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Table of Contents
Introduction
As someone who has proudly called Orlando home for 25 years, I can tell you there’s so much more to this city than Mickey and Universal. While those parks are magical, they only scratch the surface of what Orlando offers.
If you’re looking for fun day trips, you’re in for a treat. There are charming towns, stunning nature spots, and unique attractions that will make your adventure truly one for the books.
So, join me, and let’s explore some of the best day trip options together. These fantastic options will give you a fresh perspective on Orlando.
The Top 10 Fun Day Trips from Orlando
1. Legoland Florida
Why Visit: If you are looking for fun things to do with kids, especially younger ones, Legoland is just a great day out.
I took my two sons when they were younger, and even though they’re older now, it’s still one of those places that brings out the kid in everyone. The place is a 150-acre playground made of LEGO.
There are over 50 rides, shows, and attractions here, and trust me, they’ve thought of everything. There’s a water park, too, so on those hotter days, you can cool off with water slides, wave pools, and this chill lazy river.
More to this Legoland resorts have a pirate themed room which feels like sleeping inside a LEGO set, LOL seriously fun. I can attest it’s an excellent trip for a fun family day.
Drive Time: 1 hour southwest of Orlando, depending on traffic.
Location: 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884.
Insider’s Tip: Check the park’s app for showtimes and ride wait times to maximize your day.
Best Time to Visit: Consider visiting on weekdays or late January and early September when attendance tends to be lower.
Must Try Dining: Burger Kitchen and Market Restaurant.
Get information on all the things to do at Legoland by clicking here.
2. Kennedy Space Center
Why Visit: Kennedy Space Center is one of the best day trips from Orlando if you’re even remotely interested in space.
Honestly, even if you aren’t, you’ll still be blown away by this place. We took our boys, and they were fascinated by the sheer size of the rockets. There’s this huge Rocket Garden with actual spacecraft you can walk around.
But what stands out is the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit. You stand before a real space shuttle, and it just takes your breath away.
And if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to launch into space, the Shuttle Launch Experience gives you that thrill.
The fascinating thing is how interactive everything is. You’re not just walking around reading signs. You’re touching things, sitting in simulators, watching 3D IMAX films. If you time it right, you might even catch a rocket launch live, which is an unforgettable experience.
Drive Time: 1 hour east from Orlando.
Location: Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953
Insider’s Tip: Be sure to take the bus tour, as it takes you to restricted areas not accessible on foot.
Best Time to Visit: Visit in the fall (September to November) or late winter (January to early March) to avoid the tourist rush.
You must try dining at Orbit Cafe and Moon Rock Café.
For a complete list of Legoland activities, click here.
3. New Smyrna Beach
Why Visit: New Smyrna Beach is a no-brainer if you’re itching for sand between your toes and want to escape the theme park madness. This spot has 17 miles of golden sand and some of the best surfing waves on the east coast.
My sons, who are way more adventurous than me, took surfing lessons while my wife and I just relaxed under an umbrella.
The beach is chill, not overcrowded like some other Florida spots, and there’s a great mix of activities for everyone.
One of the best things you can do as a family is rent kayaks at JB’s Fish Camp. We did it, paddling around Mosquito Lagoon (sounds worse than it is, trust me), and we were lucky enough to spot dolphins.
Drive Time: less than an hour from Orlando.
Location: New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
Insider’s Tip: Arrive early in the morning to secure a good spot on the beach and avoid crowds.
Best Time to Visit: Early fall months (September to October) are the best.
Must Try Dining: JB’s Fish Camp, The Garlic, and Café Verde.
Suggested Reading: Best Beaches Near Orlando. (insert link pls)
4. Dunnellon
Why Visit: Dunnellon might not be on everyone’s radar, but it’s a fantastic spot for nature lovers.
The best things to do in Dunnellon include visiting Rainbow Springs State Park, where you spend an incredible day tubing down the crystal-clear river, soaking in the beautiful scenery, and just relaxing.
If tubing isn’t your thing, you can also try kayaking, paddleboarding, or snorkeling. We were lucky enough to spot some fish and turtles swimming alongside us, which added more fun to our trip. There’s also the Rainbow Springs waterfall (a waterfall in Florida!) and walking trails through lush gardens. It’s one of those places that will leave you feeling grateful you found it.
Drive Time: 1 hour and 45-minute drive from Orlando.
Location: Rainbow River, Dunnellon, FL 34431
Insider’s Tip: Bring your tube to save money on rentals, and don’t forget sunscreen. The Florida sun can be intense.
Best Time to Visit: Early spring (March to April) and fall (September to October).
Must Try Dining: Blue Gator Tiki Bar & Grill and The Rustic Inn.
5. St. Augustine
Why Visit: Looking for a mix of history, adventure, great food, and outdoor activities in Orlando?
St. Augustine is there for a great day trip from Orlando. This place is packed with over 450 years of history. Walking through its cobblestone streets feels like stepping back in time.
My wife is a history buff, so we checked out the Castillo de San Marcos, a massive old fort right by the water. But the boys? They were all about zip-lining over crocodiles at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm (it’s as wild as it sounds.)
If you’re into the paranormal, the St. Augustine ghost tours are a fun way to explore the city’s spookier side. And let’s not forget the beaches and shopping tours.
St. Augustine’s coastline is stunning, and there are wide and vast shopping options.
Drive Time: 1 hour 45 minutes from Orlando.
Location: St. Augustine, FL 32084
Insider’s Tip: Book zip-lining at the Alligator Farm ahead of time as it fills up quickly.
Best Time to Visit: Fall and spring are ideal when the weather is cooler, and you’ll avoid the summer crowds.
Must Try Dining: The Columbia Restaurant is a family favorite. Other options include Catch 27 and The Floridian.
6. Blue Springs State Park
Why Visit: Picture this: crystal-clear water flowing at a refreshing 72°F all year round. That’s Blue Spring State Park, one of my top picks for a day trip. It’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just lazily tubing down the river in the summer.
Many activities keep you entertained here, from a 0.3-mile boardwalk to boat tours to scuba diving.
And visit from November to March. You’ll have the experience of seeing hundreds of manatees, eagles, ospreys, turtles, and even the occasional alligator that flock here to escape the cold.
Trust me, seeing these gentle giants in the wild is something you won’t forget.
Drive Time: 45 minutes from Orlando.
Location: 2100 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763
Insider’s Tip: In winter, bring binoculars to get the best views of manatees from the boardwalk. For a quieter visit, go on a weekday, and don’t forget to bring water shoes for walking over rocky riverbeds.
The Best Times to Visit are March to June (for swimming) and November to March (for manatee viewing).
Must-Try Dining: Swamp House Grill in DeBary. The food is delicious (their fish tacos are my favorite).
7. Canaveral National Seashore
Why Visit: If you love beaches, wildlife, and a bit of history, this is your spot. Canaveral National Seashore offers 25 miles of pristine, untouched coastline.
You can swim, surf, hike nature trails, or enjoy the views from one of the many scenic lookout points. Did you know it’s also home to more than 1,000 plant species and over 300 types of birds?
If you’re a wildlife lover, you might spot sea turtles nesting or get lucky with a rocket launch sighting from nearby Kennedy Space Center.
Drive Time: 1-hour drive from Orlando.
Location: 7611 S Atlantic Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
Insider’s Tip: Bring sunscreen and extra water, as the area is largely undeveloped and has few shaded spots.
Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November.
Must-Try Dining: Third Wave Café and The New Smyrna Beach Brewing Company.
8. Mount Dora
Why Visit: Mount Dora is like a charming small-town movie set, known as the “Festival City,” it hosts over 30 festivals a year, from arts and crafts shows to antique car shows.
If you’re into antiques or boutique shopping, you’ll love wandering downtown.
For those looking for a more adventurous day, try a CatBoat Tour across Lake Dora, where you’ll zip around the water in a tiny two-person boat.
Drive Time: 40 minutes from Orlando.
Location: 501 N Baker St, Mount Dora, FL 32757
Insider’s Tip: Plan your visit around one of their many festivals, like the Mount Dora Arts Festival in February or the Fall Craft Fair in October. Also, don’t miss the quick flight with Jones Brothers Seaplane Adventures – non-stop fun.
Best Time to Visit: October to April.
Must-Try Dining: Grab lunch at Pisces Rising or The Olive Branch and head to Scoops on the 5th for Orlando’s best ice cream.
9. Everglades Airboat Tour
Why Visit: Ever dream of speeding through the marshlands, spotting alligators, and feeling like you’re in the middle of nowhere?
That’s precisely what you get with an airboat tour through the Everglades.
Wild Florida, just outside of Orlando, is one of the best places to do this. Beyond airboat rides, this adventure park offers 3 unique experiences: up-close alligator encounters, a walk-through safari, and even a drive-thru safari.
I love how this trip lets you explore the wild side of Florida, with plenty of chances to spot local wildlife like bald eagles and turtles.
Drive Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes from Orlando.
Location:3301 Lake Cypress Rd, Kenansville, FL 34739
Insider’s Tip: Book an early morning or late afternoon airboat tour to see more active wildlife, as alligators tend to hide during the heat of the day
Best Time to Visit: November to April.
Must-Try Dining: The Catfish Place in St. Cloud, Chomp House Grill, and Wild Florida’s Gator Park Café.
10. Tampa Bay
Why Visit: Tampa Bay is a fantastic mix of city excitement and beach relaxation, making it one of the best day trips from Orlando.
You’ve got everything here: Busch Gardens for thrill-seekers, historic Ybor City for a taste of Cuban culture, and the Florida Aquarium if you’re with kids (or just love fish).
Plus, it’s just a quick hop over to St. Pete Beach, which has been voted the best beach in the U.S. a few times. Whether you’re into roller coasters, history, or lounging on the beach, Tampa has something for you.
Drive Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes from Orlando.
Location: Tampa, FL
Insider’s Tip: Buy Busch Gardens tickets online to skip lines. If in season, catch a Buccaneers or Lightning game, and consider public transport or rideshares for tricky parking in Ybor City.
Best Time to Visit: February to April and October to December.
Must-Try Dining: Stop by Columbia Restaurant. Their Cuban sandwich and black bean soup are legendary.
Discover the ins and outs of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay by clicking here.
Orlando – The Perfect Base for Day Trips
So, there you have it! Orlando is surrounded by incredible destinations just waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re in the mood for some fun in the sun or a bit of relaxation, these 10 fantastic day trips offer memorable adventures and a chance to soak in the beauty of Florida.
Before heading out, check my Orlando packing list to ensure you’re all set.
See you in the sunny state of Florida! ☀️😎
FAQs About Day Trips from Orlando
What is the best time of year for day trips?
Spring and fall are ideal for pleasant weather, but summer offers great beach experiences if you can handle the heat.
Is winter a good time for day trips from Orlando?
Yes! Winter offers mild temperatures and is an excellent time for outdoor activities, such as hiking in the Ocala National Forest.
How does hurricane season affect day trips?
Hurricane season runs from June to November, so it’s wise to monitor forecasts and plan trips accordingly.
What time of year is best for a 7-day trip to Orlando?
Late fall (mid-September to early November) and early spring (March to May) offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and better prices. Check out my 7-day itinerary for the best experience!
