Planning a trip to Orlando? You’re not alone: Orlando received over 75.3 million visitors in 2024 alone! We understand the appeal–with its world class theme parks, sunny weather, and cultural attractions, its no wonder that Orlando is the fourth most visited city in the United States. While there are plenty of reasons to stay in Orlando, we believe there are also plenty of reasons to venture beyond and experience a slice of the real Florida if your time and budget allow. Below we share a few of the awesome day trips from Orlando you can make within an hour to ninety minutes of the City Beautiful.
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1.) IMMERSE YOURSELF IN NATURE AT BLUE SPRING STATE PARK
Located about an hour from Orlando in Orange City, Florida, Blue Spring State Park is the perfect destination for anyone wanting to get away from the busyness of the big city and experience natural Florida. This state park offers a host of activities and opportunities to view wildlife. Here you can take an eco cruise down the St. Johns River, and hike, kayak, or snorkel in refreshing 72-degree water. You can see a variety of wildlife, from water birds such as anhingas and herons to alligators and even manatees! There is plenty to do here to fill a few hours or even a whole day.
2.) ENJOY CARILLON MUSIC WHILE STROLLING BOK TOWER GARDENS
Located in Lake Wales, Florida, Bok Tower Gardens is a national historic landmark that was conceived by philanthropist Edward W. Bok and dedicated by President Calvin Coolidge in 1929. Highlights include daily carillon concerts at the 205-foot singing tower, beautifully landscaped gardens, and touring the historic Pinewood Estate. For families with children, the Hammocks Hallow children’s garden is an extensive, immersive natural play area for the little ones, with everything from water features and a giant spider web to climb to a stage for performances!
3.) EXPLORE CLERMONT: THE GEM OF THE HILLS
Known for its hilly terrain and scenic lakes, Clermont is just a short drive north of Orlando. This charming town offers a quaint historic downtown where you can grab a bit to eat and shop before heading over to stroll along Lake Minneola at Lakefront Park. You can also hike at Lake Louisa State Park, pick fresh fruit at Southern Hill Farms, tour Lakeridge Winery, or ride to the top of the Citrus Tower to take in panoramic views of the beautiful countryside.
4.) DELVE INTO SPACE TRAVEL AT KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
Established in the 1960’s as a launch site for manned space missions, Kennedy Space Center now also includes exhibits, displays, memorabilia, and tours that teach about the history and future of space travel. Here you can walk through the Rocket Garden, stand beneath the colossal Saturn V rocket, and even meet an actual astronaut! When Hadassah was younger, she wanted to be an astronaut, and she was fortunate to meet astronaut Wendy Lawrence on one our visits to Kennedy Space Center.
Other activities you can do here include taking a bus tour to view the launch pads, marveling at the impressive Space Shuttle Atlantis, launching into space on the Shuttle Launch Experience, and touching a moon rock! For younger visitors, the new Planet Play area is an immersive, multi-story indoor play area where kids can walk on Saturn’s rings and climb through a wormhole.
Admission to Kennedy Space Center starts at $77 for a one-day adult ticket. Located on Merritt Island, KSC is only a little over an hour from the theme parks and is the perfect day trip from Orlando if you have time.
5.) ENJOY A RELAXING DAY IN MELBOURNE
Located beside the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean along the Space Coast, Melbourne, Florida offers miles of sandy beaches, shopping and dining in Historic Downtown, and plenty of outdoor activities such as fishing and snorkeling. Here you can hike, fish, or surf at Sebastian Inlet State Park, explore Eau Gallie Arts District, or take a dolphin sightseeing tour.
One of our favorite things to do in Melbourne is visit Brevard Zoo, where you can get up and close with nature through animal encounters, kayak tours, train rides, and educational programs. This zoo is very clean and well-organized and has multiple fun play areas for kids.
If you decide to visit Melbourne, make sure to grab a bite at Hemingway’s Tavern. Inspired by Ernest Hemingway, this restaurant has an extensive menu and a chill atmosphere. We recommend trying the Key West Bowl!
6.) DISCOVER CHARMING MOUNT DORA
Nicknamed the “New England of the South,” Mount Dora is a captivating small town with brick-lined streets, art galleries, and whimsical boutiques. Here you can browse antique shops, try local flavors at a comfy cafe, or head to Lake Dora for fishing, boating, or bird watching. You can also learn about history at the Mount Dora History Museum or view wildlife at Palm Island Park, a nature preserve on the shores of Lake Dora. This delightful town provides a glimpse into Old Florida and is not to be missed!
7.) SAVOR SALTY AIR AND SOFT SAND IN NEW SMYRNA BEACH
New Smyrna Beach is one of our favorite towns along the east coast due to its beautiful beaches, rich history, and diverse outdoor activities. Here you can relax along 17 miles of white sandy shoreline, surf in Ponce Inlet, or take a dolphin tour along the Indian River Lagoon. You can also explore Florida’s natural beauty at Canaveral National Seashore and learn about Florida history at Old Fort Park and Cruger and DePeyster Sugar Mill Plantation Ruins. We have family in New Smyrna Beach, and some of our favorite things to do when visiting are grab a coffee at Island Roasters Coffee Company and then stroll the boardwalk at Smyrna Dunes Park. If you love beaches and natural beauty, definitely include New Smyrna Beach as part of your travel itinerary!
Central Florida is home to some of the best theme parks in the world, but also has plenty of ways to encounter natural Florida and learn about the fascinating history of the Sunshine State. We hope you are able to include one -or more! – of these day trips on your Florida vacation so you can experience the real Florida!
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Sarah
I am the main writer and website designer for Florida Unveiled. I love the parts of Florida visitors don’t often see: the tea-colored water that flows in cypress-laden rivers; the chorus of frogs after a hard rain; the rustle of palmetto as an unseen creature scampers by. Some of my favorite places in Florida are the Everglades, the Keys, Smyrna Dunes Park, Bok Tower Gardens, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, and St. Augustine’s Historic District.
