Best Florida Day Trips
Ready to unplug from the daily routine and take a day trip from the city? Well, you are in the right place! Florida is a state of endless sunshine, beautiful beaches, and unique attractions, making it perfect for unforgettable day trips. Having explored its coasts, cities, and hidden gems, I’ve found that Florida offers everything from relaxing seaside escapes and natural wonders to cultural experiences and family-friendly fun, all within easy reach.
I’ve enjoyed charming beach towns, scenic drives through diverse landscapes, and lively destinations filled with food, music, and history, as you can read in this updated, fresh guide. From romantic getaways to outdoor adventures and kid-friendly attractions, Florida has no shortage of incredible day trip options. Here are the ones I recommend from my recent four weeks of travels, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Wakulla Springs
One of my favorite Florida day trips has to be Wakulla Springs, a spectacular hidden gem just 25 minutes south of Tallahassee. It’s honestly one of the coolest and most unusual places I’ve explored in the state, and I always feel like I’ve stepped into a dream when I arrive.
The spring itself is massive and vibrant, with crystal-clear waters that stay cool year-round, which makes it such a refreshing escape on a hot day. I couldn’t believe how affordable it was in June to spend a whole day surrounded by such natural beauty.
I hopped on the famous glass-bottom boat tour, and it was absolutely the best way to see the magic beneath the water’s surface. Watching fish, turtles, and even manatees glide past felt like something out of a nature documentary, but it was real and right in front of me.
Wakulla Springs is tucked inside Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, which makes it not only a romantic getaway but also a fun family adventure. I loved how peaceful the hiking trails were, winding through cypress swamps and shaded hammocks that felt so different from other Florida landscapes I’ve seen.
- Location: Wakulla County, Florida
- Location Map
- Size: Approximately 6,000 acres including the park
My personal highlight was that this is also a place full of history and movies like "Tarzan" and "Creature from the Black Lagoon" were filmed here. I thought it was so cool to walk the same spots where Hollywood once captured its magic.
2. Kissimmee: Old Florida Charm Beneath the Neon
Kissimmee is one of my favorite spots in Central Florida, and I think it’s one of the best places to plan a weekend getaway or even just a joyful day trip. It’s located just south of Orlando, which makes it an awesome base if you want to be close to all the theme parks but still enjoy a more relaxed and affordable vibe.
I caught a SunRail train from Orlando to Kissimmee Station (about 35 minutes, $2–$4 one way). The ride dropped me steps from the historic downtown and just a short bus hop from the city’s hotels and attractions. For me it was a day trip, but you can stay at the 4-star Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista South for two days to see all the attractions here.
You can paddle through the mirror-still waters of Shingle Creek, watch herons glide across Lake Tohopekaliga, and take an early-morning airboat ride to spot gators basking in the reeds. Locals told me that in winter, the migratory birds and cooler breezes give the region an entirely different kind of magic.
- Location: Central Florida
- Location Map
- Size: Approximately 17.3 square miles (city area)
My personal highlight was the historic Old Town strip with its vintage rides and retro diners.
3. Fort Walton Beach
I caught a shuttle from Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (just 10 miles away, with connections from major U.S. cities) into town.
This emerald stretch of Florida’s Gulf Coast took my breath away with sugar-white sand that squeaks underfoot, crystalline turquoise waters, swaying dunes, and that laid-back coastal rhythm that instantly slows you down. It felt both relaxed and radiant — a perfect blend of small-town charm and endless beachside adventure.
After a short drive west from Destin, I based myself in 3-star Holiday Inn Resort Fort Walton Beach. I swam in the calm, bath-warm waters of the Gulf, snorkeled around the artificial reefs just offshore, and strolled on the Okaloosa Island Pier at sunset. I explored nearby Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park to see rescued sea turtles and dolphins up close. Evenings meant fresh seafood at The Gulf by the water.
- Location: Florida’s Emerald Coast, in Okaloosa County; about 40 miles east of Pensacola and 70 miles west of Panama City
- Location Map
- Size: Approximately 7.9 square miles (city area)
4. Anna Maria Island
I thought that Anna Maria Island was one of the best day trips in Florida. Why? This slender barrier island on Florida’s Gulf Coast completely enchanted me with its powdery white beaches that stretch for miles, gentle surf, pastel cottages, and amazing sunsets.
From Tampa, I drove 55 miles southwest (about 1 hour 15 minutes) to Anna Maria Island, a barrier island only 7 miles long with a year-round population of around 8,500.
- Location: Gulf Coast of Florida, in Manatee County; about 55 miles south of Tampa and west of Bradenton
- Location Map
- Size: Approximately 7 miles long and less than 1 mile wide (barrier island)
My highlight was when we headed to the north end where Anna Maria City Pier stretches into Tampa Bay, originally built in 1911 and still a hub for fishing and dolphin-watching.
5. Key West
Key West is one of my absolute favorite Florida getaways, and every time I go, I’m amazed at how much charm and magic this little island packs in.
We caught the Key West Express ferry from Fort Myers (about 3.5 hours, $95–$125 one way) and stepped right into Old Town’s lively streets.
One of the coolest things about Key West is the food scene, and I can’t talk about it without mentioning two of my favorite spots that completely won me over. The Stoned Crab is an awesome waterfront restaurant where I indulged in the freshest seafood—think stone crab claws, oysters, and fish caught that very morning.
Then there’s La Crêperie French Café, which quickly became my go-to for breakfast and brunch. It’s a hidden gem tucked into a cozy corner of the island, and the crêpes are honestly some of the best I’ve ever had.
For an overnight stay: If you are bringing the kids to Key West, 2-star Ibis Bay Beach Resort is the place for you. With 600 feet of pristine white beach, hammocks hanging from the palm trees, and large pool, it's a true tropical heaven for the whole family.
- Location: Southernmost city in the continental United States; located in Monroe County, about 165 miles southwest of Miami
- Location Map
- Size: Approximately 7.2 square miles (island and city area)
Of course, no trip to Key West is complete without Mallory Square at sunset, my personal highlight.
6. Bradenton
After crossing the Manatee River from Anna Maria Island, I spent a few days exploring both sides of this sunny, easygoing city. I wandered the Bradenton Riverwalk, watching paddleboarders drift by as live music floated from the pavilion. In the Village of the Arts, I discovered a maze of colorful cottages turned into galleries, bakeries, and studios — each one brimming with personality. I visited the historic Cortez Fishing Village.
- Location: Southwest Florida, in Manatee County; about 45 miles south of Tampa and just east of Anna Maria Island
- Location Map
- Size: Approximately 14.4 square miles
For me, Bradenton is one of the best Florida gems...affordable, exciting, and full of vibrant surprises you’ll want to see again and again.
7. Crystal River
About 90 minutes from Orlando by car brought me to Crystal River on an easy day trip this month to one of Florida’s top spots for wildlife encounters. The surrounding spring-fed waters stay 72°F year-round, attracting hundreds of West Indian manatees each winter.
Crystal River is one of my favorite hidden gems in Florida, and it truly offers one of the most unique day trips you can imagine. Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a family trip, or even a solo escape, Crystal River delivers one of the best Florida experiences.
In Crystal River, you can go swimming with manatees at Three Sisters Springs and the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, water activities like kayaking, airboat rides, and fishing, exploring historical sites such as the Crystal River Archaeological State Park and Yulee Sugar Mill, and enjoying outdoor recreation at Hunter Springs Park.
- Location: Gulf Coast of Florida, in Citrus County; about 80 miles north of Tampa and 90 miles west of Orlando
- Location Map
- Size: Approximately 8.0 square miles
My personal highlight was relaxing on Fort Island Gulf Beach, a 15-acre, family-friendly beach in Crystal River, Florida
8. Lake Mary
Just north of Orlando, this charming city has the perfect mix of cool local flavor, natural beauty, and a vibrant small-town feel. I caught the SunRail commuter train from Orlando to Lake Mary (about 40 minutes, $2–$4 one way). The station sits just blocks from shops and restaurants, so I walked straight into downtown for coffee and browsing.
The Saturday Farmer’s Market was one of the coolest experiences I had. It was filled with fresh produce, handmade goods, and live music that created a joyful, community vibe. It felt like the absolute best way to connect with the local culture.
- Location: Central Florida, in Seminole County; about 19 miles north of Orlando
- Location Map
- Size: Approximately 9.9 square miles
Another highlight was how affordable and convenient it felt compared to busier Orlando spots.
9. Gainesville
Gainesville is one of my favorite underrated cities in Florida, and I think it’s such a vibrant place for a day trip or a weekend getaway. Located in North Central Florida, it’s most famous as the home of the University of Florida, but there’s so much more here than just the campus.
From Jacksonville, we drove 72 miles southwest (about 1 hour 30 minutes) to Gainesville, a city of nearly 145,000 and home to the University of Florida.
Chris, my son and I spent 3 hours one morning at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, where wild horses roam freely. The views from the observation tower were some of the best I’ve found in the state.
I also adored the city’s art and food scene. I had a tasty burger at Ford's Garage Gainesville, dinner at The TOP and Embers Wood Grill.
- Location: North Central Florida, in Alachua County; about 70 miles southwest of Jacksonville and 110 miles northwest of Orlando
- Location Map
- Size: Approximately 65 square miles (city area)
What makes Gainesville even better is how affordable and relaxed it feels compared to bigger Florida cities.
10. Seaside, Florida
This perfectly pastel seaside town on Florida’s Emerald Coast felt like stepping into a dream — sugar-white beaches, mint and coral cottages with wide front porches, a walkable town square framed by palm trees, and sunsets that painted the Gulf in liquid gold. Seaside had that rare blend of charm and calm...idyllic, artful, and effortlessly beautiful. It totally won me over as a day trip! After a short 40-minute drive east from Destin, I browsed Modica Market for picnic treats, wandered through Ruskin Place, and spent an afternoon kayaking across nearby Western Lake in Grayton Beach State Park.
- Location: Florida’s Emerald Coast, in Walton County; about 23 miles southeast of Destin and 22 miles west of Panama City Beach
- Location Map
- Size: Approximately 80 acres
Conclusion
When I think about Florida, what excites me most is how many amazing day trips are just waiting to be discovered. From hidden gems like Wakulla Springs and Crystal River to vibrant small towns like Lake Mary and Gainesville, every destination feels like a joyful adventure with its own unique personality. The best part is that each trip can be as affordable, romantic, family-friendly, or adventurous as you want it to be.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
