Hollywood, Florida: 10 Best Short Day Trips Nearby
10 Easy Road Trips from Hollywood, Florida for a Fun Day Away
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| From Ocean Drive energy to Everglades airboat thrills and a sunset stroll by the water, these easy day trips from Hollywood, Florida make a quick escape feel bigger. |
If you’re based in Hollywood, Florida and itching for a quick escape, you’re in luck. This Broward County beach city sits in a sweet spot for short road trips, day trips, and even a relaxed nearby getaway that doesn’t eat up your whole weekend. Sometimes all you want is a change of scenery, a good meal, and something new to see without packing a suitcase for a week.
That’s exactly what this list is about.
Below, you’ll find 10 great things to do near Hollywood, FL that are outside Broward County. These picks come from Miami-Dade County, Palm Beach County, Hendry County, and Collier County, so you can enjoy a fresh adventure without going too far. Some are beachy. Some are wild. Some are perfect when you just want to get in the car, roll the windows down, and go.
1) Walk, Bike, and Eat Along Ocean Drive in Miami Beach
If you want a classic South Florida day trip from Hollywood, Florida, head south to Miami Beach in Miami-Dade County. Ocean Drive is one of those places that feels like a movie set. You’ve got palm trees, colorful art deco buildings, beach views, and plenty of spots to grab a drink or a bite.
This is a fun pick if you want something easy. Park once, then spend the day walking around. Rent bikes, people-watch, step onto the sand, or just enjoy the energy. It’s lively without needing much planning.
I’ve always thought Ocean Drive is a bit like opening a postcard and stepping inside it. Bright, bold, and impossible to ignore.
- Best for: First-time visitors, couples, and friend groups
- Drive time: About 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic
- Tip: Go earlier in the day if you want easier parking
2) Explore Vizcaya Museum & Gardens in Miami
Want something more peaceful? Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is one of the prettiest nearby getaways from Hollywood, FL. Located in Miami-Dade County, this historic estate gives you beautiful bay views, grand old rooms, and gardens that feel almost European.
It’s the kind of place where you slow down without even trying. One minute you’re taking photos by the stone walkway, and the next you’re wondering how a place so calm exists so close to the city.
If your ideal road trip includes history, pretty scenery, and an easy pace, this one checks all the boxes.
- Best for: Couples, solo travelers, and photo lovers
- Drive time: Around 40 to 50 minutes
- Tip: Wear comfy shoes since you’ll do a good bit of walking
3) Visit Zoo Miami for a Full Day of Fun
Looking for one of the best family day trips near Hollywood, Florida? Head to Zoo Miami. It’s large, well laid out, and easy to enjoy at your own pace. You can walk it, rent a bike, or use other on-site options to get around.
This is a great choice if you’ve got kids, but honestly, adults enjoy it too. There’s something fun about watching giraffes, big cats, and birds in a more open setting. It feels less rushed than some tourist stops, which makes it perfect for a laid-back day.
Bring water, take breaks, and don’t try to see everything in a sprint. Think of it more like a slow Sunday drive, but on foot.
- Best for: Families and animal lovers
- Drive time: About 50 minutes to 1 hour
- Tip: Go in the morning before the heat peaks
4) Take an Airboat Ride in Everglades Holiday Park Area Near the Edge of Miami-Dade Routes
If you’re craving the wild side of South Florida, an Everglades-style outing makes a great short road trip from Hollywood. While many Everglades access points spread across the region, choose an operator and route that takes you outside Broward County and toward the greater neighboring county areas for that true out-of-county feel.
You’ll likely spot birds, marshland, and if you’re lucky, an alligator or two. The landscape is flat and wide open, but that’s the beauty of it. It feels huge, quiet, and completely different from the beach towns.
Have you ever been somewhere that felt simple at first, then suddenly unforgettable? That’s the Everglades.
- Best for: Nature lovers and visitors wanting something different
- Drive time: Varies by launch point, often under 1 hour
- Tip: Check ahead to make sure your chosen tour departs outside Broward County
5) See Street Art at Wynwood Walls in Miami
For a colorful day trip near Hollywood, FL, Wynwood Walls is a great pick. This Miami-Dade favorite is packed with murals, bold artwork, cool cafes, and that creative buzz people love. Even if you’re not a big art person, it’s easy to enjoy because everything feels open, fun, and photo-ready.
One of the best parts is that the neighborhood makes the trip feel bigger than just one stop. You can browse shops, grab coffee, linger over lunch, and make an afternoon of it.
This is one of those places where even a short visit can wake you up a little, like splashing cold water on your routine.
- Best for: Friends, creatives, and Instagram lovers
- Drive time: Around 35 to 50 minutes
- Tip: Pair it with an early lunch or late brunch
6) Spend the Day at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach
Heading north into Palm Beach County, Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is one of the most peaceful day trips from Hollywood, Florida. If your week has felt loud or busy, this place is a real reset.
You can stroll through beautifully designed gardens, stop by the museum, and enjoy the slower pace. It’s neat, calm, and carefully put together. In a state known for beaches and nightlife, this feels like a hidden exhale.
I always recommend this spot to people who say, “I just want somewhere nice.” It’s more than nice. It’s memorable.
- Best for: Quiet outings, couples, and garden lovers
- Drive time: About 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Tip: Bring your camera, especially on a clear morning
7) Wander Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach
If your perfect weekend trip or road trip includes shopping, dining, and a walkable downtown, spend a day on Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach. This Palm Beach County gem has a relaxed but lively feel, with restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and easy beach access nearby.
It’s ideal when you don’t want a rigid schedule. You can just show up and let the day unfold. Get brunch, browse a few shops, grab dessert, then head toward the water.
Sometimes the best trips aren’t packed with big attractions. Sometimes they’re just good streets, good food, and good company.
- Best for: Couples, friend trips, and casual explorers
- Drive time: Around 50 minutes
- Tip: Go hungry because there are lots of tempting food spots
8) Tour Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee
For one of the most unique things to do near Hollywood, Florida, drive up to Lion Country Safari in Palm Beach County. This is a fun one because you stay in your car for the drive-through animal experience, which makes it feel very road-trip-friendly from the start.
Seeing animals from your own vehicle adds a different kind of excitement. It’s part safari, part theme park, and a great change from the usual beach routine. Kids usually love it, but adults do too.
There’s something funny and memorable about spotting a large animal while sitting in the same car you used for your coffee run.
- Best for: Families and quirky day-trippers
- Drive time: About 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes
- Tip: Clean your windshield before you go for better views and photos
9) Experience Small-Town Florida at the Clewiston Sugar Festival Area
Want a different kind of nearby getaway? Drive into Hendry County and spend time in Clewiston, a town known for its connection to sugar farming and Old Florida charm. If your timing lines up with local festival season, even better. If not, the town still offers a nice look at a slower side of the state.
This trip works well if you’re tired of crowded hotspots. Hendry County feels more down-to-earth and less polished, in a good way. It reminds you that Florida isn’t just beaches and big nightlife. There’s farmland, lake views nearby, and local history too.
It’s a little like finding the B-side of a favorite record—less famous, but worth the listen.
- Best for: Travelers who like local flavor and lesser-known stops
- Drive time: About 1 hour 45 minutes
- Tip: Check local event calendars before you go
10) Visit Naples Pier and Downtown Naples
If you’re up for a longer but still doable day trip from Hollywood, FL, head west to Naples in Collier County. Naples Pier and the downtown area make a classic combo. You get Gulf Coast views, a nice beach walk, and a polished downtown with shops and restaurants.
The vibe here is different from the Atlantic side. It’s calmer, softer, and a bit more laid-back. Watching the sunset on this side of Florida feels like the perfect reward for making the drive.
If you’ve never crossed over for the day, this might be the weekend trip idea that surprises you most.
- Best for: Scenic drives, couples, and sunset chasers
- Drive time: About 2 hours
- Tip: Leave early so you can enjoy both downtown and the waterfront
Tips for Planning Day Trips from Hollywood, Florida
Before you hit the road, keep a few simple things in mind:
- Check traffic before leaving, especially for Miami-Dade routes.
- Start early for beach towns and popular attractions.
- Bring water, sunscreen, and a phone charger.
- Double-check hours and ticket info for museums, parks, and tours.
- Have a backup stop in mind in case weather changes your plans.
That’s really the beauty of taking short road trips from Hollywood, Florida. You don’t need a huge plan. Just pick a direction and go.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do Near Hollywood, FL
One of the best things about living in or visiting Hollywood, Florida is how easy it is to branch out for a day. You can go south for city energy, north for charming coastal towns, west for wild landscapes, or farther across for a Gulf Coast change of pace.
Whether you’re planning quick day trips, a relaxed road trip, or even a simple weekend trip, these out-of-county ideas give you plenty of ways to mix things up.
Which of these nearby getaways would you try first? If you’ve already explored one of these spots, share your favorite in the comments. And if this list helped you plan your next escape from Hollywood, Florida, send it to a friend or share it on social media so they can come along for the ride.
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