Orlando is not only the famous theme parks city but also a perfect starting point for various interesting day tours. Apart from the lively city attractions, you will be able to find beautiful beaches, natural springs, wildlife sanctuaries, and historical sites, all within the shortest time possible. These destinations provide ideal getaways for enjoyment and leisure since they provide for every interest. From beautiful beaches where you can enjoy sunbathing to the nature and history and cultural sites in the nearby towns, the best day trips from Orlando are memorable. Explore seven spectacular day tours from Orlando that will offer fun and recreation to any tourist.

Coastal Escapes

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is situated about one hours drive southeast of Orlando and can be reached by the FL-528 Expressway. It is a popular family beach mainly due to its relaxed environment and good waves for surfing that are found in Cocoa Beach. Some of the features are the famous Cocoa Beach Pier where tourist can dine, shop and fish. Some of the activities that can be done at Cocoa Beach include surfing, paddle boarding, beach volley ball and sun bathing. This beach is also near the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex which gives a more educational spin to your day at the beach, giving a look into the history of space travel.

Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach is reachable in about two hours drive from Orlando through I-4 West and FL-60 West. Clearwater Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Florida, and it is known for its white, fine sand and crystal, clear, and rather shallow water; it is among the top beaches in the United States. Some of the features include the colourful Pier 60 which has nightly sunset fest with street performers, artisans, and musicians. Among water activities that tourists can engage in include; water skiing, parasailing, and watching dolphins among others. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium that featured the dolphin Winter in the movie Dolphin Tale is an excellent family entertainment center. The water at the beach is relatively shallow and there are many things to do there, thus it is ideal for a day trip.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is about one hours drive northeast of Orlando along I-4 East. Well known for its firm sandy shore that permits automobiles to be driven directly on the sand, Daytona beach is one of a kind. Special attractions are the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier where people can find amusement, restaurants, and beautiful sea view. It is also famous for its colorful events such as the Daytona 500 NASCAR event that takes place at the Daytona International Speedway. Some of the activities that are carried out at Daytona Beach include swimming, surfing, biking and beachcombing. The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum is situated close to the place; it is Floridas tallest lighthouse that has been preserved and offers stunning views and a brief history of maritime industry.

Nature and Adventure

Wekiwa Springs State Park

It is one of the most beautiful state parks with clear springs, green vegetation, and a great number of animals. Other attractions are the Wekiwa Springs, which is natural and warm spring that averages 72 degrees all year round and is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and tubing. Tourists can also take a canoe or kayak ride on the Wekiva River, take nature trails which are available in the park and explore the different ecosystems or watch wildlife such as deer, turkey, or birds. It has picnic facilities and camping sites hence it is a perfect place.

Blue Spring State Park

This park is well known for having many manatee residents especially during the winter when the warm springs are attractive to the species. Other features are the Blue Spring which is a natural fresh water spring, visitors can swim, snorkeling and scuba diving in this natural spring in areas that are allowed. The park also provides recreational activities such as canoeing/kayaking on the St. Johns River, nature trails and forest, and wildlife including manatee, alligators, and birds. The boardwalk of the park is perfect for viewing the spring and scenery of the place.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

It is situated approximately 35 miles east of Orlando and is adjacent to the Kennedy Space Centre, with the route being FL 528 and FL 3. It has marshes, lagoons and the coastal dunes that are home to many species of wildlife. The visitors can also engage in hiking and biking activities on the numerous trails and fishing in the approved areas, guided tours and educative activities. The refuge is endowed with over 1,500 species of plants and animals, and therefore, is a perfect destination for nature lovers and the adventurous.

Cultural and Historical Sites

St. Augustine

St Augustine, which is about two hours northeast of Orlando, is fairly easy to get to by car with the I-4 and I-95 interstates. Some of the attractions and landmarks are the Castillo de San Marcos and St. George Street, which is a colonial street containing many shops and restaurants. Tourists can also go to the Oldest Wooden SchoolHouse, St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum and the Plaza de la Constitucin. St. Augustine is a history lovers dream; the citys landmarks are well preserved and the history dates back to 1565.

Kennedy Space Center

It is some 45 minutes drive from Orlando and can be accessed by FL-528 and FL-3. This famous place is the primary center for manned space launches of NASA. Some of the notable characteristics are the Space Shuttle Atlantis which is a retired orbiter with various touch and feel exhibits and the Apollo/Saturn V Center where there is a large Saturn V rocket and information on the Apollo moon expeditions. Shuttle Launch Experience is also available for the visitors, which is a simulation of a space shuttle launch. The Kennedy Space Center provides a fascinating and informative tour, including the past and the present of space travel.

Conclusion

Discovering the various options of day trips from Orlando is a great way to have fun, to rest and even to learn. For the beach lovers, there is Cocoa, Clearwater, and Daytona beaches; for the nature lovers, the Wekiwa Springs, Blue Spring, and the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Other attractions such as the St Augustine and the Kennedy Space Center give one an enriching cultural and historical experience of Florida. From the thrill seekers to the leisure travelers, these are the best day trips from Orlando that every traveler should consider.