Day Trips: Ideas to Make the Most of a Day in Florida

By VISIT FLORIDA Staff

So. You’re on vacation in Florida. Welcome. Isn’t it great?

Make it even better with a day trip from where you already are. It's the best way to see, experience and enjoy even more of the Sunshine State.

Here are some suggestions for some great Florida day trips, from major vacation and airport hubs, that you can complete in a single day. Who knows – you might discover your next holiday destination.

From Pensacola

Blackwater River State Forest

Escape the city and head to one of Florida’s National forests. With its neighboring areas Blackwater River State Forest has the largest population of longleaf pine trees in the world. Explore the natural landscape by foot on a hike by canoe or on horseback. Float down one of the waterways and stop for a picnic on the shimmering white sands of a sandbar.

Want more? Here are 10 additional day trips from Pensacola.

From Destin/Fort Walton Beach

Seaside

Known as the birthplace of New Urbanism (and the setting for the 1998 film “The Truman Show”), Seaside is an idyllic Northwest Florida community set against the area’s stunning beaches and makes for a great Florida day trip. Check out the quaint art galleries and shops or try stand-up paddleboarding in the crystal-blue waters.

From Tallahassee

Wakulla Springs

Wakulla Springs is more a park than a city but one well worth making a special day trip from Tallahassee. Located fewer than 20 miles from Tallahassee’s city center Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park features one of the largest and deepest natural springs in Florida. That may be why “The Creature from the Black Lagoon” was filmed here! Take a boat tour to see local critters such as alligators turtles and birds. Of course you won’t be able to resist dipping into the refreshingly cool springs too.

Not done yet? Here are 10 more days trips from Tallahassee.

From Jacksonville

Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach

Amelia Island is a golf and spa haven while Fernandina Beach to the north is a quaint historic town known for its artwork antiques and boutiques. Both are great day trips from Jacksonville. Some must-see attractions on Amelia Island are Fort Clinch State Park which served as a military post during the Civil War the Spanish-American War and World War II; Amelia Island Lighthouse which began operating in 1839 and still operates today; and American Beach which was founded in 1935 by A.L. Lewis Florida’s first African-American millionaire.

Wait. We're just getting started. Here are 10 more days trips from Jax.

And. with St. Augustine less than an hour away. Here's what to do in this historic city.

From Gainesville

St. Augustine

Tour the nation’s oldest city via a guided tour bus or tram and stop at all the major points of interest including an authentic Spanish fort and the Fountain of Youth. You can also take in the sights on a scenic boat ride or helicopter tour. Just off Interstate 95 in St. Augustine is the St. Augustine Premium Outlets. Nearby golfers can get their fill at World Golf Village and the World Golf Hall of Fame.

From Daytona Beach

Ormond Beach

Located just north of Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach offers a few quirky local attractions for a Florida day trip. Tour The Casements the former winter home of John D. Rockefeller that now serves as the city’s cultural center. Spend some quality time outdoors at North Peninsula State Park with more than 2 miles of sandy beaches. Visit Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens for nature trails fish ponds and fountains set amid lush tropical gardens. The best part? All of the attractions are free.

From Orlando

Daytona Beach

Though known for its famous beaches, Daytona Beach offers plenty of other attractions. Catch breakfast at the Dancing Avocado Kitchen in historic downtown Daytona Beach. Get behind the wheel of a racecar at the Richard Petty Experience at Daytona International Speedway or take a tour of the famous racetrack with the Daytona 500 Experience. Indulge your sweet tooth with a free tour of Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory. Take in the exhibits at the Smithsonian-affiliated Museum of Arts and Sciences.

There's much more to experience near Orlando. Check out these 10 additional day trips from Orlando.

And, there's also plenty to do in St. Augustine, a historic city only about 90 minutes away from Orlando.

From Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater

Charlotte Harbor

A day trip to Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands can include a morning swamp buggy tour through the 90 000-acre Crescent B Ranch a working cattle ranch with Babcock Wilderness Adventures. Enjoy a waterfront seafood lunch at Laishley Crab House. Spend the rest of the day strolling the shops at Fishermen’s Village.

Keep going... to 10 more day trips from Tampa/St.Petersburg/Clearwater.

From Sarasota/Bradenton

Anna Maria Island

Start with breakfast at Ginny and Jane E’s a local favorite featuring delicious pastries and island-themed gifts. Go on a paddle tour with Captain Scott to Robinson Preserve where you’ll take in native landscapes and miles of trails (and perhaps catch a glimpse of a bald eagle). Finish the day with a spectacular sunset followed by casual dining at Island Time Bar & Grill or semi-fine dining at Bridge Street Bistro. Use the free Island Trolley to make your way around the island. Stay at the BridgeWalk Resort across from the beach if you decide to linger another day.

From Naples

Big Cypress Reservation

Explore Florida’s biggest attraction the Everglades at Billie Swamp Safari. Learn the history of the Seminole Tribe and try a swamp buggy tour an airboat ride alligator show and more. Sample frog legs or alligator tail at the Swamp Water Café. If you’re so inclined you can even stay the night in an authentic native-style chickee hut.

"The freshwaters of the Big Cypress Swamp, essential to the health of the neighboring Everglades, support the rich marine estuaries along Florida's southwest coast. Protecting over 729,000 acres of this vast swamp, Big Cypress National Preserve contains a mixture of tropical and temperate plant communities that are home to a diversity of wildlife, including the elusive Florida panther." (Source: National Park Service)

- VISIT FLORIDA

From Palm Beach

Sebastian

Get back to nature at Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge America’s first national wildlife refuge or St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park home to wildlife such as manatees scrub jays Southern bald eagles and bobcats. During June and July you can learn about Florida's giant sea turtles and possibly see a nesting loggerhead or leatherback sea turtle on a free ranger-led tour.

From Miami

Key Largo

Visit the famed Florida Keys without the long drive. Stop in Key Largo for its world-class diving at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Visit the Holiday Inn marina to see and take a tour on the original African Queen from the classic Humphrey Bogart flick of the same name. Cigar aficionados can even stop at one of the oldest cigar shops in the Keys the Island Smoke Shop. At only an hour drive from Miami, Key Largo is a fantastic Florida day trip from Miami.

That's not all. Here are 10 more day trips from Miami.

From Ocala

Gainesville

Gainesville is where miles of hiking trails intersect with world-renowned museums. Nowhere demonstrates that better than the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention, located in the scenic Depot Park, with 32 acres of natural wetlands, ponds, and trails to explore.

And after all that adventuring? Enjoy the sunset with a delicious meal and drink from the restaurants, wine garden, or brewery that look out over the park.