The best secluded getaways from Miami

This Key Largo destination welcomed over a million visitors back in 2004, a number that made it the most popular park in the Florida State Parks system ever—and for good reason: the coral reefs here are spectacular. You can peek at them while scuba diving, from a boat or when going snorkeling. Make sure to also catch a glimpse of the renowned “Christ of the Abyss,” a 4,000-pound statue of Jesus Christ found underwater. 

It doesn’t get much more isolated than this: 1.5 million acres of wetlands, where you’ll find the largest tropical wilderness in the United States alongside hiking trails, tram tours, canoe trails and—brace for it—dark sky observation areas. Want to see the Milky Way in all of its glory? Come to the Everglades when it’s dark out.

A drive-through safari park? Count us in. The destination, established back in 1967, is one of the very best zoos in the country—and a single visit will make it obvious why that is. Expect 1,000 animals—alpacas! Ostriches! Buffalos!—to roam over 600 acres of land divided into seven sections. 

The chain of islands off the coast of southwest Florida will feel like a world away from Miami. Although almost all of the islands are currently uninhabited, visitors can take kayak trips or boat tours around the masses of land and gaze at dolphins swimming in the waters below.

This is a popular destination among fossil hunters. What better way to spend some time alone than dig—quite literally—into our past and find some shark teeth? There are campgrounds to settle into and canoes to rent, plus airboat tours and real life alligators to, well, stay away from.

This one’s a cool one: the coastal city is known as the home of loads of Florida manatees. You absolutely must visit the animals at Three Sisters Springs and the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, a protected habitat established back in 1983 over 80 acres. Spend the rest of your day at the Crystal River Archaeological State Park, where you’ll gaze at the remains of an early human settlement. No, we’re not kidding.

How absolutely awesome does this national park look? Across 100-square miles that are only accessible by boat or seaplane, find seven small islands, stunning coral reefs and Fort Jefferson, one of the largest 19th century forts in the United States. You’ve got a whole lot of sightseeing to do here.

Come here for the sunset and stay for the beach, of which there are a ton. Lovers of golf will particularly like this destination, as will paddle boarding and kayaking fiends, who will likely take up camp at Tigertail Beach Park. Truly encapsulating the essence of relaxation and ease, the island is where most Miami folks escape to when in need of a break from the hustle of the city.

The beautiful natural expanse is enough of a reason to visit this park but be sure to check out the wildlife when here as well. From seabirds to amphibians and reptiles, there are a whole lot of animals to meet at the local Visitor Center. Bonus points: sport fishing is allowed here, as long as you follow guidelines, of course. 

Learn all things Japanese at this beautiful center in Delray Beach in Palm Beach County. Be sure to check out the museum as well, but it’s the Japanese Gardens that will likely take your breath away. The six gardens were established in 2001, designed by one Hoichi Kurisu as inspired by similar styles seen throughout Japanese history. Walk through them all and then, perhaps, consider planning a trip to Japan?