Best Day Trips from Orlando

Orlando is known the world over for the Walt Disney Resort and its incredible and diverse theme parks. But if you have the opportunity to visit the city for several days, you will discover that there are plenty of things to see and do in and around Orlando to make the most of your visit to Florida.

From helicopter flights to airboat rides or kayaking through lively wetlands, space adventures, swimming with manatees and the ever-present Clearwater Beach beach days, there are many excursions you can take from Orlando that will give you the chance to live unique experiences.

TheEverglades, an area of wetlands, swamps and forests, is located in southern Florida and covers some 1.5 million acres. Because of its enormous biodiversity and ecosystem benefits, it has been declared a World Heritage Site, a Biosphere Reserve and a Wetland of International Concern.

The way to get to know this huge refuge for animals and plants is by hydrofoil, as it is an area made up mostly of streams, rivers and marshes. This site is the natural habitat of large alligators and crocodiles, which you can see up close on one of the most recommended airboat tours near Orlando. You can also take the guided walking tour with a park ranger, or even camp on site.

Many tour companies do not include a transfer from your hotel, so you'll have to get there on your own. There are many ways to get to the Everglades from Orlando, such as by bus, plane or private transfer. It's definitely an excursion the whole family can enjoy.

Cruising the Everglades is a highly recommended excursion if you will be in Orlando for at least 7 days, and can devote a full day to exploring this natural paradise. Another option is to take a trip from Miami, or take the opportunity to visit this city, as it is very close to this natural area.

Details of interest

• Price: around 60 € per person. Children under 1 year free.
• Duration: about 4 hours.
• Means of transport: hydrofoil.
• Advantages of this option: it is a unique opportunity to get to know one of the most important biodiversity refuges in the world.
• Disadvantages of this option: the transfer from Orlando is not included.

If you've rented a car in Orlando, you can join this Wild Florida safari and get up close and personal with the hundreds of animals that live in this gigantic park. It's a 4-hour drive where you'll see animals such as zebras, antelope, deer and bison in large green spaces. It's definitely one of the best things to do with kids in Orlando.

You can also see tropical birds in an aviary, and alligators and reptiles in Gator Park, where they are often fed by the public. This is undoubtedly one of the best safaris in Orlando, as you can also take an airboat ride through the swamps and wetlands full of life in the south of the city.

It is a self-guided tour, and you will receive all the necessary indications to fully enjoy the experience. On site is the Chomp House Grill, a restaurant famous for its barbecue and the delicious Swamp Slushy ice cream dessert, combining mango, orange and passionfruit, which is not to be missed.

Interesting details

• Price: around €35 per person.
• Duration: about 4 hours.
• Means of transport: in your own car.
• Advantages of this option: you can walk at your own pace and contemplate the animals that inhabit the park in peace and quiet.
• Disadvantages of this option: it can only be done in your own car.

Clearwater Beach is an idyllic white sandy beach with crystal clear waters located about 170 km from Orlando. It is one of the best beaches in Orlando to visit and a quieter alternative to the beaches of Miami Beach.

Full day tours to Clearwater Beach usually start early in the morning and include a transfer to and from your hotel or a meeting point.

Although they are usually done in large groups, they offer the possibility of personalising the experience, as you can opt for additional activities such as boat rides, dolphin sightings or pirate ship rides.

This is a great option if you are visiting Orlando with children, as you can choose to spend time enjoying the beach, and/or do some of the fun activities on offer. Lunch is not usually included, but the local guide will take you to some of the best restaurants in town, where you will enjoy some of the most delicious dishes.

Interesting details

• Price: about 70€ per person approximately, and about 60€ for children.
• Duration: about 11 hours.
• Means of transport: bus.
• Advantages of this option: offers a comfortable transfer to Clearwater Beach and the possibility to join additional activities.
• Disadvantages of this option: lunch and additional activities are at an additional cost.

A trip to the Kennedy Space Center is one of the must-do activities near Orlando, allowing you to learn about the history and future of space exploration, and even feel the thrill of liftoff through a simulated shuttle launch.

Most tour companies offer admission with transfer from Orlando, which is very convenient as the Kennedy Space Centre is about 80km from the city. Keep in mind that this tour of the NASA facility will take about 10 hours, so you'll need to set aside the whole day to visit the Kennedy Space Centre from Orlando.

As well as a ride in the shuttle that simulates its liftoff, other interesting attractions include the Apollo/Saturn V Center, where you can see the Saturn V rocket that flew to the moon; the Visitor Center, where you can learn about space exploration with interactive displays and simulators; and its launch pads.

The centre is packed with interactive resources that will help you learn more about NASA and the universe. You'll also have the option to add activities at an additional cost, such as lunch with an astronaut or a visit to a rocket assembly platform. Remember to book the tour in advance, as it runs about 3 times a week.

Interesting details

• Price: around €140 per person including transfer.
• Duration: about 10 hours.
• Means of transport: bus.
• Advantages of this option: you have enough time to get to know the Kennedy Space Centre in depth.
• Disadvantages of this option: it does not usually include meals and drinks.

If you're looking for a refreshing and adventurous getaway during your visit to Orlando, be sure to take a tour to Crystal River, where you'll find yourself surrounded by stunning crystal clear springs and abundant marine life. In addition, Crystal River is home to manatees, cute mammals that you can see up close.

These tours are full day tours and usually take place on a boat for about 50 people. They usually pick you up at your hotel or set a meeting point early in the morning and drop you off at the same place on the way back. Please note that these safari-style tours from Orlando only depart on certain days of the week, so book in advance.

The activity includes manatee snorkelling, one of the most popular activities in the Crystal River, where you can swim with manatees for a few hours. All the equipment you need for the activity is provided and you will be accompanied by a professional instructor at all times.

Other activities often included in these tours are a hydrofoil ride on the Withlacoochee River, where you can see dolphins in their habitat, and a visit to Homosassa Springs State Park, where you can see native and exotic animals. The most comprehensive also includes breakfast and lunch at a country restaurant.

Details of interest

• Price: about €130 for adults and about €100 for children.
• Duration: about 12 hours.
• Means of transport: boat.
• Advantages of this option: you will be able to swim with manatees and undertake other interesting water activities.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is done in large groups of people.
• Recommendations: bring swimming clothes, towel, sunscreen and insect repellent.

Taking a helicopter flight is a thrilling activity that really doesn't require any reason to do it other than the experience itself. But in a setting like Orlando's major theme parks, it gets a lot more interesting.

Helicopter flights don't usually last long, but they are an intense experience. They can last between 8 and 60 minutes, depending on the route you choose. Flights depart from the town of Kissimmee, where you have to get there on your own. Up to 4 people can travel per flight, and kids can join in too, if they're not afraid of flying.

There are many tours to choose from, such as the Old Town tour, which lasts about 8-10 minutes and flies over Fun Spot Kissimmee, The Big Orange, Old Town and the Disney complex; and the Downtown Orlando tour, which flies over SeaWorld, Universal Studios, Gatorland, Orlando Eye, Disney World and Old Town Kissimmee, in addition to Downtown Orlando.

Whether you love the theme parks or not, flying over them in a helicopter is a unique experience that allows you to see the city of Orlando from a unique and adrenaline-fuelled perspective. Plus, it's one of the activities included in the Orlando Tourist Card discounts so you can take advantage of the experience.

Interesting details

• Price: around 65 € for adults and children. Children under 3 years old travel for free.
• Duration: from 8 to 60 minutes approximately depending on the tour.
• Means of transport: helicopter for 4 people.
• Advantages of this option: it is a unique way of getting to know Orlando and its parks from the air.
• Disadvantages of this option: it does not usually include the transfer to Kissimmee.

St. Augustine, founded in 1565, is known for being the oldest city in the United States, and for its colonial-era buildings. Visiting St. Augustine transports you to another era, a fairytale past that will create a stark contrast to modern, cosmopolitan Orlando. It is 170 km from Orlando.

Tours to St. Augustine are full day tours, lasting about 10 hours. They depart early in the morning on some days of the week, and pick you up from your hotel or a nearby meeting point. They are perfect for families or friends. Throughout the tour you will be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who will provide you with lots of interesting information.

Once in San Agustín, you will have free time to explore the city at your own pace, and you can opt for some of the additional activities that these tours usually offer. For example, you can hop on a tram to tour the city for an hour and a half, take a cruise along its rivers and Matanzas Bay, or visit a museum, such as the Museum of Pirates and Treasures or the Museum of the Colonial Historical Centre.

These excursions also usually include a delicious lunch at a seafood restaurant located on the coast, which offers a very nice panoramic view of the ocean. It's a perfect tour to enjoy old quaint buildings, cobblestone streets and some of the best beaches in and around Orlando.

Interesting details

• Price: about 80 € per person.
• Duration: about 10 hours.
• Means of transport: bus for about 14 people.
• Advantages of this option: you will get to know one of the oldest cities in the USA.
• Disadvantages of this option: optional activities have a separate cost.

About 30 miles from Orlando lies the Econlockhatchee River, in a wonderful area of wetlands and marshes home to a rich biodiversity. The 87.7-kilometre-long river runs through the Little Big Econ Forest, making it an ideal place to take a kayak tour and enjoy one of the most fascinating natural environments in the USA.

These tours are conducted in small groups and accompanied by a professional and knowledgeable guide who will give you all the necessary instructions. They also provide you with the kayak and all the equipment you need. It is an excursion that can be done every day of the year and usually starts early in the morning.

This kayaking tour on the Econlockhatchee River is definitely one of the best activities in and around Orlando, during which you can see alligators, crocodiles, turtles and birds galore. Please note that this activity is not suitable for children, and you should bring insect repellent, sunscreen, a swimming costume, a change of clothes and a towel.

Also, these tours usually include lunch and a transfer by car back to the starting point. Many do not include transportation from Orlando, so you will have to get to Chuluota (35km from Orlando) on your own. A good option is to hire a private transfer to ensure you arrive in time for the tour.

Useful details

• Price: around 60 € per person.
• Duration: about 5 hours.
• Means of transport: kayak. May not include transfer from Orlando.
• Advantages of this option: you will get to know the marsh and wetland area around Orlando and see the wonderful flora and fauna up close.
• Disadvantages of this option: Requires a certain level of fitness. Children are not allowed to participate.

Around Orlando there are also interesting theme parks to visit, such as Island H2O and Tree Trek Adventure Park, which are located in Kissimmee, about 35 km from Orlando. You can visit both on the same day, but I recommend an early start to enjoy both without watching the clock.

Island H2O is one of the main theme parks in and around Orlando, where you can enjoy slides and pools, while enjoying interactive options such as changing the music, lights or sharing photos on social media.

Tree Trek Adventure Park is an aerial park set in a pine forest, where you can wall climb, fly on a zipline or swing on oversized logs. It offers some 94 challenges with varying levels of difficulty, and 6 possible courses. Please note that these are not suitable for children under 7 years old.

Admission to these parks does not include transportation, so you will have to get to Kissimmee on your own. The bus from Orlando takes about 25 minutes, as Kissimmee is quite close by.

Details of interest

• Price: about €60 per person per park.
• Duration: about 3 hours per park.
• Means of transport: does not include transfer from Orlando.
• Advantages of this option: you will visit two of the most fun parks near Orlando.
• Disadvantages of this option: does not include transportation, food and beverages.

About 100 miles from Orlando, you'll find this geological formation known as a karst fenster or cenote. It's a place where you can scuba dive and snorkel, and see a variety of fish and turtles, ancient rock formations and fossils dating back more than 33 million years. This is a great option if you will be in Orlando for at least 5 days or if you have a special interest in these sports.

This dive tour is available all year round, between 9am and 4pm. There is a time limit to stay in the cenote, which is usually 90 minutes. For snorkelling you don't need any previous experience or equipment, as you can rent it on site. Please note that children under 6 years old are not allowed to enter Devil's Den, for safety reasons.

On the other hand, only certified divers can dive in these waters, but if you are interested in this practice, it is a good place to take lessons, as Devil's Den is a natural wonder not to be missed, with its underground river of about 15 metres deep and its constant temperature of 22 °C, ideal to enjoy in springtime in Orlando.

Interesting details

• Price: Snorkelling costs about €17 per person and about €11 for equipment hire. Diving costs around €35 for adults and around €46 for equipment hire.
• Duration: the time limit is usually 90 minutes.
• Means of transport: no transfer included.
• Advantages of this option: it is a perfect opportunity to snorkel in a unique environment.
• Disadvantages of this option: children under 6 years old cannot participate.