Most people in the country are thinking of ways to get to Miami. But when you live in paradise, you occasionally want to get away and experience new things. Fortunately, Miami is in an ideal location, so taking easy weekend trips from Miami is just a matter of planning. Whether you're hopping in your car and road tripping or boarding a plane, there are several great options in South Florida.

The Florida Keys

Miami may be Florida's biggest tourist destination, but the Keys aren't far behind. In certain aspects, the Keys may be even more iconic than Miami. You can take pics at  Southernmost Point of the US, lounge on the beach at Playa Largo Resort & Spa, dine at the Key Largo Fisheries Backyard Cafe,  and party it up on the Duval Street Strip.

Naples

Florida's west coast is lush and underappreciated, and about two hours away from Miami by car, experiencing the other side of South Florida is easier than you realize. You can spend a weekend at the Hilton Naples where you can lounge on the beach before exploring the town. For some fine dining, be sure to check out Osteria Tulia or USS Nemo Restaurant.

St. Petersburg

Another city on Florida's west coast awaits your arrival. St. Petersburg is renowned for its beaches, but coming from Miami, you'll be more interested in more than just beach bumming after the four-hour drive. The Red Mesa Cantina offers tasty Mexican fare and a large selection of tequila and margaritas to wash the meal down. However, if you're looking for a good place to snag a drink, we recommend Mandarin Hide.

Related content: Best Margaritas in St. Petersburg

West Palm Beach

While we tend to think of West Palm Beach as part of a tri-county area that includes Fort Lauderdale and Miami, getting over there is quite the hike, especially if you live in South Miami. You can stay at Residence Inn by Marriott West Palm Beach Downtown/CityPlace Area and explore everything CityPlace has to offer. West Palm Beach also has an underrated arts scene, so we suggest checking out Culture Lab for a taste of it.

Miami is traditionally a weekend escape for most people, but if you'd like to experience different sides of Florida, take one of these easy weekend trips from Miami.

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