Looking for day trips from Orlando? I’ve travelled around Central Florida extensively, and I’m excited to share the best options within driving distance.
This guide covers 31 destinations you can visit in a single day. You’ll find beaches on both coasts, natural springs, wildlife parks, historic towns, and famous attractions.
I’ll tell you how far each spot is and what makes it worth the drive.
I’ve personally visited most of these places and know which ones deliver. The recommendations here come from real trips, not just research.
If you’re staying in Orlando and want to see more of Florida, you’ll know exactly where to go and what to expect at each location.
Why Take Day Trips From Orlando
Short drives from Orlando open up an incredible variety of experiences across Central Florida. Atlantic Coast beaches are under an hour away.
Gulf Coast white sand takes about 90 minutes. Natural springs sit less than an hour north. Wildlife viewing, space sites, and historic towns fall within a two-hour radius.
You don’t need to change hotels. Leave in the morning and return by evening. Day trips let you see different sides of Florida in one vacation.
31 Day Trips From Orlando
From Atlantic beaches and Gulf Coast shores to natural springs and space exploration, here are the best day trips within two hours of Orlando.
East Coast Day Trips From Orlando
- Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Distance 50 Miles 1 Hour: This working space facility lets you see where NASA launches rockets and trains astronauts. The visitor complex features exhibits on space exploration history, including rockets, spacecraft, and interactive displays.
- Canaveral National Seashore Distance 60 Miles 1 Hour: This protected coastline offers 24 miles of undeveloped beach between New Smyrna Beach and Titusville. You’ll find soft sand, gentle waves, and no hotels blocking the view. Apollo Beach and Klondike Beach are the two main access points.
- Cocoa Beach Distance 55 Miles 1 Hour: Cocoa Beach is the closest Atlantic beach to Orlando and a popular surf spot. The downtown area has shops, restaurants, and the famous Ron Jon Surf Shop. The Cocoa Beach Pier extends over the water with restaurants, bars, and fishing spots.
- Daytona Beach Distance 60 Miles 1 Hour: Daytona Beach is known for its hard-packed sand that allows cars to drive on certain sections. The beach is wide and long with plenty of space. The Main Street Pier area has shops, arcades, and food options.
- New Smyrna Beach Distance 60 Miles 1 Hour 15 Minutes: New Smyrna Beach offers a quieter alternative to Daytona with good surf and a charming downtown. The beach attracts surfers with consistent waves year-round. Flagler Avenue has local shops, cafes, and ice cream spots.
- Titusville & Florida Space Coast Distance 50 Miles 1 Hour: Titusville sits on the Indian River Lagoon and serves as a gateway to space viewing. The town offers close-up views of rocket launches from Kennedy Space Center. Space View Park provides one of the best free viewing spots.
- Playalinda Beach Distance 65 Miles 1 Hour 15 Minutes: Playalinda Beach sits at the northern end of Canaveral National Seashore. This remote beach offers fewer people and a more natural setting. The beach has no facilities beyond parking and restrooms at the entrance.
- Bioluminescent Kayaking on the Space Coast Distance 50-60 Miles 1 Hour: The Indian River Lagoon produces bioluminescence during warmer months, creating a glowing effect in the water. Several tour companies offer guided kayak trips at night. When you paddle, the water lights up with tiny glowing organisms.
- Clearwater Beach Distance 110 Miles 2 Hours: Clearwater Beach consistently ranks among America’s top beaches for its white sand and calm water. The beach has a resort town feel with hotels, restaurants, and shops along the waterfront. Pier 60 hosts nightly sunset celebrations with street performers and vendors. Parking is expensive and limited.
- Anna Maria Island Distance 130 Miles 2 Hours 15 Minutes: Anna Maria Island offers a quieter beach experience with a small-town feel. The beaches feature soft white sand and turquoise water without the crowds. Free trolley service runs the length of the island.
- Fort De Soto Park Distance 120 Miles 2 Hours: Fort De Soto Park combines beaches, historic sites, and nature trails on five connected islands. The park has multiple beach areas, with North Beach often rated among Florida’s best. The park also includes a historic Spanish-American War fort you can tour.
- Treasure Island Distance 115 Miles 2 Hours: Treasure Island sits between St. Pete Beach and Madeira Beach on the Gulf Coast. The beach is wide and less developed than nearby Clearwater. The area has good sunset views and a more relaxed pace.
- Crystal River Manatees Distance 80 Miles 1 Hour 30 Minutes: Crystal River is the only place in Florida where you can legally swim with manatees in the wild. Hundreds of manatees gather in the warm spring waters during winter months November through March. Numerous tour companies offer guided swimming and snorkeling trips. Tours require wetsuits and follow strict rules to protect the manatees.
- Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park Distance 80 Miles 1 Hour 30 Minutes: This state park focuses on Florida wildlife rehabilitation and education. The park houses manatees, black bears, alligators, and native birds in natural settings. An underwater observatory lets you watch manatees and fish swimming in the spring. The park is smaller than a typical zoo but offers closer views.
- Citrus Tower Clermont Distance 25 Miles 30 Minutes: The Citrus Tower stands 226 feet tall and provides 360-degree views of Central Florida’s hills and lakes. Built in 1956, the tower was originally designed to showcase citrus groves. You take an elevator to the observation deck at the top. The visit is quick, usually less than an hour.
- Adventure Island Water Park Distance 85 Miles 1 Hour 30 Minutes: Adventure Island is Tampa’s water park operated by the same company that runs Busch Gardens. The park has water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and family raft rides. It’s smaller than Orlando’s water parks but less crowded. The park is seasonal, typically open from March through October.
North of Orlando Day Trips
- Ocala National Forest Distance 70 Miles 1 Hour 15 Minutes: Ocala National Forest covers 430,000 acres of pine forests, springs, and lakes. The forest contains multiple natural springs, hiking trails, and camping areas. Popular activities include swimming, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The forest is free to enter, though individual springs may charge parking fees.
- Juniper Springs Distance 75 Miles 1 Hour 15 Minutes: Juniper Springs is one of the most developed spring areas in Ocala National Forest. The spring produces 13 million gallons of 72°F water daily. A natural swimming area with a sandy bottom and rope swing makes it popular with families. Facilities include a snack bar, changing rooms, and rental canoes.
- Alexander Springs Distance 75 Miles 1 Hour 20 Minutes: Alexander Springs is a large, deep spring with clear blue water and a developed recreation area. The spring basin is 30 feet deep at the center and great for swimming and snorkeling. A boardwalk and sandy beach area provide easy access. The recreation area has a campground if you want to extend your visit.
- Salt Springs Distance 80 Miles 1 Hour 30 Minutes: Salt Springs produces warm water at 74°F year-round from an aquifer containing minerals. The spring creates a natural hot tub effect, especially enjoyable during cooler months. A large pool area accommodates swimmers and snorkelers. A marina and campground sit next to the spring.
- Silver Glen Springs Distance 80 Miles 1 Hour 30 Minutes: Silver Glen Springs is a first-magnitude spring in Ocala National Forest. The spring forms a large natural pool with depths up to 20 feet. The water is crystal clear and perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The spring sees fewer visitors than the more famous Ocala springs.
- Rock Springs Run State Reserve Distance 35 Miles 45 Minutes: Rock Springs Run State Reserve protects one of Florida’s most scenic spring-fed rivers. The reserve is primarily for paddling, with an 8.5-mile canoe and kayak run. The clear water flows through forest and wetlands. Several outfitters offer rentals and shuttle service.
- King’s Landing at Wekiva River Distance 30 Miles 40 Minutes: King’s Landing is a popular outfitter on the Wekiva River offering tube, kayak, and canoe rentals. The river trips range from 2 hours to all day. The water is clear and cool, flowing through the natural Florida landscape. The facility has a restaurant, bar, and camping area.
- Wekiwa Springs State Park Distance 30 Miles 40 Minutes: Wekiwa Springs State Park combines a natural spring with extensive hiking and paddling opportunities. The spring basin stays a constant 72°F. The park has over 13 miles of hiking trails. This is one of the closest state parks to Orlando.
South of Orlando Day Trips
- Bok Tower Gardens Distance 55 Miles 1 Hour: Bok Tower Gardens is a National Historic Landmark featuring a 205-foot singing tower and gardens. The tower contains 60 bells that ring throughout the day with live carillon concerts. The gardens provide a peaceful escape from theme park crowds.
- Pinewood Estate Distance 55 Miles 1 Hour: Pinewood Estate sits within Bok Tower Gardens and showcases 1930s Florida architecture. The 20-room mansion features period furnishings, decorative arts, and gardens. Guided tours last about 45 minutes. Combined tickets with Bok Tower Gardens offer better value.
- Lake Wales Distance 60 Miles 1 Hour 10 Minutes: Lake Wales is a small Central Florida town known for Bok Tower Gardens and citrus history. Historic downtown features shops, restaurants, and a monthly antique fair. Spook Hill is a gravity hill where cars appear to roll uphill.
- Winter Garden & Plant Street Market Distance 15 Miles 20 Minutes: Winter Garden is a renovated downtown area just west of Orlando. Plant Street features brick-paved streets, local restaurants, shops, and a Saturday farmers market. The West Orange Trail runs through town. It’s an easy evening trip from Orlando.
- Blue Spring State Park Distance 40 Miles 50 Minutes: Blue Spring State Park is famous for manatee viewing during winter months. From November through March, manatees gather in the 72°F spring water. You can view them from elevated boardwalks. Swimming is allowed late spring through fall.
- Silver Springs State Park Distance 80 Miles 1 Hour 30 Minutes: Silver Springs State Park features one of Florida’s largest artesian springs. Glass-bottom boat tours have operated here since the 1870s. The park has kayak and canoe rentals for paddling the spring run and Silver River.
- Lake Eola & Downtown Orlando Distance 15 Miles 20-30 Minutes: Lake Eola Park sits in downtown Orlando with a scenic lake and city views. The lake features a fountain and swan-shaped paddle boats for rent. A paved path circles the lake. The park hosts a Sunday farmers market and various festivals.
How to Choose the Best Day Trip From Orlando
Pick your day trip based on what you want to do and how far you want to drive. Families enjoy Kennedy Space Center, Clearwater Beach, and Blue Spring State Park.
Nature lovers prefer Ocala National Forest and Wekiva Springs. Beach fans head to Clearwater, Anna Maria Island, or Cocoa Beach.
Quick trips under an hour include Wekiwa Springs, Winter Garden, and Kennedy Space Center.
Conclusion
I’ve taken most of these day trips from Orlando multiple times, and they never disappoint. Florida offers so much more than theme parks.
You can swim in natural springs, watch rockets launch, spot manatees, or relax on white-sand beaches without driving too far. Each trip shows you a different side of the state.
Pick one or two destinations that match your interests and available time. You’ll come back with experiences beyond the typical Orlando vacation.
Share your favorite day trip in the comments below, or let me know which one you’re planning to visit first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best day trip from Orlando for families?
Kennedy Space Center offers the best mix of education and entertainment for families. Kids love the interactive exhibits and seeing real spacecraft while adults appreciate the history and technology.
How far are the beaches from Orlando?
The closest Atlantic beaches are about 60 miles or 1 hour away. Gulf Coast beaches like Clearwater are about 110 miles or 2 hours away. Drive times vary during peak traffic hours.
Can you see manatees near Orlando?
Yes, Blue Spring State Park and Crystal River both offer excellent manatee viewing. The best time is November through March when manatees gather in the warm spring water.
What is the closest natural spring to Orlando?
Wekiwa Springs State Park is the closest natural spring at about 30 miles or 40 minutes from Orlando. The spring maintains a constant 72°F temperature and offers swimming and hiking.
Are day trips from Orlando worth it?
Yes, day trips let you experience different parts of Florida without changing hotels. You can visit beaches, springs, and historic towns all within 1-2 hours of Orlando.