As much as we love highlighting the best of Orlando and its amazing array of attractions, we also like to underline just how much this part of Central Florida has to offer apart from the obvious line-up of world class theme parks.
And the fact is, there are more than a dozen delightful destinations within easy reach of The City Beautiful for a memorable day out, including both coasts, with some gorgeous beaches and a surprising number of small towns that all have that “only in America’ vibe.
If you’re a regular visitor to the Sunshine State, or if you’ve been once or twice and would like to explore further, these are all great places to explore, or just chill out in, and they are all within a couple of hours’ drive. So, with no further ado, let us introduce you to our Essential Eight of the very best of these day-trip delights:
1. Cocoa Beach
Orlando’s nearest major seaside destination is a mere 60 miles from the heart of the tourist frenzy and well worth the hour’s drive (from the International Drive area), especially if you’re just looking to say you’ve been on the state’s famous white sands. Cocoa Beach is a magnet for day-trippers (especially at weekends) and offers a fun pier, fishing, surfing and beach volleyball set along six miles of unbroken Atlantic coastline. The sea is a bit cooler here than the Gulf Coast, but it’s really easy to navigate and can also be combined with a visit to the Kennedy Space Center.
2. Flagler Beach
While Daytona Beach has all the name recognition and local history you could want, just further to the north (about an hour-and-three-quarter drive) is this time-warp seaside hangout that still feels like it's in the 1950s. It boasts its own six-mile stretch of pristine sands as well as a more laid-back style with its seaside shops, ice cream parlours and dining places. There are several interesting parks to explore, and it’s an ideal place to try your hand at kayaking from one of half a dozen rental operators.
3. St Augustine
When you really want to immerse yourself in Florida history – all the way back to the 16th century – head for this fascinating city to the north of Flagler Beach. Founded by the Spanish conquistadores in 1565 and featuring the stunning fortress of the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest city in the US was also a British territory from 1763-83 and features the unique pedestrian thoroughfare of St George Street, as well as gorgeous 19th century architecture and fab dining. The museums and galleries are also some of Florida’s finest.
4. Ocala
Deep in the heart of Florida (80 miles north of downtown Orlando) is the equestrian centre of the south-east USA, and home to a fabulous state park. Horses have been a part of the Ocala scene since the 1940s, thanks to its excellent grazing and facilities that have attracted elite thoroughbreds and show-jumpers. The magnificent World Equestrian Center is also a major sight to see, while Silver Springs is one of the state’s most historic parks, with its signature glass-bottom boat rides over the crystal clear springs.
5. St Petersburg
While St Pete Beach is the rightly famous section of superb seaside sands immediately on the Gulf of Mexico, the city of St Petersburg is nine miles inland, set on its own picturesque waterway bay, with views across to Tampa Bay. And it’s a city packed with museums, galleries, fine-dining restaurants and other attractions – including several great craft breweries – to keep visitors amused for a full day out. Chief among the museums is The Dali, the world’s largest exhibition of works by Salvador Dali outside Spain, while excellent shopping and dining also come as a pleasant surprise.
6. Clearwater Beach
When you’re ready for arguably the most iconic beach experience on the Gulf, this three-mile section of brilliant beach territory roughly two hours’ drive from Orlando is ideal for couples and families alike, as the seas tend to be calmer and a few degrees warmer than the Atlantic coast. Lively Pier 60 is the epicentre of this seaside splendour, and there are all kinds of watersports and boating opportunities, from jet-skis and power-boats to pirate ship cruises and fishing charters. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium, with its rescue and rehabilitation work, is also a major attraction in its own right.
7. Anna Maria Island
Continue down the Gulf Coast for another 50 miles and you discover this beautiful barrier island hideaway, which has much of the laid-back charm of the Florida Keys, albeit on a smaller scale. Studded with blissful beaches and fanciful shops and cafes, this six-mile outpost boasts all kinds of beach activities and rentals, as well as a free trolley from one end of the island to the other, making it an ideal place to park the car for the day. The iconic Sandbar Restaurant dates back to 1911 and is the perfect option for lunch or dinner with your toes in the sand!
8. Crystal River
Probably our favourite day-out destination in the whole of Central Florida is the wildlife rich corner of the state that includes Manatee Central, otherwise known as Crystal River. The waterways here are truly pristine, and they attract the biggest concentration of manatees anywhere in the world. This is also the only place in America where it is legal to swim and snorkel with them, while the kayaking and fishing are also first class. Manatee “season” (when they appear by the hundreds), is from November to late March, while the summer is the time for scalloping – which also makes for good eating! The rustic Crab Plant is also the locals’ choice for the best seafood.
For tailor-made day-out packages, be sure to check out these ticket packages from AttractionTickets.com for trips to Crystal River and Clearwater Beach.
Have you tried any of our magnificent seven day-trips? Give us your thoughts on the friendly AttractionTickets.com Community Facebook page, on X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram.
