6 day trips Updated September 23, 2026

Day trips from Orlando

Beaches, springs and rockets, with the drive counted

Kennedy Space Center, the nearest beach, the manatee springs and St. Augustine, with drive times from the parks and the fees at the gate.

Space Shuttle Atlantis building with its orange external tank replica at Kennedy Space CenterWorth it

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

The best day trip from Orlando for anyone curious about spaceflight. Budget the whole day, take the included bus tour early, and check the launch calendar before you pick a date.

$77 adult, $67 child (3-11) About 55 miles east via SR 528 Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Kennedy Space Center tours from OrlandoCocoa BeachDo you need a rental car in Orlando?
Cocoa Beach Pier reaching into the Atlantic over a wide, glassy beach under a clear skyIt depends

Cocoa Beach

The nearest Atlantic beach to Orlando, with a pier, a giant surf shop and launch views. Go for the sand and park at Lori Wilson Park, not for the pier.

About 70 minutes from I-Drive City lots $6/hour, $25/day Lori Wilson Park parks free
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Pairs well with

Kennedy Space Center Visitor ComplexDo you need a rental car in Orlando?Getting around Orlando
Iron Gwazi roller coaster rising above the tree canopy at Busch Gardens Tampa BayIt depends

Tampa and Busch Gardens

Florida's best collection of big coasters is 75 miles down I-4. The day costs about $100 a head before food; the drive is the real price.

From $61.99 online, date-based About 90 minutes via I-4 Parking $35, preferred $48
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SeaWorld OrlandoUniversal Islands of AdventureCuban sandwich
Coquina walls and watchtower of the Castillo de San Marcos across its grassy moat in St. AugustineIt depends

St. Augustine

The old Spanish city is the best history day in reach of Orlando, but it is further than people think. Stay a night, or leave very early and park once.

About 2h20 from I-Drive Castillo $15; 15 and under free Downtown garage $20 per entry
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Orlando in 7 daysOrlando without theme parksDo you need a rental car in Orlando?
Manatees resting in the clear blue-green spring run at Blue Spring State ParkWorth it

Blue Spring State Park

Hundreds of wild manatees shelter in this spring run from mid-November to March, an hour from Orlando for $6 a car. The rules changed in 2026: book before you drive.

$6 per car, reservation needed Manatees mid-November to March About 70 minutes from I-Drive
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Pairs well with

Crystal River manatee swimsWekiwa Springs State ParkTubing at Kelly Park (Rock Springs)
A manatee gliding through turquoise water at Three Sisters Springs in Crystal RiverIt depends

Crystal River manatee swims

Kings Bay is where you can get in the water with wild manatees under federal rules. It means a 5 a.m. start from Orlando, a wetsuit, and strictly hands-off viewing.

Group swims about $71-$115 Season: Nov 15 to Mar 31 About 2 hours west of I-Drive
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Pairs well with

Blue Spring State ParkDo you need a rental car in Orlando?Orlando without theme parks

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Theme parks 14 Attractions 10 Experiences 9 Events 9 Walks 4 Areas 6 Hotels 14 Restaurants 16 Local food 8 Bars 5 Plan 11 Itineraries 6 Worth it? 8 Guides 5 Articles 3