Are you looking for some things to do around Orlando that don't involve theme parks? We have good news for you: Many of Florida's best attractions make perfect day trips from Orlando.
Whether you want to relax on a beach, watch wildlife, do an Everglades airboat safari, be blown away by a rocket launch into space, or swim with manatees, Florida has so much to offer.
Better yet, we'll bet that a lot of its top cultural, historic and natural areas and sites are probably already on your bucket list.
We lived in Florida for years and know the state well. Orlando is one of the best locations to base yourself if you want to explore the state.
In this article we list 20 of the best day trips from Orlando, all sorted according to travel distance from Orlando.
ⓘ TIP: If you're planning to visit several sites during your stay in Orlando, buy the Go Orlando City Pass. It gives discounts on many tours and attractions, incuding some mentioned below.
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Getting around Florida
Getting around by car is easy, so you won't have any problem doing road trips from Orlando. For the ultimate in freedom, rent a car in Orlando and self-drive to all of these day trip destinations. ( Check prices here.)
That said, there's certainly nothing wrong with wanting a hassle-free vacation. There are plenty of day tours that manage all the logistics so you can kick back and relax.
For that reason, we've included some options for related things to do and day tours from Orlando whenever possible. We want to make it easier for you to navigate Florida and enjoy the state's attractions and activities.
20 best day trips from Orlando Florida
This article includes some of the best day trips from Orlando, Florida. Most of them are less than a 2- to 3-hour drive from Orlando and we've ordered the list with the closest-to-Orlando options first.
1. Wekiwa Springs State Park
Drive time: Approx. 35 minutes
Just a few minutes from Orlando, Wekiwa Springs State Park is a conveniently located attraction for nature-lovers. The park has a large river which is fed by natural springs and various trails that visitors can use to see wildlife and explore the area.
This is the perfect Orlando day trip if you like off-road bicycle trails, birding, camping, horse trails and horseback riding, fishing, geo-seeking and geo-caching, hiking, and paddling on canoes and kayaks. It's also a great area for snorkelling because the spring water is so clear, and therefore the visibility underwater is fantastic.
2. Mount Dora
Drive time: Approx. 40 minutes
The city of Mount Dora in Florida's Lake County oozes with southern charm and is known as the 'Festival City'. It's also popular with antique collectors and enthusiasts as it has several antique shops in the downtown area.
Some of the popular things to do in Mount Dora include adventure tours across Lake Dora and along the Dora Canal, which can be done in a 2-person powered CatBoat. Guided Segway tours also offer an interesting way to get around the small town, and if you're up for a spooky adventure you can join a Mount Dora Ghost Tour.
3. Blue Springs State Park
Drive time: Approx. 45 minutes
From mid-November until March each year, hundreds of manatees gather in the area of Blue Springs State Park. This provides an unforgettable experience for visitors - especially as the warm spring waters are crystal clear.
While the manatees are one of the main attractions of this park, you can also enjoy a wide range of other experiences. These include birding, boat tours, fishing, hiking, paddling, picnicking, scuba diving, snorkelling, swimming and tubing.
A variety of facilities will help make your day trip to Blue Springs State Park more enjoyable. They have a playground for children, an interpretive exhibit, a nature trail, and you can visit Thursby House which once hosted steamboat passengers who travelled along the river.
4. Wild Florida & the Florida Everglades
Drive time: Approx. 50 minutes
Wild Florida is one of the most family-friendly day trips from Orlando. This adventure park offers airboat tours into the Everglades, up close encounters with alligators, and even a drive-thru safari.
Exploring the Everglades National Park's Headwaters and its swamps, rivers and marshes by airboat is an unforgettable experience.
The Gator Park boasts over 200 different species of animals and the safari drive-thru is a great way to see some native and exotic animals like bison, zebra, oryx and giraffes.
5. Ocala National Forest
Drive time: Approx. 55 minutes
Spanning 607 square miles, the Ocala National Forest is the second largest protected forest area in Florida, the southernmost protected forest in America and the oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River.
Nature-lovers will enjoy exploring this large forest with its hundreds of lakes and ponds, streams and two rivers. You can take part in many different outdoor recreational activities here. These include boating, canoeing, skiing, and nature walks.
Popular canoe expeditions travel along the crystal clear waters of Alexander Spring Creek, Juniper Creek, Salt Springs and Silver Glen Springs.
The forest is also known for its great backpacking and hiking with a variety of different trails. Some of the best known trails here include the Bear Swamp Trail, Juniper Springs Nature Trail and the Yearling Trail.
6. Canaveral National Seashore
Drive time: approx. 1 hour
Canaveral National Seashore is a barrier island along the Atlantic Ocean, with an expansive 25 mile long stretch of pristine beach, dunes and a large lagoon. This natural area is known for being undeveloped and is home to hundreds of plant and animal species.
You can enjoy walking along coastal nature trails, fishing, boating, canoeing, swimming, surfing and learning about the history of this area.
You may be lucky enough to see some of the area's endangered wildlife here, which include loggerhead turtles, leatherback sea turtles, West Indian Manatee, Southern bald eagle, and the Florida scrub jay.
The John F. Kennedy Space Center, where visitors go to see rocket launches and the space museum, is located along the southern part of the Canaveral National Seashore barrier island. That means that sometimes the area will be closed to visitors when launches and other space activities are taking place.
7. Cocoa Beach
Drive time: Approx. 1 hour
This family-friendly East Coast beach town is the best known along Florida's Space Coast. Cocoa Beach is a combination of a tech hub and a surfing town, which makes it popular for both business trips and leisure travel.
Cocoa Beach has an abundance of exciting adventure activities suitable for both families and couples on a romantic holiday. This includes relaxing at a spa, chilling on the beach, parasailing, surfing, exploring the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier, golf, fishing and shopping at the legendary Ron Jon Surf Shop.
Because it's the closest beach to Orlando, day trips here are super popular. Plus, it's also within easy reach of museums and historic sites, as well as the highly popular Kennedy Space Center. Cocoa Beach also offers a vibrant nightlife with live music venues, beach cafes and bars, and many restaurants.
8. Daytona Beach
Drive time: Approx. 1 hour
Daytona Beach is a city that lies northeast of Orlando. It is well known internationally for motorsports as well as for offering a range of family-friendly entertainment options.
Daytona is often called the 'World Center of Racing' as it's home to the famous Daytona International Speedway and hosts various motor events each year. These events include the Speedweeks in early February which attracts hundreds of thousands of NASCAR fans for the opening of the Daytona 500.
Even when there's no race on, visitors to Daytona Beach enjoy swimming, surfing, and a relaxing beach day, eco boat tours, visiting the Daytona Beach Pier and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. The Daytona Lagoon water park is also popular with families as it has a range of thrill rides.
ⓘ BUDGET TIP: The Go Orlando City Pass includes free admission to Daytona International Speedway, a 60-minute tour of the grounds, and admission to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.
9. New Smyrna Beach
Drive time: Approx. 1 hour
New Smyrna Beach is known as one of the best surf towns in the world. This chilled out beach town is located along the Central Atlantic Coast of Florida and is known for its distinctive coastal architecture, art galleries and its pet-friendly parks.
It's a wonderful place to relax on the beach, go on an eco-tour, go surfing, go fishing - and is also famous among motor racing enthaustsis for its New Smyrna Speedway.
Related tour: Guided Wildlife Eco Kayak Tour in New Smyrna Beach10. Kennedy Space Center
Drive time: Approx. 1 hour
Named after the former US president, John F. Kennedy, the Kennedy Space Center is a fascinating place to visit for any budding astronomers, astronauts or cosmologists. That's because the Kennedy Space Center is where the US launches rockets and space expeditions from.
And when there aren't any space rocket launches taking place, you'll be mesmerized by the many exhibits at the Center. These include artifacts from the Apollo 11 mission to the moon, like parts of the lunar landing module.
This is a popular Orlando day trip. It's best to book a tour and buy your tickets ahead of time to avoid any lines and long waits.
ⓘ BUDGET TIP: The Go Orlando City Pass includes entry to the Kennedy Space Center's permanent exhibitions and displays, admission to the IMAX theater, and a Kennedy Space Center tour.
11. Bok Tower Gardens
Drive time: Approx. 1 hour 20 minutes
Centrally located between Orlando and Tampa, Bok Tower Gardens comprises almost 50 acres of spectacular gardens that were designed by the famous landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. This biodiverse eco attraction is home to over 100 species of birds and is a designated site on the Great Florida Birding Trail.
Open 365 days a year, Bok Tower Gardens are also home to a large children's garden (Hammock Hollow), an impressive Mediterranean-style mansion (Pinewood Estate), and an iconic art deco Singing Tower carillon.
As a visitor you can enjoy the serenity and expansive beauty of the gardens and relax, picnic outdoors, or take part in an eclectic mix of weekly events.
12. Crystal River
Drive time: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
This coastal city in the heart of the Nature Coast, is located along the Gulf of Mexico in west central Florida. It's nicknamed the 'Home of the Manatee' and has an abundance of warm springs (including the famous Three Sisters Springs) and a large pristine waterway at Kings Bay.
Crystal River is one of the only places you can swim with manatees in the wild.
It's also within close proximity to the beautiful Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, Crystal River Preserve State Park and the Crystal River Archaeological State Park, which makes it one of the more popular day trips from Orlando.
This nature lover's paradise offers a range of outdoor activities. These include swimming, diving, boating, playing golf, kayaking, paddle boarding, water skiing, fishing and going on nature walks.
13. Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Drive time: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
The Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is a nature area with a diverse range of plants and animals. The area's natural springs and river create a unique habitat for a range of captive and wild animals that can be seen here. These include the endangered Florida panther, black bears, bobcats, flamingos, alligators, red wolves, manatees and the whooping crane.
Popular activities at this park include birding along the Pepper Creek Trail (which is accessible by wheelchair), exciting Geo-seeking and Geocaching activities for enthusiasts, and hiking. There are also various picnic pavilions and elevated boardwalks for wildlife viewing.
14. Tampa
Drive time: Approx. 1 hour 40 minutes
Tampa is the biggest city in the Tampa Bay area and is a vibrant urban hub on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Tampa has lots of cultural attractions - from bustling shopping districts like Hyde Park and vibey nightlife areas like Ybor City.
Speaking of Ybor City, it was once known as the "Cigar Capital of the World," and you can still watch cigars being hand rolled here. The Historic District is a National Historic Landmark.
In Tampa, you can visit the Florida Aquarium, laugh at animal antics at ZooTampa at Lowry Park, or explore outdoor recreational areas like Hillsborough River State Park and Lettuce Lake Park. The city also offers interesting museums like Tampa Museum of Art and theme parks like Busch Gardens and Adventure Island.
ⓘ BUDGET TIP: If you have the Go Orlando City Pass, you'll get free entry to ZooTampa at Lowry Park, the Water Play area, and the zoo's kid-friendly rides.
15. Weeki Wachee Springs
Drive time: Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes
Would you like to see a real life mermaid? Well, you can do just that at Weeki Wachee Springs where they have a daily mermaid show.
This natural spring has pristine, clear waters that are perfect for paddling adventures on a kayak or boat cruise. It's also home to the deepest freshwater caves in the country!
You can swim and snorkel in the spring waters and learn about Florida's incredible wildlife. Families will enjoy the waterpark at Buccaneer Bay.
16. St. Augustine
Drive time: Approx. 1 hour 50 minutes
The city of St. Augustine has a long history, dating back to Spanish settlement in 1565. It still maintains its European charm and character - from its architecture, cuisine and horse-drawn carriages to its cobblestone streets.
Some of the top attractions in St. Augustine are the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, the Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum, Fort Matanzas, and the Lightner Museum.
It also has gorgeous beaches that are miles long, excellent restaurants, world-class art galleries, and a range of boutique shops and live music venues.
17. Tarpon Springs
Drive time: Approx. 2 hours 20 minutes
This city on the Gulf of Mexico, in Pinellas County, is known to have the highest percentage of Greek Americans in the USA. As such, the city's culture is infused with Greek heritage and cuisine. It's also known as the "sponge capital of the world" because of its sponge industry.
Tarpon Springs offers many art galleries, museums, shops, outdoor reactions activities and beaches. And of course, you can also enjoy fishing, kayaking, diving, shell hunting, boating and walking through its waterfront parks.
We always enjoyed walking through the sponge shops and having lunch at one of the Greek restaurants. The food is always delicious ... though nothing comes close to the authentic Greek salad we enjoyed in Greece.
18. Clearwater Beach
Drive time: Approx. 2 hours 30 minutes
This is one of Florida's most popular beaches, and is a world-famous attraction. The water temperature is warm year-round and is also clear, hence the name. In fact, it was recognised by Trip Advisor as the top beach in the USA in 2018.
The town of Clearwater Beach has a quaint atmosphere. It is home to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (where you can meet Winter, the dolphin from the "Dolphin Tale" movies), and has a range of great restaurants and boutique shops.
There are a host of water-based activities you can take part in here. Walk along the half mile beach, swim, surf, or watch a spectacular sunset from one of the many beach bars.
19. Sarasota
Drive time: Approx. 2 hours 30 minutes
The city of Sarasota is famed for its various keys - including Lido Key, Otter Key, Coon Key, Siesta Key and Longboat Key - which make it a perfect beach goers destination. Its crystal blue waters and white sands will dazzle you. But there are also a host of other cultural attractions that make this a perfect day trip destination from Orlando.
It has many art galleries, museums, boutique shops, restaurants and performing art venues (like Sarasota Opera and Florida Studio Theatre) - which is why it's known as the Cultural Coast. Don't miss out on its many cultural festivals. Sarasota's annual St. Barbara Greek "Glendi" festival is in February, the Sarasota Film Festival takes place in April and then the Sarasota Chalk Festival happens in November.
We lived in Sarasota and loved to take visitors to the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium to see manatees, sharks and other marine life. Our other favorite spot is Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, a 15-acre garden on the bay that still feels like the private sanctuary it once was. They have an outstanding collection of orchids and air plants from all over the world.
20. Lion Country Safari
Drive time: Approx. 2 hour 50 minutes
Situated on almost 600 acres of land and home to almost 900 animals, Lion Country Safari offers a 4-mile safari drive-through and a 55-acre walk-through adventure park. All attractions all are included in the ticket price.
Some of the animals that you can see on safari include the giant-sized Aldabra tortoise, Brazilian tapir, ostrich, gemsbok antelope, wildebeest, chimpanzee, giraffe, zebra and even the mighty African lion.
The adventure park offers a range of fun mechanical rides and water attractions, animal encounters, shopping, gemstone mining, mini gold, water slides, and more.
This safari park is located in Loxahatchee, which is 20 miles west of Palm Beach.
ⓘ BUDGET TIP: The Go Orlando City Pass includes admission to both the drive-through safari and walk-through adventure park.
Orlando day trip packing list
Orlando's subtropical climate means that it is usually warm all year around, and sometimes the heat is downright oppressive. It can also rain quite often. Here's an essential list of things to pack and take along on any day trip from Orlando:
Final thoughts about Orlando day trips
Orlando is located close to many exciting nature areas and state parks, beaches, cultural and historic sites and adventure activities that makes it the perfect base from which to explore the best of Florida.
If you are pressed for time when staying in Orlando, our day trips are ordered by proximity. You may also like to consider day trips that are inclusive of transport which make it easier and quicker to get around. Try to also combine several day trip destinations into one day to save time.
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Photo credits: Ashley Edwards, Andrew Roberts, SpaceX, Florida-Guidebook.com
