Orlando is a great place to spend a vacation full of fun in the sun. Besides offering so much to do in Orlando, there’s a never ending list of things to do nearby too. Making it your home base, there are incredible Orlando day trips that you just can’t miss.

With so many state parks, nature preserves, and historical sites it’s no wonder Florida is a major vacation hotspot for Americans and international visitors alike.

So, while you’re staying in the city, full day excursions from Orlando are a perfect way to experience everything Florida has to offer.

Here are 12 awesome day trips from Orlando that you should definitely check out.

 

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12 Awesome Day Trips from Orlando

1.   Kennedy Space Center

Have you ever wanted to see what it’s like to be a real astronaut? Then head to the Kennedy Space Center. It’s less than an hour’s drive straight east from Orlando making it a perfect day trip.

At the Kennedy Space Center you can do everything from touch a moon rock to talk to a real astronaut.

You can even train like an astronaut when you strap into a flight simulator. Kennedy Space Center is the perfect combination of a fun + educational experience close to Orlando.

No car? No worries, you can book a Kennedy Space Center day trip including transport from Orlando!

A day trip to Kennedy Space Center definitely should be on your to-do list.

LEARN MORE: 12 Best Weekend Getaways on the East Coast

2.   St. Augustine

St. Augustine is a tourist hotspot and it’s no wonder why.

As America’s oldest city, it’s got old world charm, Southern charm, and picturesque views of the water. Only an hour and half from Orlando, a day trip to St. Augustine is a no brainer.

Even if you don’t have a car you can book a day tour to St A from Orlando and leave the driving to someone else.

You’ll love a day exploring the narrow streets, quaint shops, and historical sites.

Be sure not to miss the Castillo de San Marcos, wander the historic district of St A, and go for a beach walk at sunset on one of the many beaches near St Augustine.

Before heading back to Orlando, end your day with a fabulous dinner at one of the many restaurants in town. You won’t be disappointed. Do try and save room for dessert :)

LEARN MORE: Bridge of Lions St Augustine Florida

 

 

3.   New Smyrna Beach

Looking to get away from the crowds for a day, then head to New Smyrna Beach.

This quaint town is an absolute gem on the Atlantic coast and it’s only an hour from Orlando.

It’s got everything from beautiful beaches, restaurants, and unique shops to keep you busy all day and into the night.

There’s so much to choose from in New Smyrna Beach: You can step into the past at the Sugar Mill Ruins or at the New Smyrna Museum of History.

Or hit the beaches for some of the best surfing conditions all year round. Flagler Avenue Beachfront Park has the best of everything: shops, restaurants, and the beach.

READ MORE: 12 Best Beaches Close to Orlando

 

 

4.   Daytona

Daytona is a great place to visit for racing fans and beach lovers alike, and it’s only a 50 minute drive from Orlando.

If you have a need for speed, head to the Daytona International Speedway for a tour, to watch a race, speed around the track during a NASCAR ride along, or drive a NASCAR race car at Daytona Speedway for the ultimate driving experience.

Daytona Beach is a hotspot for spring breakers, and it’s no wonder why. It has some of the best beaches on the east coast.

Sun, sand, and the clear blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, it doesn’t get much better than that.

5.   Rock Springs Run State Reserve

Get into nature at Rock Spring Run State Reserve in Sorrento, Florida. Here you can explore the reserve on foot, bike, kayak, and even horseback.

Hike or bike on your own through the 14 miles of trails. Consider paddling around the waterways in a kayak or canoe to reach more secluded areas of the reserve.

If you’re looking for a more adventurous experience, take a tour of the area on horseback.

Located just to the north of Orlando you’ll get to the Rock Spring Run State Reserve in just over 30 minutes making it a perfect day trip close by.

 

 

6.   Wekiwa Springs

In less than a 20 minute drive from Orlando you’ll arrive at Wekiwa Springs. One of the oldest tourist destinations in Florida. Only 16 miles from downtown, you’ll feel worlds away.

Locals and visitors both love to come to Wekiwa Springs to explore and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Take a refreshing dip in the spring where it’s always 72 degrees or head out on one of the many trails. Get going on a bike, horse or easy enough on foot.

Whichever you choose, you’re in for fun at Wekiwa Springs.

7.   Blue Spring State Park

The warm clear spring waters at Blue Spring are a favorite spot along the St. Johns River. Here visitors can swim, snorkel, kayak, and even spot manatees.

These gentle giants enjoy the warm spring waters especially in the cooler winter months. Learn more about the area and its wildlife on a guided boat tour.

Due north of Orlando, Blue Spring State Park is a perfect day trip that’s only about a 40 minute drive.

It’s important to know that Blue Spring is a popular spot, so parking can fill up quickly no matter what time of year. You can have a backup plan with these 15 Natural Springs Near Orlando.

 

 

8.   Canaveral National Seashore

Looking to enjoy the beauty of the coastline the way that nature made it? Canaveral National Seashore is the longest stretch of undeveloped Atlantic coastline in Florida.

That’s right, miles of pristine beach are free of development and overcrowding.

Instead, you can have an experience on this barrier island that brings you back to the basics of sand, sun, and happiness.

This majestic beach is located to the north east of Orlando, just south of New Smyrna Beach. An ideal day trip from Orlando, you’ll get there in just about 1.5 hours.

LEARN MORE: 11 Epic National Parks in Florida

9.   Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Weeki Wachee is an incredible place where you can swim in natural spring water, slide down huge water slides, go for a boat ride, see a mermaid show, and paddle around in a kayak at your own pace.

And the best part? It’s less than two hours from Orlando, making it a fun day trip destination.

Since 1947 visitors to Weeki Wachee have been entertained by the mermaids that swim and perform a whole show underwater.

You can also get yourself wet at Buccaneer Bay which has 4 huge water slides, a lazy river, and a wet play area for little ones.

10.   Crystal River

Looking to spot a manatee? Better yet, wouldn’t it be cool to get up close and personal to one? Then definitely head to Crystal River.

This beautiful town has pristine waters that manatees call home.

Here you can join a guided swim where it’s possible to come nose to nose with these gentle giants and learn how we can help to protect this endangered species.

A stellar day trip from Orlando. You’ll be there in just about an hour and a half.

No wheels? No biggie, you can book a day tour to Crystal River from Orlando! And it includes lunch, nom nom :)

 

 

11.   Tarpon Springs

Located just two hours to the west of Orlando, there’s so much to do in Tarpon Springs it’s a great Orlando day trip choice.

The beaches on the Gulf of Mexico are absolutely beautiful, and Tarpon Springs does not disappoint.

The white sands, calm waters, and palm trees decorating the shoreline make a dream vacation your reality.

Head to the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks to see the sponge fishing up close and personal.

After checking out the boats and markets, enjoy a meal at one of the many Greek restaurants where the seafood is outstanding.

12.   Cocoa Beach

The closest beach to Orlando, Cocoa Beach is only an hour to the east. Located just south of Cape Canaveral on Florida’s Space Coast, Cocoa Beach has beautiful sandy white beaches and pristine blue waters.

Many of the beaches in town rent umbrellas, chairs, surfboards, paddleboards, and kayaks which makes your beach going experience super convenient– just rent what you need.

Hit up the Cocoa Beach Pier for a bite to eat or a cocktail overlooking the water. At the pier you can get set up with beach rentals and even play some beach volleyball.

 

 

Final Thoughts Orlando Day Trips

As you can see, there are tons of things to do near Orlando. Day trips are an ideal way to see everything Florida has to offer from historical sites to amazing getaways to enjoy the outdoors in the Sunshine State.