21 Best Day Trips from Orlando [2024]
LOOKING FOR THE BEST DAY TRIPS FROM ORLANDO?
You’ve come to the right place! We’ve been traveling together since 2010 and have spent months traveling Florida, so we’ve had time to scout out the best day trips from Orlando. We have given a great overview of all the Florida day trips from Orlando so that you could spend a whole year enjoying them or take a day or two out of your Orlando trip to explore more of central Florida.
Day trips from Orlando, FL are so much fun and each one offers something much different than what you find in the Orlando area.
BEST WAYS TO TAKE DAY TRIPS FROM Orlando, Florida
There are plenty of ways to spend a day adventuring from Orlando, Florida. Whether you’re wanting to spend a day at the beach or spend time in the beautiful natural springs, there are so many great places to visit. Here are some of the best ways to take day trips from Orlando:
Orlando RENTAL CARS
There’s no need to worry about public transportation when you have a rental car at your disposal. You can easily explore all the day trip options from Orlando without having to rely on anyone else. This gives you so much flexibility in your itinerary.
If you’re looking for the best Orlando rental car service, we recommend renting a car from the Orlando International Airport. They have a great selection of cars to choose from and many different rental companies to choose from.
We have rented cars here multiple times and always have a great variety to choose from.
BEST Orlando TOURS
There are plenty of ways to spend a day adventuring from Orlando, Florida. If you aren’t interested in going on a rental car, there are lots of great tours that include pickup and dropoff from Orlando.
Viator is a tour company that offers a wide range of tours in the Orlando area, including Clearwater, city sightseeing tours, and even tours in the Everglades. You can see our favorite tours below.
▶ Browse Orlando Day Trip Tours Here
Day Trips from Orlando
1. Kennedy Space Center
The Kennedy Space Center is a must-see for anyone looking for a day trip in the Orlando area. The Kennedy Space Center offers tours of the NASA facility, interactive exhibits, and IMAX movies. We just loved our visit to the Kennedy Space Center.
If you are interested in space exploration or science, then this is definitely the place for you. Even if you aren’t that interested in space, it is still a really cool place to visit. There are so many great exhibits and very cool hands-on learning experiences.
There is so much to see and do at the Kennedy Space Center that you could easily spend an entire day there. And, if you want to make a weekend out of it, there are even hotels on site.
If you are interested in transportation to and from the Kennedy Space Center from Orlando, this admission ticket provides transportation from a centralized location to the Kennedy Space Center and the cost of admission for the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Space Shuttle Atlantis, and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.
▶ BOOK Kennedy Space Center with Transportation
If you do not need transportation to the space center, you can purchase your admission ticket for the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Space Shuttle Atlantis, and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame here.
▶ Purchase Kennedy Space Center Admission Tickets
2. Clearwater
Clearwater Beach area is a popular beach destination for both tourists and locals alike. It is located on the Gulf of Mexico and has some of the best beaches with clear water in Florida. If you are interested in taking a day trip, we would recommend checking out the Clearwater Beach Day Trip From Orlando with Optional Upgrades.
This tour lets you relax while taking a beautiful adventure to Clearwater Beach, one of the best beaches near Orlando. You can lounge on the beach and enjoy and delicious lunch. If you want to add a little adventure to your trip, you should add on the optional Sea Screamer cruise or deep sea fishing trip while you are there.
The Sea Screamer is one of the largest speed boats in the United States, and the captain is very knowledgeable about the area, making it a fun and informational adventure. Many people who take this option see dolphins because they like to play in the boat’s wake.
If you are going to be driving over to Clearwater yourself, make sure to take the ferry out to Caladesi Island. It is so pretty! And be sure to try some delicious food at one of the best downtown Clearwater restaurants. The Clearwater area has some of our favorite beaches and is a place we love to visit.
▶ BOOK Clearwater Beach Day Trip
3. Saint Augustine
Saint Augustine is a city in the northeastern part of Florida, and it is the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement within the borders of the continental United States. It is also a port city, so there are many things to do relating to water.
We would recommend taking the St. Augustine Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour. This is a great way to explore the city. You will be able to see over 100 interest points like the different Spanish Colonial neighborhoods.
The city was founded in 1565 and is America’s oldest city. If you want transportation from your Orlando Hotel, you can book the Saint Augustine Day Trip From Orlando Tour. The excursion is 10 hours long and gets into St. Augustine by mid-morning.
The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off with some additional upgrades available like a boat cruise or trolley tour.
▶ BOOK Saint Augustine Day Trip Tour
You will love this historic city. There is a lot to do in St. Augustine, so make sure you check out our St. Augustine with kids guide before you go. We especially loved touring the fort, visiting the Alligator farm, and playing on the beach at Anastasia State Park.
If you’re looking to spend time in another city as part of your day trips from Orlando, we would highly recommend St. Augustine. It is a beautiful city.
4. Everglades
The Florida Everglades is a large subtropical wetland in the southern part of the U.S. state of Florida. It is home to many different species of animals, birds, and reptiles.
An airboat tour is the best way to see the everglades. You will be able to get up close and personal with the wildlife. We recommend the Central Florida Everglades Airboat Tour from Orlando. This is one of the best Central Florida day trips.
This tour includes a 4-hour airboat tour and an encounter with alligators. You will be able to get up close to many of the local Florida wildlife. The encounter includes pick up and drop off from a couple of locations in Kissimmee, an airboat ride through the everglades, and a stop at an airboat park.
Depending on the day your tour is booked will depend on the airboat park facility. If you’re looking for things to do in Orlando with kids, this is a great activity.
▶ BOOK Airboat Tour in the Florida Everglades
5. Crystal River
Crystal River is a city in Citrus County, Florida. The city is home to many different species of animals, birds, and reptiles.
One of the main attractions in Crystal River is swimming with manatees. Manatees are gentle giants and love to be around people. There are only a few places where you can go swimming with manatees, so we recommend the Florida Manatee Adventure, Everglades Style Airboat & Wildlife Park Tour.
This tour includes round-trip transportation from International Drive and Kissimmee areas, a professional and certified guide, admission into Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, and an airboat ride on the Withlacoochee River. You will be able to get up close and personal with these gentle giants.
If you are swimming, you will need to pay 10 dollars for a wetsuit rental. Make sure you bring your own food and drink. Food and drink will not be provided on the tour.
▶ BOOK Crystal River Manatee Experience and Airboat Ride
6. Shingle Creek
Shingle Creek is a creek located in central Florida. The creek is home to many different species of animals, birds, and reptiles.
One of the main attractions in Shingle Creek is kayaking. Kayaking is a great way to see the wildlife up close. We recommend the tour Half-Day Shingle Creek Guided Kayak Tour with Lunch and Roundtrip Transport.
Tours make exploring Shingle Creek so much easier, especially if you are not familiar with the area or it is your first time. The Half-Day Shingle Creek Guided Kayak Tour is a great day trip in Central Florida.
This tour includes a kayak, paddle, life jacket, and shuttle service. You will be able to paddle down the creek and see the wildlife up close. The tour also includes pick up and drop off from your hotel in Orlando.
Shingle Creek is a great place to spend a day if you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are many different things to do in Shingle Creek. You will love your day trip to Shingle Creek.
▶ BOOK Shingle Creek Tour Here
7. Tarpon Springs
If you’re looking for a day trip from Orlando that’s slightly different, head to Tarpon Springs. This charming city is located on the Gulf of Mexico and is known for its Greek community. You can explore the many shops and restaurants or take a boat tour to see the famous sponge docks.
There’s also a beautiful state park if you want to spend some time outdoors. We visited Tarpon Springs and had such a fun time exploring the docks there. It is home to yummy restaurants and tons of fun shops. It was amazing to see all of the different kinds of sponges they find in the ocean.
This place is one of the unique day trips from Orlando because of its large Greek community. There are lots of delicious places to eat! While you’re there, take a walk around to explore the shops and see the famous sponge docks.
No matter what you end up doing, we guarantee you’ll have an enjoyable trip to Tarpon Springs.
8. Cocoa Beach
If you’re looking for a day trip from Orlando and want to go to the beach, then head to Cocoa Beach. This charming city is located on the Atlantic Ocean and is known for its surfing community. You can explore the many shops and restaurants or take a walk on the beach.
There’s also an exciting pier if you want to spend some time outdoors. We watched the sunset here one evening, and it was gorgeous.
Cocoa Beach is the closest beach to Orlando, Florida, only an hour away. During the winter, the area is not very busy, and a light jacket might be needed because the breeze from the ocean can get a little chilly.
9. Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach is located just an hour outside of Orlando, making it one of the the perfect day trips from Orlando. With its white sand beaches and lush vegetation, Daytona Beach is a beautiful place to relax and soak up the Florida sun.
There are also plenty of activities to keep you entertained, such as fishing, swimming, and surfing. If you’re looking for a fun-filled day trip from Orlando, Daytona Beach is a great option.
While in Daytona Beach, check out the Dolphin and Manatee Stand Up Paddleboard Tour in Daytona Beach. The tour has over a thousand 5-star reviews and the guides will take you to all the great places to see wildlife.
The tour is slower-paced and is something families can do with kids of all ages. Most people who take this tour see dolphins, manatees, birds, and some even see sea turtles, sting rays, and puffer fish.
▶ BOOK SUP Tour in Daytona Beach
Daytona International Speedway
Another really fun thing to do in Daytona Beach is to tour the Daytona Beach racetrack. We went on the All-Access Tour here and got to see some amazing parts of the race track and surrounding facilities.
Our tour at the start-finish line. We got to explore the area a little, including the 31-degree high banks. I had no idea that the tracks had such a steep angle.
Our next stop was at the Gatorade Victory Lane. We got an inside look at where the victors get to celebrate. We also got to ride down pit road and get a close-up view of the pit stalls and everything that happens there during a race.
Our last stop was at the new front-stretch stadium. Here you could see the stadium, including the track and infield. At the end of the tour, we walked through the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America and learned more about motorsports.
Be sure to grab lunch at Racing’s North Turn after your tour if you’re interested in more NASCAR history. Thanks to our tour, we learned that racing in Daytona Beach started on the beach in 1936.
Racing’s North Turn sits where the beach races were held until 1958, when NASCAR relocated to the Daytona International Speedway. They have a great patio you can eat on right on the beach, and the restaurant is filled with fun NASCAR history.
10. Blue Springs State Park
If you’re looking for fun day trips from Orlando, Blue Springs State Park should be at the top of your list. Located about an hour north of the city, this beautiful park is home to miles of hiking trails, a crystal-clear spring-fed river, and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife. This is one of the prettiest springs near Orlando.
Admission is just $6 per carload, making it a great option for families or groups. There can be a line to get into the park, especially during manatee season. When we visited Blue Springs, we had to wait for about 40 minutes before we could go in.
Whether you’re looking to cool off on a hot summer day or explore some of Florida’s natural beauty, Blue Springs State Park is definitely worth a visit. Make sure to bring your camera. There is no shortage of photo-worthy moments here.
11. Silver Springs State Park
Just an hour’s drive from Orlando, Silver Springs State Park is a great option for a day trip. The park is home to Florida’s largest artesian spring, which flows into the beautiful Silver River.
Visitors can take a glass-bottom boat tour to see the springs up close or go for a swim in the refreshing waters. During our boat tour, we got to see monkeys, manatees, and alligators. We had such a fun time and this ended up being one of our favorite things we did in this area.
There are also plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore and picnic areas if you want to pack a lunch. You can also rent a kayak here to explore the waterways in the springs or use the boat launch to launch your own kayak.
Admission is $2 per person. There is so much to see and do here it’s definitely worth the trip. If you’re looking for an adventurous day trip from Orlando, be sure to check out Silver Springs State Park.
12. Sanibel and Captiva Island
Sanibel and Captiva Islands are two of the most beautiful places in Florida, and they make for a perfect day trip from Orlando. Located just off the southwest coast of the state, these islands are known for their stunning beaches, lush vegetation, and abundant wildlife.
Sanibel is also known as the shelling capital of the world. We could not believe the piles of shells that are all over the beaches there. Needless to say, my kids were in love with finding all of the different types of shells there.
There’s plenty to do here, whether you want to relax on the beach or go exploring. You can go shelling, biking, kayaking, or even take a boat tour to spot dolphins. And don’t forget to try some of the delicious seafood – it’s some of the best in the state! If you’re looking for a relaxing day by the water, Sanibel and Captiva Islands are definitely worth a visit.
13. Tampa Bay
A short drive from Orlando is Tampa Bay. It is a great day trip destination. It has beautiful beaches, a lively downtown district, and many attractions. There’s something for everyone in Tampa Bay.
If you decide to take a day trip from Orlando to Tampa, you can purchase the Tampa Bay City Pass, where you can experience many activities at a discounted price. These include: Visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, the Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Then choose between the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) or The Tropics Boat Tours.
Whether you’re looking for a fun day by the beach or an adventure exploring new sights and sounds, Tampa Bay is sure to please. So pack your sunscreen and head on down to this sunny city for a day you won’t soon forget.
The CityPass is the best way to get a great overview of many of the things Tampa has to offer.
14. Sarasota
Sarasota, and nearby Siesta Key, is another great day trip destination from Orlando. This city is known for its beautiful beaches, arts and culture scene, and delicious food. Here are just a few of the things you can do in Sarasota:
- Visit the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
- Explore the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
- Stroll through downtown Sarasota
- Check out the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
- Take a ride on the Siesta Key Breeze Trolley
Whether you’re looking to relax on the sand with a beach tote full of toys or explore some of Florida’s cultural gems, Sarasota is sure to have something for you.
If you are interested in a little bit of fun and quirky tour, the Circus Secrets of Sarasota is a great way to learn about the town and how the circus shaped Sarasota’s arts and culture within the city.
▶ BOOK Circus Secrets of Sarasota Tour
15. Legoland Florida
Legoland Florida is the perfect place to go for those looking for a short adventure not far from Orlando. They have over 50 rides and attractions, there’s something for everyone at this family-friendly theme park. Plus, with its convenient location just an hour away from Orlando, Legoland Florida makes for a great day trip destination.
Some of the top rides and attractions at Legoland Florida include The Great Lego Race, LEGO Ninjago World, and Duplo Valley. There are also plenty of shopping and dining options available at Legoland Florida, so you can easily make it a day trip.
This theme park is geared towards younger children, so you may want to pass if you’re visiting with teenagers or just adults.
We visited Legoland, and my kids loved it! They could go on almost every ride and loved all of the lego decorations around the park. We also loved looking through the amazing Lego sets at the store. They have sets for children up to adults with thousands of pieces.
16. New Smyrna Beach
If you’re looking for a beautiful beach to relax on, look no further than New Smyrna Beach. This Florida beach is known for its sandy shores and clear waters, making it the perfect place to spend a day soaking up the sun. It is one of the great beach day trips from Orlando.
There are lots of great shopping and dining options available in the area. We love checking out new places and their different shops and food options. It is a surf mecca with great beaches and is close to Canaveral National Seashore.
New Smyrna Beach is located just an hour away from Orlando, making it a good option for day trips from Orlando.
17. Ocala National Forest
If you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of Orlando, head to Ocala National Forest. This sprawling forest is home to crystal-clear springs, abundant wildlife, and hiking trails galore. You can even camp overnight if you’re feeling adventurous.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or an all-day hike, Ocala National Forest is the perfect spot for a nature fix. Plus, it’s only about an hour away from Orlando. The forest has a very good climate making it a good year-round destination. We loved spending time at the natural springs here.
In the summer, you can cool off by taking a canoe trip, and in the winter, there is great hiking weather. There are many springs, streams, or lakes where you can fish. The super clear water is also great for those who like to snorkel. Some of the activities may require a permit.
18. Mount Dora
If you’re looking for a charming small town near Orlando, Mount Dora is the perfect spot. This picturesque community is home to quaint shops, delicious restaurants, and beautiful lakeside views.
There are many reasons why we think you’ll love Mount Dora. First, the scenic downtown area is full of one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants. There’s always something going on, from festivals and farmers’ markets to live music and art walks.
The outdoorsy types will appreciate being able to hike, bike, and paddle all within minutes of downtown. Mount Dora is home to some of the best antique shops in Central Florida.
Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway, Mount Dora should definitely be on your list.
19. Devil’s Den
Devil’s Den is a unique geological formation and one of the most popular dive sites in Florida. The sinkhole got its name from the legend that it was once used by Native Americans as a ceremonial site, and it’s said to be bottomless. If you’re looking for something unique, this is one of the best options for day trips from Orlando.
Today, Devil’s Den is home to an abundance of fish and other aquatic wildlife, making it a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. If you’re looking for an unforgettable underwater experience, then Devil’s Den is definitely worth a visit.
The site is privately owned and is used as a diving training facility. To get into the facility, it is $15 on weekdays and $20 if you are going on a weekend. You can bring your own snorkel gear and fins, or you can rent from the shop for $10.
If you are going to be scuba diving, it will be $38.
20. Canaveral National Seashore
Canaveral National Seashore is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Central Florida. It’s full of beautiful beaches, nature trails, and wildlife. However, there’s more to this national park than just sand and sun.
Here are a few things you should know before visiting Canaveral National Seashore.
There is a fee to enter the park, but there are no lifeguards on duty, so you swim at your own risk. You will want to bring sunscreen, water, and insect repellent.
The best time to visit is during the week when there are fewer people, but if your availability is on the weekend, you should still stop by.
21. Miami
A day trip for a visit to the Sunshine State’s most iconic city Miami is an excellent adventure. The trip is longer than some may want for a day trip, though. From Orlando to Maimi, it is about 3.5 hours, one way.
Miami has fun art deco architecture and vibrant nightlife to the white sand beaches and turquoise waters, there’s something for everyone in Miami.
Here are some of the best things you can enjoy on your day trip to Miami. You can take a stroll down Ocean Drive and admire the colorful art deco buildings. You can visit Vizcaya Museum and Gardens for a taste of old-world elegance.
Many people enjoy spending a day lounging on South Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the world. You can explore Wynwood, an artsy neighborhood with murals and graffiti around every corner.
We would also recommend a beautiful sightseeing Cruise of Biscayne Bay. The tour is 80 minutes long, and you will sail by some of Miami’s magnificent mansions, islands, and the downtown skyline. You will get to see the city from a different view. Biscayne Bay is a beautiful bay.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Miami. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or a city break, this is the perfect destination. If you enjoy visiting the national parks, be sure to stop by Biscayne National Park.
22. Bok Tower Gardens
Bok Tower Gardens is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Central Florida. Located in Lake Wales, Bok Tower Gardens is a National Historic Landmark that features a beautiful tower and gardens. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views, take a leisurely stroll through the gardens, or attend one of the many events held at Bok Tower Gardens.
No matter what time of year you visit Bok Tower Gardens, there is always something to see and do. The gardens are home to over 50 different species of plants, as well as numerous birds and other wildlife.
In addition to the gardens, Bok Tower Gardens also features a museum, which houses artifacts from the history of the site. Visitors can also take part in educational programs offered at Bok Tower Gardens.
23. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is one of the most unique state parks in Florida. The park is home to a natural spring that forms a river, which is then used as a performance venue for the Weeki Wachee Mermaids. The mermaids are world-famous and have been entertaining visitors at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park since 1947.
In addition to the mermaid show, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park also offers boat tours, kayaking, swimming, and tubing. Visitors can also learn about the history of the park and see some of the native wildlife.
With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Florida.
FAQ: Day Trips from Orlando
What cities are 1 hour from Orlando?
There are many cities in Orlando, Florida that are very unique and are within 1 hour of Orlando. Below are a few of our favorites.
✔ Daytona Beach is a classic Florida beach town that is less than an hour away from Orlando, making it the perfect place to spend a day. Daytona Beach is also home to the Daytona International Speedway and the 500 NASCAR race, which takes place every February.
✔ St. Augustine is great for a dose of history and culture and is America’s oldest city. St. Augustine was founded in 1565. The city is full of historic sites and landmarks, including the Castillo de San Marcos, Fort Matanzas, and the St. Augustine Lighthouse. There are also plenty of great restaurants and shops to explore in the downtown area.
✔ Clearwater is a very clean city great for a beach vacation that’s a little more low-key. The charming seaside town is known for its clear waters, making it a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and boating. Clearwater Beach was even named “Best Beach Town in America” by USA Today in 2018.
✔ Tampa has a little more action and is about an hour away from Orlando. This vibrant city offers world-class museums and attractions to nightlife and professional sports teams. Don’t miss the Florida Aquarium or the Busch Gardens theme park while you’re in town.
What cities are within 2 hours or Orlando?
Orlando is a great city, but if you are looking to get away for a change of scenery, there are plenty of cities within two hours that offer some fun adventures. Here are some of the best day trips from Orlando –
✔ Ocala: Just over an hour away, Ocala is known as the Horse Capital of the World. This city is perfect for nature lovers, with plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore.
✔ Daytona Beach: Daytona is about an hour away from Orlando and is famous for its beautiful beaches. If you’re looking to relax and soak up some sun, this is the place for you.
✔ Mount Dora: Mount Dora is a quaint town about an hour away from Orlando. It’s known for its antique shops and charming downtown area. If you’re looking to do some exploring, Mount Dora is the perfect place to start.
There are plenty of other great cities within driving distance of Orlando. The majority of our recommended day trips are under two hours from Orlando, Florida.
What is the closest beach to Orlando?
Cocoa Beach is the closest beach to Orlando, Florida. The Cocoa Beach pier is a fun area to explore.
Where to Stay in Orlando
Orlando, Florida has some of the largest variety of places to stay in the United States. You can stay in amazing luxury to budget-friendly hotels. If you are unsure where to stay, check out our article – 21 Best Choices for Where to Stay in Orlando in 2022.
Conclusion: Day Trips from Orlando
We hope you get to enjoy some of these Orlando day trips. They are some of the best places if you are looking for excursions from Orlando.
If you are looking for romantic day trips from Orlando or weekend trips from Orlando, you should look into going to Miami. The city is great, and there is so much to do.
Orlando is a great place, but so are the many available day trips from Orlando just outside the city. We love spending time in this part of Florida because there are so many fun things to do in Orlando and just outside the city.
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