Weekend Trips And Getaways From Miami

An Art Deco city of endless beaches and Latino culture, it’s no wonder that Florida’s most famous city is a magnet for spring breakers and holiday-makers. Benefiting from its proximity to the Caribbean, Miami is also surrounded by smaller beach towns that feel like a true tropical escape. Discover the palm-fringed golden sands and crystal-clear waters that lie along the coast of Florida at these five perfect weekend getaways.

Merritt Island

Part NASA Space Center, part wildlife refuge, Merritt Island is an unusual combination of science and nature. The Kennedy Space Center is a huge draw card, where you can meet an astronaut (and pretend to be one for a moment) on the Shuttle Launch Experience. Throw in its protected outdoor spaces and a riverside retreat where dolphins and manatees routinely swim past, and you have the makings of the ultimate weekend trip.

1. Bioluminescence Night Kayaking Tour

Tours, Activities

Fittingly for an island that’s home to a space center, the wetlands around Merritt Island are full of bioluminescent plankton that light up the waters like a starry sky. Bioluminescence is the emission of light from a living organism, and you can experience the mesmerizing natural phenomena by paddling through the Banana River on a nighttime kayaking tour. The protected wetlands are far from light pollution, which makes viewing conditions perfect.

Crystal River

2. Crystal River Manatee Snorkeling Tour

Tours, Activities

Snorkel with manatees on a wildlife tour that gets you close to the West Indian manatees that flock to the Crystal River’s freshwater springs. Learn about these remarkable animals and the ecosystem they depend on, then slip into the water to observe the manatees as they swim and feed. Resist the urge to reach out – it’s vital to look but not touch this threatened native species. Wetsuits and all snorkeling equipment are included, and warm drinks will be served on board to enjoy as you dry off.

Key West

The southernmost point of the continental USA, and just 90 miles (145 kilometers) from Cuba, you would be forgiven for thinking you had left the country entirely when you arrive in Key West. Housed in the Florida archipelago, the island is known for its incredible snorkeling and diving. It’s the sort of place where everyone will find their rhythm – be it spring break trippers or romantic couples swooning at the candy-colored architecture – Key West is a multi-faceted destination brimming with a fusion of cultures.

3. Key West Shark and Wildlife Catamaran Tour

Tours, Activities

Experience the majesty of these ocean-dwelling predators from the safety of an eco-friendly catamaran. Traveling just a few miles off the coast of Key West, you’ll have the opportunity to spot sharks, dolphins, stingrays and turtles as well as learn about the archipelago’s wildlife and environment. Watch in awe as your pilot draws sharks towards the edge of the boat by dropping bait, all while keeping you updated with fascinating information about the landscapes and animals that you see.

Fernandina

A century ago, Fernandina was a wild beachside town best known for its brothels and casinos. These days it’s quite a different picture, serving as an altogether more demure weekend destination. With rolling dunes, swathes of golden sand and a multicultural history that includes French, Spanish and Mexican influences, Fernandina leaves a lasting impression for lots of reasons.

4. Downtown Fernandina History Walking Tour

Tours, Activities

Appreciate Fernadina’s grand houses and their intriguing stories on this historic walking tour. Often overlooked due to a lack of knowledge about their history, your guide will paint a picture of the rich and varied pasts of these homes by diving into stories about the previous residents. You’ll also learn about the city’s colorful pirating history: it was once the target of some notorious seafaring buccaneers.

St Augustine

The oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the US, St Augustine was founded in 1565 by a Spanish admiral and wasn’t ceded to the United States until 1819, almost three centuries later. The result is a sparkling seaside town with a host of incredible museums and memorials which tell its stories.

5. St Augustine History Walking Tour

Tours, Activities

This 90-minute walking tour will take you through St Augustine, delving into the town’s notable past, distinctive period architecture and the pivotal moments throughout its timeline. Learn about the tumultuous history that followed the arrival of the Spanish to the shores of La Florida, including the struggles, battles and hardships endured by the Native American population. Find out how Henry Flagler influenced the area, what transpired when the British took control of St Augustine, and how ownership eventually went back to Spain before it was ceded to the US.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.