Florida Day Trips: A Location-by-Location Guide to the Best Nearby Attractions
Get Away for a Day
Need to get away for a day? These popular destinations are perfect — not too far from the major attractions. Better yet, with gas prices going up, often you can make the trip on just one tank of gas!
Although not an exhaustive list, here are a few suggestions for getting away for a day:
If you need more specific ideas for a specific area, try these:
Central Florida I
Bok Sanctuary: Gardens, Belltower and Estate - Lake Wales - The historic Bok Tower is set amid beautiful gardens on Central Florida's highest point in Lake Wales, Florida. The carillon tower is among the finest belltowers in the world and can be heard daily throughout the sanctuary.
Dinosaur World - Plant City - They're b-a-c-k! And, they're life-size! If you've got a kid that digs dinosaurs and you're traveling I-4 to Tampa, then this is a must-stop.
Fantasy of Flight - Lakeland - Not just an aviation museum, it's a hands-on experience with adventure biplane and balloon flights available for an additional charge.
LEGOLAND Florida - Winter Haven - Families with children will especially enjoy this land of bricks and blocks that will certainly take even the oldest member of the family back to their childhood.
Spook Hill - Lake Wales - No admission, but plenty of spooky fun when you realize your car is rolling backwards... uphill. Is it real or just an illusion? Try it.
Central Florida II
Cassadaga - Home of Spiritualists who believe they can communicate with the dearly departed, Cassadaga is historic and unusual, but hardly spooky or scary. It is just minutes from Orlando in Central Florida.
Green Meadows Farm - Kissimmee - Looking for a way to slow down from the hustle and bustle of the area theme parks? Green Meadows Farm offers hands-on participation at this part working farm and part tourist attraction located in Kissimmee near Orlando.
Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards - Mount Dora - You don't have to go all the way to California to visit a winery. Believe it or not, Florida has several. There is one in Central Florida that has grown over the last 15 years to become the largest in the state.
Renninger's Twin Markets - Mount Dora - You'll see why Family Money named Renninger's one of the Top 10 Flea Markets in America. It's twin is an antique market. Both are located, side-by-side, about 20 miles northwest of Orlando on US Hwy. 441.
SeaWorld Orlando - The world's premier marine adventure park with world-class shows, thrilling rides and unforgettable animal encounters.
Discovery Cove - Experience the most exciting animal encounters -- swimming with dolphins, playing with stingrays, and coming eye-to-eye with sharks and barracuda.
Silver Springs - Explore Florida first nature theme park and water wonderland.
Universal Orlando - It's not just an attraction anymore... it's a resort too!
Wet'n Wild Orlando - Orlando's most exciting water park, offers the best variety of multi-passenger rides.
Tiny tots love the elaborate Kids' Park featuring kid-sized versions of the parks most popular adult rides including the Surf Lagoon wave pool.
Disney World
Disney's Animal Kingdom - It's not a zoo! From the moment you step into Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you realize this is not your typical theme park, nor is it your typical zoo.
Disney's Magic Kingdom - The classic theme park experience that puts the "magic" in Disney.
Disney's Hollywood Studios - Experience a world of glitz, glamour and the excitement of show business.
Epcot - It's like two worlds in one!
Future World celebrates technology and the World Showcase, international heritage.
Disney's Blizzard Beach - Where in Florida can you see snow everywhere, but the only ice is in the soft drinks? At Blizzard Beach, of course!
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon - Where can Modern-day Swiss Family Robinsons immerse themselves in a day of adventure in a water playground that looks like it was left behind by a great storm? At Disney's Typhoon Lagoon!
Got a free day but don't know which water park to choose? These tips will help you make that decision.
DisneyQuest - Cutting-edge virtual reality technology and classic Disney imagination await guests when they step inside DisneyQuest, a five-story, indoor interactive theme park.
Disney's Wide World of Sports - Tour one of the world's premier sports destinations for athletes and spectators alike or attend one of the many games and practice sessions held there annually.
Downtown Disney - Unique shopping and dining combined with great entertainment opportunities make this a wonderful place to spend the day.
Special Events - Walt Disney World holds several special events throughout the year — any of them make a nice excuse for a day trip to Disney.
Florida Keys
The Overseas Highway - Take your time on this scenic drive and pull over at the overlooks for an amazing day.
Sunset Celebration - Florida's sunsets are spectacular, and people in Key West think that is reason enough to celebrate!
The Little White House in Key West - Harry S. Truman spent so much of his presidency in this house located in Key West that it was nicknamed The Little White House.
South Florida
Flamingo Gardens - South Florida's number one botanical gardens and wildlife sanctuary.
Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale - Horseracing to shopping to awesome tours and attractions are all great day trip options.
Jungle Island - There's a jungle right in Miami's back yard! It's home to more than 3,000 exotic animals and 500 species of plants and it's a great place to spend an afternoon!
Lion Country Safari Drive yourself wild by experiencing the thrill of a real safari from the comfort of your own air-conditioned car.
Encounter lions, African elephants, chimps, giraffe, and many more "wild things." After you park your car, Safari World will bring out the kid in you with its adventures and more animals.
East Coast
Astronaut Encounter Program - Are you a space fan? Now you can come face-to-face with a real astronaut at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex – you can even dine with an astronaut!
Downtown Fernandina Beach - Downtown Fernandina Beach, a once-vibrant, Victorian seaport village is now postcard perfect with rows of shops that house a treasure trove of antiques and collectibles, as well as an eclectic assortment of boutiques and restaurants.
Daytona Beach - Big beach is big fun for all ages!
Daytona Lagoon - Daytona Lagoon is a new adventure park in Daytona Beach, Florida that provides water play, go karts, laser tag, an arcade and much more!
Fort Clinch State Park - Step back into the 1800s with tour of fort.
Kennedy Space Center - Take an in-depth look at the complex and what's been added to give visitors a unique experience.
St. Augustine - Old World charm, historical monuments, unique attractions, world-class shopping, and beaches just minutes away. Choose any of the many attractions and things to do for a great day away!
World Golf Hall of Fame - Through a combination of both traditional and interactive exhibit areas, the World Golf Hall of Fame educates and entertains while paying homage to the game's greatest players and contributors. If you love golf, and you're near St. Augustine, it's worth the visit!
West Coast I
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay - Tampa's premier attraction features a unique blend of thrilling rides, lush gardens and free-roaming animals.
Caladesi Island State Park - Caladesi Island State Park consistently ranks among America's top beaches.
Cedar Key - Take a stroll down the boardwalk, enjoy fresh seafood or fish from the pier. If laid-back is your style, then this is your kind of place. Located on the West Coast and approximately three hours from Tampa Bay.
Edison-Ford Winter Estates - The Fort Myers winter homes of both Thomas Edison and his neighbor, Henry Ford, are open all year to visitors. Tour the homes and lush tropical gardens, as well as Edison's laboratory and artifact museum. A great way to spend part of a day if you're in the area.
Florida Aquarium - A cool way to sea life!
Gamble Plantation Historic State Park - The antebellum mansion in Ellenton is the oldest building in Manatee County and the only surviving antebellum mansion in South Florida.
Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park - Homosassa Springs is just far enough from the glitzy world of theme parks. It is a different world where you can explore the "real Florida." You'll call this a great discovery!
Honeymoon Island State Park - Barrier island beach destination that has the feeling of isolation with easy access and convenient facilities.
Lowry Park Zoo - Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo is a good value when you buy an annual zoo pass, providing not only a year's worth of unlimited visits, but it is also good for free or discounted admission to over 150 zoos and aquariums nationwide.
Ringling Museums - - Sarasota - Run away to Sarasota and the greatest show on earth – the Ringling Art Museum and Museum of the Circus.
Skyway Fishing Pier State Park - St. Petersburg/Bradenton - Offers some of the best fishing along Florida's West Coast and amazing views of the Skyway Bridge that links St. Petersburg and the Bradenton/Sarasota area.
St. Pete Pier - CLOSED - The landmark Pier in the heart of St.
Petersburg is a unique piece of Florida architecture that offers visitors a chance to experience the waterfront along Tampa Bay and five stories of entertainment, dining and shopping experiences.
Tarpon Springs - Internationally recognized as the "Sponge Capital of the World," visitors can shop, dine, cruise down the Anclote River to the Gulf of Mexico, and go deep-sea fishing.
Ybor City Museum State Park - Tampa - Located in the heart of Tampa's historic Ybor City in the old Ferlita Bakery building. Daily tours include one of the restored "casitas" where cigar workers lived with their families.
Amelia Island Museum of History - Showcases some 4,000 years of Florida history and offers walking tours of Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach.
Amelia River Cruises - Narrated tours of Amelia's scenic waterways.
Historic Fort Clinch - Amelia Island - A visit to Amelia Island isn't complete without a tour of the historic historic Fort Clinch, located within Fort Clinch State Park. During your tour, you may be greeted and admonished by a Union soldier who will educate you on what it was like to be a Union soldier.
He offers a very unique and entertaining glimpse into the past as it was in 1864.
Potter's Wax Museum - St. Augustine
St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum - Climb the 165-foot tower and examine the artifacts in the maritime museum.
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park - White Springs - Situated on the banks of the Suwannee River and paying tribute to the great American composer Stephen Foster (whose song by the same name is Florida's state song) the park's museum honors the man and his songs and the 97-bell carillon plays his music throughout the day.
National Museum of Naval Aviation - Pensacola - Located in Florida's Panhandle, the National Museum of Naval Aviation is one of the largest air and space museums in the world.
Need to get away for a day? These popular destinations are perfect — not too far from the major attractions. Better yet, with gas prices going up, often you can make the trip on just one tank of gas!
Although not an exhaustive list, here are a few suggestions for getting away for a day:
- Visit a museum.Florida's museums and science centers offer interactive displays and a glimpse into art and history of the state... and some are even FREE!
- Visit an aquarium or zoo.Animal parks, aquariums and zoos that provide a glimpse into Florida's sea creatures and wildlife.
- Take a cruise. There are a variety of day cruises that depart from ports throughout the state — casino cruises, dinner cruises and themed cruises.
- Take in a festival. There are special events and festivals going on throughout the year across Florida. Whether you go for the arts and crafts, special entertainment or simply for the great food... these are great get-away-for-a-day fun.
- Spend the day at an attraction. There are so many great attractions in Florida that can be enjoyed in a day.
- Stroll through gardens. Florida is well known for its beautiful foliage and these gardens are well known for great places to visit.
If you need more specific ideas for a specific area, try these:
Central Florida I
Bok Sanctuary: Gardens, Belltower and Estate - Lake Wales - The historic Bok Tower is set amid beautiful gardens on Central Florida's highest point in Lake Wales, Florida. The carillon tower is among the finest belltowers in the world and can be heard daily throughout the sanctuary.
Dinosaur World - Plant City - They're b-a-c-k! And, they're life-size! If you've got a kid that digs dinosaurs and you're traveling I-4 to Tampa, then this is a must-stop.
Fantasy of Flight - Lakeland - Not just an aviation museum, it's a hands-on experience with adventure biplane and balloon flights available for an additional charge.
LEGOLAND Florida - Winter Haven - Families with children will especially enjoy this land of bricks and blocks that will certainly take even the oldest member of the family back to their childhood.
Spook Hill - Lake Wales - No admission, but plenty of spooky fun when you realize your car is rolling backwards... uphill. Is it real or just an illusion? Try it.
Central Florida II
Cassadaga - Home of Spiritualists who believe they can communicate with the dearly departed, Cassadaga is historic and unusual, but hardly spooky or scary. It is just minutes from Orlando in Central Florida.
Green Meadows Farm - Kissimmee - Looking for a way to slow down from the hustle and bustle of the area theme parks? Green Meadows Farm offers hands-on participation at this part working farm and part tourist attraction located in Kissimmee near Orlando.
Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards - Mount Dora - You don't have to go all the way to California to visit a winery. Believe it or not, Florida has several. There is one in Central Florida that has grown over the last 15 years to become the largest in the state.
Renninger's Twin Markets - Mount Dora - You'll see why Family Money named Renninger's one of the Top 10 Flea Markets in America. It's twin is an antique market. Both are located, side-by-side, about 20 miles northwest of Orlando on US Hwy. 441.
SeaWorld Orlando - The world's premier marine adventure park with world-class shows, thrilling rides and unforgettable animal encounters.
Discovery Cove - Experience the most exciting animal encounters -- swimming with dolphins, playing with stingrays, and coming eye-to-eye with sharks and barracuda.
Silver Springs - Explore Florida first nature theme park and water wonderland.
Universal Orlando - It's not just an attraction anymore... it's a resort too!
Wet'n Wild Orlando - Orlando's most exciting water park, offers the best variety of multi-passenger rides.
Tiny tots love the elaborate Kids' Park featuring kid-sized versions of the parks most popular adult rides including the Surf Lagoon wave pool.
Disney World
Disney's Animal Kingdom - It's not a zoo! From the moment you step into Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you realize this is not your typical theme park, nor is it your typical zoo.
Disney's Magic Kingdom - The classic theme park experience that puts the "magic" in Disney.
Disney's Hollywood Studios - Experience a world of glitz, glamour and the excitement of show business.
Epcot - It's like two worlds in one!
Future World celebrates technology and the World Showcase, international heritage.
Disney World Water Parks
Disney's Blizzard Beach - Where in Florida can you see snow everywhere, but the only ice is in the soft drinks? At Blizzard Beach, of course!
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon - Where can Modern-day Swiss Family Robinsons immerse themselves in a day of adventure in a water playground that looks like it was left behind by a great storm? At Disney's Typhoon Lagoon!
Got a free day but don't know which water park to choose? These tips will help you make that decision.
More to See at Disney World
DisneyQuest - Cutting-edge virtual reality technology and classic Disney imagination await guests when they step inside DisneyQuest, a five-story, indoor interactive theme park.
Disney's Wide World of Sports - Tour one of the world's premier sports destinations for athletes and spectators alike or attend one of the many games and practice sessions held there annually.
Downtown Disney - Unique shopping and dining combined with great entertainment opportunities make this a wonderful place to spend the day.
Special Events - Walt Disney World holds several special events throughout the year — any of them make a nice excuse for a day trip to Disney.
Florida Keys
The Overseas Highway - Take your time on this scenic drive and pull over at the overlooks for an amazing day.
Sunset Celebration - Florida's sunsets are spectacular, and people in Key West think that is reason enough to celebrate!
The Little White House in Key West - Harry S. Truman spent so much of his presidency in this house located in Key West that it was nicknamed The Little White House.
South Florida
Flamingo Gardens - South Florida's number one botanical gardens and wildlife sanctuary.
Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale - Horseracing to shopping to awesome tours and attractions are all great day trip options.
Jungle Island - There's a jungle right in Miami's back yard! It's home to more than 3,000 exotic animals and 500 species of plants and it's a great place to spend an afternoon!
Lion Country Safari Drive yourself wild by experiencing the thrill of a real safari from the comfort of your own air-conditioned car.
Encounter lions, African elephants, chimps, giraffe, and many more "wild things." After you park your car, Safari World will bring out the kid in you with its adventures and more animals.
East Coast
Astronaut Encounter Program - Are you a space fan? Now you can come face-to-face with a real astronaut at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex – you can even dine with an astronaut!
Downtown Fernandina Beach - Downtown Fernandina Beach, a once-vibrant, Victorian seaport village is now postcard perfect with rows of shops that house a treasure trove of antiques and collectibles, as well as an eclectic assortment of boutiques and restaurants.
Daytona Beach - Big beach is big fun for all ages!
Daytona Lagoon - Daytona Lagoon is a new adventure park in Daytona Beach, Florida that provides water play, go karts, laser tag, an arcade and much more!
Fort Clinch State Park - Step back into the 1800s with tour of fort.
Kennedy Space Center - Take an in-depth look at the complex and what's been added to give visitors a unique experience.
St. Augustine - Old World charm, historical monuments, unique attractions, world-class shopping, and beaches just minutes away. Choose any of the many attractions and things to do for a great day away!
World Golf Hall of Fame - Through a combination of both traditional and interactive exhibit areas, the World Golf Hall of Fame educates and entertains while paying homage to the game's greatest players and contributors. If you love golf, and you're near St. Augustine, it's worth the visit!
West Coast I
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay - Tampa's premier attraction features a unique blend of thrilling rides, lush gardens and free-roaming animals.
Caladesi Island State Park - Caladesi Island State Park consistently ranks among America's top beaches.
Cedar Key - Take a stroll down the boardwalk, enjoy fresh seafood or fish from the pier. If laid-back is your style, then this is your kind of place. Located on the West Coast and approximately three hours from Tampa Bay.
Edison-Ford Winter Estates - The Fort Myers winter homes of both Thomas Edison and his neighbor, Henry Ford, are open all year to visitors. Tour the homes and lush tropical gardens, as well as Edison's laboratory and artifact museum. A great way to spend part of a day if you're in the area.
Florida Aquarium - A cool way to sea life!
Gamble Plantation Historic State Park - The antebellum mansion in Ellenton is the oldest building in Manatee County and the only surviving antebellum mansion in South Florida.
Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park - Homosassa Springs is just far enough from the glitzy world of theme parks. It is a different world where you can explore the "real Florida." You'll call this a great discovery!
Honeymoon Island State Park - Barrier island beach destination that has the feeling of isolation with easy access and convenient facilities.
Lowry Park Zoo - Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo is a good value when you buy an annual zoo pass, providing not only a year's worth of unlimited visits, but it is also good for free or discounted admission to over 150 zoos and aquariums nationwide.
Ringling Museums - - Sarasota - Run away to Sarasota and the greatest show on earth – the Ringling Art Museum and Museum of the Circus.
Skyway Fishing Pier State Park - St. Petersburg/Bradenton - Offers some of the best fishing along Florida's West Coast and amazing views of the Skyway Bridge that links St. Petersburg and the Bradenton/Sarasota area.
St. Pete Pier - CLOSED - The landmark Pier in the heart of St.
Petersburg is a unique piece of Florida architecture that offers visitors a chance to experience the waterfront along Tampa Bay and five stories of entertainment, dining and shopping experiences.
Tarpon Springs - Internationally recognized as the "Sponge Capital of the World," visitors can shop, dine, cruise down the Anclote River to the Gulf of Mexico, and go deep-sea fishing.
Ybor City Museum State Park - Tampa - Located in the heart of Tampa's historic Ybor City in the old Ferlita Bakery building. Daily tours include one of the restored "casitas" where cigar workers lived with their families.
North Florida
Amelia Island Museum of History - Showcases some 4,000 years of Florida history and offers walking tours of Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach.
Amelia River Cruises - Narrated tours of Amelia's scenic waterways.
Historic Fort Clinch - Amelia Island - A visit to Amelia Island isn't complete without a tour of the historic historic Fort Clinch, located within Fort Clinch State Park. During your tour, you may be greeted and admonished by a Union soldier who will educate you on what it was like to be a Union soldier.
He offers a very unique and entertaining glimpse into the past as it was in 1864.
Potter's Wax Museum - St. Augustine
St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum - Climb the 165-foot tower and examine the artifacts in the maritime museum.
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park - White Springs - Situated on the banks of the Suwannee River and paying tribute to the great American composer Stephen Foster (whose song by the same name is Florida's state song) the park's museum honors the man and his songs and the 97-bell carillon plays his music throughout the day.
Panhandle
National Museum of Naval Aviation - Pensacola - Located in Florida's Panhandle, the National Museum of Naval Aviation is one of the largest air and space museums in the world.
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