10 Best Day Trips from Orlando (No Theme Parks!)

An easy drive from Orlando, Kennedy Space Center allows visitors to stand underneath a rocket, get close to the vehicle assembly building, see the space shuttle Atlantis, and potentially meet an astronaut; checking the rocket launch schedule is highly recommended.

New Smyrna Beach is one of the closest beaches to Orlando, known for its surfing waves and laid-back Florida vibe, where visitors can also stroll down Canal Street for art galleries and taco shops.

Cocoa Beach, the surf capital of Florida and hometown of Kelly Slater, offers a classic Florida beach experience, where visitors can watch surfers at the Cocoa Beach Pier and visit the Ron Jon Surf Shop.

Mount Dora is a charming lakeside town with cobblestone streets, antique shops, art galleries, and hosts various festivals; visitors can take a sunset cruise on Lake Dora and grab a burger at the Frog and the Monkey.

Blue Spring State Park is known for its crystal-clear spring, manatee hangouts in winter, swimming, snorkeling, tubing, and opportunities for kayaking and canoeing, with picnic spots available.

Wekiwa Springs State Park offers clear spring water for swimming, kayaking, and canoeing, as well as hiking and biking trails, providing a relaxed escape from the city.

Kelly Park features Rock Springs Run, a natural lazy river where visitors can float on tubes through lush scenery; the park also offers picnic spots and grills.

Wild Florida offers airboat rides across the Everglades' headwaters, a wildlife park with rescued animals, and a drive-through safari.

St. Augustine, America's oldest continuously inhabited city, offers cobblestone streets, historic sites like the Castillo de San Marcos, quirky shops on St. George Street, and ghost tours.

Bok Tower Gardens features wildflowers, oak trees, walking paths, and the Singing Tower, where live bell concerts can be heard.

Canal Street in New Smyrna Beach has some funky art galleries and taco shops.

Cocoa Beach Pier is an iconic place where you can watch surfers.

Ron Jon Surf Shop is a legendary surf shop open 24/7 in Cocoa Beach, offering everything from surfboards to souvenir t-shirts.

Lake Dora offers sunset cruises where you can spot alligators sunning themselves.

Mount Dora Confectionary is a place to treat yourself to homemade ice cream.

Rock Springs Run is a natural lazy river that winds through lush forest and shaded hammocks.

Castillo de San Marcos is a 17th-century Spanish fort made entirely of coquina where you can tour the ramparts and catch a cannon firing demonstration.

St. George Street is lined with quirky shops, old taverns and bars, and lots of fudge, ice cream, and popcorn stands.

The Fountain of Youth is a site in St. Augustine where it is said that it makes for a great photo.

Iron Mountain, one of the highest points in Florida at 295 ft above sea level.