Florida has got to be one of the best states for day trips. Although it’s not easy to drive from one end of the Sunshine State to the other, there is such a huge variety of natural and manmade attractions that you’re never too far from the next adventure. Have you ever asked: what is there to do in Florida? Well then, here are some of our recommendations for the best day trips in Florida that you can plan ASAP. Look for one near you and head out!

1. Redland, Miami
Redland, FL 33031, USA
Flickr/Milan Boers
This beautiful rural area about 20 miles from downtown Miami has so many unique attractions. Check out Schnebly Winery, some famous farms and fruit stands, and other classic Old Florida attractions. Located nearby in Homestead, you'll also want to add a trip to Coral Castle, which is sometimes called Florida's Stonehenge. These multi-ton monoliths were sourced, carved, and placed by one small man with no modern machinery. He claimed to know mysterious secrets that helped him achieve this incredible feat. This incredibly unique region makes for one of the best places for day trips in Florida.
2. Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853, USA
Flickr/Ricardo Mangual
One of the most enchanting spots in the state is this 250-foot-tall Singing Tower and its surrounding gardens and bird sanctuary. It sits atop Iron Mountain, one of the highest points in (mostly flat) Florida. This National Historic Landmark is the perfect oasis for a laid-back day trip. This awe-inspiring attraction in Florida has been a thing since the late 1920s, and it's a staple of life for the folks who live close.
3. St. Augustine
St. Augustine, FL, USA
Flickr/Evangelio Gonzalez
Though its surrounding areas have become quite popular, America's oldest city has maintained its small size and a lot of its historical authenticity. Highlights include many museums, restaurants, and spectacular examples of architecture, as well as the oldest fort in the country and an alligator farm. You probably can't see it all in a day, but it's always a good time. Come see why this is one of the best towns to visit in Florida.
4. Tarpon Springs
Tarpon Springs, FL, USA
Flickr/Walter
Visitors can't help but fall in love with the old-world charm of this Greek sponging town located about 45 minutes from Tampa. Historic buildings, antique stores, and a scenic waterfront make this a perfect vacation spot. This is another small town in FL very much worthy of a day trip - or longer!
5. Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Fort White
Ichetucknee Springs State Park, 12087 Southwest, US-27, Fort White, FL 32038, USA
Flickr/Toni Holmes
This beautiful park and National Natural Landmark offers snorkeling, swimming, and scuba diving in crystal clear waters, but the most popular activity is tubing down the river. There are many state parks in Florida worthy of a whole day's worth of exploring - this is one of those.

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6. Mount Dora
Mount Dora, Mt Dora, FL 32757, USA
Flickr/Richard Elzey
This Central Florida gem has both Old Florida charm and modern conveniences. Even though it's only an hour outside of the hustle and bustle of Orlando, you'd never know it. Bed and breakfasts, antique shops, unique restaurants, lots of festivals, and gorgeous historic homes make the town of Mount Dora Florida a really special place to spend the day.
7. Gulfport
Gulfport, FL, USA
Flickr/Terence Faircloth
"Keep Gulfport Weird, " is the playful slogan of this tiny town near St. Petersburg, and that speaks volumes about it. Stroll through town and enjoy the colorful buildings and public art that are plentiful here. There are also lots of restaurants and shops to make your day trip complete. Gulfport has been called the friendliest town in Florida and honestly, we're inclined to agree.
8. Rainbow Springs State Park, Dunnellon
Rainbow Springs State Park, SW 81st Pl Rd, Dunnellon, FL, USA
Greg Workman via Flickr/Florida Fish and Wildlife
Speaking of Florida state parks, this park has a long history as a site for phosphate mining and many years as a private attraction before it became a state park. Popular activities include camping, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and tubing. The scenery is enhanced with several man-made waterfalls.
9. Apalachicola
Apalachicola, FL 32320, USA
Flickr/JR P
This friendly little fishing town in the Florida Panhandle produces some of the best seafood in the state. As if that weren't enough, nearby St. George Island is a true hidden gem, with some of the nation's best beaches.
9. Williston
Williston, FL 32696, USA
Flickr/Wesley Hetrick
This small town near Gainesville is chock-full of outdoor adventure. Check out the flora and fauna at Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens, or go diving at the ethereal Devil's Den or Blue Grotto.
10. Dade City
Dade City, FL, USA
Flickr/Matthew Paulson
This little town is big on Southern charm. We love the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village and the town's obsession with all things kumquat. Oh, and we can't forget to mention that Dade City is probably the best foodie town in Florida.

Have you visited any of these awesome places? What’s your favorite spot in the Sunshine State for a day trip? What day trips in Florida have you already embarked upon? Tell us all about them in the comments!

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More to Explore

Day Trips In Florida

Marisa Roman | June 17, 2019
  1. What is there to do on a rainy day in Florida?

Even when you’re faced with a rainy day in Florida, there are still a ton of things to do to stay busy. Day trips in Florida do not need to be weather specific, especially when those day trips result in indoor activities. A perfect example would be day trips to Miami or St. Augustine. Since there are many different historical points worth visiting and museums to explore, you can spend a rainy day traveling around the state, visiting some of the best indoor museums and attractions.  We heard the Pirate Museum in St. Augustine is a great way to spend a rainy afternoon, learning all about the history of the oldest city in the United States.

 

2. What do you do with kids in Florida?

If you’re looking for great getaway ideas in and around Florida for kids, the good news is, you’re in the right state. Florida is one of the best places to take children, even outside of Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando. You can make 2-3 hour day trips from Orlando and wind up along the Gulf, or along the panhandle. Kids love exploring the beaches on either side of the state, not to mention the attractions that you won’t find elsewhere in the country. Legoland, for instance, is one of the best places to bring kids in Florida and will surely be a memorable place to visit. 

 

3. What do you do with kids in Florida without spending money?

If you want to budget your next getaway with the kids in Florida, there are plenty of things to do that don’t cost a thing. First and foremost, the best day trips to take on one tank of gas will have you exploring the state in an entirely new way. But otherwise, taking the kids to a nearby nature preserve, hiking along the trail systems, or visiting a new beach is a good idea. Just make sure to pack the car with snacks, lunch, and water, and find a new area of nature to set up shop for the day.

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