Orlando Day Trips | 10 Bucket List Things To Do

While planning an Orlando vacation, if only amusement parks come to your mind, you’re not alone. However, I bet you that after a week of standing in waiting lines of Disney and Universal amusement park attractions, you’re going to need a break. Fortunately, the vicinity of Orlando is home to some famous bucket list attractions and a perfect excuse to explore Central Florida. Whether you’re craving white sand pristine beaches or fascinated by history or want to experience the ultimate thrill, Orlando is a perfect base to crush your Central Florida bucket list.

Orlando day trips bucket list things to do

I stayed in Centra Florida for years and based on my experience, I’m sharing the 10 bucket list things to do for one-day trips from Orlando.

1) Meet with an astronaut at Kennedy Space Center

An hour’s drive from Orlando to Kennedy Space Center to meet with a NASA astronaut is an experience of a lifetime. During my third visit to Kennedy Space Center, I was fortunate enough to meet astronaut Fred Gregory and had an ultimate experience listening to his adventures in space.

Related Read: Kennedy Space Center, Florida | 5 Must Things To Do
 For Adults

2) Take Daytona International Speedway Tour

Home to the iconic Daytona 500 NASCAR race, Daytona International Speedway is one of the most popular attractions in Florida. Whether you’re a motorsport enthusiast or not, a Daytona International Speedway tour gives you a closer glimpse of the behind-the-scenes high action of exhilarating races. You can also witness the striking displays at The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. Later spend your day while soaking sunshine at Daytona Beach and enjoy the buzzing energy around!

3) Swim with Manatees of Crystal River

An hour and forty minutes’ drive from Orlando to the Crystal River in Citrus County is the only place in Florida where you can swim with manatees. Do visit in the morning as manatees are most active and playful.

4) Stroll on the cobblestone streets of St. Augustine

St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States is only 105 miles from Orlando. Whether you love splendid Atlantic beaches or the 17th-century Spanish stone fortress, the entire historic city has been transformed into a museum. Strolling over the cobblestone streets of St. Augustine gives a glimpse of its own old-world charm and plenty of stories waiting to be heard.

5) Visit Celebration, Disney’s picture-perfect town

The Celebration is a cute little town in the vicinity of The Walt Disney World and a half an hour drive from Orlando. It was built by the Walt Disney Company in the mid-nineties.  Celebration is well-renowned among the 10 prettiest towns in the United States. From splendid pastel-colored buildings to palm tree-lined streets, walking in the Celebration Town Center gives you the vibes of a combination of places such as The Main Street at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Boardwalk, and some parts of Hollywood Studios.

Related Read: Celebration, FL | A Cutest Town Built By Disney

6) Visit the Ringling Museum in Sarasota

A 2 hours’ drive from Orlando to the Ringling Museum, Sarasota is a wonderful day-trip idea if you’re fond of exploring hidden gems. The Ringling Museum is identified as Florida’s official state art museum and it is home to Ca’d’Zan. The museum displays the legacy of John Ringling – one of the greatest circus showmen and art collectors in the US and his wife Mable to the people of Florida.

Related Read: The Ringling Museum | A Guide To Florida’s Hidden Gem

7) Witness the surreal Atlantic sunrise

An early morning trip to any of the Central Atlantic Beaches of Florida is totally worth it if you want to experience breathtaking sunrise! Cocoa Beach and New Smyrna Beach are an hour’s drive from downtown Orlando. Cocoa Beach is famed for its surfing culture and quintessential beach town vibe whereas New Smyrna Beach has a historic downtown with its quaint cafés and restaurants.

8) Enjoy the serenity at Bok Tower Gardens

Bok Tower Gardens is a National Historic Landmark in Lake Wales and an hour and a half drive from Orlando. Nestled among the rolling hills of Citrus, it has a scenic vista to soak into the tranquility around. An iconic attribute to Bok Tower Gardens is its 205-foot Singing Tower Carillon, which you shouldn’t miss during your visit.

9) Witness the Gulf sunsets on the beaches of Tampa Bay

Gulf Beaches of Tampa Bay are popular for their magical sunsets. One of the world-renowned beaches famed for its splendid sunsets is Clearwater Beach located in the city of Clearwater, the northwest of Tampa and St. Petersburg. Some other popular beaches that you can explore in the Tampa Bay Area are St. Pete Beach, Madeira Beach, Sunset Beach, Pine Key Island, and Indian Rocks to name a few.

10) Get high on adrenaline at Skydive City Z-Hills

For all the adrenaline junkies, an hour’s drive from Orlando to Skydive City Z-Hills is a gateway to skydiving, the epic adventure of your lifetime. Even if you’re scared from the thought of jumping from the airplane, visit Z-Hills to watch the thrill of others jumping over 10,000 feet from the moving airplane, and maybe, it helps you to conquer your fear and change your mind!

Have you been on any Orlando day trips? If yes, do share in the comments below. If not, which day trip from my list would you love to experience during your Orlando vacation?

Till then, Safe travel!
XOXO, Ana

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