Day Trips from Orlando

Orlando’s central Florida location puts you within 90 minutes of both coasts, natural springs, historic cities, and some of the most beautiful landscapes in the state.

Cocoa Beach & Kennedy Space Center — 1 Hour East

The closest ocean beach to Orlando. Cocoa Beach has the pier, Ron Jon Surf Shop, and the most accessible surf on the east coast of Florida. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is adjacent — spend the morning at the beach and the afternoon with Saturn V rockets and Space Shuttle Atlantis.

Tip: Check the launch schedule. SpaceX and ULA launch from Cape Canaveral regularly, and watching a rocket launch from the beach is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

→ Cocoa Beach Fun Things To Do

Wekiwa Springs & Kelly Park — 30-45 Minutes North

Wekiwa Springs — Crystal-clear swimming hole in a state park setting. Kayak and canoe rentals available for paddling the spring-fed Wekiwa River. Hiking trails through the surrounding forest.

Kelly Park / Rock Springs — Float down a natural lazy river on an inner tube through a subtropical forest canopy. The water is 72°F and looks Caribbean. Arrive early on weekends — the park fills to capacity and closes the gate.

Daytona Beach — 1 Hour East

The World’s Most Famous Beach — and yes, you can still drive on the sand. The Speedway, the Boardwalk, and a completely different vibe from Orlando’s theme park world.

→ Daytona Beach Fun Things To Do

St. Augustine — 1.5 Hours North

The oldest city in America (founded 1565). Cobblestone streets, the Castillo de San Marcos fortress, Flagler College’s stunning architecture, and St. George Street’s shops and restaurants. A full day easily.

Clearwater Beach — 1.5 Hours West

Consistently ranked the #1 beach in the United States. Sugar-white sand, calm Gulf waters, Pier 60 sunset celebrations, and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (Winter the dolphin).

→ Clearwater Fun Things To Do

Bok Tower Gardens — 1 Hour South

A 250-acre garden and bird sanctuary surrounding a 205-foot Art Deco singing tower (carillon) on the highest point in peninsular Florida (a whopping 298 feet above sea level, which in Florida is basically a mountain). The gardens are beautiful, the tower plays music daily, and it’s one of the most peaceful spots in central Florida.

Blue Spring State Park — 45 Minutes North

Manatee viewing (winter) and spring swimming (summer). Hundreds of manatees congregate in the 73°F spring water from November through March. The boardwalk gives elevated views of the spring run. Crystal-clear water for swimming when manatees aren’t present.

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