Orlando is an unbelievable place for a trip stuffed with enjoyable. But, typically you wish to get out and discover the realm!
You’ve come to the proper place. I’m right here that can assist you plan with these 25 greatest day journeys from Orlando for guests and locals alike.
With 447 miles of land, seashores, and amusement parks to discover, there’s a day journey for each kind of traveler trying to get probably the most out of their Florida trip.
1. Disney World
Distance to Disney World from Orlando: 15.1 miles
Best for: household adventures with babies, Disney lovers
Disney World is notably the preferred theme park in Florida. Located proper in Orlando, it’s good for a day journey.
Hang out along with your favourite Disney Characters, eat a Mickey Mouse-shaped pretzel, and revel in all of the festivals and parades all through the park. If you’re touring with older children or on a pair’s trip, head over to Epcot to drink around the globe and style some well-known worldwide cuisines.
This is the closest and best day journey from Orlando. So, when you’re trying to spend as little time within the automobile and maximize your time exploring, Disney World is the place for you.
2. Gatorland
Distance to Gatorland from Orlando: 18.3 miles
Best for: Kids focused on reptiles, adults focused on ziplining adventures
There’s nothing extra Florida than gators! Gatorland is the right vacation spot for anybody trying to study concerning the wildlife of Florida and past. Thrill seekers can take a zipline that soars over the alligator marshes. Educational excursions and encounters can be found along with your favourite barnyard mates and even Jerry the Capybara.
Whether you wish to study wildlife or stand up shut and private with them, there’s one thing for everybody within the “Alligator Captial of the World”. If you don’t wish to take a day journey all the way in which from Orlando to the Everglades, Gatorland is a superb choice.
3. Fun Spot America- Kissimmee
Distance to Fun Spot America from Orlando: 20.2 miles
Best for: Family enjoyable for all ages. Go-karting, curler coasters, cheaper than Disney World
Fun Spot America is a superb choice for vacationers on a price range that also need the thrills of an awesome amusement park. Fly on the World’s Tallest SkyCoaster or go-kart via the world’s steepest banking curve on the Vortext Track.
There are loads of kid-friendly rides as properly just like the Frog Hopper and Kiddie Bumper Cars. Don’t neglect to take a break for some Dole Whip or a powdered funnel cake.
Fun Spot America – Kissimmee has loads of lunch and dinner choices to select from so you may get pleasure from a full day of enjoyable!
4. Clermont-downtown and Citrus Tower
Distance to Historic Clermont Downtown from Orlando: 26.3 miles
Best for: Couples weekend getaway with strolling trails, festivals, meals vans, and biking
Clermont is a fast-growing county in Florida with a captivating lakefront downtown district. You’ll discover farmer’s markets lined with meals vans and reside music within the evenings. Its important road is residence to native outlets and eating places. It’s a bike-friendly city with trails for miles.
Just east of downtown is the Citrus Tower. At the highest of the 500-foot tribute to Florida’s citrus trade. At the highest, you’ll discover 360 views of Orlando’s most unbelievable sights. View the Orlando Skyline, Epcot Ball, Sugarloaf Moutain, and extra from the tower.
5. Blue Spring State Park
Distance to Blue Spring State Park from Orlando: 33.2 miles
Best for: Explore nature and spot Manatees
Visit the most important assembly web site of manatees in Florida at Blue Spring State Park. You can get pleasure from clear, 70+ diploma waters year-round on this oasis.
There park fees a small price per automobile to enter, however general, it’s a cost-efficient strategy to spend a day or a couple of in Florida. Once contained in the park, you may camp, boat, kayak, scuba dive, snorkel, and extra.
6. Canaveral National Seashore
Distance to Canaveral National Seashore from Orlando: 49.2 miles
Best for: Outdoor lovers, nice for fishing and boating
Canaveral National Seashore US National Park in Florida, the Sunshine State, is a unbelievable vacation spot for nature lovers and out of doors lovers alike. Located on the East coast of Central Florida, this 58,000-acre park stretches alongside 24 miles of shoreline. There’s all kinds of actions like fishing, boating, and mountain climbing.
There are a couple of distinctive options – the top of Playalinda Beach is known for being the one nude seaside inside Canaveral. Plus, the park is a superb place to witness rocket launches.
7. Kennedy Space Center
Distance to Kennedy Space Center from Orlando: 52.1 miles
Best for: Future astronauts, children, and adults that love studying about house journey!
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a must-visit for anybody focused on house exploration. Located on Merritt Island, Florida the advanced affords an array of academic and interactive reveals. You’ll get a glance contained in the historical past and accomplishments of NASA’s previous, current, and future improvements.
The heart hosts particular occasions all year long like astronaut meet-and-greets, summer season camps, and academic applications for everybody from kindergarteners to adults. And after all, it’s famously an awesome place to observe rocket launches.
Also learn: All the Florida info you could know earlier than visiting
8. New Smyrna Beach
Distance to New Smyrna Beach from Orlando: 55.4 miles
Best for: Surfers and seaside bums
New Smyrna Beach is a lovely coastal metropolis situated south of Daytona, Florida. The metropolis has 17 miles of white sandy seashores and is a perfect spot for browsing and seaside actions.
But New Smyrna Beach isn’t simply concerning the seaside – it’s additionally residence to thrilling festivals, museums, and music. Whether you’re searching for a calming day on the seaside or one thing extra energetic, New Smyrna Beach is the right cease on a day journey from Orlando.
9. Daytona Beach
Distance to Daytona Beach from Orlando: 55.8 miles
Best for: Family enjoyable or a pair’s journey to the speedway or the seaside
This metropolis is a well known vacation spot for the Daytona 500 on the Daytona International Speedway, however there’s rather more to this city! You’ll discover lots to do on the stunning seashores and energetic boardwalk. There are historic websites and pioneer settlements to discover while you want a break from the solar.
Daytona Beach affords quite a lot of inexpensive lodging for vacationers on a price range. You can’t beat an action-packed getaway with out breaking the financial institution.
10. Lego Land
Distance to Lego Land from Orlando: 58.7 miles
Best for: Kids and households
Lego Land is an incredible place for teenagers to have enjoyable and discover the world of Lego. With three parks to select from, LegoLand, Peppa Pig Theme Park, and LegoLand Water Park, there’s one thing thrilling for each little one.
Kids can meet their favourite Lego characters. Families can cool off on the water park or take a guided pontoon boat trip of Lake Eloise and Lake Summit. The theme park creates a magical and festive expertise throughout the holidays, making it good for a visit all 12 months lengthy.
11. Cocoa Beach
Distance to Cocoa Beach from Orlando: 59.8 miles
Best for: Beach getaway, {golfing}
Cocoa Beach, Florida is the right place for a day journey from Orlando. Located simply an hour away, Cocoa Beach boasts six miles of gorgeous beachfront and a public golf course. It’s additionally one other excellent spot to observe rocket launches.
You can take a stroll alongside the boardwalk lined with eating places and outlets that may preserve you entertained all day lengthy. Whether you’re searching for a calming afternoon or an thrilling journey, Cocoa Beach has one thing to supply everybody.
12. Bok Tower Gardens
Distance to Bok Tower Gardens from Orlando: 66.2 miles
Best for: Afternoon strolls, backyard lovers
This National Historic Landmark was donated by a Dutch immigrant and humanitarian. The important attraction, the Singing Tower, hosts carillon live shows daily at 1 pm and three pm.
It takes about 3-4 hours to stroll via the gardens, making it good for a fast day journey. The greatest time to go to is early spring when among the most stunning flowers are in peak bloom.
This attraction can be canine pleasant, although canine aren’t allowed in a couple of areas.
13. Dinosaur World
Distance to Dinosaur World from Orlando: 76.3 miles
Best for: Kids that wish to discover prehistoric dinosaurs, Autism pleasant expertise
This life-size out of doors journey park options a whole lot of real looking dinosaur fashions, in addition to an interactive museum and playground.
Visitors can participate in fossil digs and Dino excavations, or just get pleasure from a picnic lunch whereas taking within the prehistoric sights.
Additionally, Dinosaur World caters to households of youngsters with autism, making it an inclusive vacation spot for every type of vacationers. Your four-legged mates are additionally invited!
14. Ocala National Forest
Distance from Orlando to Ocala National Forest: 77.1 miles
Best for: Outdoor lovers
Ocala National Forest is a singular and exquisite vacation spot for out of doors lovers. The forest affords guests an array of actions one year a 12 months. You can hike and horseback trip or camp on the grounds. Hunting and fishing are allowed with a license.
Notably, there are 600 lakes and rivers with pure swimming pools that may make you are feeling such as you’ve stepped right into a fairytale world.
15. Busch Gardens
Distance from Orlando to Busch Gardens: 83.5 miles
Best for: Everyone!
Located on the west aspect of Florida is Busch Gardens Tampa. You’ll discover enjoyable for everybody. Choose from excessive curler coasters and kid-friendly sights.
If you don’t like rides, you may participate of their VIP wine tour or hop in an open-air automobile for a 65-acre safari tour.
Plus, there’s loads of leisure. Catch a present on the theater, story time for teenagers, and music live shows within the park. There’s actually one thing for everybody at Busch Gardens.
16. Tampa Riverwalk
Distance from Orlando to Tampa Riverwalk: 84.5 miles
Best for: Romantic night out, enjoyable with household and mates
Walk, bike, and even segway across the riverwalk within the coronary heart of Tampa. The stroll is residence to town’s aquarium in addition to many museums and in style sights. It’s an area favourite spot for watching the dawn or sundown.
Year-round, you’ll discover free occasions like Pilates within the Park or Sunset Concert Series. It’s a must-see in Tampa – the right place for out of doors train or a scrumptious meal.
17. Crystal River
Distance from Orlando to Crystal River: 86.5 miles
Best for: off-the-beaten-bath vacationers, swimming with manatees
Crystal River Florida is a wide ranging vacation spot situated alongside the Gulf of Mexico. It’s recognized for its gorgeous pure magnificence, with crystal clear rivers and is derived good for swimming and snorkeling.
Visitors can discover Three Sisters Springs to see manatees up shut or participate in quite a lot of out of doors actions resembling mountain climbing, {golfing}, biking or becoming a member of native parades at River Square. If you favor to see the manatees from above, you may take a clear-bottom kayak and float above the nice and cozy water to see the magnificent wildlife.
18. Cypress Creek Nature Preserve
Distance from Orlando to Cypress Creek Nature Preserve: 85.9 miles
Best for: Hiking lovers
Hikers of all ranges of expertise will like to discover the Cypress Creek Nature Preserve within the outskirts of Orlando. This protected pure space is residence to quite a lot of ecosystems, together with wetlands and uplands, and guests can benefit from the numerous trails to discover them. Be positive to maintain a watch out for the quite a few Florida wildlife species that decision this space residence.
Educational actions resembling guided interpretive walks, nature-based craft actions, and quite a lot of academic applications that designate the ecological significance of this distinctive space can be found for guests on request.
19. St Augustine
Distance from Orlando to St Augustine: 107 miles
Best for: Sightseeing near seashores
Founded in 1565, St Augustine is the oldest settlement within the United States. There are tons of historic websites, museums, and outdated church buildings to discover. The downtown space affords cobblestone streets lined with boutiques and distinctive outlets. You may discover scrumptious seafood eating places by the water.
The wealthy surroundings and vibrant environment make it good for a weekend getaway from Orlando.
20. Caladesi Island State Park
Distance from Orlando to Caladesi Island State Park: 110 miles
Best for: Quiet escape in nature
Just north of Clearwater Beach, Caladesi Island State Park is an untouched paradise for nature lovers. The untouched island can solely be accessed by boat, however there are many facilities obtainable. You can get pleasure from a day or weekend away from civilization.
It’s additionally residence to the historic Scharrer Homestead. Visitors can partake in tenting, star gazing, tubing, chook watching, and extra. There’s a small price per boat to go to, but it surely’s nonetheless a singular and inexpensive strategy to escape from the loud metropolis for a bit!
21. John’s Pass- Madeira Beach
Distance from Orlando to John’s Pass Madeira Beach: 113 miles
Best for: a fishing journey with the crew
John’s Pass is a singular fishing village situated close to St Petersburg Florida. From the city, you may entry Madeira Beach and participate in quite a lot of seaside actions. You’ll discover loads of watersports and fishing charters right here.
John’s Pass- Madeira Beach can be recognized for its large collection of waterfront eating places and actions. And, it’s the right place to buy all of your souvenirs earlier than heading residence. It’s simple to refill a day on this unbelievable city!
Also learn: The greatest white sand and clear water seashores within the USA
22. Clearwater Beach
Distance from Orlando to Clearwater Beach: 138 miles
Best for: Beach days close to St Petersburg
Clearwater Beach is my favourite day journey from Orlando once I’m prepared for mushy sand and clear water. It’s one of the stunning and in style seashores in Florida, for good purpose. You’ll discover that it’s good for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports activities.
It’s additionally inside shut proximity to St Petersburg, so you may discover every part town has to supply after an extended day on the seaside. Soak up the solar and have an thrilling evening out at Clearwater!
23. Siesta Key
Distance from Orlando to Siesta Key: 138 miles
Best for: White sand, clear heat waters, boutique purchasing
Siesta Key is a captivating seaside city on the Gulf. The stunning white sand and clear waters along with the colourful downtown makes it good for each traveler. The walkable downtown is stuffed with boutiques, eating places, and cafes.
You can discover the hidden seaside entrances round city or spend your day purchasing. Either approach, this picturesque seaside city will present a memorable journey. If you’re searching for extra stunning seashores close by, remember to go to Anna Maria Island.
24. St Pete Beach
Distance from Orlando to St Pete Beach: 143 miles
Best for: Beaches, enjoyable, and unbelievable sunsets
St Pete Beach affords just a little one thing for everybody. Known for its gorgeous seashores and majestic sunsets, the seaside city is the right day journey from Orlando.
St Pete Pier is named an epic sundown viewing spot, and in addition an awesome place for pier fishing. Nearby, you may discover St Petersburg’s historic websites in addition to vibrant nightlife.
Take half in water sports activities or a sundown cruise. You’ll have a magical time exploring St Pete Beach!
25. Everglades National Park
Distance from Orlando to Everglades National Park: 231 miles
Best for: Gater sightings, airboat excursions, nature watching, household enjoyable
Everglades National Park is residence to one of many coolest and most various ecosystems in South Florida. The park comprises 1.5 million acres of protected land.
Visitors can study concerning the gator rescue program or take an airboat tour and seek for alligators and crocodiles of their pure habitat.
The park additionally affords countless alternatives for watching birds native to the realm. Everglade’s National Park is a must-see for any nationwide park fanatic.
Summary of the 25 Best Day Trips from Orlando
There you’ve it! The 25 greatest day journeys from Orlando. Whether you need a fast drive to an area amusement park or an extended highway journey to the underside of the state, there’s a day journey for everybody in Florida.
Don’t waste any time – begin planning a visit to all of your favourite locations in Florida!
Keep studying: The greatest Miami itinerary for first timers
Wayne Kask runs Always On The Shore. He’s a journey blogger who loves to jot down about the most effective sights, eating places, and resorts in Florida and the southeastern U.S. When he’s not writing, he’s working open air, spending time with household, or planning his subsequent journey.