If you’re craving an adventure but don’t want to stay overnight, I’ve got you covered. While I was exploring Florida, I found some amazing day trips. Think tropical beaches, clear springs, and colorful little towns. You can soak up sunshine, see something new, and still be home by dinner. I’d say these Florida day trips are your go-to for easy, spontaneous fun wherever you are in the state.
Best Florida Day Trips:
Wakulla Springs
“Here is water that remembers time,” I thought, the first moment I saw Wakulla Spring—its crystal-clear turquoise depth framed by ancient cypress and dripping moss. To stand at the edge was to pause in a place shaped by centuries.
I joined a riverboat tour through the cypress swamp, gliding past birds perched on fallen logs and turtles sunning on sloping roots. Occasionally, an alligator slipped silently from shore. The boat captain gently pointed out a manatee drifting in the spring’s flow. The quiet conversation everyone shared made the experience feel like a collective breath.
Up at the Lodge at Wakulla Springs, the lobby’s painted-beamed ceiling and marble soda fountain sealed the sense of slow elegance. I sat with a cup of coffee, light filtering through tall windows, thinking, “This is old-Florida serenity.”
What I Loved Most: The union of natural wonder and refined history—the deep spring and historic lodge both echoing calm and craft.
Plan your stop:
- Location: Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, ~14 mi south of Tallahassee
- Vibe: Timeless, reflective, slightly cinematic
- Highlights: First-magnitude spring, riverboat wildlife tours, 1930s lodge, painted-ceiling lobby
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round; summer for swimming, winter for chance of manatees
- Cost: Park vehicle entry fee (~$6); lodge and tours extra
- Hours: Park open daily 8 a.m.–sundown; lodge open year-round
Relax on pristine beaches on St. George Island
Highlights:
If you’re anything like me, you dream of quiet beaches and powdery white sand. That’s exactly why I love St. George Island. You’ll find it peaceful, scenic, and totally underrated—a hidden gem for your next coastal escape.What I Love:
I can’t get enough of the crystal-clear bay views and those award-winning beaches. When you visit, you’ll see why I keep coming back—great fishing, uncrowded sand, and spots where your pup is totally welcome.
- Relax like I do on over 28 miles of calm, stunning shoreline. You can reach it in under two hours from Tallahassee by taking the scenic Big Bend Scenic Byway and Bryant Patton Bridge. St. George Island always feels like the secret I can’t keep to myself.
- Swim, fish, and sunbathe on beaches I’d rank among the best in the country. You’ll love the views over Apalachicola Bay—they’re unforgettable.
- Bring your pup for the fun! Most of the island’s beaches welcome dogs, and I think yours will love it. Just skip the main shoreline inside Julian G. Bruce State Park, though I always enjoy the boardwalk stroll there with my dog.
- Fish like I do at East End Fishing Beach or Unit Four Beach. Just remember to grab a permit. You’ll spot tide pools and all kinds of birds—I love watching the kingfishers dive!
Distance from Tallahassee:
It’s usually just under 2 hours for me. A super easy road trip if you want a quick nature fix.How to Get to St. George Island:
When I drive from Tallahassee, I follow US-319 South to US-98 East, then hop on the Big Bend Scenic Byway. You’ll cross the Bryant Patton Bridge right onto the island—it’s a beautiful drive.
Relax on Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach
Highlights:
If you’re dreaming of quiet beaches and charming coastal towns, I think you’ll fall in love with Amelia Island. I always come here when I want something relaxing yet elegant. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend or a chilled-out family trip, you’ll feel right at home.What I Love:
You’ll find me relaxing by the shore or wandering through downtown Fernandina Beach. I love the mix of 13 miles of beach, cute boutiques, and that cozy, welcoming vibe you don’t find just anywhere. It’s polished but never pretentious.
- Relax like I do on Amelia Island’s beautiful beaches. The white sand, calm water, and wildlife make it feel like a private slice of paradise.
- Visit Fernandina Beach! You’ll love the local festivals (the shrimp one’s my favorite!) and the peaceful golf courses. I always find something new here.
- Stroll downtown and treat yourself. I like to start with a spa session, then pop into a few boutique shops, and end with a fantastic seafood dinner. You’ll leave feeling totally refreshed.
Distance from Jacksonville:
If you’re coming from Jacksonville, you’ll get there in about 45 minutes. I always tell friends it’s the perfect last-minute getaway.How to Get to Amelia Island:
Here’s what I usually do: take I-95 North from Jacksonville to Exit 373, then follow A1A East. You’ll drive right onto the island and feel the stress melt away.
Fort Walton Beach Calm & Coastal Sparkle
It felt like the sea had slowed time. I wandered the soft white sands of Fort Walton Beach as gulls coasted in the wind and children darted in and out of the surf with plastic buckets and squeals of delight. The beach was wide and open, and the Gulf stretched out in soft turquoise hues. I paused near the fishing pier, my feet buried in warm sand, thinking, “This is the kind of place where families exhale together.”
What I Loved Most: Watching the morning sun rise over Okaloosa Island, casting gold across the waves. The quiet hours before the beach filled up made it feel like the shore was mine alone.
My highlights? Breakfast at Neighborhood Café—buttery biscuits, crisp bacon, and eggs cooked just right. The coffee smelled earthy and strong, and the biscuits melted on my tongue with a hint of sweetness. We sat by the window, watching the sleepy town wake up.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Pensacola: ~1 hour east
- Vibe: Family-friendly, peaceful, classic Gulf Coast
- Highlights: Fort Walton Beach Landing Park, Okaloosa Island Pier, Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, sugar-sand beaches
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring or early fall—warm water, lighter crowds
- Cost: Beach access is free; parking at the pier ~$5; attractions ~$15–25
- Hours: Beach open daily; attractions typically 9am–5pm
Walk along powdery white sands on Anna Maria Island
Highlights:
If you’re chasing that dreamy beach escape—no high-rises, no stress—then I say Anna Maria Island is calling your name. I love how you can soak in Gulf breezes, walk barefoot on white sand, and catch the sunset from just about anywhere you go.What I Love:
You’ll find me strolling the wide, walkable beaches or sipping something cold after dinner at one of the island’s award-winning restaurants. I love the old Florida feel—laid-back, beautiful, and full of heart. You can truly slow down here.
- Visit Anna Maria Island when you want to feel far away without traveling far. I come here for the emerald water, soft white sand, and that small-town coastal charm you just can’t fake.
- Explore the island’s seven-mile stretch. I love how it’s only a few blocks wide. You’re never far from the breeze, the beach, or a jaw-dropping sunset.
- Enjoy everything from boutique shopping and waterfront dining to wildlife spotting and live performances. I always find something new, even on my third or fourth visit.
Distance from Tampa:
It usually takes me about 1 hour and 15 minutes. That makes it one of my favorite weekend getaways—close enough to be easy, far enough to feel like a vacation.How to Get to Anna Maria Island:
When I drive from Tampa, I take I-275 South to US-19, then enjoy the scenic ride across the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. From there, FL-64 West brings you right into island life.Romantic Florida Day Trips:
Key West: End-of-the-Line Color & Calm
I reached the end of U.S. Route 1 just as the sun began to fall behind pastel rooftops. Roosters wandered casually through side streets, and the scent of salt and bougainvillea followed me everywhere. I stood at the Southernmost Point buoy and thought, “This place doesn’t rush—why should I?”
The day unfolded like a slow island breeze—hours at Fort Zachary Taylor with its cannons and ocean views, then a stroll through Bahama Village, where I listened to steel drums echo near hand-painted shops. I wandered the Ernest Hemingway House quietly, stepping over sunbathing cats and into rooms where the walls still felt thick with stories.
What I Loved Most: That moment on the pier at Mallory Square, watching the sky ignite with purples and oranges while street performers drew cheers and laughter. The sunset wasn’t just scenery—it felt like a ritual shared by everyone there.
My highlights? A relaxed lunch at The Stoned Crab—grouper fritters hot from the fryer, tartar sauce sharp with lemon, and slaw so fresh it snapped with each bite. Nearby, nurse sharks circled the dock like clockwork, waiting for the next feeding.
Later in the day, I stopped by La Crêperie French Café where traffic noise faded into the background. It was replaced by warm chatter, the quiet clink of coffee cups, and the gentle hum of an open kitchen.
Plan your day trip:
- Drive Time from Miami: ~3.5–4 hours via the scenic Overseas Highway (U.S. 1)
- Vibe: Laid-back, quirky, full of sun-soaked stories
- Highlights: Southernmost Point, Hemingway House, Mallory Square, Fort Zachary Taylor, Bahama Village, Duval Street
- Best Time to Visit: Winter and spring for mild weather; early fall for fewer crowds
- Cost: Attractions $10–$20; street parking limited ($4/hr); many walkable areas free to explore
- Hours: Most museums and landmarks open 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; sunset celebration starts ~1 hour before sundown
Go boating in Charlotte Harbor
Highlights:
If you’re like me and love breezy boat rides, quiet golf mornings, and waterfront charm, you’ll want to spend time in Charlotte Harbor. I think it’s one of Florida’s most underrated spots—laid-back but full of fun and natural beauty.What I Love:
I always find something relaxing to do—whether it’s cruising the canals, hitting the golf course, or just sitting by the river watching the boats go by. You’ll love how easy it is to explore both land and water here.
- Discover Charlotte Harbor with me. It’s tucked right between Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte on Florida’s southwest coast. I always find it so peaceful and welcoming.
- Explore the area’s 165 miles of canals and the beautiful Myakka and Peace Rivers. You’ll love how connected it feels to the Gulf.
- Enjoy your pick of activities. I like to mix in boating, golf, and even a little tennis. You’ll also find great parks and easygoing shopping when you’re in the mood to unwind on land.
Distance from Fort Myers:
It usually takes me about 45 minutes to drive up from Fort Myers via I-75. It’s an easy ride for a weekend or even just a day out.How to Get to Charlotte Harbor:
Here’s what I do: take I-75 from Fort Myers or Sarasota, then exit at Kings Highway or US-41 South. From there, just follow the signs to Punta Gorda or Port Charlotte—you’ll be on the water in no time.
Swim with manatees in Crystal River
Highlights:
I always tell people—if you love clear water and gentle wildlife, you’ve got to visit Crystal River. You get to swim with manatees here, legally! I don’t know many places where you can do that. You’ll feel like you're part of something magical.
What I Love:
I love the springs the most. You can find manatees all year, and I like that you can access the springs right from downtown. You’ll also find a refuge here made just for manatees—how cool is that?
- Explore Crystal River. I recommend checking out Kings Bay and the Crystal River—they’re local lifelines, and the water is unreal.
- Marvel at the Florida manatees. If you visit in winter, you’ll see them huddled in the warm spring waters.
- Visit the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. You’ll love knowing it’s the only refuge in the U.S. created just for one species—the manatee. I think that says a lot.
- Swim or paddle at Hunter’s Springs Park. I like how it’s just steps from downtown, and you can get in the water fast. You’ll feel like you found a secret local gem.
Distance from Tampa:
If you drive, you’ll get there in about 1 hour and 30 minutes. I think it’s perfect for a spontaneous day trip.
How You Get There:
You just take US-98 North from Tampa. Then hop onto US-19 North toward Crystal River. I follow the signs for Kings Bay or Hunter’s Springs—it’s really easy.
Family Florida Day Trips:
Go on an airboat tour in Everglades National Park
Location:
Homestead, FL
Highlights:
If you ask me, the Everglades is one wild Florida adventure you don’t want to miss. You can hop on an airboat, spot alligators up close, and lose yourself in miles of subtropical wetlands. I promise—you won’t forget it.
Why You’ll Love It:
If you’re into wildlife or just want something totally different, this is your place. I think you’ll be amazed by how untamed it feels. You’ll go from city streets to raw wilderness in under an hour.
What I Love:
I love gliding across the wetlands on an airboat—you feel like you’re flying over water. I’ve spotted gators, turtles, and rare birds here. Every time I go, I see something new and wild.
- Visit Everglades National Park. I think it’s one of Florida’s true gems—less polished than the theme parks, but way more authentic.
- Explore the grassy swamps on an airboat tour. You’ll probably see alligators and tons of birds, and I always keep my camera ready for surprise turtle sightings.
- Experience the Florida that most people never get to see. I’d say this is one of the most thrilling, off-the-beaten-path day trips you can take.
Distance from Miami:
You can get there in about an hour. I love how quickly you go from downtown Miami to total wilderness.
How You Get There:
You’ll take US-1 South to Florida City, then just follow the signs to the park. I always look for State Road 9336—that’s your way in.
Jump to a Spot...
- • Wakulla Springs
- • Relax on pristine beaches on St. George Island
- • Relax on Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach
- • Fort Walton Beach Calm & Coastal Sparkle
- • Walk along powdery white sands on Anna Maria Island
- • Key West: End-of-the-Line Color & Calm
- • Go boating in Charlotte Harbor
- • Swim with manatees in Crystal River
- • Go on an airboat tour in Everglades National Park