Orlando is famous for world-class theme parks, glamorous resorts and entertainment that never sleeps - but one of its best features is its location! From pristine beaches to historic towns and natural springs, Central Florida offers an incredible variety of day-trip destinations within easy reach.
If you’re looking to escape the crowds or add a touch of adventure to your holiday, here are the best one-day road trips you can take from Orlando!
Distance: ~2 hours (106 miles)
Known for soft white sand and calm turquoise waters, Clearwater Beach is often ranked among the best beaches in the United States - visiting Pier 60 for sunset entertainment and street performers is a must!
Distance: ~2 hours (108 miles)
1. Clearwater Beach: Florida’s Gulf Coast Paradise
Distance: ~2 hours (106 miles)
Known for soft white sand and calm turquoise waters, Clearwater Beach is often ranked among the best beaches in the United States - visiting Pier 60 for sunset entertainment and street performers is a must!
2. St. Augustine: America’s Oldest City
Distance: ~2 hours (108 miles)
St. Augustine blends history, seaside charm and Spanish architecture. Explore the cobbled streets of the historic district, tour the impressive Castillo de San Marcos, enjoy the views from the St. Augustine Lighthouse or stroll along St. George Street for dining and shopping.
Distance: ~1 hour 20 minutes (85 miles)
Explore lively Ybor City, Tampa’s historic Cuban district filled with cafés, cigar shops and lively culture (and the Tampa Riverwalk is simply perfect for a scenic city stroll).
Distance: ~45 minutes (33 miles)
Mount Dora offers boutique shopping, lakeside walks and a relaxed small-town vibe. You might ewant to visit Mount Dora Lighthouse, explore antique shops or take a scenic boat tour through the Dora Canal!
Distance: ~1 hour (59 miles)
3. Tampa & Ybor City: Culture Meets Coastline
Distance: ~1 hour 20 minutes (85 miles)
Explore lively Ybor City, Tampa’s historic Cuban district filled with cafés, cigar shops and lively culture (and the Tampa Riverwalk is simply perfect for a scenic city stroll).
4. Mount Dora: A Charming Small-Town Escape
Distance: ~45 minutes (33 miles)
Mount Dora offers boutique shopping, lakeside walks and a relaxed small-town vibe. You might ewant to visit Mount Dora Lighthouse, explore antique shops or take a scenic boat tour through the Dora Canal!
5. Cocoa Beach: Surf, Sun and Space
Distance: ~1 hour (59 miles)
Located on Florida’s Space Coast, Cocoa Beach is perfect for surfing, seaside relaxation and family-friendly fun. Stop by the famous Ron Jon Surf Shop or enjoy fresh food at the Cocoa Beach Pier. You might even witness a rocket launch from the Kennedy Space Center.
Distance: ~1 hour 45 minutes (80 miles)
Crystal River is the only place in the United States where you can legally swim with manatees, yay! Visit Three Sisters Springs or join a licensed manatee swimming tour.
Distance: ~1 hour (55 miles)
New Smyrna Beach offers superb surf, local art galleries and a peaceful atmosphere - don't forget to stroll down Flagler Avenue for shopping and dining before enjoying soft sandy beaches!
Distance: ~45 minutes (36 miles)
6. Crystal River: Swim with Manatees
Distance: ~1 hour 45 minutes (80 miles)
Crystal River is the only place in the United States where you can legally swim with manatees, yay! Visit Three Sisters Springs or join a licensed manatee swimming tour.
7. New Smyrna Beach: A Relaxed Coastal Retreat
Distance: ~1 hour (55 miles)
New Smyrna Beach offers superb surf, local art galleries and a peaceful atmosphere - don't forget to stroll down Flagler Avenue for shopping and dining before enjoying soft sandy beaches!
8. Blue Spring State Park: Manatee Haven
Distance: ~45 minutes (36 miles)
Blue Spring State Park is a sanctuary for manatees during the winter months - you can walk the scenic boardwalk, paddle the St. Johns River or enjoy a refreshing swim in the warmer seasons!
Distance: ~1 hour 15 minutes (60 miles)
Ocala National Forest is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with natural springs such as Juniper Springs and Silver Glen Springs, miles of trails and lush woodland.
Before setting off, it’s helpful to know what to expect on Florida’s roads. The scenery is beautiful, but traffic can be busy and varied (from motorways to relaxed coastal streets). If the worst does happen and you get into crash, it's useful to have the contact of an Orlando car accident lawyer. Here are some helpful road safety tips:
Florida’s summer rain showers can be heavy and unpredictable. Tip: Slow down, use your headlights and avoid cruise control in wet conditions!
Coastal towns and historic areas are very walkable, so crossings can be busy. Tip: Reduce speed in tourist zones and always yield at marked crossings!
Orlando, Tampa and beachside areas often experience congestion. Tip: Use navigation apps with traffic alerts and add extra travel time.
Wild hogs, deer and other animals may cross the road, especially at dusk. Tip: Use high beams when safe and drive cautiously in forested areas.
Many fast, convenient routes involve tolls. Tip: Ensure your hire car is equipped for tolls or consider getting a SunPass.
Fast drivers commonly use the left lane on Florida motorways. Tip: Cruise in the right lanes and use the left lane only for overtaking.
Many drivers may be unfamiliar with the area and make sudden changes. Tip: Maintain a safe distance and stay patient.
Whether you're seeking history, natural beauty, outdoor adventure or coastal charm, Orlando’s central location makes it easy to explore the best of Florida!
9. Ocala National Forest – Forest Trails & Natural Springs
Distance: ~1 hour 15 minutes (60 miles)
Ocala National Forest is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with natural springs such as Juniper Springs and Silver Glen Springs, miles of trails and lush woodland.
How to Drive Safely in Florida
Before setting off, it’s helpful to know what to expect on Florida’s roads. The scenery is beautiful, but traffic can be busy and varied (from motorways to relaxed coastal streets). If the worst does happen and you get into crash, it's useful to have the contact of an Orlando car accident lawyer. Here are some helpful road safety tips:
1. Be Prepared for Sudden Weather Changes
Florida’s summer rain showers can be heavy and unpredictable. Tip: Slow down, use your headlights and avoid cruise control in wet conditions!
2. Watch for Pedestrians and Cyclists
Coastal towns and historic areas are very walkable, so crossings can be busy. Tip: Reduce speed in tourist zones and always yield at marked crossings!
3. Expect Heavy Traffic Near Cities
Orlando, Tampa and beachside areas often experience congestion. Tip: Use navigation apps with traffic alerts and add extra travel time.
4. Stay Alert for Wildlife in Rural Areas
Wild hogs, deer and other animals may cross the road, especially at dusk. Tip: Use high beams when safe and drive cautiously in forested areas.
5. Understand Florida’s Toll Roads
Many fast, convenient routes involve tolls. Tip: Ensure your hire car is equipped for tolls or consider getting a SunPass.
6. Keep the Left Lane for Passing
Fast drivers commonly use the left lane on Florida motorways. Tip: Cruise in the right lanes and use the left lane only for overtaking.
7. Share the Road with Tourists
Many drivers may be unfamiliar with the area and make sudden changes. Tip: Maintain a safe distance and stay patient.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're seeking history, natural beauty, outdoor adventure or coastal charm, Orlando’s central location makes it easy to explore the best of Florida!
