30 Day Trips from Naples Florida That Are Worth Every Mile

Naples is easily one of my favorite Florida vacation destinations. The calm, clear beaches are gorgeous, Third Street South has so many amazing places to eat and the sunsets are unbeatable. However, if you want to adventure outside of the town for a bit, there are also so many fun day trips from Naples, Florida to take.

I have compiled thirty ideas that range from a thirty-minute drive to a three-hour boat ride. Most are about an hour away, so you can easily get to a unique destination and spend at least four hours taking in the different sights. There is a map at the bottom that you can save for reference during your trip as well.

For each day trip suggestion, I will recommend the best things to do, where to eat and how long of a day to plan for. I always like to take a drive at least one day of vacation, so if you do as well, here are some ideas for trips from Naples, Florida for you!

Table of Contents

Days Trips from Naples, Florida Less Than 1 Hour Away

This first section has ten-day trips from Naples, Florida that take less than an hour to get to. These are ideal for trips short on time, or more leisurely experiences. Whether you are looking for nature or history, here are the best day trips to find near Naples.

1. Marco Island

Distance: 18 miles (30-minute drive)
Highlights: South Beach, Dockside Dining, Dolphin Tours, History Museum

Probably my favorite Naples, Florida day trip destination is Marco Island. This is only a half an hour drive away and much of the drive is scenic. Here, the main thing to do is to experience a different beach and soak up the island vibes.

When we did our day trips from Naples to Marco Island, we started at South Beach, which had plenty of accessible parking. Then we spent a few hours soaking up the sun and saw lots of dolphins offshore. You can also find dolphin boat rides here. Tigertail Beach is the other popular beach, but depending on the tides, it can be a hike to get a beach spot.

We got lunch at the JW Mariott and then walked around the resort. However, they often do not let non-resort guests in during peak season. Other lunch options include Mango’s Dockside Bistro, CJ’s On the Bay, and Doreen’s Cup of Joe. If you have had enough beach time, you can explore the Marco Island Historical Museum, hike Otter Mound Preserve or taste craft beer at Marco Island Brewery. No matter what, there are many ways to have a fun day trip on this laid-back island.

2. Downtown Fort Myers

Distance: 45 miles (50-minute drive)
Highlights: Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, Downtown Dining, Art Museums

For more of a city experience, Downtown Fort Myers is a forty-five-minute drive north. It’s a fun place to walk around, and I recommend spending some time at the Thomas Edison and Henry Ford Winter Estates. Here you can see the historic homes of these icons, learn about their inventions and wander through the botanical gardens.

Fort nature lovers, the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve makes for an enjoyable hike, especially if you are into birding. You can also look for manatees at manatee park or take kids to the IMAG History and Science Center to learn about marine biology.

This area has some excellent cuisine, including Izzy’s Fish and Oyster and Green Cup Café. This is also where you can find the best Fort Myers breweries like Millennial Brewing and Coastal Dayz Brewery. If you want to end your day with some art appreciation, the Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center has some fascinating exhibits, or you can find live music at a variety of restaurants and bars.

3. Koreshan State Park

Distance: 20 miles (40-minute drive)
Highlights: Pioneer Homes, Kayak Tour, Coconut Point Shopping Center

One of the most fascinating day trips from Naples, Florida is a visit to Koreshan State Park. Located forty-five minutes away in Estero, this park offers eleven pioneer homes to explore and learn about the religious sect that lived here. This group definitely had an eccentric way of living, but it is a cool place to walk around and see live oaks. Dogs are allowed too!

We spent an hour and a half walking around and then took a kayaking tour. You can paddle three miles to Estero Bay and view all sorts of nature along the way. If the weather is cool, the Estero River Scrub is also a nice place to go for a hike.

I recommend heading to the Coconut Point shopping center after for lunch. Though it has a lot of basic mall offerings, the town center is a beautiful place to walk around and there is lots of outdoor dining. I love El Nido Modern Mexican or Lehne Burger.

4. Fort Myers Beach

Distance: 27 miles (55-minute drive)
Highlights: Beach, Boating Nature Trails, Nightlife

For a more touristy beach experience than you will find in Naples, Fort Myers Beach offers a lot of charm. The sugar sand beaches are gorgeous and you can even bring dogs here! There are plenty of boating activities during the day and Times Square is a fun place to hang out at night.

I recommend coming here midday for some beach time and then getting dinner and drinks on the water somewhere like Bayfront Bistro. Later, catch the sunset from the fishing pier and enjoy live music at the local bars.

If you want more of a nature experience, Matanzas Pass Preserve has a 60-acre wildlife sanctuary to explore. The Mount House also offers some nice views, as well as a cultural museum. Day or night, Ft. Myers Beach has a different beachy perspective from Naples that is worth taking a drive to experience.

5. Bonita Springs and Bonita Beach

Distance: 14 miles (30-minute drive)
Highlights: The Wonder Gardens, Museums, Golfing, Beaches

Animal lovers should consider taking the 30-minute drive for a day trip from Naples, Florida to Bonita Springs. This area is home to The Wonder Gardens, which is a garden and refuge for native birds and reptiles. You can spend a couple of hours here watching the rescued alligators, flamingos, tortoises, and pheasants and wandering the native gardens.

Afterward, I love taking a drive over the bridge to Bonita Beach. You can dine on the water at Doc’s Beach House or Coconut Jacks and then spend some time at the beach after.

If the weather isn’t cooperating, there are also a few museums to check out in Bonita Springs. I recommend the Holocaust Museum for adults and the Golisano Children Museum. There are both on the way back from Bonita Springs towards North Naples and make for educational and enlightening experiences.

6. Lover’s Key State Park

Distance: 24 miles (45-minute drive)
Highlights: Beaches, Paddle Tours, Nature Walks, Wildlife Viewing

Lover’s Key State Park is one of my personal favorite beaches in South Florida and I definitely recommend taking the forty-five-minute drive here if you can. There are three beautiful beaches to relax on with all the necessary facilities. There is also an off-leash dog beach just on the edge of the park that Kiwi loved!

If you want to do more than sunbathe, Lovers Key Adventures offers guided paddle tours through the estuary. This is an amazing opportunity to see manatees and the over forty bird species known to nest here. For those who prefer staying on land, there are also seven miles of trails in the park to explore on foot or by bike.

Picnic tables and grills are accessible if you want to have a full beach day. I would be remiss not to recommend Big Hickory Waterfront Grille for lunch or dinner though. This casual seafood restaurant is right on the water just ten minutes from Lover’s Key. A meal or drink here is the perfect way to finish off a beach day!

7. Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Distance: 30 miles (45-minute drive)
Highlights: Nature Walk, Bird Viewing, Wildlife Tours, Local Dining

For a convenient day trip from Naples, Florida that is all about the great outdoors, the Audubon Corkscrew Sanctuary is only 30 minutes away. This preserve is home to alligators, deer, otters, turtles, and a variety of birds. The highlight is the 2.25-mile boardwalk that visitors can expect to spend an hour or so perusing and taking pictures.

In addition to the boardwalk, the visitors center has many educational exhibits that will appeal to all ages. Tours and forest bathing meditations are occasionally offered as well.

While in this area of Naples, Florida you can also check out the Bird Gardens of Naples which is home to many exotic birds. You can take a two-hour tour and even hold a macaw! To end the day trip, I recommend getting lunch or dinner in North Naples. Naples Coastal Kitchen or Joey D’s Italian restaurant are my top picks.

8. Cape Coral

Distance: 45 minutes (1 hour drive)
Highlights: Water Park, Nature Trails, Distillery, Local Dining

If you are looking to experience a nearby city with some unique features to offer, Cape Coral is less than an hour away. The highlight for families with kids here is the Sun Splash Waterpark. Preteens and teens will love the slides and younger kids can enjoy the splash park. It doesn’t really compare to the Orlando water parks, so I am not sure most adults would find it worth it, but it is an option if you are desperate for some water slides.

My recommendation for adults spending the day here is to go to Four Mile Cove Eco Preserve. Start with a 1.2-mile walk along the boardwalk and look for birds, butterflies, and manatees. If you visit on the weekend, rent a kayak and spend a couple of hours exploring the mangroves as well. For more nature sightings, the Rotary Park Environmental Center also has walking trails and a butterfly garden.

After your nature time, take the 2:00 PM free tour at Wicked Dolphin Distillery. Here you can tase 100% Florida sugar rum and learn about the small bath process for distilling it.

No matter what you do in Cape Coral, I recommend ending your day with a casual local meal. Cork Soakers Deck has bar food and a fun atmosphere, or Two Meatballs in the Kitchen has delectable Italian food in a cozy dining room. There are plenty of options around the Cape Coral bridge to eat at before heading back to Naples.

9. Everglades City

Distance: 36 miles (45-minute drive)
Highlights: Airboat Rides, Hiking, Paddling, and Local Dining

Located at the bottom of Southwest Florida, Everglades City is the gateway to the Florida Everglades. It was historically a settlement of the Seminole Indians, but they were driven from the area in the mid-1800s. Since then, this area has primarily been an agricultural community, but in recent years, there has been an increase in eco-tourism in the area.

Since you cannot take an airboat ride in Everglades National Park, this is the closest place to take one. Captain Jack’s has an airboat and swamp buggy combo tour perfect for seeing alligators and other wildlife. I recommend starting with the tour in the morning and then taking the drive down to HavAnnA Café for a Cuban lunch.

Next, spend some more time in nature at the nearby Big Cypress National Preserve. The Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center is a short drive away and has a boardwalk perfect for wildlife viewing, including manatees. From here, the Big Cypress Institute offers walking, biking, canoeing, and birding tours. Most are two hours and under the shade of trees, so it makes for an educational and active afternoon day trip activity.

10. The Everglades Gulf Coast Visitor Center

Distance: 37 miles (45-minute drive)
Highlights: Boat Tour, Kayak and Canoe Rentals, Ranger

One of the best things about visiting Naples, Florida is that it is only a short drive from Everglades National Park. There are nine different habitats found here and a vast amount of biodiversity, including many endemic species.

The Gulf Coast Visitor Center is the closest official Everglades National Park entrance to Naples. This section of the park is more aquatic-focused than the east coast side. There are many activities to do, including a boat tour, kayak, and canoe rentals and tours.

The Ten Thousand Islands tour is the most popular option. This 90-minute excursion provides both views and information about the park. Dolphin and manatee sightings are frequent, so be sure to bring a camera! With this tour being only ninety minutes, I recommend starting your day with it and then exploring the Visitor Center. Afterward, have a picnic lunch and then rent a kayak or canoe to explore the mangroves. If that does not appeal to you, be on the lookout for special ranger-led events that occur frequently. This could be anything from a free fishing lesson to an introduction to birding.

1 to 2 Hour Drive Naples, Florida Day Trips

For those willing to venture over one hour drive away, there are even more worthwhile day trips from Naples, Florida to experience. Heading north will get you some island experiences while venturing east is ideal for nature lovers. These next six day trips are all pretty budget friendly and offer you a fun-filled day away from Naples.

11. Sanibel Lighthouse and Beach

Distance: 50 miles (1.25-hour drive)
Highlights: Lighthouse, Nature Trails, Cycling, Beach

A little less than ninety minutes north of Naples, Sanibel Island is one of the most popular day trips from Naples, Florida. It is known for being a charming beach town with lots of opportunities for shelling and fishing.

Start your day early at the Sanibel Lighthouse. Though you can’t climb your way to the top, there is plenty to learn about the history of Sanibel here, as well as a nature trail, fishing pier, and lots of pristine beaches. We spent a couple of hours walking around here on our day trip and found it to be an ideal introduction to the island.

For lunch, head to a beachy spot like Lazy Flamingo for seafood. There are a few kitschy restaurants like this that are perfect for a laid-back day.

After lunch, continue to enjoy the untouched nature of this island at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. There are over 245 kinds of birds here and you can either drive through yourself or take a 90-minute tram tour to learn all about it. Bike rentals are also available if you choose to pedal through them. And for those seeking more beach time, spend the rest of the day at Bowman’s Beach looking for shells and dolphins.

12. Cayo Costa State Park

Distance: 61 miles (1.5-hour drive)
Highlights: Boat Tour, Shelling, Snorkeling, Beach

For an island adventure fit for a mermaid, you can spend a day at the remote Cayo Costa. This state park is an island with 9 miles of beach and some of the most beautiful turquoise water imaginable! You can book a 3-hour or 6-hour day trip with Captiva Cruises that depart from Captiva Island.

This island is completely remote, so you have to bring your own lunch, beach chairs, and snorkels, but it is worth the trip! After the short boat ride, visitors can find some of the best snorkeling and shelling in the state and of course pristine white sand beaches. It’s a dreamy place to take a day trip from Naples to, especially if you have never been to an island before.

13. Captiva

Distance: 61 miles (1.5-hour drive)
Highlights: Nature Viewing, Shelling, Beach, Island Fun

One other island worth visiting is Captiva Island, just north of Sanibel. Though you could do both Sanibel and Captiva in one day, there’s plenty to see on Captiva to spend a day here. Get there early (ideally before 9 AM) and get a parking spot at Alison Hagerup Beach so you have a convenient spot for the day.

Start off your morning with a relaxing walk on the beach looking for shells. After an hour or so, head into town to explore. The first stop to make is Jensen’s Marina, where manatees love to hang out. They tend to be here most of the year, and if you are lucky, you will see baby manatees!

From here, check out the touristy shops like the Island Store or art and jewelry at Jungle Drums Gallery. Then, for lunch head to the Mucky Duck for beachside views and sandwiches or authentic Mexican food at Cantina Captiva.

Save room for dessert though because The Bubble Room is a must-visit. This is an iconic Captiva spot with all sorts of crazy decorations and the best rum cake. Then you can walk off all that food back to the beach and spend the rest of the day relaxing on one of the prettiest Florida islands.

14. Shark Valley

Distance: 73 miles (1.5-hour drive)
Highlights: Tram Tour or Bike Tour, Nature Trails

If you do not mind driving 90 minutes east, you can check out Shark Valley, my favorite Everglades entrance. Though there are closer Everglades day trips near Naples, this one offers the tram tour around Shark Valley which is an unmatched experience. We learned so much about the Everglades on this two-hour tour and loved getting to climb up to the Observation Tower for an amazing view.

I recommend booking an earlier tour and getting here first thing. There are a few trails to wander around and plenty of alligators to photograph or just marvel at. In the afternoon, you can eat a picnic lunch or visit one of the Everglades City restaurants on the way back.

To make your Everglades experience a full day, there are also some nearby places for an airboat tour. Everglades Safari Park is the best bet, with its own jungle trail and shows, in addition to the airboat rides.

15. Fakahatchee Strand Preserve

Distance: 44 miles (1.5-hour drive)
Highlights: Nature Tours, Paddling, Hiking, Scenic Drives

Nature lovers should prioritize a day trip out to Fakahatchee Strand Preserve, the largest state park in Florida! Here you can find a bigger variety of plant and animal species than anywhere else in the continental United States. There is so much to do and see and if you pack a picnic lunch, you can spend the whole day!

If you visit between November and April, Friends of Fakahatchee offers a variety of tours. These include naturalist and biologist-led swamp tours. These are four hours long and cost $105 per person, so a more casual visitor will probably prefer the tram tour for $30 per person.

I recommend starting the day off with some sort of adventure, whether it be a guided tour or your own experience of canoeing or kayaking (Bring Your Own Boat) in the East River and Jones Grade Lakes. After a break for lunch, head to the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk and view all the nature from above. Lastly, end your day trip from Naples with the Janes Memorial Scenic Drive and look for alligators and birds.

If you are looking for dinner after, this is another great opportunity to stop in Everglades City and try a seafood spot like City Seafood or Camelia Street Grill.

16. Matlacha

Distance: 57 miles (1.25-hour drive)
Highlights: Sightseeing, Fishing, Island Eats, Nature Trails

For a quirky day trip from Naples, Florida, Matlacha makes for an unforgettable day! This colorful town is located just north of Cape Coral and has so many areas to explore. Every street has homes and shops all painted with bright colors and decorated with eclectic finds. Start your day on Pine Island Road and explore the art galleries.

If you like fishing, this is the place, as it is home to the “World’s Fishing-est Bridge!” You cant rent everything you need at D& D Bait and Tackle and then test your luck at Matlacha Bridge.

There are plenty of dive spots for lunch, often with a band playing. Old Fish House is a classic and Bert’s Bar and Blue Dog Bar are also great for seafood.

For some afternoon nature hikes, head over the bridge. Little Pine Island High Marsh Trail offers a 1.8-mile loop, through the tidal flats. Make sure to wear shoes that can handle mud! The Randall Research Center at Pineland also offers some trails that are a little more maintained.

If you want to get dinner before heading back to Naples, both Pine Island and Cape Coral have some excellent options on the way back. If you still want more of the Matlacha experience, just head back to one of the waterholes mentioned earlier for some more fresh fish!

Naples to Miami Day Trips

If you are visiting Naples from out of state and have not been to Miami, I recommend planning a day trip there. Though it is a two-hour drive, visiting this city is a Florida bucket list must and there is a little something for everyone to do! Whether you want to check out the strip, find the best Cuban food, or visit some of the best museums in the state, this is all accessible in Miami. Here are five ideas for Miami day trips from Naples, Florida.

17. South Beach

Distance: 128 miles (2.25-hour drive)
Highlights: Art Deco Tour, Beach, Foodie Spots, Pool Parties

South Beach is pretty synonymous with Miami, so if you haven’t been here, this is this obvious Miami day trip from Naples. I recommend starting your day trip with café con leche and a nice breakfast sandwich on Cuban bread before embarking on an art deco tour. You can take a self-guided tour of the iconic architecture or a paid one to learn even more about the history of the area.

Later, spend some time at the beach at South Pointe Park and get in some people-watching. If you feel like partying, there are plenty of pool parties to join with an entry fee. Lastly, end the day at one of the many renowned local restaurants. Whether you want a Michelin star spot or a casual post-beach meal, there is so much amazing food to indulge in on South Beach.

18. Wynwood

Distance: 124 miles (2-hour drive)
Highlights: Street Art, Photo-Ops, Live Music, Foodie Spots

Another iconic Miami destination that you can take a day trip from Naples to is Wynwood. This is the popular Miami neighborhood known for its street art. There are so many colorful murals here and you could spend all day viewing and photographing them.

Again, either a paid or self-guided tour is a great start to a day in Wynwood. Afterward, there are a variety of places to shop or dine at. Make sure to get a famous dessert like the Salty Donuts, Salt & Straw ice cream, a Taiyaki cone, or an ice cream paleta. I also love visiting the Miami breweries here like J. Wakefield and finding a place with a live DJ to chill at.

19. Little Havana

Distance: 124 miles (2-hour drive)
Highlights: Foodie Tour, Culture and History, Live Music, Street Art

One of the many other Miami foodie destinations to take a day trip to is Little Havana. This is the part of Miami that many Cuban refugees fled to in the 1960s. Because of this, it has become a neighborhood full of culture and history to experience.

We took the Little Havana tour here and thought it was the ideal way to spend the day. You get to learn all about how the residents carved out their little niche in Miami and what Cuban traditions are still celebrated here.

Regardless of what you do in Little Havana, make sure to get a Cuban sandwich and a mojito! This is the best place to get them in all of Florida. You can always combine your time here with Wynwood or South Beach for an even fuller day trip, or just take your time exploring Little Havana.

20. Coral Gables

Distance: 124 miles (2-hour drive)
Highlights: Museum and Gardens, Swimming, Shopping and Dining

Though it is a quieter part of Miami, Coral Gables is still one of the best day trips from Naples to take. There is a lot of history to see here, starting with the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. I could spend a full day here alone perusing the Gilded Age estate and its equally gorgeous gardens.

Most people will probably spend around two to three hours here and then I recommend heading to Miracle Mile for lunch. This is a popular place to eat and shop in Coral Gables. There are so many delicious restaurants here, but my favorites are Threefold Café, Graziano’s Market, and Bay 13 Brewing.

If you want to cool off after lunch, the Venetian Pool is another can’t-miss Coral Gables attraction. This pool was built in a coral rock quarry and is open to the public for swimming. Between the waterfalls, lookout towers, and grottos, it is a pool like no other. For those who rather not get wet, there is also the Lowe Art Museum or the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden to finish out your Coral Gables Day trip.

21. Key Biscayne

Distance: 132 miles (2.5-hour drive)
Highlights: Beach, Lighthouse, Snorkeling, Aquarium,

For the ultimate Miami beach day trip from Naples, Key Biscayne is my pick of where to go. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is one of the most beautiful spots in the state for a day at the beach. I recommend driving to this state park first thing and getting there before noon.

Once at the state park, everyone has to climb the lighthouse! This 65-foot lighthouse was built in 1825 and has amazing views from the top. If you do not mind seagrass, the snorkeling around the lighthouse is fantastic with tons of fish and even seahorses swimming through the grass.

Personally, I could spend all day relaxing at the beach, exploring the nature trails, and biking or fishing at Bill Baggs. However, if you want a break from exploring in the afternoon, the Miami Seaquarium has some dolphins and sea lions that are fun to watch, in addition to aquariums. Finally, end your day with a unique meal, like a Peruvian one from Nahuen Gourmet Market or Mediterranean specialties from Costa Med Bistro.

Day Trips from Naples, Florida with a 2+ Hour Drive

Lastly, I have nine ideas for day trips from Naples, Florida that take more than two hours to drive to. Though driving over five hours round trip in one day can be a challenge, it is doable with proper planning.

If you plan to visit any of these destinations, make sure to spend at least four hours there to make the drive worth it and have a couple of drivers at least to take turns. Of course, sometimes the journey is the destination! Hopefully, these further away day trips will lead to all sorts of amazing vacation memories!

22. Fort Lauderdale

Distance: 109 miles (2-hour drive)
Highlights: Canal Tour, Foodie Spots, Gardens, Museums, Beach

Just a little over two hours away, Fort Lauderdale is another Florida city worth visiting. There is a network of canals around Las Olas Boulevard making it appear like a mini-Venice. I recommend starting your day trip here with a paddle tour, specifically this one with Mr. Beaches, the paddleboarding corgi!

After seeing the city from the water, check out one of the waterfront Fort Lauderdale restaurants for lunch. Or if it’s raining, I love the Sistrunk Marketplace food hall where you can indulge in all sorts of cuisines.

An afternoon spent in Fort Lauderdale is best spent at museums. My favorite is the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, which offers both indoor and outdoor history to discover. However, the Museum of Discovery and Science, the NSU Art Museum, and the Antique Car Museum are all educational and entertaining afternoon activities. End the day trip here with a walk on the beach or a sunset meal on a rooftop bar for the best views!

23. Sarasota

Distance: 117 miles (2-hour drive)
Highlights: History and Art Museums, Shopping and Dining, Gardens

For a gulf coast destination filled with history and culture. Sarasota is a two-hour drive up the coast. This city is known for being the winter home of the Ringling Brothers, and now has a fantastic museum celebrating this piece of American history, as well as many art museums.

A Sarasota from Naples day trip should start at the Ringling Museum where visitors can explore the circus museum, the museum of art, the Ca’ d’Zan Mansion, and the Bayfront Gardens. You could spend a full day checking out each part, but I recommend focusing on two and then grabbing lunch after.

My recommendation for where to get lunch is St. Armands Circle. Here you can find all sorts of excellent Sarasota restaurants, including my favorites, Venezia and Shore. This is also a fun place for shopping and waterfront views.

End the day here with some nature, either at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens or at the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. The botanical gardens here are some of the best in Florida and the Mote Aquarium is one of the best places to see sea turtles on the gulf! Young and old can appreciate the unique things of Florida with a day in Sarasota.

24. Siesta Key

Distance: 115 miles (2-hour drive)
Highlights: Beaches, Water Sports, and Live Music

Another beach town brimming with charm that is perfect for a Naples day trip is Siesta Key. About two hours north of Naples, this is one of the best places for a day of fun in the sun. The beaches here are absolutely gorgeous and you could easily spend the whole day relaxing at one.

A morning start at the beach is ideal, with plenty of time to try an activity. I recommend snorkeling, renting a beach cruiser, or going parasailing. There are of course tons of kayak and paddleboard tours available too.

For lunch, venture to Siesta Key Village and enjoy the kitschy shops. Come lunchtime, you do not have to worry about being sandy, as everyone is a beach bum here! Grab a meal at a chill eatery like Island House Tap & Grill or the Hub Baja Grill.

After, adults can spend a few hours jamming to the live music at Siesta Key Oyster Bar, whereas families will want to get some dessert from Big Olaf Creamery. If you still have time later that evening, you can take a sunset cruise or electric bike beach tour to soak in the magical views.

25. Boca Raton

Distance: 123 miles (2-hour drive)
Highlights: Art Museum, Shopping, Foodie Dining, Nature Center, and Beaches

One of the more upscale cities that you can take a day trip from Naples, Florida to is Boca Raton, known for its art, beaches, and shopping. It’s a two-hour drive, so I recommend stopping at Mizner Park first to walk around and stretch your legs.

Here you can visit the Boca Raton Museum of Art, or do some shopping and sightseeing. I suggest grabbing lunch before your next destination at one of the fun restaurants here like Kapow Noodle Bar or Rebel House.

Afterward, a visit to Boca Raton is not complete without checking out the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. This attraction has aquariums with sharks and fish, as well as a sea turtle rehabilitation hospital. Then finish off the day at Red Reef Park for some beach time.

There are a plethora of excellent restaurants in Boca Raton, so do not hesitate to get dinner while here! I recommend a casual spot like Mystic Lobster Roll Co if you were just at the beach or an intimate, Mediterranean dinner at Trattoria Romana if you are in a fancier mood.

26. Delray Beach

Distance: 133 miles (2.25-hour drive)
Highlights: City Art, Pinball, Nature Center, Foodie Spots, Gardens

For a little bit of something for everyone, Delray Beach is a Florida town within day trip driving distance. Start at Atlantic Avenue and spend some time checking out the shops and murals of this street. There are plenty of art galleries to peruse and you can have a late breakfast or an early lunch. I love the Delray Beach Market and El Camino.

Following that, check out an indoor activity like the Silverball Retro Arcade and Museum. This spot has all sorts of pinball machines from the 1950s and you can get unlimited plays while you are here! For something more educational, the Sandoway House Nature Center is a cool place to see sharks and reptiles.

If you are thirsty, SaltWater Brewery is a fun time for all. There are tons of yard games, frequent live music, food trucks, and brewery tours. Or for a relaxing afternoon stroll, the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens are a breathtaking sight, with so much exquisite architecture and plant life to see.

That should cover a day, but there is always the beach and mini golf if you need more to fit in! I recommend heading back to Atlantic Avenue to close off the day with a bite before the drive back.

27. Downtown St. Pete

Distance: 153 miles (2.5-hour drive)
Highlights: Mural Tour, Breweries, Museums, and Gardens

My favorite city in Florida is St. Petersburg, so if you can take the 2.5-hour drive there for a day trip, I think it is an excellent endeavor. You could easily make your own adventure by walking around and discovering colorful murals, craft breweries, and music on the pier.

If you prefer a more structured St. Petersburg day trip itinerary, start with a visit to the Sunken Gardens. It is a tropical oasis right in the middle of the city with flamingos, rainbow eucalyptus, and all sorts of flowers to see. For an indoor experience, the Dali Museum has some breathtaking art on display.

Next, get lunch downtown on the pier or at a foodie spot, like one of these St. Pete restaurants. Then take a biking tour to see the city on wheels! If you have time, the top of the Birchwood is an amazing place to watch the sunset before your drive back.

28. West Palm Beach

Distance: 151 miles (2.5-hour drive)
Highlights: Downtown, Attractions, Shopping, and Beaches

Though it is a bit of a drive, West Palm Beach is one of the best places on the east coast to see a unique side of Florida. West Palm Beach is a mecca for art and culture, with so many museums, restaurants, and shops all around the city center.

There’s so much to do here, but art enthusiasts should start with either the Norton Museum of Art and history buffs with the Flagler Museum. For lunch, head to The Square or Clematis Street for Palm Beach foodie options galore.

Though the beaches are lovely, they don’t stand out to me as anything that different from Naples. I recommend spending the rest of the day exploring the shops and gardens of Worth Ave or taking a sightseeing or sunset catamaran cruise. End the day at the food hall Grandview Public Market and head back to Naples with that Palm Beach glow.

29. Biscayne National Park

Distance: 144 miles (2.5-hour drive)
Highlights: Snorkeling, Paddle, or Boat Tours

For those who have already visited the Everglades, Biscayne National Park is another nearby National Park worth visiting. It takes over two hours to drive here, but the coral reefs and islands you can see here are exquisite. Though it is 95% water, there are so many exciting, aquatic excursions to take from here.

I recommend arriving early and taking a six-hour tour like the Sail Paddle, Snorkel & Island visit, so you can see everything possible. However, if you are short on time, there are shorter experiences, like 2-hour kayak or snorkel tours.

There are not a lot of restaurants around here unless you plan to head up to Miami after. To make it a nature day, I recommend bringing your own lunch. The visitors center also offers some cool exhibits, but it is not worth the drive on its own. Make sure to have a tour booked in advance to have the ultimate day trip here!

30. Key West

Distance: 96 miles by sea (3.5-hour ferry ride)
Highlights: Ferry Ride, Historic Tours, Tourist Attractions, Tiki Bars

If you really want to maximize your time in Florida while visiting Naples, there is a ferry that allows visitors to take a day trip to Key West. For $185, you can book a roundtrip ride on the Key West Express and visit the Conch Republic for a day or longer if you get a hotel there.

The catamaran leaves Marco Island at 8 AM and arrives in Key West around noon. Then you have to be back on the boat by 4:30 PM for a three-and-a-half-hour ride back to Naples. It’s obviously better to stay a few days and experience all the fun things to do in the Florida Keys. But if you only have one day, it is possible to take a day trip!

Key West Express drops passengers off about half a mile from Duval Street. From here, you spend the day checking out iconic Key West spots like Mallory Square, Sloppy Joe’s, the Audubon House, The Hemingway Home, the Key West Lighthouse, and Truman Little White House.

Everything is within walking distance so it is the easiest way to get a taste of Key West. Just be prepared to want to spend more than a day trip here once you arrive!

Know Before You Go: Fun Day Trips from Naples, Florida

Whether you live in Naples, Florida or you are looking for a unique adventure during your trip there, these thirty day trip ideas should make for a fun experience! From wildlife sightings to vibrant city tours, there is so much to do within a three-hour drive from Naples. Before you take one of these day trips from Naples, Florida, here are some tips to keep in mind!

These driving times should be pretty accurate, but there may be traffic during February through April with spring breakers. Also, snowbird season (January – April) can lead to some slowdowns with driving as well.
On the other hand, watch out for afternoon showers when visiting July through October. I often recommend waiting until after dinner to head back from a day trip so you can avoid getting caught mid-drive in a storm!
While exploring, make sure to leave nature undisturbed and always pick up trash. You can take shells home if you like, but make sure there are no living organisms in the shells when you do!
No matter what you are doing for your day trip from Naples, you will probably want to bring sunscreen and bug spray. I like Sun Bum and these bug-repellent wipes.
Even if you are not bringing a picnic lunch, I always recommend packing a cooler with drinks and a couple of snacks for day trips. This way you can enjoy nice, cold water or seltzer on the drive back!
Check out the map below to get an idea of where each day trip will take you. To save the map for later, click the star next to the map name. Then go to Google Maps -> Menu -> Your Places -> Maps and you will see it.

with Digit

What’s your favorite day trip to take from Naples, Florida? Let me know if I missed any in the comments! While this post focused on places outside of Naples, be sure to check out my guide for things to do in Naples for more fun ideas close by!

Check out my complete guide for Florida day trip ideas if you are looking for places in Central Florida!