Miami's weekends go in essentially two directions: south down a single highway into the Keys, or west into the Everglades. They are about as different as two places 60 miles apart can be.
The Keys, by mile marker
One road, US-1, with mile markers counting down to zero at Key West.
Key Largo (MM 100), an hour — John Pennekamp State Park, protecting the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States. Snorkelling and diving trips run daily.
Islamorada (MM 80) — sport fishing, and the best restaurants in the upper Keys.
Marathon (MM 50) — the turtle hospital, and the start of the Seven Mile Bridge.
Bahia Honda (MM 37) — the best beach in the Keys.
Key West (MM 0), three and a half to four hours — Duval Street, Hemingway's house with its six-toed cats, Mallory Square at sunset, and the southernmost point.
The upper and middle Keys often make better two-night trips than Key West, because the drive is half as long and the prices are lower.
The Everglades
An hour west, and a completely different landscape — a slow, shallow river of grass rather than a swamp.
The Anhinga Trail at Royal Palm — a short boardwalk where alligators, anhingas and herons are visible at close range. The best wildlife per minute in Florida, and it is free with park entry.
Shark Valley — a 15-mile loop by tram or bicycle, with alligators lying beside the path.
Ten Thousand Islands, on the Gulf side, for paddling among mangroves.
Airboats are loud and cover ground fast. The quieter options show more, because animals do not move away from a silent approach.
The Gulf coast
Naples, two hours across Alligator Alley — beaches, a pier, and calm Gulf water.
Sanibel and Captiva, three hours — shelling beaches, and a wildlife refuge.
Marco Island, and the Ten Thousand Islands beyond it.
North
| Destination | Drive |
|---|---|
| Palm Beach | 1h15 |
| Vero Beach | 2h30 |
| Sarasota | 3h30 |
| Orlando | 3h30 |
| Bahamas | Short flight |
A short flight to Nassau or the Exumas is a genuine weekend option from Miami and is worth pricing against a long drive.
Seasons
December to April is the dry season — lower humidity, fewer mosquitoes, and better wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around the water that remains.
Summer is hot, humid and wet, with afternoon storms.
Hurricane season runs June to November, with peak risk in late summer. Check forecasts and consider flexible bookings in that window.
Practical
US-1 has limited overtaking. One incident backs up the whole highway, and there is no alternative route.
Leave Friday before noon or after 8pm, and return Sunday morning or late.
Book Keys accommodation well ahead in the dry season, particularly Key West.
Mosquito repellent for the Everglades, year round, and heavily in summer.