Planning a vacation in Orlando but craving a little adventure outside the theme parks? Same! Whenever I’m in the city, I love sneaking in a quick getaway, and Orlando is actually one of the best launchpads for easy, exciting one-day escapes. From historic towns to sunny beaches and even outer space experiences, these day trips from Orlando are fun, stress-free, and totally worth the drive.
In this guide, I’ll take you through my favorite best day trips from Orlando, with easy tips, must-visit attractions, and Klook links so you can book everything in one go. Ready to explore more of Florida without packing an overnight bag? Let’s hit the road!
1. St. Augustine: One of America’s oldest city ⛫
Evening stroll along historic St. George Street in St. Augustine
If you love charming cobblestone streets, centuries-old forts, and coastal views, a St. Augustine day trip from Orlando is an absolute must. Just a couple of hours away, this historic city feels worlds apart from the modern buzz of Orlando. I always recommend this trip to anyone who wants a slow, scenic escape filled with culture, architecture, and amazing food.
One of the best ways to explore is by joining the St. Augustine Day Tour with roundtrip transportation via Klook—super convenient and packed with great stops like the Lightner Museum!
You’ll wander through Spanish-inspired streets, snap photos by the bay, and explore some of the oldest landmarks in the country. It’s relaxing, educational, and perfect for travelers who enjoy a mix of history and seaside charm.
Must-Visit in St. Augustine
- Castillo de San Marcos: A 17th-century stone fortress with incredible coastal views.
- St. George Street: A pedestrian street lined with cafés, museums, and unique shops.
2. Clearwater Beach: White sand and clear waters 🌊
Clearwater Beach with a pirate ship sailing along the Gulf Coast
If your ideal day trip involves clear blue water, powdery white sand, and a calm, relaxing vibe, head to Clearwater Beach. It’s often ranked among America’s best beaches, and once you step onto its soft shoreline, you’ll understand why.
If you’re searching for day trips from Orlando that give you instant vacation vibes, this is the one.
Must-Visit in Clearwater
- Pier 60: The ultimate sunset spot with street performers and shops.
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium: Famous for dolphin rescues and marine life exhibits.
3. Kennedy Space Center 🚀
Families exploring interactive exhibits at Kennedy Space Center
A visit to the Kennedy Space Center is hands-down one of the best day trips from Orlando, especially for space lovers and curious kids. It’s only an hour away, but the experience sends you straight into astronaut territory.
You get to see rocket exhibits, step inside the Atlantis shuttle, and even meet real astronauts. If you time it right, you might even witness a rocket launch—an unforgettable moment.
Must-Visit at Kennedy Space Center
- Shuttle Launch Experience: A thrilling simulation of an actual rocket launch.
- Rocket Garden: Walk among real NASA rockets from past missions.
4. Crystal River: Swim with manatees 🏞️
For a nature-packed escape, Crystal River is one of Florida’s most magical spots. Here, you can see gentle manatees in their natural habitat—an unforgettable chance to see these endangered creatures up close while learning how to protect them.
It’s peaceful, scenic, and perfect for travelers who want a different kind of outdoor adventure. Plus, the springs are crystal-clear year-round, making it one of the most refreshing day trips from Orlando.
Must-Visit in Crystal River
- Three Sisters Springs: A stunning, transparent spring where manatees often gather.
- Hunter Springs Park: Great for paddling or picnicking by the water.
5. Tampa Bay: City fun and coastal charm 🌇
Tampa offers a little bit of everything: waterfront parks, cultural neighborhoods, theme parks, and some of the freshest seafood around. It’s only about 1.5 hours from Orlando, making it an easy day trip with tons of flexibility.
When I go, I love hopping between museums, strolling the Riverwalk, and topping it all off with dinner by the bay. Tampa is vibrant but not overwhelming—perfect for travelers who want a fun, urban day out.
Must-Visit in Tampa
- Tampa Riverwalk: Scenic pathways lined with shops, bars, and beautiful views.
- Ybor City: A historic Cuban district known for delicious food and lively culture.
6. Cocoa Beach: Surf, chill, repeat 🏄
Sunny day at Cocoa Beach with rows of yellow umbrellas by the shore | Photo from Benoît Prieur on Wikimedia
If you want a beach day that's closer to Orlando, Cocoa Beach is your best bet. It’s relaxed, sunny, and known for great surfing conditions—whether you're a pro or a total beginner.
This is also where you’ll find the iconic Ron Jon Surf Shop and a long, breezy pier perfect for food trips and fishing. It’s a convenient and budget-friendly pick for travelers who want a full beach day without the long drive.
Must-Visit in Cocoa Beach
- Cocoa Beach Pier: Restaurants, ocean views, and fishing spots.
- Lori Wilson Park: A quiet beach area with free parking and nature trails.
7. Mount Dora: Small town with big charm
For a quaint and artsy day trip, Mount Dora is a gem. This lakeside town is full of antique shops, cozy cafés, and scenic waterfront spots. The moment I arrive, I instantly feel calmer—it’s the perfect escape from Orlando’s fast pace.
If you’re looking for the best day trips from Orlando that are low-key and relaxing, Mount Dora is a perfect pick.
Must-Visit in Mount Dora
- Mount Dora Lighthouse: A cute photo spot by the water.
- Donnelly Street: Filled with charming boutiques and local eateries.
FAQs about Day Trips from Orlando
What are the best day trips from Orlando?
Some of the best day trips from Orlando include St. Augustine, Clearwater Beach, Kennedy Space Center, Crystal River, Tampa, and Mount Dora. These destinations offer a mix of beaches, history, nature, and family-friendly attractions. Whether you want to relax or explore, there’s something for every traveler.
Is Kennedy Space Center worth a day trip from Orlando?
Yes—100%! Kennedy Space Center is one of the most unique and inspiring attractions near Orlando. You’ll learn about NASA missions, see real spacecraft, and enjoy hands-on exhibits. It’s perfect for both adults and kids.
Can you visit a beach on a day trip from Orlando?
Absolutely. Cocoa Beach and Clearwater Beach are two popular choices, each offering beautiful views and plenty of activities. You can swim, sunbathe, or relax along the coast—all within a short drive.
What nature day trips can you take from Orlando?
Crystal River, Rock Springs, and various natural parks around Central Florida make great nature-focused trips. These spots let you kayak, swim in springs, go wildlife watching, or simply enjoy peaceful landscapes.
Do you need a car for day trips from Orlando?
Not always. Many guided tours—including St. Augustine and Clearwater Beach—offer roundtrip transportation from Orlando. If you prefer flexibility, renting a car is also a good option.
Orlando might be famous for theme parks, but the real magic also lies beyond the city limits. With beaches, historic towns, wildlife encounters, and incredible space adventures just a short ride away, your trip becomes even more exciting the moment you step outside the city.
Ready to explore? Book your favorite day trip on Klook, pack your essentials, and make your Orlando getaway unforgettable—one adventure at a time.
What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
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