There are such a lot of unimaginable issues to do within the Sunshine State, and one of the simplest ways to benefit from your time right here is by including just a few Florida day journeys to your trip!
There’s no denying that Orlando, Tampa, and Miami are a number of the state’s hottest vacationer locations. However since I’ve lived in Florida for many of my life, I do know that a number of the greatest locations lie off the crushed path. In right this moment’s article, I’m sharing my prime Florida day journeys with you, organized by main metropolis, so you possibly can plan your most enjoyable trip but.
Only a fast word earlier than we start! A few of these day journeys do require gaining access to a automobile, however no worries when you received’t – I’ve included others that provide ticket packages with roundtrip transportation.
Now, we’ve bought an journey to plan!
Day Journeys from Orlando
Orlando’s location makes it an excellent start line for a number of the easiest Florida day journeys. If you’re prepared for a break from the Walt Disney World crowds, escape to considered one of these close by beloved locales!
1. Uncover Florida’s pure magnificence at Blue Spring State Park
Visiting Blue Spring State Park throughout manatee season is an unforgettable expertise, however it doesn’t matter what time of yr you go, you’re in for a deal with! It’s solely round a 45-minute drive from Orlando, however it seems like being whisked off into one other world.
From mid-November to March, the park serves as the winter dwelling of native West Indian manatees. A whole bunch of those mild sea cows collect within the spring run (the water is 72°F/22°C all yr lengthy) to heat up from the chilly temps in St. Johns River.
I’ll always remember the explosive pleasure I felt the primary time I noticed all of them right here! I’m not afraid to confess I cried many completely happy tears and bought just a few involved seems from strangers round me.
There’s a massive plus to visiting Blue Spring State Park when the manatees aren’t there, although! For his or her safety, all actions within the spring and the spring run are prohibited whereas the manatees are visiting – it’s their winter dwelling, in spite of everything. Within the low season, you possibly can get pleasure from all of the spring has to supply, from swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and paddling.
2. Blast off to Kennedy Area Heart
For an out-of-this-world expertise, look no additional than the Kennedy Area Heart Customer Advanced. It’s thought-about one of many greatest issues to do close to Orlando with youngsters, however guests of all ages might be blown away by this distinctive attraction which you could’t discover wherever else.
At lower than a 1-hour drive from Orlando, you possibly can discover the historical past and way forward for area exploration proper right here on Earth on the Kennedy Area Heart Customer Advanced, full of interactive, immersive, and exhilarating reveals. Meet an actual astronaut, take a spin on the Shuttle Launch Expertise simulator, and stroll proper beneath the enduring moon rocket, Saturn V!
For a stress-free day journey, go for this Kennedy Area Heart day journey with a transport ticket bundle. It contains admission to Kennedy Area Heart, in addition to transportation to/from Orlando, Kissimmee, and the Disney World space, so that you received’t want to fret about renting a automobile.
PRICE: From US$156 per particular person, together with transportation and entry ticket
3. Store and dine in scenic Winter Park
Subsequent up on our record is definitely solely 10 minutes from the place I reside in Orlando, though technically thought-about its personal metropolis.
Winter Park is an enthralling and picturesque Central Florida city identified for its upscale buying, eating, and leisure, an idyllic chain of lakes, and comfy streets lined with stately timber dripping with Spanish moss.
It’s as enchanting because it sounds, and it’s solely 23 miles (37 km) from Orlando’s main theme parks! You possibly can simply spend a complete day right here shopping the boutiques and high-end shops on Park Avenue, having fun with a meal at considered one of Winter Park’s celebrated eating places (I like to recommend Briarpatch for brunch!), and performing some sightseeing on the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour, which is liked by locals and vacationers alike.
FUN FACT: The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Artwork in Winter Park is dwelling to the world’s most complete assortment of works by Louis Consolation Tiffany. Sure, that Tiffany!
4. Have enjoyable within the solar in Cocoa Seaside
Cocoa Seaside is the closest seashore to Orlando, located simply 60 miles (C. 100 km) east on Florida’s Area Coast. So when you’re on the lookout for some solar, surf, and sand, Cocoa Seaside is the day journey for you!
After all, the perfect factor to do in Cocoa Seaside is to discover a spot on the shore and spend the day absorbing the sunshine and refreshing sea breeze. It has lifeguards on obligation all yr lengthy, and the varied seashore entry factors have all of the facilities you want, like restrooms, showers, and picnic tables.
For some family-friendly enjoyable, head to the historic Cocoa Seaside Pier. Stretching 800 ft (245 m) into the Atlantic Ocean, this iconic attraction is a hotspot for eating, buying, reside music, and lovely views.
5. See how pioneers lived at Fort Christmas Historic Park
Should you’re a historical past buff visiting Orlando, Florida, take a day journey over to Fort Christmas Historic Park. It’s positioned within the city of Christmas, which is simply 20 miles (32 km) east of downtown Orlando. Again when Florida was nonetheless the frontier, 2,000 U.S. Military troopers started development on a fort on this very spot on December twenty fifth, 1837, giving each the city and the fort the enduring, festive title.
As we speak, you possibly can discover a duplicate of the unique Fort Christmas, in addition to different historic gems at this park, together with a schoolhouse, sugar cane mill, put up workplace, pioneer backyard, and eight restored historic houses interpreted to point out guests what life was like as a pioneer.
Pack a lunch for a picnic on the pavilions or beneath the shade of the magnificent timber at Fort Christmas Historic Park. There’s additionally a playground, basketball courts, and a tennis course on the grounds. There isn’t a value for admission!
Day Journeys from Tampa
It’s not every single day you’re surrounded by essentially the most lovely seashores in the US – except you’re visiting the coastal city of Tampa, Florida, that’s!
This full of life metropolis on the Florida Gulf Coast is only a stone’s throw away from a number of the most awarded seashores in each the Sunshine State and the complete nation, so don’t be afraid to exit and discover with considered one of these superb day journeys.
1. Meet the manatees at Crystal River
4 of our 5 day journeys close to Tampa are all about hitting the seashore, however for one thing somewhat completely different, try Crystal River. It’s the Manatee Capital of the World and residential to the nation’s solely Nationwide Wildlife Refuge devoted particularly to defending manatee habitats.
Should you’re a manatee lover like myself, Crystal River makes for one of many all-time greatest Florida day journeys – it’s just a bit over an hour’s drive from Tampa!
There’s no scarcity of locations within the Sunshine State to see these lovely sea cows, however Crystal River is a step above the remainder. It’s the one place in Florida the place it’s authorized to truly swim with the manatees, and also you’re allowed to very gently contact them (on the again or on the abdomen with one hand), which is unprecedented wherever else!
You possibly can spot manatees within the Crystal River waterways at any time of yr, however peak manatee season right here is from mid-November to April. The best possible time to go to Crystal River is between December and February when the manatee inhabitants right here is the best.
I extremely suggest this Crystal River manatee swim, which features a boat tour of the Crystal River Nationwide Wildlife Refuge and a snorkeling tour with manatees! Dates e-book out in a short time, so that you’ll wish to e-book this expertise ASAP.
PRICE: From US$80 per particular person
2. Cool off at Clearwater Seaside
Situated on a barrier island off the coast of Tampa Bay at 25 miles (40 km) distance, Clearwater Seaside has been named each the perfect seashore in Florida and the perfect seashore in America by a number of sources over current years.
Clearwater Seaside is thought for its gentle white sand and – you guessed it – stunningly clear water! It’s considered one of my private favourite Florida day journeys, as there are numerous enjoyable issues to do in Clearwater Seaside, whether or not you’re touring with family and friends or on a romantic getaway.
Occurring Pier 60 at Clearwater Seaside is likely one of the space’s prime points of interest and the proper place to catch a stunning Gulf Coast sundown. From 2 hours earlier than sundown to 2 hours after, the fishing pier hosts a nightly celebration with crafts and reside leisure.
Do you know wild bottlenose dolphins like to play within the Gulf of Mexico? For a better have a look at these lovely animals, take the Encounters with dolphins tour in Clearwater. It features a cease at Compass Island, the place you possibly can preserve a lookout for marine life, seek for seashells, or take a dip within the water.
PRICE: From US$33 per particular person
3. Relax and chill out on Anna Maria Island
At simply 7 miles (11 km) lengthy, Anna Maria Island off the Gulf Coast of Florida is sort of actually a slice of paradise, and you will get there from Tampa by automobile in simply over an hour.
This laid-back seashore city is teeming with historical past and Previous Florida attraction. From taking it straightforward on the seashore to buying and eating in downtown Anna Maria, there are limitless methods so that you can chill out and recharge right here!
The perfect a part of Anna Maria Island is the free transportation! The Island Trolley is on the market to locals and guests at no cost, making it tremendous straightforward to discover the whole lot Anna Maria Island has to supply with out having to fret about repeatedly discovering parking on a really small island.
4. Go to world-famous Siesta Key Seaside
Few seashores on planet Earth get as a lot consideration as Siesta Key does – it’s made its technique to practically each “greatest seashores” record on the state, nationwide, and worldwide scale. With all of the hype round it, you might be questioning if Siesta Key Seaside is definitely worth the go to. The reply is a powerful sure!
You will get to Siesta Key Seaside in just below a 1.5-hour drive from Tampa. It’s most well-known for its stunningly white sand, which will get its coloration (or lack thereof) from Appalachian quartz. An enchanting property of this sand is that the crystal stops it from retaining warmth – it’s cool to the contact, even within the scorching Florida solar.
The great thing about this seashore doesn’t imply sacrificing conveniences, both. Siesta Public Seaside has all the mandatory facilities, together with showers and restrooms, picnic shelters, grills, a playground, concessions, volleyball and pickleball courts, and extra.
5. Charlotte Harbor Protect State Park
Situated in Charlotte Harbor, the 2nd largest estuary in Florida (the #1 largest is Tampa Bay), Charlotte Harbor Protect State Park is an absolute paradise for paddlers somewhat beneath 2 hours from Tampa!
Overlaying over 45,000 acres (18,210 hectares), nearly all of this Florida state park is shallow water lined with mangroves, making it a magical place to canoe or kayak by the world’s pure magnificence. In every a part of the park, you’ll discover nature trails to discover, so even and not using a boat, you possibly can immerse your self within the unimaginable natural world right here.
The Charlotte Harbor Environmental Heart hosts a ton of enjoyable occasions every week, together with free guided nature walks, so you’ll want to try the calendar previous to visiting.
Day Journeys from Miami
Miami’s lovely seashores, star-studded nightlife, luxurious resorts, and explosive artwork scene appeal to guests from all around the world, however it’s additionally a wonderful dwelling base for exploring
1. Discover Everglades Nationwide Park
The Florida Everglades is the crown jewel of the Sunshine State, making Everglades Nationwide Park an unmissable Florida day journey! Immerse your self in one of many world’s most unusual ecosystems teeming with unimaginable natural world, together with the scary and revered American alligator.
One of the simplest ways to expertise Everglades Nationwide Park is on a guided tour, and airboat excursions are the preferred. This Everglades airboat experience and nature stroll combines an iconic airboat tour with a naturalist-led nature stroll in Everglades Nationwide Park, so that you’ll get to discover each on land and on the River of Grass!
Everglades Nationwide Park generally is a bit tough to get to, however you don’t have to fret about that with this tour because it contains roundtrip transportation from each Miami and Fort Lauderdale space resorts. You’ll wish to e-book ASAP, because the expertise sells out in a short time.
PRICE: From US$160 per particular person
2. Spend the day in Fort Lauderdale
As somebody who spent a major a part of my life dwelling in Fort Lauderdale, in fact, I agree that it is likely one of the greatest Florida day journeys from Miami. It’s fairly a bit extra laidback than its glamorous neighbor, so it’s nice when you want a break from the hustle and bustle of Miami and wish to expertise one other considered one of Florida’s east coast cities.
One of the simplest ways to spend a day in Fort Lauderdale is by using the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi. Locals and vacationers alike love this handy transportation by the town’s scenic waterways that earned it the nickname “Venice of America.”
With a day go, you possibly can hop on and off at any of the 15 stops alongside the way in which, which embrace native hotspots like Fort Lauderdale Seaside, Las Olas Boulevard, Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale, and Hugh Taylor Birch State Park! With the Water Taxi, you possibly can simply get to the perfect eating places, bars, seashores, and points of interest whereas leaving the driving to another person. Drinks, anybody? 🥂
PRICE: From US$35 per particular person
3. Take within the views at The Barnacle Historic State Park
Located on the postcard-worthy shore of Biscayne Bay, The Barnacle Historic State Park is a panoramic step again into the previous. This lovely oceanfront dwelling was inbuilt 1891, and its proprietor, Ralph Middleton Munroe, was a charismatic and well-liked pioneer.
Munroe left nearly all of the forest on his property in its pure state, so right this moment, it’s a lush, breathtaking oasis you’ll undoubtedly wish to try, because it’s just below 40 minutes from Miami Seaside!
Take within the gorgeous views, get pleasure from a picnic on the garden, and even have a look across the inside the home on a guided tour. Guided excursions of the historic dwelling are provided Fridays by Wednesdays at 10 AM, 11:30 AM, 1 PM, and a couple of:30 PM for US$3 per particular person.
On Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:30 PM, The Barnacle Society hosts Yoga by the Sea, one of many many enjoyable occasions they regularly host at The Barnacle Historic State Park!
PRICE: US$2 per particular person
4. Escape to Key Largo
You don’t must make the 4-hour drive right down to Key West to expertise the unparalleled fantastic thing about the Florida Keys – Key Largo is a sun-soaked paradise only a 2-hour drive from Miami.
Key Largo is the self-proclaimed “Dive Capital of the World”, so it is sensible that one of the simplest ways to discover it isn’t on land however within the water!
It’s dwelling to the world’s largest synthetic reef, the USS Spiegel Grove, in addition to breathtaking John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first undersea park within the nation and an exquisite place to discover the Florida Reef, which is the one dwelling barrier reef system within the continental United States.
Should you’d relatively keep dry, take a calming boat experience on the well-known African Queen – the very same vessel from the 1951 movie The African Queen. For extra Hollywood historical past, head to the Caribbean Membership, the place they filmed Key Largo starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Be sure to strive the Key Lime Pie Rum Punch!
5. Get amazed on the Coral Fort Museum
By far, essentially the most distinctive of the Florida day journeys we’ve talked about to this point is the Coral Fort Museum in Homestead. This unbelievable (and I take advantage of that phrase within the literal sense) sculpture backyard is just below 1 hour’s drive from Miami and value each minute.
Coral Fort was created by a person named Edward “Ed” Leedskalnin. Ed was from a really poor household in Latvia, and after getting his coronary heart damaged by the love of his life, fled to the US. Now right here’s the mind-boggling half: From 1923 to 1951, Ed single-handedly hand-carved 1,100 tons of coral rock – an accomplishment that, to at the present time, baffles consultants!
There are all kinds of legends about Ed having some form of mystical wizard energy, however when requested, he merely claimed to have discovered the secrets and techniques of the pyramids and that if he discovered them, anybody may. 🧐
Did I point out he weighed not more than 100 lbs (45 kg)!? The Coral Fort Museum actually is one thing you could see to consider!
Day Journeys from Jacksonville
This Northeast Florida city boasts uncrowded, lovely seashores, breathtaking state parks, and neighborhoods steeped in historical past.
1. Fernandina Seaside on Amelia Island
Should you love charming seashore cities filled with eclectic retailers, native eateries, and many historical past, Fernandina Seaside is the day journey for you! Situated on the northern tip of Amelia Island, it’s solely a 45-minute drive from Jacksonville.
Fernandina Seaside is thought for its sugary white sand seashores, so head to Peters Level Beachfront Park to benefit from your day within the sunshine. Historic downtown Fernandina Seaside boasts superb buying, eating, and leisure, so after you’ve wrapped up on the shore, you possibly can preserve the enjoyable going!
I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out the Peach Cobbler Manufacturing unit, which serves up 12 flavors of cobbler, 12 flavors of banana pudding, and a lot extra. Nothing goes with the seashore fairly like a candy deal with.
2. Step again in time in St. Augustine
St. Augustine is well considered one of my all-time favourite locations in Florida, so when you’re visiting Jacksonville, I urge you to take a day journey to St. Augustine.
It’s the oldest repeatedly occupied European settlement in the US, and it was based all the way in which again in 1565. It’s a dream come true for historical past buffs, however don’t mistake that to imply it’s boring. There are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do in St. Augustine, from exploring Castillo de San Marcos to becoming a member of in on a haunted pub crawl.
I really like taking the Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour at any time when I go to, because it stops in any respect the highest points of interest, just like the St. Augustine Distillery, Potter’s Wax Museum, Castillo de San Marcos, and the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, simply to call just a few.
PRICE: US$38 per particular person
3. Race to Daytona Seaside
For NASCAR race automobile followers, a day journey to Daytona Seaside might be a no brainer, as racing followers journey from all around the globe to go to the Daytona Worldwide Speedway, the place the legendary Daytona 500 is hosted!
However you don’t need to be a racing fan to understand this metropolis on the Central Florida Atlantic coast, which boasts lovely seashores, historic buildings, and tons of issues to do for all sorts of pursuits.
For artwork lovers, a go to to Cici & Hyatt Brown Museum of Arts is a should for the reason that museum boasts the most important assortment of Florida artwork on the planet! Should you’re touring with youngsters, carry the entire household over to the Daytona Seaside Boardwalk. Historical past buffs and nature lovers ought to try Tomoka State Park.
FAQs about Florida Day Journeys
📍 What’s the primary trip spot in Florida?
The #1 trip spot in Florida is Orlando. This Central Florida metropolis attracts guests from all around the world for its legendary theme parks, together with Walt Disney World and Common Orlando Resort.
🚘 Can I do a day journey to Key West from Miami?
The drive from Miami to Key West takes round 4 hours with no stops, so though potential, it makes for a really rushed day journey. The Abroad Freeway boasts so many enjoyable issues to see and do, so it’s higher to take your time getting there.
🥇 What’s the nicest place in Florida to go to?
Should you’re on the lookout for the nicest seashore in Florida, try Siesta Key, because it’s ranked among the many nation’s most lovely seashores.
Conclusion
There are such a lot of enjoyable adventures ready for you within the Sunshine State, each underwater and on land. The place will you go subsequent? Thanks a lot for studying by this text – I hope you discovered just a few day journeys you completely love.
I discussed a few actions which might be identified to e-book up shortly, so right here’s a reminder in case they caught your eye:
As at all times, you possibly can go away a remark under when you have any questions for me, I’m right here to assist.
Glad exploring!
Montana
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