Orlando is known for its theme parks, but step outside the city and you’ll quickly realize just how many amazing adventures Florida has to offer, all within a short drive.
Whether you’re visiting Orlando and want a break from the crowds or you’re a local looking for a weekend escape, these day trips are close enough to do in a single day but exciting enough to feel like a full vacation.
Here are some of the best day trips from Orlando that are totally worth your time, each within about two hours or less.
Booking a last-minute trip to Florida?
If so, we have you covered. Here are some top recommended tours and experiences!
Top Tours in Florida – Viator
Top Hotels In Florida – Booking.com
Looking To Get Around In Florida?
Check out rental car rates here! 🚗
1. St. Augustine
About 1 hour and 45 minutes northeast of Orlando, St. Augustine is the oldest city in the U.S., and it feels like stepping into a time machine.
Cobblestone streets, centuries-old architecture, and historical landmarks are around every corner.
Visit the Castillo de San Marcos, take a ghost tour at night, or explore the charming shops on St. George Street.
Don’t Miss: The Lightner Museum and a stroll along the waterfront at sunset.
Bonus Stop: Climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse for stunning views of the coast.
2. Cocoa Beach
Just an hour east of Orlando, Cocoa Beach is one of the closest beaches to the city—and it’s perfect for a quick ocean escape.
The beach is wide and sandy, ideal for sunbathing, surfing, or beachcombing.
The Cocoa Beach Pier offers shops, bars, and restaurants, all stretching out over the water for stunning Atlantic views.
You can rent a surfboard or just people-watch as locals hit the waves.
It’s also home to the famous Ron Jon Surf Shop, which is open 24/7 and a fun stop even if you’re not shopping.
Don’t Miss: Grab lunch at Coconuts on the Beach or sip a tropical drink with your toes in the sand.
Bonus Stop: Check out Lori Wilson Park for free beach access, nature trails, and a peaceful vibe.
3. Crystal River
Roughly 90 minutes northwest of Orlando, Crystal River is a nature lover’s paradise.
It’s one of the only places in the U.S. where you can swim with manatees in their natural habitat (especially in the winter months).
Even if you’re not getting in the water, you can kayak or paddleboard through the clear spring-fed rivers, often spotting manatees, fish, and birds along the way.
Don’t Miss: Book a tour with a local guide to snorkel safely with manatees in Kings Bay.
Bonus Stop: Visit Three Sisters Springs for scenic boardwalk views and crystal-clear water.
4. New Smyrna Beach
Less than 90 minutes from Orlando, New Smyrna Beach is a quieter, artsy alternative to Daytona.
It’s loved for its relaxed vibe, strong surf scene, and eclectic downtown area filled with galleries, boutiques, and cafes.
You’ll find a laid-back charm that makes it easy to spend a full day without rushing.
Don’t Miss: Dine at The Garlic—a quirky, garden-style Italian restaurant with a ton of character and great food.
Bonus Stop: Walk the Smyrna Dunes Park boardwalk for panoramic beach views and access to quiet stretches of shoreline.
5. Tampa Bay Area
Drive west for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, and you’ll hit Tampa, a fun city with lots to do.
Head to the Florida Aquarium, stroll the Riverwalk, or visit the historic Cuban-influenced neighborhood of Ybor City.
If you’re into thrill rides, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers roller coasters and African wildlife all in one park.
Don’t Miss: Stop by Armature Works for lunch—it’s a trendy food hall with a scenic waterfront setting.
Bonus Stop: Visit the Tampa Museum of Art or enjoy paddleboarding on the Hillsborough River.
6. Mount Dora
Only about 45 minutes from Orlando, Mount Dora is a charming lakefront town known for its antique shops, festivals, and old Florida charm.
It’s a great place to walk, shop, and relax.
The downtown area is super walkable, and the views of Lake Dora are beautiful, especially at sunset.
Don’t Miss: Take a guided boat tour through the Dora Canal or grab coffee from one of the cozy local cafés.
Bonus Stop: Explore Renninger’s Antique Center & Farmers Market on the weekend for vintage finds and local goods.
7. Blue Spring State Park
Located about 45 minutes north of Orlando, Blue Spring is a popular state park known for its crystal-clear spring water and winter manatee population.
The boardwalk that runs alongside the spring gives you front-row views of wildlife.
In warmer months, you can swim, tube, or kayak in the spring.
Don’t Miss: Bring your swimsuit and a picnic lunch. The park fills up quickly on weekends, so come early!
Bonus Stop: Hike the Pine Island Trail for peaceful nature views and birdwatching opportunities.
8. Clermont
About 45 minutes west of Orlando, Clermont is a scenic and hilly town that’s perfect for a relaxing day outdoors.
It’s known for its lakes, rolling terrain, and small-town charm. Visit the Florida Citrus Tower for panoramic views of Central Florida, or walk the trails around Waterfront Park on Lake Minneola.
Don’t Miss: Rent a bike or walk along the South Lake Trail for lake views and a relaxing atmosphere.
Bonus Stop: Stop at Lakeridge Winery for a free wine tasting and a tour of the vineyard.
9. Winter Park
Just 20 minutes from downtown Orlando, Winter Park makes for a quick but satisfying escape.
With its cobblestone streets, art museums, and lakeside views, it feels like a European town tucked into Central Florida.
Take a scenic boat tour through the chain of lakes, then spend the afternoon strolling Park Avenue, lined with restaurants and upscale shops.
Don’t Miss: The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of Tiffany glass.
Bonus Stop: Visit the Winter Park Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings for fresh produce, local eats, and live music.
10. Kennedy Space Center
If you’re fascinated by space exploration, this is a must-do.
Only about an hour away, the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral lets you explore real NASA launch sites, historic spacecraft, astronaut training experiences, and even view rocket launches if your timing is right.
Don’t Miss: The Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit and the Shuttle Launch Experience are both unforgettable.
Bonus Stop: Stop at Playalinda Beach, just minutes away, for an uncrowded stretch of sand with incredible views of launch pads.
Bonus: Wekiwa Springs State Park
Just 30 minutes from Orlando, Wekiwa Springs is one of the most accessible natural getaways near the city.
The spring-fed swimming hole stays cool year-round and is surrounded by forest trails. You can also rent kayaks or canoes and explore the Wekiva River.
Don’t Miss: Go early to secure a shady picnic spot and beat the crowds, especially on weekends.
Bonus Stop: Take the short hike to Sand Lake for a peaceful loop trail through longleaf pine forest.
Final Thoughts
One of the best things about Orlando is that you don’t have to drive far to find a totally different kind of Florida experience—whether that’s a historic town, a quiet beach, or a spring.
These day trips are all within two hours and offer the perfect way to see more of what the Sunshine State has to offer.
So next time you’re in Orlando, set the theme parks aside for a day and hit the road.
You might be surprised at just how much Florida you can experience in a single afternoon.
Follow Our Discover Florida Facebook Page!
We’re Also On Pinterest!
Booking a last-minute trip to Florida?
If so, we have you covered. Here are some top recommended tours and experiences!
Top Tours in Florida – Viator
Top Hotels In Florida – Booking.com
Looking To Get Around In Florida?
Check out rental car rates here! 🚗
