5 Best Day Trips from Orlando
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Many people travel to Orlando, Florida because it is a popular vacation destination known especially for its theme parks. Some families, couples, or solo travelers may wish to take a break from the busy parks to explore other nearby tourist attractions that you can visit within a couple hours of driving. Reference this post before your next Orlando trip for some inspiration on day trips from Orlando in between those chaotic theme park days.
There’s something for everyone in the area surrounding Orlando – from beaches to history to nature. I’m going to cover 5 of my favorites. All of these would be suitable for any type of group you may be traveling with. From the beaches by Daytona Beach and St. Petersburg to the history of St. Augustine to being out in nature at Blue Spring State Park, there are so many great day trips from Orlando.
Daytona Beach
Why not have a relaxing beach day in the middle of your theme park trip? Daytona Beach is the most obvious beach for a day trip from Orlando. At just under an hour away, this classic beach town with a cute boardwalk and pier area is perfect for a day of relaxing on the beach followed by a stroll along the boardwalk for shopping and dinner at one of the many restaurants there. It’s the perfect day trip getaway for your summer vacation.
Daytona Beach is also home to the Daytona International Speedway. Racing fans may enjoy a tour of the speedway or a trip to the Motorsports Hall of Fame. This makes Daytona Beach great for either a relaxing day or a more fun and adventurous day. Daytona Beach is a classic for a reason and is the perfect addition to your trip.
Kennedy Space Center
A must-do for the science-lovers in your group but I think most people can find something interesting when visiting the Kennedy Space Center. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is about an hour-long drive from Orlando and offers a chance to learn about NASA’s history and current events. See rockets, learn about astronauts and their missions, and check out some of the shows and interactive exhibits.
Be sure to check the launch calendar before your trip to see if there are any launches while you’re in town! You may want to plan your day trip for a launch day if it lines up with your vacation. This is sure to be one of the most educational and fun day trips from Orlando.
Blue Spring State Park
This state park is only about a 45-minute drive from Orlando and is great at any time of year. In the summer months, a visit to this park is a great way to cool off. The springs stay at a nice cool 72 degrees year-round and you can rent a tube to float down the spring or rent a kayak or paddle board. There are some companies that do guided snorkeling or kayaking tours and other activities. There’s also a nice easy hiking trail that offers views of the spring.
In the winter, the manatees swim up into the spring to stay warm. This is a great time to visit the park to walk along the trail by the spring and look at all of the manatees. Some days, there are hundreds of manatees swimming in the spring! This is my favorite time of year to visit and one of my personal favorite day trips from Orlando.
St. Petersburg
If a beach day on the ocean side of Florida isn’t calling to you, maybe a day trip to the Gulf side is more your style. St. Petersburg, Florida is known for its beautiful, calm beaches and relaxed vibe. This is further from Orlando at just under a 2-hour drive, but is still worth it as a day trip. Leave Orlando early, grab some lunch from a local restaurant (I like to grab a sandwich from Mazzaro’s Italian Market), and head to either St. Pete Beach or Fort de Soto Park. Fort de Soto will be a little bit calmer but St. Pete Beach is closer to restaurants and shops.
End your day strolling around the shops and grabbing dinner in St. Petersburg before driving back to Orlando. This is a great way to squeeze in a relaxing day trip on your vacation.
St. Augustine
This charming town is the oldest city in the United States and is perfect for history lovers but there’s something for everyone here. Situated by the ocean, it has great views, delicious food, cute little shops, and historical sites. This one is another far one at just under 2 hours from Orlando but it is well worth the drive. Check out Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest structure in town – a 327-year-old fort. Or stroll along St. George St and check out all of the cute shops.
Families might be interested in some of the fun and interesting museums in town, such as the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum. Or you can find a boat tour or hop on a trolley tour of the city. There are also lots of great restaurants and excellent seafood in this area. St. Augustine is sure to be a hit for the whole family and is one of the best day trips from Orlando for any type of group you may travel with.
Orlando is in a great central location that lends itself well to day trips on your vacation if you’re willing to drive a short distance. There are a variety of great day trips that offer relaxation, adventure, nature, and history within a couple of hours of driving. These day trips from Orlando offer a great way to do something a little bit different in between theme park days.
Have you taken any day trips from Orlando or been to any of these destinations? Let me know where you went and share any favorite spots in the comments!
