Atlas Auto Rental · June 29, 2026

Best Day Trips from Fort Lauderdale by Car

Fort Lauderdale is a great destination on its own, but one of the best reasons to rent a car here is how many memorable places you can reach in a single day.

Within a few hours, you can trade the city for the Florida Keys, explore the Everglades, walk through a lively beach town, or spend the afternoon discovering another side of South Florida.

Here are some of the best day trips from Fort Lauderdale by car.

1. Key Largo and the Upper Florida Keys

For a true South Florida road trip, it is hard to beat the Florida Keys.

Key Largo is the northernmost of the Keys and one of the most practical options for a day trip from Fort Lauderdale. Depending on traffic, the drive generally takes around two hours each way.

The journey becomes part of the experience as you head south toward the Overseas Highway and begin seeing more water, mangroves, marinas, and laid-back roadside stops.

Popular things to do in Key Largo include:

Taking a snorkeling, diving, or glass-bottom boat excursion
Visiting John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Going kayaking or paddleboarding
Enjoying fresh seafood
Trying a slice of Key lime pie
Stopping at a waterfront restaurant or tiki bar

Leave early so you have enough time to enjoy the area before driving back.

Should You Continue to Islamorada?

Islamorada is farther south and can also work as an ambitious day trip.

It is known for fishing, waterfront restaurants, water activities, and a relaxed island atmosphere. The extra driving time is worthwhile for travelers who want a fuller taste of the Keys.

You could spend the morning in Key Largo, continue to Islamorada for lunch and sightseeing, and return to Fort Lauderdale in the evening.

What About Key West?

Key West is possible as a very long day trip, but it is not the option we recommend for most travelers.

The drive from Fort Lauderdale can take approximately four hours each way before accounting for traffic, meals, and sightseeing stops. That leaves limited time to enjoy Key West and turns the day into eight or more hours behind the wheel.

For Key West, an overnight stay is usually the better choice. The drive itself is beautiful, and spending a night allows you to enjoy the Overseas Highway without rushing past everything along the way.

2. Everglades National Park

The Everglades offer a completely different side of Florida.

Instead of beaches and high-rise buildings, you will find wetlands, sawgrass, wildlife, and one of the country’s most distinctive natural environments.

Depending on which entrance or attraction you choose, an Everglades day trip may include:

Wildlife viewing
Walking along a boardwalk trail
Riding a bicycle
Taking a tram or boat tour
Paddling a kayak or canoe
Joining an airboat experience outside the national park

Bring water, sun protection, insect repellent, and comfortable clothing. Food and cell service may be limited in some areas, so it is smart to prepare before leaving Fort Lauderdale.

Early morning is often a good time to visit because temperatures are more comfortable and wildlife may be more active.

3. Delray Beach

Delray Beach is a relaxed coastal destination north of Fort Lauderdale that works especially well for a leisurely day trip.

Atlantic Avenue is the center of the action, with restaurants, cafés, art galleries, shops, and nightlife leading toward the beach.

A day in Delray Beach might include:

Walking along Atlantic Avenue
Relaxing on the beach
Visiting local galleries
Having lunch at a sidewalk café
Exploring the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens nearby
Staying for dinner before returning to Fort Lauderdale

Delray offers enough activity to fill the day while still feeling easygoing and manageable.

4. Boca Raton

Boca Raton is another convenient destination north of Fort Lauderdale.

It combines beaches, landscaped public spaces, shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. It is a good choice for travelers who want a polished and less hectic day away from the busier tourist areas.

Popular options include:

Visiting Mizner Park
Spending time at the beach
Exploring a museum or nature center
Shopping and dining
Walking through one of the area’s waterfront parks

Boca Raton can also be combined with Delray Beach in the same day, especially if you begin early.

5. Miami and Miami Beach

Miami is close enough to Fort Lauderdale for an easy day trip, but there is far too much to cover in one visit.

Instead of trying to see everything, choose one or two neighborhoods.

Possible itineraries include:

Art and Culture

Visit Wynwood for murals, galleries, cafés, and restaurants, then continue to the Miami Design District.

Beach Day

Spend the day in Miami Beach, walk through the Art Deco District, and enjoy lunch near the ocean.

Food and History

Explore Little Havana, stop for Cuban coffee, and walk along Calle Ocho.

Waterfront and City Views

Visit Brickell, Downtown Miami, or Coconut Grove for restaurants, parks, and waterfront scenery.

Traffic and parking can add significant time, so plan your route before leaving and avoid trying to cross the entire city during rush hour.

6. Palm Beach and West Palm Beach

For an elegant coastal day trip, continue north toward Palm Beach and West Palm Beach.

Palm Beach is known for historic architecture, oceanfront scenery, upscale shopping, and beautifully landscaped streets. Across the water, West Palm Beach offers restaurants, shops, arts, and a more urban atmosphere.

Ideas for the day include:

Driving along the coast
Walking around Worth Avenue
Visiting a museum
Exploring downtown West Palm Beach
Having lunch near the waterfront
Stopping at the beach

This is an excellent option for couples, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a slower-paced outing.

7. Hollywood Beach

Hollywood Beach is close to Fort Lauderdale, but it can still feel like a complete change of scenery.

The Hollywood Beach Broadwalk stretches for more than two miles along the ocean and is lined with cafés, restaurants, shops, bicycle rentals, and family-friendly attractions.

It is a simple choice when you want:

A relaxed beach day
A waterfront bike ride
Lunch with an ocean view
A shorter drive
An easy outing for families

Because it is nearby, Hollywood Beach also works well for a half-day trip or a relaxed afternoon after arriving in South Florida.

Tips for a Better South Florida Day Trip

A little planning can make the drive much more enjoyable.

Leave Early

Morning departures help you avoid some traffic and give you more time at your destination.

Check the Weather

South Florida weather can change quickly, especially during the summer. Be prepared for heat and sudden rain.

Plan for Tolls

Some routes use electronic toll roads or express lanes. Ask your rental provider how toll charges are handled.

Avoid Rush Hour

Traffic can become heavy around Fort Lauderdale and Miami during weekday mornings and late afternoons.

Bring Water and Sun Protection

Florida heat can be intense, particularly at beaches and outdoor attractions.

Do Not Overplan

Choose a few priorities and leave room for spontaneous stops. This is especially important in the Florida Keys, where the drive is part of the experience.

Which Day Trip Should You Choose?

The best destination depends on the kind of experience you want.

Choose the Florida Keys for a scenic road trip, water activities, seafood, and island atmosphere.

Choose the Everglades for nature, wildlife, and a side of Florida that feels completely removed from the coast.

Choose Delray Beach or Boca Raton for dining, shopping, culture, and relaxed beach-town energy.

Choose Miami for art, food, nightlife, and a faster-paced city experience.

Choose Palm Beach for architecture, coastal scenery, and a more refined outing.

Choose Hollywood Beach for an easy and family-friendly escape close to Fort Lauderdale.

Explore More of South Florida

One of the greatest benefits of having a rental car in Fort Lauderdale is the freedom to experience more than one destination.

You can wake up near the Fort Lauderdale coast, spend the afternoon snorkeling in Key Largo, exploring the Everglades, or walking through Delray Beach, and return on your own schedule.

Atlas Auto Rental offers modern vehicles with delivery across Fort Lauderdale and South Broward, making it easier to begin your next South Florida adventure.

Browse our available vehicles and start planning your day trip.

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