The Ultimate Guide to Sunshine State Orlando Day Trips

Updated October 2024

Looking to find the true Florida beyond its theme parks? Disney and rollercoasters are wonderful, but plenty of adventure exists, ready for the easy drive beyond Orlando. No matter your preferences regarding nature, history, beach time, or wildlife, this complete guide to Sunshine State Orlando Day Trips is filled with inexpensive and accessible trips for couples, families, and single visitors alike. Central Florida offers a superb location for fantastic day trips that highlight the real Florida.

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Sunshine State Nature & Wildlife Adventures from Orlando

1. Cedar Key: A Laid-Back Coastal Time Capsule

There is nothing like the Old Florida feel of this charming historic town. Cedar Key is a cluster of islands connected to the mainland by bridges. About a 2.5-hour drive from Orlando, this quiet island community offers a relaxing escape from the crowds, with fresh seafood restaurants, colorful art galleries, and stunning sunset views over the Gulf of Mexico. We found it a quiet spot to chill, spending our evenings watching the sunset. Early morning walks to the pier often results in seeing dolphins frolicking in the wake of fishing boats.

The best way to see the bay is to rent a kayak or take a Tidewater tours cruise. On these islands are some of the most beautiful, secluded beaches. One of the most popular islands is historic Atsena Otie Key, located a mile offshore. The island is most renowned for the Faber Pencil Company. Hurricanes destroyed the settlement in the late 1800s. You can walk the hiking trail to the remnants of the mills stone cistern and old civil war cemetery. Be sure to bring your insect repellant, sunblock, snacks, camera, and refillable water-bottle after all, it is the Sunshine State.

2. Explore Crystal Clear Waters of Wekiwa Springs

Central Florida has incredible natural springs. Wekiwa Springs State Park is in Sandford and is one of the most popular state parks in Florida. The park entrance is very inexpensive – $6 a carload. You can go swim in the springs at a constant temperature in the 70s all year-round. Outdoor lovers will enjoy the hiking trails, canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. There are charcoal grills and picnic areas, so you can make a day of it. If you want a longer stay, there is a campground.

NOTE: All day-use visitors will be required to have a reservation to enter the park. Effective March. 1, 2025

3. Blue Spring State Park: Manatees and Kayaking Adventure

Only a short drive from Orlando, Blue Spring State Park, is famous for its warm clear water and chances of viewing manatees. From November to March, manatees gather in the springs to escape the cold. We could easily see them near the boardwalk steps. Kayaking in the park gave us a chance to view the surroundings of the springs. You’ll find walking trails and picnic areas inside the park. A visit during winter increases your chances of seeing these magnificent creatures. Be sure to keep a safe distance from manatees so that you do not injure these animals. The park offers a wonderful mix of nature observation and outdoor recreation in a serene natural setting, making it a wonderful attraction for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

4. Paddle Weeki Wachee Springs: Crystal Waters & River Adventures

Weeki Wachee Springs is 45-minutes north of Tampa and 2-hours west of Orlando. Weeki Wachee is quintessential Old Florida, with the mermaid show being the first original roadside attraction. Kids will love the Buccaneer Bay Waterpark. However, the most popular pastime is kayaking or canoeing the emerald spring water, meandering slowly to the Gulf of Mexico.

I’ve paddled many rivers, but this one is by far my favorite: the dazzling spring-fed waters are a great place to unwind. This is a first-magnitude spring, the head spring is in Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. You can rent kayaks (book online) through Weeki Fresh Water Adventures. The shuttle will pick you up 6-miles downstream at Rogers Park at a designated time (3 hrs). Bring a dry bag to keep your lunch and valuables safe.

PRO Tip: The park does not permit disposable containers of any kind, and no alcohol on the river. Bring plenty of water, a hat, and comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting wet or dirty. Mosquitoes are a nuisance, so bug spray is highly recommended.

5. Discover Wild Florida at Fakahatchee Strand Preserve

Just 3 hours south of Orlando, Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park is Florida’s largest and most remote state park, spanning 85,000 acres of swamp wilderness. It’s one of the few places where you might glimpse the rare Ghost Orchid or even a Florida panther. Hike the “Old Florida” trails for a true backcountry adventure.

Start with the Janes Memorial Scenic Drive, then trek the East Tram Trail to the rustic “Fakahatchee Hilton” cabin, where you’ll spot alligators and a variety of birds like anhingas, herons, and woodpeckers. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water and bug spray, and consider a guided swamp walk or tram tour (available Dec–March).

For a quick stop, try the Big Bend Cypress Boardwalk off Tamiami Trail—a peaceful 0.5-mile walk through a virgin cypress forest ending at a gator hole, with interpretive signs highlighting local flora and fauna.

6. Explore Canaveral National Seashore & Merritt Island Refuge: Nature & Wildlife Awaits

Just 1 hour from Orlando, Canaveral National Seashore offers 24 miles of pristine, undeveloped coastline perfect for nature lovers. Spend the day walking its quiet beaches, observing wildlife, and enjoying stunning views of the Atlantic. Don’t miss the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge on your way, where you can spot diverse wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and a variety of bird species along its scenic trails and waterways. Whether you’re hiking, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the shore, this combo day trip immerses you in Florida’s natural beauty.

7. Visit Central Florida Zoo: Wild Fun for All Ages

Located in Sanford, just 30 minutes from Orlando, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens offers a fun mix of wildlife encounters and lush gardens. Walk shaded trails to see over 350 animals, zip through the treetops on the aerial adventure course, or cool off at the splash pad—making it a great family-friendly day trip close to the city.

Sunshine State Historic & Cultural Orlando Day Trips

8. Enjoy a Day Trip with a Garden Tour at Bok Tower

This is a veritable treasure only 30 minutes from Orlando. First, peruse the museum. It is worth spending some time here as it explains the history of the tower and gardens. The Bok Sanctuary is an oasis of tranquility. It lies on Iron Mountain, the highest point in the state near the small town of Lake Wales. In the heart of Central Florida, this is a perfect day-trip away from the bustle of the theme parks.

The carillon bells tower lies as the focal point of the gardens. The “Singing Tower” eclipses its surroundings. Set among towering oaks surrounded by a shallow water moat. The carillon bells play every 1/2 hour, and a televised concert at 1 and 3 pm every day. There are plenty of photo ops, so bring a camera. Wear comfortable walking shoes for the trails.

9. Historic Saint Augustine, Florida

No list of Sunshine State Orlando Day Trips is complete without a visit to St. Augustine, just under two hours from Orlando. Founded in 1565, St. Augustine, Florida is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the contiguous United States. They established it 55 years before the Pilgrims by Spanish explorer Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles of Spain. Amazing landmarks fill the historic downtown. The Colonial Quarter is a living history, taking you back in time. This authentic reenactment is just off St. George Street. This kid-friendly attraction walks you through 3 centuries of history showcasing, blacksmithing, shipbuilding, and a musket drill reenactment.

Top Things to See and Do in St. Augustine, Florida

• Castillo de San Marcos: Explore the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S., complete with cannon firings, coastal views, and centuries of Spanish colonial history.
• St. Augustine Distillery: We took a free tour of this award-winning distillery housed in a restored 1907 ice plant. Enjoy tastings of locally crafted bourbon, vodka, and gin—plus grab a bottle of the St. Augustine Reserve to take home.
• St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum: Climb 219 steps to the top of this iconic lighthouse for panoramic views of the coast. WE loved learning about its role in maritime history.
• Flagler College: Tour the stunning campus of this historic college and marvel at the Gilded Age architecture, ornate details, and Tiffany stained-glass windows.
• Lightner Museum: Housed in the former Alcazar Hotel, this museum showcases a fascinating collection of 19th-century art, furniture, and curiosities in a stunning setting.
• St. Augustine Wild Reserve: Experience a hidden gem with a behind-the-scenes tour at the St. Augustine Wild Reserve. Our favorite tour we observed rescued animals such as tigers, lions, and wolves in a naturalistic setting. This was our favorite tour.
• St. George Street: Stroll this lively pedestrian-only street lined with unique shops, cafés, museums, and street performers in the heart of the historic district.

10. Dive into Tarpon Springs: Florida’s Sponge Capital with Greek Charm

The “sponge capital of the world” is on the gulf side of the Sunshine State. Notably, they named the town after the tarpon seen jumping the river. This charming Greek village is an ideal day trip taking only 2-hours from Orlando. The sponge industry began in the 1880s with an important influx of Greek divers and crew members. Soon becoming one of the leading maritime industries in Florida and the most important business in Tarpon Springs, generating millions of dollars a year.

Top Things to Do in Tarpon Springs

• Browse Local Shops and Markets: Pick up natural sea sponges, olive oil soaps, and handcrafted goods in the Sponge Exchange shopping village.
• Explore the Sponge Docks: Walk along the historic waterfront and learn about the town’s sponge diving heritage.
• Dine on Authentic Greek Cuisine: Enjoy fresh seafood and classic dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and baklava at local favorites like Hellas Restaurant.
• Visit the Tarpon Springs Aquarium: A family-friendly spot with touch tanks, reptiles, and daily animal shows.
• Cruise the Anclote River: Take a sponge diving or dolphin-spotting boat tour from the docks. The St. Nicholas’ authentic dive tour will actually take you out to the sponge beds, where a diver dawns almost 200 pounds of traditional diving gear, including helmet, breastplate, boots, and body weights leaping into the water to scour the ocean floor harvesting sponges.

11. Kennedy Space Center – Out of this World

The Kennedy Space Center is about 30-minute from downtown Orlando on the Space Coast. So much to experience in a day. Great for the entire family. This is not Disney, more of an educational experience. The admission price is a tad expensive, however, if you are a full-time Florida educator you are eligible to receive a 12-month Educators Pass. Other discounts are available for those over 65 and military personnel. The facility is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.

Top Things to See and Do at Kennedy Space Center

• Gift Shop & Space-Themed Dining: Grab unique souvenirs, space ice cream, and dine at orbit-themed cafés like the Moon Rock Café.
• Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit: Stand nose-to-nose with a real space shuttle and explore over 60 interactive exhibits celebrating NASA’s shuttle program.
• Shuttle Launch Experience: Strap in for a thrilling simulator ride that replicates the intensity of an actual space shuttle launch.
• Heroes & Legends + U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame: Walk through inspiring exhibits honoring America’s space pioneers with memorabilia, holograms, and powerful stories.
• Rocket Garden: Stroll among towering, historic rockets that paved the way for space exploration.
• Bus Tour to Launch Complex 39 and Apollo/Saturn V Center: Get behind-the-scenes access to the launch pads and marvel at a fully restored Saturn V rocket—one of only three in the world.
• Journey to Mars Exhibit: Discover NASA’s plans for the Red Planet through interactive displays, rover replicas, and virtual experiences.

12. View a Brave New World at DeSoto National Memorial

Located just 2 hours from Orlando, DeSoto National Memorial in Bradenton commemorates Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto’s 1539 expedition and his encounters with Florida’s indigenous peoples. The site features a recreated 16th-century village with interactive Living History programs, where visitors can experience early settler life through demonstrations like weapon firing and blacksmithing.

The memorial also offers a scenic nature trail through mangrove swamps with views of the Manatee River, where you can spot local wildlife. For more outdoor adventure, visit Robinson Preserve, just a mile south, with over 7 miles of hiking and biking trails through wetlands and forests.

Sunshine State Beach Escapes from Orlando

13. Fort De Soto – Harbors a Secret

A 2-hour drive from Orlando in St. Petersburg, Fort De Soto State Park, is a peaceful day trip. Named “America’s Best Beach ” for families, it harbors a hidden secret. Stashed behind a large sand bunker is the parapets of a fortification. Built-in 1894 during the Spanish American war, they protected the Tampa harbor. Huge old mortar emplacements and some other heavy guns remain on site. You can follow the self-guided historical trail and see artifacts in the small museum. We found its military history fascinating.

The shallow beach waters are excellent for shelling. Kids love finding a multitude of sand dollars, or starfish. The beach seems to keep going. You can walk forever. Kayak the clear turquoise waters, or bike/hike the nature trails. The mangrove bays are teeming with wildlife, including manatees, turtles, and wading birds. You can even rent fishing equipment at the base of the Fort De Soto Fishing Pier. Try your luck at catching a snook or tarpon. Catch the Hubbard’s ferry to Egmont Key State Park, perfect for nature lovers looking for quiet.

14. Cocoa Beach – More Than A Beach

A trip to the Sunshine State is not complete without a visit to the beach. Cocoa beach is a gorgeous getaway 1 hour from busy Orlando! Enjoy an array of watersports that include parasailing, jet-skiing, fishing, or boogie-boarding. A top-notch beach for surfing enthusiasts. Just stroll the beach in search of shells or watch the waves decompressing after a trip to the theme parks.

Cocoa is a lovely, rustic seaside town. The famous Ron Jon Surf Shop is a must-do for finding beach gear. A great place for an evening out is the pier, a historical landmark it hosts restaurants, shops, and fishing. Re-ignite a love affair with the ocean and venture to Cocoa beach.

15. Stroll Clearwater Beach – Rated Florida’s #1

Clearwater Beach, just 90 minutes from Orlando, boasts soft, sugary sand, gentle waves, and stunning Gulf Coast sunsets. With clear, sparkling waters, it’s perfect for relaxation, shopping, dining, and sightseeing. The beach offers lifeguards, showers, and Pier 60, where you can fish for a small fee. You can rent cabanas, umbrellas, and chairs, with cheaper rates after 3 pm.

Ideal for couples, families, and nature lovers, Clearwater Beach offers dolphin sightings, water sports like parasailing and jet skiing, and a visit to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, home of Winter the dolphin from Dolphin Tale. I preferred the beach to some of those we have been to in the Florida Keys.

16. Set Sail on the Buccaneer Trail: A Pirate Adventure Awaits!

A 3-hour drive from Orlando, the Buccaneer Trail, runs from Amelia Island to St. Augustine Beach, providing a beautiful coastal drive that takes you through Big and Little Talbot Islands, crosses the St. John’s River at Mayport, and goes by Atlantic Beach. Although it may not receive much advertising now, it remains a charming secret and a peaceful escape from urban congestion. This route was historically a refuge for pirates, filled with tales of buried treasures waiting to be discovered.

Start in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, where you can explore the historic district, browse trendy shops, and visit the Civil War-era Fort Clinch State Park. The beach here is perfect for birdwatching or hunting for shark teeth.

Cross the George Crady Bridge to Big Talbot Island, where you can hike the 6.3-mile Timucuan Trail or take a short walk to Boneyard beach, known for its bleached tree skeletons and tidal pools. Continue through Little Talbot Island to admire salt marshes and enjoy beautiful swimming beaches.

For a side detour, visit Fort George Island, home to the historic Kingsley Plantation and the Ribault Club, a 1920s resort offering insight into Florida’s past. The ferry from Fort George Island takes you across the St. Johns River to Mayport, where you can explore Fort Caroline and the Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve before heading to St. Augustine, Fort Matanzas National Monument and Daytona Beach.

Final Thoughts on 16 Epic Orlando Day Trips

If you have extra time, explore one of Florida’s stunning national or state parks. From the Everglades’ unique “river of grass” to snorkeling in Key Biscayne National Park or visiting remote Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas National Park, the Sunshine State is full of unforgettable nature escapes.

Planning a spring break trip in March or April? Florida’s State Parks state parks offer hiking, biking, swimming, boating, and wildlife viewing—perfect for all adventure levels.

No matter which path you choose, these epic Orlando day trips offer the perfect chance to recharge and explore Florida’s wild side.

What is your favorite day trip from Orlando? We would love to hear about your experiences in the Sunshine State. Please SHARE in the comment below.