While visiting the city of Miami, you will doubtless want to spend a lot of time downtown. With attractions like the Miami Seaquarium, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, South Pointe Park, Bayfront Park, and the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science, you can easily fill days with excitement.

But Florida is famous for its beautiful coastline, so you would be remiss to spend the entire trip downtown. If you are ready to get away from the crowds and check out some of the lovely beaches in the surrounding area, read on.

1. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Drive around 50 minutes north of the Miami city center to reach Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Here you can walk among huge oak and banyan trees. If you are looking for a different way to see the sights, you can rent a canoe and head out on the freshwater lagoon. There are also some spots where you can sit down for a picnic.

2. Deerfield Island Park

Drive just a little bit further up the coast and you will arrive at Deerfield Island Park. You will need to park your campervan here and take a boat shuttle to reach the park, which is not accessible via any other means. The shuttle only runs on weekends, so plan your visit accordingly. There is no fee to take the shuttle.

At Deerfield Island Park, you can explore more than 53 acres of wetlands, including some beautiful mangroves. There is a nature trail and marina as well as picnic areas. Other activities include a butterfly garden and geocaching.

3. Ocean Ridge Natural Area

Continue up the coast to Ocean Ridge Natural Area. This wetland preserve is tucked away in such a manner that it is hidden and relatively unspoiled. This makes it a quiet spot to take a walk surrounded by the beauty of nature without the crowds.

4. The Florida Keys

Finally, one more popular coastal destination which you won’t want to miss on a vacation to Miami is the famous Florida Keys. It takes only around an hour and a half of driving from the Miami city center to reach Key Largo.

From there, it is another two and a half hours of driving to reach Key West. For the entire drive, you are surrounded by beautiful blue ocean. Along the way, you will pass through one idyllic tropical island after another. There is no other experience like it. If you enjoy scuba diving, be sure to plan a dive in the area. Also enjoy the rich history of Key West, where Ernest Hemingway lived.

Florida’s Coastline Offers Endless Delights

All of these coastal destinations are a short drive away from Miami in your rented campervan, motorhome or 4WD vehicle. Have fun exploring the seaside splendor of Florida!