for all of them.

The Everglades

A vast, slow-moving river of sawgrass that covers much of southern Florida, home to alligators, turtles, herons, egrets and, if you're lucky, a manatee. The national park has two easy entrances from Miami.

• Shark Valley, about an hour west along the Tamiami Trail, is the most rewarding for a short visit. A two-hour narrated tram tour follows a 15-mile loop to an observation tower, and alligators often lie right beside the road. You can also hire bikes and ride the loop yourself. Book the tram in the dry season.
• The Ernest Coe entrance, near Homestead, leads to the Anhinga Trail, a short boardwalk with some of the best wildlife viewing in the park.

Airboats are banned from most of the park, so the rides run from private operators along the Tamiami Trail just outside it. They're loud and fast, more thrill ride than nature walk. For quiet wildlife watching, the tram or the Anhinga Trail suits better. The dry season, from December to April, is the best time, when animals gather near the water and there are fewer mosquitoes.

Biscayne National Park

About an hour south, and 95 percent water. The mainland visitor centre at Convoy Point is small, so book a boat trip to snorkel or paddle among the mangroves and coral reefs, or visit the historic Boca Chita Key with its ornamental lighthouse.

Key Largo and the Upper Keys

About an hour and a half south, where the Overseas Highway begins its run across the islands. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park offers glass-bottom boat trips and snorkelling over the reef. Islamorada, a little further, is known for fishing and seafood shacks.

Key West

The southernmost city in the continental United States, with Hemingway's house, pastel conch cottages and famous sunsets. It's around three and a half to four hours each way by car, often longer with traffic, so we'd stay at least one night rather than turn it into a punishing day trip. Tour buses do run there and back in a day.

For what to wear on the trail, see our what to wear guide. Our best time to visit guide explains the seasons that shape these trips.