If you’re looking for day trips from Orlando, I’ve got you covered! The cities on this list are less than 2 hours from Orlando and offer lots of fun activities. Whether you’re into shopping, history, or outdoor spots, you can find something to do at each of these destinations.
St. Augustine
Why visit: As the oldest city in the U.S., St. Augustine has a rich history. Behind its charming Spanish-style architecture, you’ll discover fascinating tales of pirates, shipwrecks, and conquests. St. Augustine is the kind of place you can visit repeatedly and not run out of things to do. It’s one of the best day trips from Orlando.
Things to do:
- Tour the historic Castillo de San Marcos fort
- Climb to the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse
- Dine and shop on St. George Street
- Enjoy the quirky displays at the Lightner Museum
- Drink from the legendary fountain at Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
Read more: 10 Great Things to Do When Visiting St. Augustine
Mount Dora
Why visit: Mount Dora offers the perfect blend of nature and culture. You can enjoy outdoor activities on Lake Dora, wander through the quaint downtown area, or hunt for hidden gems in the local antique malls. The town is also famous for its festivals, so there’s always something exciting happening year-round. Mount Dora is one of the easiest day trips from Orlando, located only about 40 minutes from the city.
Things to do:
- Go treasure hunting at Renningers Flea Market and Antique Center and the Village Antique Mall
- Explore the historic downtown
- Stop at the Mount Dora Historical Society Museum
- Check out the lighthouse at Grantham Point Park
- Go boating on Lake Dora
Read more: 5 Romantic Day Trips from Orlando for Couples
Daytona
Why visit: Daytona is a top Spring Break destination for good reason. Its famous beaches, colorful architecture, and energetic atmosphere make for one of the most colorful day trips from Orlando. Nearby towns such as Port Orange and Ponce Inlet offer even more activities.
Things to do:
- Stroll down the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier
- Visit the Riverfront Shops and botanical garden in historic Daytona
- Hike the trails in Tomoka State Park
- Explore the ruins of an old sugar factory and 1950s amusement park at Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens
- Climb to the top of the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse
Lakeland
Why visit: Located midway between Orlando and Tampa, Lakeland is one of my favorite day trips from Orlando. This charming town features great antique shopping, a cute downtown filled with coffee shops and restaurants, plenty of cultural attractions, and a massive public park that could be an entire day trip on its own.
Things to do:
- Explore the many amenities at Bonnet Springs Park
- Browse the Lakeland Antique Mall and Lloyd’s of Lakeland
- Tour the world’s largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture at Florida Southern College
- Catch a movie at the Silver Moon Drive In Theatre & Swap Shop
- Grab a latte and find your next read at Pressed Books & Coffee
Tampa
Why visit: No matter your interests—whether it’s history, nature, culture, or sports—you’ll find many fun things to do in Tampa. This vibrant city on Florida’s West Coast has a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages, along with a fantastic culinary scene. Plus, it’s just a short drive from St. Petersburg and Clearwater, giving you even more opportunities for adventure.
Things to do:
- Ride the coasters at Busch Gardens
- Check out the wildlife at the Florida Aquarium
- Spend a day at the Plant Museum, which is housed in a beautiful Gilded Age hotel
- Visit Oxford Exchange, a ridiculously photogenic restaurant/coffee bar/bookstore
- Watch a movie at the historic Tampa Theatre
- Get a Cuban sandwich in Ybor City
Clermont
Why visit: If you love outdoor adventures, the rolling hills of Clermont offer numerous opportunities to enjoy nature. This city about an hour outside Orlando is a great day trip destination if you’re into hiking, cycling, and outdoor sports. You’ll also find many u-pick farms here, making Clermont a great place to gather fresh blueberries and strawberries.
Things to do:
- Ride a monster truck amid wild animals and orange groves at Showcase of Citrus
- Go to the top of the Citrus Tower (and visit the adjacent Presidents Hall of Fame for a selfie with the mini Mount Rushmore)
- Pick organic blueberries at Blueberry Hill Farm
- Hike Lake Louisa State Park
- Travel back in time in the Clermont Historic Village
Lake Wales/Winter Haven
Why visit: Lake Wales and Winter Haven both provide a small-town atmosphere while offering some notable attractions. In Lake Wales, you can explore the beautiful landscapes of Bok Tower Gardens. With its enchanting gardens and musical pink tower, this park is one of the prettiest day trips from Orlando. Meanwhile, nearby Winter Haven is home to the Chain of Lakes, a scenic waterway of interconnected lakes. You’ll also find the family-friendly LEGOLAND Florida theme park here.
Things to do:
- Enjoy the beautiful gardens and musical tower at Bok Tower Gardens
- Take the kids to LEGOLAND Florida
- Watch your car roll uphill at Spook Hill
- Journey into the past at the Lake Wales History Museum
- Get nerdy at Artcade and The Arcade ‘80s
Read more: Bok Tower Gardens: A Hidden Gem 1 Hour from Disney
Ocala
Why visit: Ocala is one of the top day trips from Orlando for nature fans. Located about 1.5 hours north of the city, Ocala is known for its stunning landscapes and scenic parks. As the “Horse Capital of the World,” Ocala also offers a range of farm tours and horseback riding opportunities.
Things to do:
- Take a glass-bottomed boat ride at Silver Springs State Park
- Hike the Ocala National Forest
- Go ziplining above the trees
- Visit the historic downtown
- Meet the horses of Ocala on a farm tour
DeLand
Why visit: Dubbed “the Athens of Florida” by its founder, DeLand boasts an award-winning historic downtown that’s full of vintage charm. Although small, downtown DeLand is packed with shops, restaurants, and public art displays. Fans of retro architecture will appreciate the beautifully preserved older buildings. DeLand is one of the easiest day trips from Orlando, located about 40 minutes away.
Things to do:
- Tour the historic DeLand House Museum (or the historic Stetson Mansion around the holidays)
- Browse the shops in Downtown DeLand (Marketplace at Rivertown is the best)
- Visit the beautiful Stetson University campus
- Catch a show at the restored Athens Theatre
- Relax in nature at Hontoon Island State Park
Read more: 8 Things to Do In Downtown DeLand
Titusville
Why visit: Titusville, located on Florida’s East Coast, is a must-visit if you’re into space. The Kennedy Space Center and American Space Museum provide an up-close look at the history of NASA. You might even get to watch a rocket launch while you’re in town. Beyond that, Titusville also delivers plenty of natural beauty through its beaches and parks.
Things to do:
- Visit Kennedy Space Center
- Learn about space program history at the American Space Museum & Space Walk of Fame
- Check out the vintage fighter planes at Valiant Air Command, Inc. Warbird Museum
- Hike the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary
- Browse the aisles at the Titusville Antique Mall
Christmas
Why visit: The festively named town of Christmas evokes images of Santa Claus and decorated trees, but this small town between Orlando and Titusville offers much more for nature enthusiasts. You’ll discover beautiful parks, a pioneer village, and other opportunities to enjoy the outdoors here. Christmas has a “real Florida” feel, making it a great destination if you’re looking to escape the tourist attractions of Orlando.
Things to do:
- Enjoy the beauty of the Orlando Wetlands
- Tour the pioneer village and replica fort at Fort Christmas Historical Park
- Hike Tosohatchee State Reserve
- Encounter the Florida wildlife at Jungle Adventures
- Get your Christmas cards postmarked “Christmas, Florida” at the post office
Read more:
- The Orlando Wetlands: A Unique Florida Hiking Experience
- Step Back in Time at Fort Christmas Historical Park
If you’re looking for fun day trips from Orlando, try any of these destinations! You might just discover a new favorite.