Some of the best Florida day trips are within a few hour’s drive of Orlando. If you’re looking to get away for a quick vacation, consider this list of beaches and cities in Central Florida.
So many people love Orlando! Having lived in this area my entire life, I agree. For those of us who live here (or looking to move here), it’s good to know that there are beaches nearby. In fact, you can drive to many beaches within 3 hours!
There are times though when we may need a mini-escape from one of the hottest destinations in the country. These Orlando day trips are the perfect solution.
If you’re looking for more Florida travel bucket list ideas, check out our favorite travel guides: Best Airbnbs in Florida, Romantic Getaways in Florida for Couples, Best Places to Hangout in Orlando, Fun Things to Do in St. Petersburg, and Best Beaches in Siesta Key, Florida. Discover more Florida Travel Destinations here!
Best Beaches and Day Trips in Central Florida
Let’s start with the beaches, of course! Here are a few of my favorites.
1) Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach is world-famous for being the birthplace of NASCAR racing and the Daytona 500. The beach itself is 23 miles long so there is plenty of fun things to do along Daytona Beach. You may have to plan multiple day trips!
There are certainly a variety of things to do whether you’re interested in sports, history, arcades, or relaxing on the beach.
Things to Do
- Daytona International Speedway (check their website for events!)
- Museum of Arts and Sciences
- Equestrian Adventures in Florida (the drive is 45 minutes north of Daytona Beach)
- Jackie Robinson Ballpark
- Sunglow Fishing Pier
- GameTime Daytona
Where to Eat
- Caribbean Jack’s
- Baystreet Seafood
- Daytona Taproom
- Tia Cori’s Tacos
- Daytona Diner
- Corleone’s Famous New York Pizza & Gyros
2) New Smyrna Beach
Only an hour drive from Orlando! New Smyrna Beach has 17 miles of white sandy beaches. It truly is a great escape! You will find fishing, surfing, and swimming and if you come between May through November.
You can witness the baby sea turtles hatch at Canaveral National Seashore. That’s about 30 minutes from New Smyrna.
Also, bring your 4-legged friend because there is a dog beach located at Smyrna Dunes Park!
Things to Do
- Turtle Mound National Historic Site
- New Smyrna Museum of History
- Canal Street Historic District
- Flagler Avenue Park
- Disappearing Island (yes, this is a real island that quite literally disppears depending on the tides!)
Where to Eat
- The Garlic
- Wake Up Cafe
- Uncle Chicken’s
- Third Wave Cafe
- The Taco Shack
- Blackbeard’s Inn
- The Breakers Ocean Front Restaurant & Bar
3) Clearwater Beach
Named the #1 beach in 2018 by Trip Advisor! Clearwater Beach is about a 2.5-hour drive from Orlando and is located on the Gulf of Mexico. The sand is white and like satin.
If you need more than the beach then visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. You can book a day trip!
Things to Do
- Pier 60
- Beach Walk
- Sand Key Park
- Clearwater Ferry
- Aspirations Winery
Where to Eat
- Poke Havana
- Wildflower Cafe
- Rumba Island Bar & Grill
- Cristino’s Coal Oven Pizza
- Big Storm Brewing Company
- The Salty Crab Bar & Grill North Beach
- Pearly’s Beach Eats (this is a quick bite that the locals rave about!)
4) Cocoa Beach
Known as the quintessential beach town and after you visit, you’ll know why. It is a short hour’s drive away from Orlando on the Space Coast.
Get creative with a photo shoot in Downtown Cocoa Beach and check out their hand painted murals by artists from around the world.
Sun yourself on the beach and just relax or visit some of the area attractions such as the Kennedy Space Center or one of the museums.
Or if the beach is not your thing head over to River Front Park and experience a playground area, amphitheater facing the Indian River, Fishing pier, and boat launching just to name a few.
Things to Do
- Rikki Tiki Tavern
- Lori Wilson Park
- Cocoa Beach Skate Park
- Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier
Where to Eat
- Florida’s Fresh Grill
- Coconuts on the Beach
- Fat Kahuna’s Beach Side Grille
- Simply Delicious Cafe & Bakery
5) Jensen Beach
Located between Fort Pierce and West Palm Beach. Jensen Beach was known as the “Pineapple Capital of the World” and still holds an annual pineapple festival. You can enjoy shopping at their renowned retail shopping center and try their seafood fine dining options.
This beach also attracts several species of endangered sea turtles during nesting seasons!
If history is your thing then you might like to take one of these day trips.
Things to Do
- Indian Riverside Park
- The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast
Where to Eat
- Jan’s Place
- Crawdaddy’s
- Drift Kitchen and Bar
- Brock’s Surfside Grill & Pizzeria
- New England Fish Market & Restaurant
6) St. Augustine Beach
Located on the northeast coast of Florida, St. Augustine is less than a 2-hour drive from Orlando. St. Augustine is known as being the oldest city in the U.S. and is also recognized for its Spanish colonial architecture.
I really love the rich history, restaurants and of course, the shopping! Get ready to learn and explore throughout the cobblestone streets.
This is by far one of my favorite day trips that I did with my son at his old elementary school. Here are a few of our old pictures of the area.
Here are a few things you do not want to miss while you’re in town.
Things to Do
- St. George Street (so much sightseeing to do here!)
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
- Lightner Museum and Alcazar Hotel
- Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
- St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
- St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, Inc.
- Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
Where to Eat
Also, consider checking out the Kennedy Space Centre because it’s located less than an hour away from Orlando. I include this with the historic theme because you can learn about the history of space travel, starting with Neil Armstrong’s first step on the moon! It’s fun for all ages.
7) St. Petersburg
Known as “The Sunshine City”, Saint Petersburg is located between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay.
Related: The Best Things to Do in St. Petersburg
If you’re planning a trip to Saint Petersburg, here are a few fun things to consider!
Things to Do
Where to Eat
- Parkshore Grill
- Noble Crust
- Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro
- 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House
- Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille
Are there any Florida day trips you plan on taking this year? Hope you enjoy it! What are some of your favorite beaches? Let me know in the comments!
Moving to Orlando?
Check out these articles!