Best Day Trips in 4 Popular U.S. Regions

friends hiking

Day trips are a great way to make the most of your weekends and enjoy quality time with your family, while breaking the routine of daily life and exploring a new place. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite day trip locations that are sure to deliver fun for everyone!

Best Day Trips: South Florida

south-florida.jpg

Everglades National Park

Spanning 1.5 million acres, the Everglades are one of Florida’s most beautiful and well-preserved natural ecosystems. These wetlands are home to dozens of endangered species including the Florida panther, the leatherback turtle, and the West Indian manatee. Activities at Everglades National Park include guided wildlife viewing tours, on- and off-trail hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and bird watching.

Bimini

Just 50 miles off the east coast of Florida, Bimini is the western-most district of the Bahamas, and one of the most loved day trips among South Florida residents. A high-speed ferry takes you from Miami to Bimini in as little as 90 minutes! Once you arrive, you can explore the coast using snorkels, jet skis, or paddle boards from beach-front vendors, or simply relax on the island’s white sand beaches.

Key West

Key West is one of Florida’s most vibrant cities, a source of inspiration for many authors and artists over the years. Home to numerous museums, high-end shopping and fine dining, and landmarks such as Ernest Hemingway’s home, Key West is guaranteed to keep you entertained. The drive from Miami takes about 4 hours, spanning 43 bridges and 31 islands. Breathtaking scenery and plenty of photo opportunities make this drive well worth the time.

Orlando

Orlando is famous for its theme parks, but the city itself can make for one of the best day trips from Southern Florida. Orlando has some of the region’s best golf courses, as well as a 50-acre botanical garden complex. The Harry P. Leu Gardens on the shore of Lake Rowena provide the perfect place to relax away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Best Day Trips: Los Angeles

los-angeles.jpg

San Diego

As the second largest city in California, San Diego has a lot to offer. A short two-hour drive from Los Angeles, San Diego has many art galleries and museums to explore, as well as Balboa Park, home to the botanical gardens, historic theaters, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.

Joshua Tree National Park

If you’re looking for an escape from city life and a chance to enjoy a natural landscape, then a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park might be for you. This park spans both the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert and is home to fascinating ecosystems, breathtaking views, and challenging hikes.

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach embodies California’s laid-back beach vibe and is a nice place to relax away from the fast pace of LA. This beach hosts one of the best surf spots in California, and the town itself provides visitors with plenty of art and history to explore.

Santa Catalina Island

Known for its unique wildlife, incredible diving sights, and the impressive volcano Mt. Orizaba, Santa Catalina Island is one of the most beautiful day trips to take from Los Angeles. Here, you can explore the artsy town of Avalon and discover beautiful museums and theaters or relax on Descanso Beach and soak up the natural scenery.

Best Day Trips: Texas

texas.jpg

Dinosaur Valley State Park (Glen Rose, TX)

An exciting day trip for both kids and adults, Dinosaur Valley is famous for its visible dinosaur tracks along the bed of the Paluxy River. After visiting the main attraction, you can spend the day hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, swimming, fishing, and exploring the outdoors.

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch (San Antonio, TX)

Another great day trip for the whole family, the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is a home to animals from all over the world in a 450-acre protected habitat. You’ll likely spot zebras, giraffes, and other exotic species on your safari drive through the park. This area is also home to the Natural Bridge Caverns, which you can explore with the kids on lantern or secret passage tours, or opt for the more challenging rappelling and climbing adventure.

Monahans Sandhills State Park (Monahans, TX)

Although it’s a short day trip from anywhere in Texas, the landscape of this state park will make you think you’re in the Sahara Desert! Barefoot hikes up the sand dunes and disk rides down to the bottom provide a whole day of fun. Other activities in the area include horseback riding, picnicking, and bird watching. While you’re in the area, be sure to stop by the Odessa Meteor Crater or some of the other nearby state parks.

Austin

Austin is a great day trip to make from anywhere in Texas. This vibrant city offers incredible dining, live music every night, and plenty of murals and public art displays. Watching the sunset from Mount Bonnell, the highest point in the city is a must. Check out some of the events and activities happening on the day of your visit for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Best Day Trips: Arizona

arizona.jpg

Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park is known for its vast desert landscape full of giant saguaro cacti. The park also offers the chance to see prehistoric petroglyphs, historic sites, and wildlife. Look for coyote, desert tortoise, and javelina in the lower areas of the mountains, as well as deer, black bear, and the Mexican spotted owl at higher elevations. The park’s mountain ranges offer places for hiking, biking, and driving.

Sedona

Sedona offers colorful landscapes with abundant red rocks and bright blue skies, which makes it a perfect destination for photography, sightseeing, and creative endeavors of all kinds. The area is known for its positive energy, and people come from all over the world to experience meditation and self-exploration in this vibrant natural setting.

Grand Canyon

Arizona is home to one of America’s most popular destinations. The Grand Canyon can be just as amazing to residents of the state as it is to people from all over the world. Day trips to the Grand Canyon can include mule rides, helicopter tours, or hikes along the South Rim to enjoy this truly incredible natural wonder.

Flagstaff

Known as Arizona’s art and culture center, this mountain town is home to countless attractions. Some of the most notable include rides on the Grand Canyon Railway and stargazing at the Lowell Observatory. Skiing at the Arizona Snowbowl is the perfect winter activity, while visitors can enjoy hikes in Coconino National Forest year-round.

Before embarking on any of these day trips, it’s important to make sure you can rely on your car insurance to cover you in case something goes wrong along the way.

At Infinity Insurance, we want you to enjoy your day trip without worry, and that’s why we provide car insurance that’s both affordable and reliable. Call one of our friendly agents at 1-800-INFINITY today to receive a quote within minutes or get a free quote online.

The materials available in the Knowledge Center are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact legal counsel to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Use of this website or any of the links contained within the website do not create representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.