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Orlando needs little introduction! Along with the most popular theme parks in Florida, it’s one place full of thrills, spills and more. That being said, there are loads more in Florida that are easily accessible from Orlando – especially when you consider the best day trips from Orlando that are available year-round.
So to help you make the most of your time in Orlando, we want to share with you some of the best places in Florida that you shouldn’t miss while you’re there.
Plus, all are easily accessible by tours and/or cars, making this region of Florida very accessible.
Check out the best day trips from Orlando below. Have a great holiday… and Mickey from us!
1.) Mount Dora
About a 40-minute drive from the likes of Walt Disney World, Mount Dora is one of the best day trips from Orlando if you want to take a step outside of Orlando.
Although relatively small (compared to other Floridian gems like Miami), Mount Dora has a charm all its own.
Once here, be sure to ride the trolley over to Donnelly Street and explore some of the lovely little bakeries, cafes and small shops that call this area home.
When you’re hungry, hop over to Highland Street Cafe for some amazing French toast. It’s a really cool place that serves some of the best breakfasts and lunches – all without the fuss.
Additionally, you can take some time to visit the Mount Dora Museums. Be sure to stop by the Museum of Modernism, which has seasonal exhibits that change throughout the year.
If that’s not your thing, head to Premier Boat Tours for a 2-hour boat tour of the local countryside. It is absolutely beautiful.
But, if you are with kids, head to Gilbert Park, which is one of the best playgrounds. That said, if you want a walk, head to the beautiful Palm Island Park on a sunny day.
Read more: Best places to see in Florida
2.) Kennedy Space Center
For most of us, the Kennedy Space Center will be the closest we’ll ever get to space!
It is absolutely amazing to visit and one of the best day trips from Orlando that is perfect for any budding adventurer. Book these Kennedy Space Center tickets to make the most of your day trip from Orlando.
Not only will they allow you to visit some of the famous space exhibits, but you’ll also get to get up close and personal with Space Shuttle Atlantis and experience the launch of the shuttle.
Also, don’t worry if you don’t drive. You can book this Kennedy Space Center ticket with Orlando Transportation. This way you don’t have to worry about renting a car or wasting your time!
Read more: Best Florida beaches to visit
3.) Saint Augustine
Be sure to check out these great day trips from Orlando to St. Austin. It’s packed with history and so beautiful to explore. In fact, it is considered one of America’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.
Once here, be sure to check out the National Historic Landmark District and admire the beauty of the Spanish architecture in the area.
Oh, and don’t forget to check out St. Mark’s Castle National Monument, Fort Matanzas, and the Peaceful Mission in the Name of God.
To make things a whole lot easier, book a day trip to St. Augustine—which includes transportation from Orlando. Best of all, you can choose the option to include all your tickets for the museum and excursion passes! It’s completely simple.
Read more: Best theme parks in Florida to visit
4.) Crystal River
Orlando is full of adventure at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and its white-knuckle getaways at Walt Disney World. That being said, if you want to explore Florida’s great outdoors, this is the place for you.
About a 90-minute drive from Orlando, Crystal River is the place to come face-to-face with the resident manatees that call this area home.
Once here, be sure to book this Crystal River Manatee Snorkeling Tour or this fun airboat tour that is totally awesome. It is very pleasant and you go for a picnic on the Homosassa River.
However, if you want to stay dry on your trip, you can always visit Crystal River Wildlife Refuge or Blue Spring State Park. It’s great for people who don’t want to take it to the water.
5.) Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is one of our favorite places in Florida. We’ve loved every trip we’ve taken here and the beach is often voted one of the most beautiful in all of the US.
One of the best day trips from Orlando, book this amazing Clearwater day tour from Orlando itself.
Once here, you can go on a great value dolphin encounter boat tour. We’ve seen loads! Plus, the ticket includes all transportation from Orlando and a nice lunch to set you right!
For a more adrenaline-packed activity, you can try the speed boat ride offered by Clearwater Sea Screamer. On the other hand, if you want a calmer activity, you can relax at Pier 60, one of the most popular fishing spots in the area.
If you take a short walk, you might be able to see Sand Key Park, which is a great place to visit.
Alternatively, book tickets to Busch Gardens (Tampa) for more adventure and exciting activities like live shows and roller coasters.
Read more: Best things to do in the Everglades
6.) Daytona Beach
About 70 minutes drive from Orlando, Daytona Beach is one of the best day trips from Orlando if you want a perfect beach day.
Not only that, the world famous Daytona 500 calls this beach home! It is also the birthplace of NASCAR racing.
Once here, don’t forget to check out the Daytona International Speedway, explore the Museum of Arts and Sciences, and stop by the iconic Main Street.
For a tasty bite, pop into Jack’s Caribbean, which has some of the best wings and shrimp in all of Daytona Beach.
7.) New Smyrna beach
Known for its stunning beaches, New Smyrna Beach is one of Orlando’s best day trips on Florida’s east coast.
Not far from Daytona Beach, it’s a perfect spot for surfing, kayaking or fishing. If it’s the arts you’re after, pop over to Arts on Douglas, which has a lovely little collection.
If you stay a little longer and go a little farther, you might be able to see sea turtles hatching at night at Canaveral National Seashore.
Finally, another great place to visit is the Marine Discovery Center where you can go kayaking and boating.
Read more: Best places to see in Florida
8.) Ocala National Forest
Looking for a great and unique place to visit in Orlando? The city of Ocala and the mighty Ocala National Forest are one of the best day trips from Orlando to get away from the business of Orlando’s theme parks.
Now, although Ocala itself is a great place to stop – the real gem is the Ocala National Forest. There is a vast 360,000 acres to explore, with trails and hiking trails for all abilities.
Also, don’t forget to visit Silver Glen Springs for swimming. It’s just a few miles from the Juniper Creek entry point and it’s magical.
9.) Saint Peter
Not far from Clearwater, St. Pete is a place to visit and one of the best day trips from Florida if you want a mix of sun, city and sand.
About a 90-minute drive from Orlando, it’s a great place to spend the day kayaking the coast, taking a helicopter ride for views of St. Pete Beach, or flying over the white sands of the beach.
Want to take it to the water? Book this St. Pete Dolphin Cruise. It’s a great way to explore the beaches and spot the resident dolphins that call the bay home.
Also, don’t forget to check out the amazing Dali (Salvador Dali) gallery. We spent a good few hours here.
Planning to stay longer? See Don Cesar, where we like to stay. Historic property on the beach and perfect for a weekend getaway.
Read more: Best places to see in Florida
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