Orlando Day Trips at a Glance
You’ve conquered the castles, ridden the coasters, and met the mouse. Now what? While Orlando’s theme parks are world-famous, a treasure trove of incredible experiences lies just a short drive away. If you’re wondering what to do in Orlando besides Disney, you’ve come to the right place. This guide is your key to unlocking unforgettable adventures in space, history, nature, and on sun-drenched beaches.
For those who want the highlights fast, here’s a quick look at the best day trips from Orlando.
| Destination | Drive Time from Orlando | Best For… | Average Cost (per person) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kennedy Space Center | ~1 hour | Space & Science Fans, Families | $$$ |
| St. Augustine | ~1.75 – 2 hours | History Buffs & Romantics | $$ |
| Clearwater Beach | ~1.5 – 2 hours | Beach Lovers & Sun Seekers | $$ |
| Winter Park | ~20 – 30 minutes | Art, Food & Culture | $-$$ |
| Blue Spring State Park | ~45 minutes | Nature & Wildlife Lovers | $ |
How to Get There: Transportation for Your Orlando Day Trip
Navigating Central Florida is straightforward, but having the right transportation is key to a stress-free day. Here’s how to get around.
Driving & Rental Cars
A car is, without a doubt, the most flexible and convenient option for exploring beyond Orlando. Major highways like I-4 (running east-west) and I-95 (north-south) will be your main arteries. For trips to the east coast, like Kennedy Space Center, you’ll likely use the FL-528 (Beachline Expressway), which has tolls.
- Insider Tip: We highly recommend getting a SunPass or E-ZPass transponder with your rental car. It allows you to use the express lanes and saves you the hassle of stopping with cash at toll booths.
Rideshare & Shuttles
For destinations very close to the city, like Winter Park, using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft can be a great choice. However, for longer day trips from Orlando to the coast, the cost can become very expensive. It’s often more economical to rent a car for the day.
Guided Tours
If you prefer to sit back, relax, and let someone else handle all the logistics, a guided bus tour is a fantastic, hassle-free option. These are especially popular for the Kennedy Space Center and St. Augustine, often including tickets, transportation, and a knowledgeable guide. They’re perfect for visitors who don’t want to drive.
Top 5 Day Trip Destinations from Orlando
Ready for adventure? Here are our top picks for the most memorable day trips, each offering a unique slice of Florida life.
1. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: A Trip to the Stars
Just an hour’s drive east, you can trade fantasy worlds for the final frontier. The Kennedy Space Center is not a theme park; it’s an active spaceport and a living museum dedicated to humanity’s incredible journey into space. Walk beneath the actual rockets that carried astronauts to the moon and feel the rumble of a simulated shuttle launch.
Top Things to Do at Kennedy Space Center:
- Witness Space Shuttle Atlantis: The moment the doors open to reveal the majestic Atlantis orbiter is genuinely breathtaking. This exhibit tells the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and includes the thrilling Shuttle Launch Experience.
- Tour the Apollo/Saturn V Center: Included with your admission, a bus tour takes you to this massive facility. Here, you’ll stand in awe beneath a real, 363-foot-long Saturn V moon rocket – one of only three in existence.
- Wander the Rocket Garden: Pose for photos among the towering giants of NASA’s early Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs. It’s a stunning, real-life display of space history.
- Explore Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex: Get a glimpse into the future of space exploration with exhibits on NASA’s Artemis program and commercial partners like SpaceX.
2. St. Augustine: America’s Oldest City
Prepare to be transported back in time. Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the nation’s oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement. A St. Augustine day trip offers a rich tapestry of Spanish colonial architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and centuries of history waiting to be discovered.
Top Things to Do in St. Augustine:
- Explore the Historic District: The heart of the city is St. George Street, a pedestrian-only thoroughfare lined with unique shops, historic inns, art galleries, and charming courtyards. Just wander and get lost in its beauty.
- Visit the Castillo de San Marcos: This imposing 17th-century fortress is a National Monument. Made of a unique stone called coquina, its walls have withstood centuries of attacks. Walk the ramparts for stunning views of the Matanzas Bay. Entry is around $15 for adults.
- Climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum: For the best view in town, climb the 219 steps to the top of this iconic black-and-white striped lighthouse. The panoramic vistas of the city and the Atlantic are worth every step! Tickets are about $15 per adult.
3. Winter Park: Culture and Charm Close to Home
Looking for something just 30 minutes close to Orlando? Winter Park is your answer. This sophisticated and beautiful city was founded as a winter resort for wealthy northerners and retains its elegant charm. It’s a perfect escape for a relaxing day of art, fine dining, and boutique shopping.
Top Things to Do in Winter Park:
- Take the Scenic Boat Tour: This is an absolute must-do! This hour-long, narrated tour takes you through Winter Park’s stunning chain of lakes, connected by narrow, lush Venetian-style canals. You’ll see beautiful waterfront mansions and learn about the area’s history for just $16 per adult.
- Stroll Down Park Avenue: This is the city’s main street, a beautiful, tree-lined avenue filled with high-end boutiques, art galleries, and fantastic restaurants with outdoor cafes. It’s perfect for a leisurely walk and window shopping.
- Visit The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art: Discover a hidden gem that holds the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, including his famous stained-glass lamps and the breathtaking chapel interior from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.
4. Clearwater Beach: Award-Winning White Sands
If your idea of a perfect day involves sugar-white sand and clear, calm turquoise water, then head west to Clearwater Beach. Consistently voted one of the best beaches in the U.S., its location on the Gulf of Mexico means warmer, gentler waters than the Atlantic side, making it ideal for families. The drive is about 1.5 to 2 hours, but the coastal paradise is well worth it.
Top Things to Do in Clearwater Beach:
- Relax on the Beach: It sounds simple, but this is why you came! Find a spot, lay down your towel, and soak up the Florida sun. The sand is as soft as powdered sugar.
- Walk Pier 60: This iconic fishing pier is the hub of beach activity. By day, it’s great for fishing or getting a panoramic view. By night, it hosts the “Sunsets at Pier 60” festival with street performers and artisans.
- Take a Dolphin-Watching Tour: The calm waters of the Gulf are home to pods of bottlenose dolphins. Several boat tours leave from the marina, offering a high chance of spotting these playful creatures in their natural habitat.
5. Blue Spring State Park: A Natural Florida Wonderland
For a dose of authentic Florida nature, Blue Spring State Park is an easy 45-minute drive north of Orlando. This designated Manatee Refuge is a spectacular place to witness Florida’s beloved “sea cows” during the cooler months and a refreshing swimming hole in the summer.
Top Things to Do at Blue Spring State Park:
- See the Manatees (Winter): From November to March, hundreds of manatees flock to the 72-degree spring water for warmth. Walk the boardwalks along the spring run to see these gentle giants resting in the crystal-clear water.
- Swim, Snorkel, or Tube (Summer): When the manatees have returned to the river for the summer, the spring becomes a perfect natural swimming pool. Rent a tube and float down the beautiful, clear spring run.
- Hike or Kayak: Explore the park’s pine flatwoods on hiking trails or rent a canoe or kayak to paddle the St. Johns River.
Planning Your Visit: A Sample Itinerary & Budget
To help you visualize your adventure, we’ve created a sample plan. Feeling overwhelmed can stop a great trip before it starts, so use this as a template for a perfect day out.
Sample Day Trip Itinerary: A Perfect Day at Kennedy Space Center
| Time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Depart Orlando | Grab coffee and snacks for the road! The drive is about 50-60 minutes. |
| 9:00 AM | Arrive & Head to Bus Tour | Go straight to the KSC Bus Tour for the Apollo/Saturn V Center to beat the midday rush. |
| 11:30 AM | Lunch at Moon Rock Cafe | Enjoy a meal right under the massive Saturn V rocket. |
| 1:00 PM | Space Shuttle Atlantis | Explore the Atlantis exhibit and try the Shuttle Launch Experience simulator. |
| 3:00 PM | Walk the Rocket Garden | A great time for photos as the afternoon sun lights up the historic rockets. |
| 4:30 PM | Catch an IMAX Film | Rest your feet and watch a stunning space documentary on a giant screen. |
| 6:00 PM | Depart KSC | Head back to Orlando, filled with inspiration. |
Sample Budget Breakdown (Day Trip for 2 Adults to KSC)
Here’s a look at the potential costs to help you budget for one of the most popular theme park day trips from Orlando (that isn’t a theme park!).
| Item | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gas | $20 | Based on an average car for a ~120-mile round trip. |
| Tolls | $10 | Round trip on the FL-528 (Beachline Expressway). |
| Parking | $15 | Standard car parking fee at the Visitor Complex. |
| Tickets (2 Adults) | $150 | Based on 2025 adult 1-day tickets at ~$75 each. Book online! |
| Lunch | $40 | Average cost for two entrees and drinks at an in-park cafe. |
| Souvenirs/Snacks | $25 | Optional, but who can resist space ice cream? |
| Estimated Total: | ~$260 | A full day of amazing experiences for two people. |
Where to Eat on Your Day Trip
From casual beachside grills to upscale dining, each destination has fantastic food options.
- Kennedy Space Center Area: Your best bet is the in-park dining like the Orbit Cafe. For more options, nearby Titusville and Cocoa Beach offer a variety of local seafood restaurants.
- St. Augustine: For a historic and upscale experience, try the Columbia Restaurant ($$$) for Spanish/Cuban cuisine. The Floridian ($$) offers creative Southern fare, and Pizza Time ($) on St. George Street is often voted one of the best pizzerias in the country.
- Winter Park: Indulge at The Ravenous Pig ($$$), a renowned gastropub, or enjoy modern Italian at Prato ($$$). For a quick, delicious, and budget-friendly bite, don’t miss the Black Bean Deli ($).
- Clearwater Beach: It’s all about casual seafood with a view. Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill ($$) is a local institution right on the sand, perfect for a grouper sandwich and a sunset.
Insider Tips for a Perfect Orlando Day Trip
- Book Tickets Online: For major attractions like Kennedy Space Center, always book your tickets online in advance. You’ll save time at the gate and occasionally save money.
- Check for Launches: If visiting KSC, check the launch schedule on their website. Witnessing a rocket launch is a bucket-list experience, but be prepared for massive crowds and traffic on launch days.
- Arrive Early: This is the golden rule of travel. Arriving at the beach before 10 AM gets you a better parking spot. Arriving at KSC at opening lets you experience top attractions with shorter lines.
- Pack Smart: Bringing a refillable water bottle and some snacks will save you money and keep you hydrated and happy, especially on hot Florida days.
- Use a SunPass: Seriously, it makes driving on toll roads so much faster and less stressful. Just breeze right through!
What to Pack Checklist
- ✅ Sunscreen & Sunglasses
- ✅ Comfortable Walking Shoes
- ✅ Refillable Water Bottle
- ✅ Portable Phone Charger / Power Bank
- ✅ Light Jacket or Rain Poncho (for those afternoon showers!)
- ✅ Hat or Visor
- ✅ Toll money or transponder
- ✅ Swimsuit and Towel (for beach/spring trips)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there anything to do in Orlando besides Disney?
Absolutely! As this guide shows, you’re just a short drive from a world-class space center, America’s oldest city, award-winning beaches, and charming historic towns. Central Florida offers an incredible variety of experiences for every type of traveler.
What cities are within 2 hours of Orlando?
There are many great cities within 2 hours of Orlando, including Tampa, St. Augustine, Daytona Beach, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Gainesville. Each offers its own unique culture, attractions, and activities.
Where to go in Florida that’s not Disney?
Beyond the destinations in this post, you could explore the natural beauty of the Everglades National Park, the laid-back vibe of the Florida Keys, the motorsports history of Daytona Beach, or the Greek culture of Tarpon Springs. Florida is a massive state with endless possibilities!
What is 30 minutes close to Orlando, Florida?
Winter Park is the premier destination just 30 minutes from downtown Orlando, known for its culture, dining, and beautiful lakes. Other nearby towns include the master-planned community of Celebration and the historic city of Winter Garden with its popular West Orange Trail.
Can you do a theme park day trip from Orlando?
Yes! One of the most popular theme park day trips from Orlando is to Busch Gardens in Tampa. It’s about a 75-minute drive and offers a fantastic combination of world-class roller coasters and a sprawling animal park, making it a unique alternative to the Orlando parks.
TL;DR: Your Quick Guide to Orlando Day Trips
Don’t have time to read it all? Here’s the scoop: A car is your best friend. For a short trip, hit the charm of Winter Park (30 mins). For a full day of “wow,” blast off at Kennedy Space Center (1 hr). Go back in time in historic St. Augustine (2 hrs), or relax on the perfect sands of Clearwater Beach (1.5-2 hrs). Always book major tickets online, arrive early, and pack sunscreen!
