Margate, Florida: 10 Short Day Trips to Explore Nearby
10 Easy Road Trips from Margate, Florida for a Fun Day Out
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| Trade your routine for peaceful gardens, pastel Miami streets, Everglades adventure, and grand old Florida charm on these easy day trips from Margate. |
If you’re in Margate, Florida and craving a quick escape, you’re in a great spot. One of the best things about living in or visiting Margate in Broward County is how many short road trips and day trips are within reach. In less than a couple of hours, you can swap your usual routine for beach towns, wild wetlands, colorful neighborhoods, and family-friendly attractions.
And here’s the key: this list skips Broward County completely. Instead, it focuses on nearby getaways in Miami-Dade County, Palm Beach County, Collier County, and Hendry County. So if you’re searching for things to do near Margate, FL that feel fresh and worth the drive, you’re in the right place.
1. Wander Mizner Park in Boca Raton
County: Palm Beach County
Drive from Margate: About 25 to 35 minutes
Mizner Park is one of those easy day trips from Margate that works for almost anyone. Want shopping? It has that. Good food? Plenty. Just feel like walking around somewhere pretty? It checks that box too.
The area has palm-lined paths, restaurants with outdoor seating, and a polished but relaxed vibe. I’ve always thought it’s a nice “low-effort, high-reward” kind of stop. You don’t need a big plan. Just show up, stroll around, grab lunch, and enjoy the change of scenery.
- Great for couples, friends, or solo travelers
- Easy walking area with shops and dining
- Nice pick for a quick weekend trip feel without going far
2. Spend the Day at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
County: Palm Beach County
Drive from Margate: About 35 to 45 minutes
If your week has felt loud and busy, Morikami is like hitting the reset button. The gardens are peaceful, beautiful, and full of quiet corners. It’s a different kind of South Florida outing, which is exactly what makes it special.
You can walk the garden paths, see koi ponds, and explore museum exhibits. It’s calm without being boring. Think of it like trading traffic noise for birdsong and still water.
This is one of the best nearby getaways from Margate, Florida if you want something more relaxing than a beach day.
3. Hit the Sand at Delray Municipal Beach and Atlantic Avenue
County: Palm Beach County
Drive from Margate: About 35 to 50 minutes
Some road trips from Margate should end with ocean views, and Delray Beach delivers. You can start with coffee on Atlantic Avenue, spend a few hours by the water, and then head back into town for lunch or dinner.
What makes this spot fun is the mix. It’s not just a beach stop. You also get walkable shops, bars, dessert spots, and people-watching. If you like a day that feels a little lively but not too hectic, this is a solid pick.
- Beautiful public beach access
- Walkable downtown area nearby
- Easy to turn into a half-day or full-day outing
4. Explore Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee
County: Palm Beach County
Drive from Margate: About 55 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes
Want a day trip near Margate, FL that feels a little different? Lion Country Safari is a fun choice, especially for families. You drive through animal areas and then can stop for extra attractions inside the park.
Seeing animals from your own car gives it a real road trip feel. It’s almost like the ride is part of the attraction. Kids usually love it, but honestly, adults do too.
If your perfect outing includes something memorable and a little unexpected, put this one on your list.
5. Tour the Flagler Museum in Palm Beach
County: Palm Beach County
Drive from Margate: About 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes
For a dose of history and grand old Florida style, the Flagler Museum is a great bet. The building itself is stunning, and stepping inside feels like walking into another era.
Even if you don’t usually plan trips around museums, this one is easy to enjoy because the setting is so impressive. It’s the kind of place that reminds you Florida has layers beyond beaches and resorts.
This makes a nice weekend trip from Margate when you want culture, architecture, and a scenic drive.
6. Discover the Art Deco Historic District in Miami Beach
County: Miami-Dade County
Drive from Margate: About 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes
If you’re looking for iconic things to do near Margate, Miami Beach’s Art Deco District belongs on the list. The pastel buildings, neon details, and old-school glamour make the whole area feel like a movie set.
You can walk Ocean Drive, snap photos, grab a bite, and enjoy the energy. It’s colorful, busy, and full of character. In other words, it’s the opposite of a boring day.
I always think this kind of trip is best when you leave room to wander. Sometimes the best part is just turning a corner and finding a spot you didn’t plan on.
7. Visit Wynwood Walls in Miami
County: Miami-Dade County
Drive from Margate: About 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes
Wynwood Walls is perfect if you want a nearby getaway with color and creativity. The murals are bold, fun, and constantly photo-worthy. Even the surrounding neighborhood has that artsy, energetic feel.
This is one of those short road trips from Margate, Florida that works well with friends. Walk around, check out the street art, stop for tacos or coffee, and make an afternoon of it.
- Famous outdoor mural destination
- Great for photos and casual exploring
- Easy to pair with food stops in the area
8. Take in the Views at Shark Valley in Everglades National Park
County: Miami-Dade County
Drive from Margate: About 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
If you want nature without heading across the whole state, Shark Valley is a standout. The trails and tram route take you right into the Everglades, where you may spot alligators, birds, and wide-open marsh views.
It feels wild in the best way. Flat, open, and stretching far into the distance, the landscape has its own quiet drama. It’s like Florida stripped down to its rawest form.
Bring water, sunscreen, and your camera. This is one of the most memorable day trips from Margate, FL for anyone who wants to see a different side of the state.
9. Walk the Historic Streets of Everglades City
County: Collier County
Drive from Margate: About 2 hours
For a longer but still doable road trip from Margate, Everglades City offers a totally different Florida vibe. It’s small, historic, and surrounded by rugged natural beauty.
This is the kind of place where the pace slows down. You can explore the area, learn a bit about local history, and enjoy a more Old Florida atmosphere. If Miami Beach is all sparkle, Everglades City is the weathered postcard version of the state, and that contrast is part of the charm.
It’s a good pick when you want something less polished and more rooted in nature and local character.
10. Go Bass Fishing or Wildlife Spotting near Clewiston
County: Hendry County
Drive from Margate: About 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours
Clewiston sits near Lake Okeechobee and makes a smart choice for travelers who want open space and outdoor fun. This area is known for fishing, birdwatching, and big-sky views that feel far removed from the city.
Even if you’re not a serious angler, the drive out can be part of the fun. Sometimes a day trip near Margate, Florida is less about packed schedules and more about breathing room. Hendry County gives you that.
- Great for fishing fans and nature lovers
- A quieter alternative to the beach scene
- Nice option for a laid-back weekend trip feel
Tips for Planning Your Day Trips from Margate, FL
Before you head out, here are a few simple tips to make your Margate road trip smoother:
- Start early if you’re driving to Miami-Dade or Collier County.
- Pack sunscreen, water, and a phone charger.
- Check hours ahead of time for museums, parks, and attractions.
- Keep tolls in mind on South Florida routes.
- Leave room to explore instead of planning every minute.
That last one matters more than people think. The best nearby getaways from Margate often come with a surprise coffee stop, a scenic detour, or a place you almost skipped.
Final Thoughts on Quick Escapes from Margate, Florida
From peaceful gardens and beach towns to art districts, safari adventures, and Everglades views, there’s no shortage of things to do near Margate, Florida. These day trips and road trips prove you don’t need a long vacation to enjoy something new.
So, which one sounds most like your kind of escape? A culture-filled afternoon in Palm Beach County? A lively Miami outing? Or a nature-focused drive into the Everglades?
If you found this list helpful, share it with a friend who loves a good Florida getaway. And if you’ve already taken a favorite day trip from Margate, drop a comment and share your pick. I’d love to hear where you’d go next.
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