Day Trips & Weekend Getaways
Best Day Trips & Weekend Getaways from Fort Lauderdale, FL
Fort Lauderdale is the Venice of America with access to the Intracoastal Waterway, beaches, and the Everglades.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and Las Olas Boulevard offer nature and culture.
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Popular Interests
or browse all11 destinations near Fort Lauderdale
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Coral Gables, FL 33156
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.8 by 5.0k+ visitors) · 55 min from Fort Lauderdale · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Rosemary Fountain
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · well rated (4.7 stars) · 49 min from Fort Lauderdale · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Manatee Lagoon
West Palm Beach, FL 33407
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.7 by 4.7k+ visitors) · 58 min from Fort Lauderdale · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center
Stuart, FL 34996
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Family destination · highly rated (4.7 by 1.9k+ visitors) · 1 hr 33 min from Fort Lauderdale · fits $20 - $60 budget
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Blowing Rocks Preserve
Hobe Sound, FL 33455
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 2.7k+ visitors) · 1 hr 15 min from Fort Lauderdale · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Jensen Beach to Jupiter Inlet Aquatic Preserve
FL 34957, USA
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 1.4k+ visitors) · 1 hr 33 min from Fort Lauderdale · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum
Jupiter, FL 33469
Why this destination?
Recommended because: History destination · highly rated (4.7 by 3.3k+ visitors) · 1 hr 12 min from Fort Lauderdale · fits $10 - $25 budget
Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.
Grassy Waters Preserve
West Palm Beach, FL 33412
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.7 by 1.5k+ visitors) · 1 hr 2 min from Fort Lauderdale · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Mounts Botanical Garden
West Palm Beach, FL 33415
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Adventure destination · highly rated (4.6 by 2.8k+ visitors) · 49 min from Fort Lauderdale · fits $15 - $50 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
FL 33037, USA
Why this destination?
Recommended because: Nature destination · highly rated (4.5 by 10.8k+ visitors) · 1 hr 32 min from Fort Lauderdale · fits Free - $20 budget
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October in most areas.
Coral Castle
Homestead, FL 33033
Why this destination?
Recommended because: History destination · well rated (4.4 stars) · 1 hr 2 min from Fort Lauderdale · fits $10 - $25 budget
Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best day trips from Fort Lauderdale, FL?
The best day trips from Fort Lauderdale include state parks, historic towns, scenic drives, wineries, and outdoor recreation. Our page shows top-rated destinations with real drive times, Google ratings, and budget estimates so you can pick the right trip for your schedule and interests.
How far should I drive for a day trip from Fort Lauderdale?
Most great day trips from Fort Lauderdale are between 1 and 3 hours away. Under an hour gets you local parks and nearby towns. Two to three hours opens up state parks, lakefront destinations, and small cities worth a full day of exploring.
What are cheap things to do near Fort Lauderdale?
Many of the best day trips near Fort Lauderdale are free or low-cost. State parks, hiking trails, scenic drives, and small-town Main Streets are all great options. Check the budget estimates on each destination card above to plan a trip that fits your wallet.
What is the best time of year for day trips from Fort Lauderdale?
Spring and fall are ideal for most destinations near Fort Lauderdale, with mild weather and smaller crowds. Summer is great for beaches and water activities. Winter works well for indoor attractions like museums, historic sites, and food-focused trips. Check the seasonal notes on each card for specific timing tips.
Are there weekend getaways near Fort Lauderdale?
Yes. Many destinations within 2-4 hours of Fort Lauderdale make excellent overnight trips. Look for spots with multiple activities, good dining, and nearby lodging. Use the "Plan This Trip" button on any card to start building an itinerary, or check our drive-time pages for destinations at specific distances. If you need a car, compare rental options to find the best deal.
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