Cruising out of Fort Lauderdale? If you’re anxious to start your vacation, hit the open road and explore the Sunshine State. From swanky Miami to laid-back Key West or serene Sanibel Island, Fort Lauderdale is just a short drive away. So before, after or en route to your cruise, start your adventure by tacking on one of these road trips.
Miami Beach
1 hour south of Fort Lauderdale
How to get there: Take I-595W to I-95S, then follow the signs for Miami Beach.
On the way: Visit a nearly thousand-year-old monastery. The Cloisters of the Monastery of Saint Bernard de Clairvaux was built in the 1100s in northern Spain and bought by William Randolph Hearst in the 1920s. Each stone was transported to the United States, where they were later reassembled into this stunning attraction. For a slightly more modern photo op, head to the Wynwood Walls, a large collection of outdoor murals of graffiti and street art in Miami’s warehouse district.
While in town: Sign up for a walking tour of the Miami Beach Architectural Historic District. See and be seen in South Beach, or do some shopping in the Design District, closer to Midtown. Top it off with a visit to the world-renowned Bass Museum of Art.
Sanibel Island
2-3 hours northwest of Fort Lauderdale
How to get there: Take I-595W to I-75N, then continue for 108 miles. Take Exit 128 to Alico Road, and take US-41N to County Road 869S. Take the Sanibel Causeway onto the island.
On the way: Swing by Davie’s Flamingo Gardens and Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary, a 60-acre not-for-profit botanical garden, to see more than 3,000 species of plants and the largest collection of native Florida wildlife. For a more active way to experience the Everglades, take an airboat tour at Everglades Holiday Park.
While in town: Visit the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge and hike or drive as you look for birds, manatees and alligators. Snap a photo of the Sanibel Island Lighthouse from the public beach or just pick up some seashells and enjoy the view.
Orlando
3 hours northwest of Fort Lauderdale
How to get there: Take I-595W to Florida’s Turnpike (north), then take I-4E into the city.
On the way: Golf lovers can’t miss the PGA Village in Port St. Lucie. Perfect your swing at the PGA Golf School or learn about the history of the sport at the Museum of Golf.
While in town: If you’re into theme parks, there’s no better place to be. In the area, you’ll find Universal Orlando, which has two theme parks and an entertainment complex (meaning everyone in your group can find something to love). Not your scene? Shop at the high-end Mall at Millenia, which hosts its very own Fashion Week every September. Walk among 50 acres of lovely camellias, roses and bamboo trees in the Harry P. Leu Gardens or check out the most comprehensive collection of Tiffany glass at the Morse Museum of American Art.
Key West
3 to 4 hours south of Fort Lauderdale
How to get there: Take I-595W to Florida’s Turnpike (south), then take Florida 821S to US 1S through the Keys.
On the way: Stop by the quirky Coral Castle, a large stone structure built by an eccentric Latvian man in the 1920s that still puzzles engineers. Visit the Turtle Hospital in Marathon to learn how this small non-profit is helping injured sea turtles return to their natural habitat.
While in town: Learn more about Key West’s most famous inhabitant at the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, and spend some time on the water. Dolphin watch during a cruise with Fury Water Adventures or set sail on the 90-year-old Schooner Hindu, a historic wooden schooner that puts you right on the gorgeous water of the Keys (try a sunset cruise).
