Top Weekend Getaways From Miami

We all need to get away. With today's fast-paced lifestyle, it's often difficult to get out of town for a traditional lengthy vacation. We're often reduced to trying to cram as much fun as possible into an extended weekend. Fortunately, there are several great destinations within driving distance of Miami, Florida.

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Florida Keys

One of the perks of living in Miami is the sun, sand, and surf. But where do you go to get away from it all when you live in a palm-tree lined paradise like Miami? Only an hour’s drive south you’ll find the fabulous Florida Keys, a world apart from the pace of Miami life. Their beaches, diving, and fishing are among the best in the world and there is also great food and excellent bars to explore.

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Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral is home to the world-famous Kennedy Space Center. America's Spaceport is proud to bear the distinction of serving as the launching point for all human spaceflight missions in U.S. history. The center offers interactive tours through the past, present, and future of America's engagement with the final frontier.

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Marco Island

This 24 square mile island is only a couple of hours away, located directly across the Everglades from Miami, a few minutes away from Tamiami Trail. Marco Island is recognized as one of the world's top resort islands, featuring beautiful beaches, golf, tennis, shopping, and restaurants. It's also a great spot to take a daytime fishing charter, with many restaurants along the dock that will fry up your catch at the end of the day.

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Naples

Just a little bit further north on Tamiami Trail lies beautiful Naples, Florida. It's about a three-hour drive from Miami and boasts some of the best shopping and dining in Southwest Florida. Naples boasts exclusive hotels but still manages to capture a quaint small-town feel. Winter visitors may be overwhelmed by the snowbird crowds—you might want to try Naples in the summer for a completely different experience.

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Orlando

What list of Florida trips would be complete without mentioning Orlando? This tourist mecca boasts Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios along with Sea World, Universal Studios, and many other attractions. If you have kids, you didn't even need to read this article—they've probably already placed Orlando on your "must visit" list. Even if you don't have kids, adults can have fun in Orlando as well!