12 Best Day Trips From Orlando (Updated 2026)

There are so many amazing day trips you can take from Orlando! Central Florida is home to lagoons, nature preserves, and is easy to get so many beautiful beaches. After living in Orlando for 6 months and spending my weekends exploring the surrounding area I found that these 12 places are definitely worth a visit. Read on to discover the best day trips from Orlando, Florida.

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12 Best Day Trips From Orlando

1. Blue Springs State Park

🚗One Hour From Orlando

Located just an hour north of Orlando you will find Blue Springs State Park. Blue Springs State Park was easily my favorite Orlando day trip. You will find manatees, walking trails, and crystal clear water. There are refreshments such as snacks and drinks offered in the park. The winter is when you will see the manatees. The wait times in the winter to get into the park can be up to an hour. During the summer the manatees go out to the ocean.

Find more information on Blue Springs State Park here.

How To Get To Blue Springs State Park From Orlando

There is really only one way to get to Blue Springs State Park - driving, so renting a car if you don't have one.

Why Visit Blue Springs State Park

It is honestly so amazing (easily my favorite thing I did in Florida). The springs are kind of other worldly, making for an Orlando day trip you will remember!

🐳Book Here - Manatee Tour From Orlando (this one is to Crystal River, but offers round trip transportation from Orlando)

2. Winter Park

🚗10 Mins From Orlando

Winter Park borders Orlando to the north. This charming european style town is home to lovely restaurants, adorable boutiques, picturesque streets, and gorgeous parks. While in Winter Park be sure to take a stroll down Park Avenue, checkout Leu Gardens, stop by Hannibal Square, and visit Mead Botanical Gardens.

How To Get To Winter Park From Orlando

The cheapest and easiest way to get to Winter Park from Orlando is taking the train from downtown Orlando (Church Street) To Winter Park. This will cost you around $2 and takes around 15 minutes. The train drops you off right in downtown Winter Park too!

Why Visit Winter Park

Winter Park is probably the easiest day trip from Orlando. The small town is also so gorgeous, full of fun shopping, and amazing restaurants!

⭐Read Next - The Ultimate Guide To Winter Park, Florida

3. Daytona Beach

🚗One Hour From Orlando

Daytona Beach is located just an hour north east of Orlando. The exciting beach town is a great place to go if you are looking for a fun filled beach day. Daytona Beach is home to NASCAR races, stunning beaches, a boardwalk, amazing seafood restaurants, lovely parks, and great shopping. You will find that Daytona Beach is a fun and exciting day trip from Orlando!

How To get To Daytona Beach From Orlando

The best way to get to Daytona Beach from Orlando is by driving. The most affordable way is to take the bus. Check the latest prices and times here.

Why Visit Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a great spot for a beach day from Orlando. You can find restaurants, cafes, and plenty to to in Daytona.

⭐Read Next - A Complete Guide To Daytona Beach, Florida

4. Black Bear Wilderness Area

🚗30 Minutes From Orlando

Located just 30 minutes north of Orlando, Black Bear Wilderness Area is a gorgeous hiking area. If you are a fellow nature lover you will have a blast here. At the Black Bear Wilderness Area you will find lagoons, hiking trails, views of the St. Johns River, and so much greenery. The main loop is 7.1 miles. Overall it was flat and easy to walk, just bring water because Florida is hot!

How To Get To Black Bear Wilderness Area From Orlando

The only way to get to Black Bear Wilderness Area from Orlando is by car. Rent a car here.

Why Visit Black Bear Wilderness Area

Black Bear Wilderness Area is a great day trip option from Orlando if you are looking to get out of the city and into nature. While this hike is flat, it is super unique with mangroves and river views - totally worth it!

5. Tampa

🚗1.5 Hours From Orlando

Tampa is a totally doable day trip from Orlando. Located about an hour and thirty minutes southwest of Orlando, Tampa is an up and coming city on Florida's Gulf Coast. While in Tampa be sure to visit Hyde Park, explore Downtown Tampa Riverwalk, and take a swim at Clearwater Beach.

How To Get To Tampa From Orlando

You can get to Tampa from Orlando by car, bus, or train. Going by car is the easiest way - rent and car here. The bus is affordable and quick - you can take a Flixbus or RedCoach. The train is the slowest option (but probably the most relaxing).

Why Visit Tampa

There is so much to do - beaches, restaurants, coffee, outdoor spaces, ect.

🏄Read Next - A Complete Guide to Tampa, Florida

6. St. Augustine

🚗2 Hours From Orlando

St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States and it is only a two hours drive north east of Orlando. This enchanting coastal city is full of history and beauty. The old forts and stunning coastline make St. Augustine a must visit destination in Florida. While in St. Augustine stop by Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, St Augustine Beach, and St George Street.

How To Get To St. Augustine From Orlando

The only two way to get to St. Augustine from Orlando is by renting a car and driving or by doing a tour (there are no direct buses or trains). This tour looks so fun and easy.

Why Visit St. Augustine

The history and beauty. St. Augustine is the oldest city in the USA!

🤿Read Next - A Quick Guide To St. Augustine

7. Cocoa Beach, Florida

🚗1 Hour From Orlando

Cocoa Beach is best known for being the closest beach to Orlando. While Cocoa Beach is a good option for a beach day from Orlando because it is so close - I prefer other beaches. Cocoa Beach is home to kind of a party scene and it's a bit honky tonk. But if you are short on time and want to visit the beach, it is certainly not a bad option.

How To Get To Cocoa Beach From Orlando

Driving is the best option!

Why Visit Cocoa Beach

It is the easiest beach to get to from Orlando.

🌺Read Next - Cocoa Beach Travel Guide

8. New Smyrna Beach

🚗1 Hour From Orlando

New Smyrna Beach is situated just south of Daytona Beach. Offering golden beaches and adorable beachside restaurants, you will love New Smyrna. Compared to Daytona and Cocoa Beach - New Smyrna is a bit less touristy. Just like in Daytona Beach you can drive your car onto the beach at New Smyrna! While in New Smyrna Beach be sure to visit Smyrna Dunes Park, Ponce de Leon Lighthouse, and Old Fort Park.

How To Get To New Smyrna Beach From Orlando

The best way to get to New Smyrna Beach from Orlando is by car. You can rent one here.

Why Visit New Smyrna Beach

Best beach for a day trip from Orlando - not too far away and still really nice!

🐟Read Next - New Smyrna Beach Travel Guide

9. Kennedy Space Center

🚗1 Hour From Orlando

The Kennedy Space Center is located right next to Cocoa Beach and is a popular place among space nerds and children. I have never been interested with space science, however the Kennedy Space Center was pretty cool to visit. If you are into space and astronauts you will love this place! Be sure to book ahead because they will fill up.

How To Get To Kennedy Space Center From Orlando

By tour or car. I would do the tour because it is so much less stressful then renting a car, finding parking, then buying ticket.

Why Visit Kennedy Space Center

If you enjoy science and space you will love this place!

🚀 Book Here - Kennedy Space Center

10. Gainesville

🚗1 Hour and 40 Mins From Orlando

Gainesville is most well known for being home to the University of Florida. Located just an hour and forty minutes north of Orlando, you will find great shopping, restaurants, and things to see in Gainesville. While in Gainesville catch a University of Florida football game, explore Depot Park, and stop by the Florida museum of natural history.

How To Get To Gainesville From Orlando

The only two way to get to Gainesville from Orlando is by driving or by taking a bus.

Why Visit Gainesville

Gainesville is home to so much to do - shopping, restaurants, sports, ect.

11. Windermere

🚗20 Mins From Orlando

Windermere borders Orlando to the west. Situated right next to Disney World, Windermere is known for its lake views, adorable downtown area, and fantastic restaurants. Windermere is a great place to visit if you need a break from the hussle and bussle of Orlando and want a small town feel. While in Windermere be sure to take a stroll down main street, visit the Windermere Brewing company, and have a go at stand up paddleboarding on one of the surrounding lakes.

How To Get To Windermere From Orlando

By driving

Why Visit Windermere

Windermere is great if you love golfing, small towns, and plenty of outdoor space!

12. Ocala

🚗1.5 Hours From Orlando

Ocala is located an hour and thirty minutes north of Orlando. You will find an adorable downtown and so much to see and do. While in Ocala be sure to visit Sholom Park, Silver Springs State Park, The World Equestrian Center, and Fort King National Historic Landmark.

How To Get To Ocala From Orlando

The best way to get to Ocala From Orlando is by driving. You can also go by bus.

Why Visit Ocala

If you love horses, Ocala would be an awesome Orlando day trip for you! Ocala also has cool shopping and amazing restaurants.

12 Best Day Trips From Orlando Wrap Up

I hope that this post all about the 12 best day trips from Orlando helps you plan the best trip ever. All of these places are so different from one another and offers so many exciting things to see and do. If you liked this post I think you will love our Complete Guide To Orlando and our Daytona Beach Travel Guide.