Bars, beaches and basking in the Florida sun. Need we say more? Miami and Fort Lauderdale are undoubtedly incredible vacation spots for your next group trip. The areas just outside the cities don’t disappoint either, so it’s a good idea to extend your stay and plan a few day trips from Miami or Fort Lauderdale. We’ve rounded up our top day-trip picks for memory-making fun in the Sunshine State with your best friends:

Day trip to the Everglades (driving distance: 1 hour)

The Everglades, nicknamed the “River of Grass,” is one of the world's most awe-inspiring wonders. Plus, Everglades National Park is only about an hour away – making it a simple day trip from Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

Enter the park from the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center to get information on ranger-led slough slogging (or a wet hike, for non-Florida natives), kayaking and canoeing, fishing, geocaching and other activities. You can also access several popular hiking and biking trails, along with paddling sites, including Pine Island and Flamingo, as well as the Nike Missile Base.

If you’re a cyclist, plan to bring your bike or rent one for the day and add a few extra minutes of driving time to your day trip from Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Enter the Everglades National Park at the Shark Valley Visitor Center off Highway 41/Tamiami Trail and you'll find a 15-mile paved, circular path called “the loop.” At the halfway point, stop at the huge Shark Valley Observation Tower to observe some of the park’s largest alligators hanging out in the deeper waters.

If biking or walking the 15-mile loop sounds like more than your schedule can handle, try taking the two-hour guided Shark Valley Tram Tour, which is great for groups and meeting new people. While out on the tram, you'll see plenty of alligators soaking up the sun on the hot pavement or swimming in the canals, as well as other wildlife.

For a fast-paced adventure, look for airboat tours along the Tamiami Trail, plus tours at Everglades Holiday Park. There are also gator wrestling shows, animal encounters and talks by the Gator Boys, who are a team that works to rescue alligators from domesticated areas and bring them to a safe environment.

Day trip to Biscayne National Park (driving distance: 1 hour and 15 minutes)

If you really want to get away from it all, take a day trip from Miami or Fort Lauderdale and drive down to Biscayne National Park.

Biscayne National Park is also a fantastic spot for history buffs. Sites like Stiltsville, a collection of houses built in the 1930s in the middle of the sea, and the underwater Maritime Heritage Trail are sure to impress those seeking to learn more about their surroundings. Groups will also enjoy the chance to paddle out to Boca Chita Key (which features a historical lighthouse), or picnic on Elliott Key.

Day trip to the Upper Keys (driving distance: 1 hour and 30 minutes)

Just south of Biscayne Bay National Park are the Upper Keys – including Islamorada and Key Largo – which boast numerous options for Miami day trips.

In Islamorada, you can swim with dolphins, sea lions or sharks at Theater of the Sea, then celebrate with a meal at Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar, a local favorite. Or you can make new friends and take a deep-sea fishing trip (or charter a boat for your group) with Key Largo Fishing Adventures.

Return from your deep-sea adventure to have your catch cooked at the Lazy Lobster Seafood Restaurant, where you can also sample rock lobster in two dozen different styles. Top it all off by indulging in the key lime pie at the famous Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen.

Day trip to The Bahamas (boat time: 2-3 hours)

Whether you've always wanted to visit The Bahamas or you just want to get out of town without needing to rent a car, the Bimini ferry from Miami or Fort Lauderdale makes for an invigorating day trip.

While it's easy to spend the day on the beach, don't miss the chance to venture into Alice Town. You can meander The King's Highway and The Queen's Highway (the area's two main roads) and explore colorful shops filled with works from local artists.

Your group will love to wander through poet-laureate Ashley Saunders' Dolphin House Museum — a dolphin- and ocean-inspired museum and gallery. And before you catch the ferry back to Florida, make time for an early meal where you can dine on fresh fish, nouveau cuisine and traditional Bahamian dishes.

Jeremiah Crossing is always searching for his next travel adventure.