9 Best Day Trips from Disney World
Walt Disney World Resort offers an abundance of experiences that many visitors often overlook when considering leaving the park. However, there are plenty of fun and educational day trips just a short drive away. If you have a car (or are willing to rent one) and an extra day to explore, you’ll find several exciting destinations in Central Florida!
All the locations listed below are within one to two hours from your hotel near Disney. These family-friendly and mostly affordable spots feature beautiful beaches, nature preserves, historic cities, and even additional theme parks. For those who love to hit the road, there are also scenic routes that showcase the charm of Florida’s landscapes. Whether it’s a leisurely drive along the coast or a journey through lush greenery, road trips can enhance your experience by adding a bit of adventure to your day.
Without further ado, here are our top nine day trips from Disney World.
1. Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort, often referred to simply as Universal, is a premier theme park resort and entertainment complex located in Orlando, Florida. It is about 10 miles from Disney World, making it an easy day trip that typically takes 20-30 minutes. Various transportation options are available between Disney and Universal, including Uber, shuttles, taxis, and car rentals.
The resort features two theme parks, a water park, and a dining, shopping, and entertainment district. The first theme park, Universal Studios, offers thrilling attractions and areas themed around the film industry. The second park, Islands of Adventure, boasts eight distinct “islands,” each themed around different forms of adventure.
A major highlight of Universal Orlando is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which attracts many fans of the franchise. This immersive area is located between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. A Universal Orlando map can help you navigate.
Volcano Bay is Universal’s expansive 27-acre water park, which includes water coasters, slides, raft rides, a lazy river, and wave pools.
Universal CityWalk Orlando, the resort’s entertainment and retail district, features a variety of nightclubs and dining establishments, including Hard Rock Cafe, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, and Voodoo Doughnut.
Check out our list of the Best Rides at Universal and Universal Studios vs Disney World before you go.
Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
2. SeaWorld
SeaWorld Orlando is a nearby marine zoological park. In 2018, the theme park welcomed approximately 4.594 million guests, making it the 10th most visited amusement park in the U.S.
When combined with the adjacent Aquatica and Discovery Cove, the area is collectively known as SeaWorld Parks and Resorts Orlando. This entertainment complex features three parks and several hotels.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of rides, attractions, shows, and engaging animal encounters, making it a fun experience for the whole family!
Additionally, SeaWorld Orlando is located just about 5 miles from Disney Springs, making it an easy day trip for those staying at Disney hotels.
Address: 7007 Sea World Dr, Orlando, FL 32821
3. St. Augustine
Have you ever visited the oldest city in America? If not, you should check out St. Augustine.
Located about two hours northeast of Walt Disney World, St. Augustine makes for an excellent day trip. Founded in 1565, this historic city is situated on Florida’s northeast coast and is renowned for its Spanish colonial architecture, particularly the Castillo de San Marcos, a fort built by early Spanish settlers.
There are plenty of family-friendly attractions and activities available, including visits to St. Augustine Beach, Crescent Beach, and Anastasia State Park, a wildlife sanctuary. You can also explore the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum to see various pirate artifacts or simply enjoy wandering the downtown area by trolley or on foot along the charming cobblestone streets.
4. Kennedy Space Center
Cape Canaveral offers the closest beach to Disney World, where you can relax and soak up the sun, or you can head directly to the Kennedy Space Center.
If you’re interested in science or space, the Kennedy Space Center makes for a fantastic day trip from Disney World. You can take a tour of the facility, explore the exhibits, view the shuttle launchpads, and enjoy an IMAX screening and simulator experience.
This trip can be both fun and educational, making it a great option for covering STEM topics while homeschooling your kids during your vacation.
Address: Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953
5. The Beaches
There are many beaches within a short driving distance of Disney World. We have an extensive list in our Beaches Near Disney World article, but here are a few favorites:
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach has earned its title as the #1 beach in America for a good reason. It’s celebrated for its relaxed atmosphere, soft white sand, and, as the name suggests, clear water!
The beach attracts visitors year-round, offering opportunities for swimming in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, as well as activities like jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding.
The winding beachfront promenade is a favorite spot for cyclists and rollerbladers, and there are plenty of casual seafood restaurants and cafes nearby for a bite to eat.
At sunset, you can enjoy nightly festivals at Pier 60 Park, featuring street performers and craft vendors.
Address: Causeway Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach is located south of Daytona Beach, approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Walt Disney World Resort. The area is renowned for its beautiful beaches, including Canaveral National Seashore. At Smyrna Dunes Park, visitors can enjoy stunning views of Ponce Inlet and the lighthouse.
The downtown Canal Street Historic District is lined with palm trees, featuring an array of shops, art galleries, and the New Smyrna Museum of History.
Guests can surf, swim, fish, rent bikes, explore the city, or simply relax along the shoreline.
Address: New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
Daytona Beach
Daytona is famous for its NASCAR racing and spring break crowds, but its beach is a wonderful spot to unwind during a day away from Disney World. Just be sure to avoid peak times when crowds are expected.
The beach’s boardwalk is perfect for families. It features games, carnival rides, and a variety of dining options along the beachfront.
Address: Daytona Beach, FL 32118
6. The Everglades
Everglades National Park is one of Florida’s most popular natural attractions, spanning 1.5 million acres on the southernmost tip of the state.
The park features a diverse landscape, including coastal mangroves, pine flatwoods, and sawgrass marshes. It is home to hundreds of animal species, such as the American alligator, Florida panther, West Indian manatee, and leatherback turtle.
Visitors can explore the Everglades on guided airboat tours, which offer a unique way to see some of America’s most fascinating flora and fauna. The national park makes for an excellent day trip from Walt Disney World.
7. Legoland Florida
Legoland Florida, located about an hour away from Disney World, is a theme park featuring over 50 rides spread across 150 acres. The park is primarily aimed at families with children aged 11 and under.
Attractions at Legoland Orlando include several roller coasters designed for younger kids, as well as educational exhibits like a model village showcasing scenes and landmarks from around the world, all created from millions of Lego bricks.
If you and your children enjoy Legos, this is the perfect day trip from Disney World!
Address: 1204 Helena Rd, Winter Haven, FL 33884
8. Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is home to a variety of natural wonders, most notably its famous resident: manatees. Visitors can explore walking trails and a floating observatory to get a closer look at these gentle giants.
In addition to manatees, the park is inhabited by American alligators, black bears, bobcats, herons, flamingos, river otters, and white-tailed deer. It is also home to a hippopotamus named Lu, who is well-known for his appearances in numerous films over the past several decades.
Address: 4150 S Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34446
Other Daytrips to Experience Florida’s Wildlife
Blue Springs State Park
Blue Springs State Park is a seasonal destination known for its diverse wildlife, including manatees, wild hogs, and bald eagles. It also has a warm spring located on the St. Johns River. The park is popular for activities such as swimming, kayaking, and family outings.
Visitors can explore walking trails on the island that lead to an intriguing Native American shell mound. If kayaking isn’t your preference, the park also offers opportunities for camping, fishing, and SCUBA diving.
Address: 2100 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763
Lake Toho
Lake Toho is one of Florida’s premier bass fishing spots.
You can join a guided trip where fishing experts will teach you the techniques you’ll need to succeed. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn or an experienced angler wanting to refine your skills and learn new tricks, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re already a bass fishing pro, you may prefer to head out on your own.
69 Lakeview Dr. Kissimmee, Florida 34741
9. Bok Tower Gardens
If you’re seeking peace and quiet after several days at the theme parks, Bok Tower Gardens is the perfect destination for you!
Located just north of Lake Wales, Florida, this serene garden and bird sanctuary spans 250 acres and features a visitor center, Pinewood Estate, and the Pine Ridge Trail. The highlight of the gardens is the 205-foot-tall Singing Tower, which has been standing since 1929. It boasts around 60 bells that chime beautifully together.
With spectacular views, scenic walking trails, and a tranquil atmosphere, Bok Tower Gardens offers the perfect retreat.
Address: 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853
Editor’s Note
Ponce De Leon Springs and the metro Tampa area are worthwhile destinations, but they didn’t make our list. Florida has an abundance of amazing experiences, making it impossible to include them all!
You don’t necessarily need to devote an entire day to enjoy great activities around Orlando; there are many options that only require an hour or two of your time.
With that said, we hope our Day Trips from Disney World page has provided you with some helpful ideas.
For more useful information regarding your Disney World vacation, check out our Disney Crowd Calendar, comparisons of Disney World Hotels, Disney World YouTube Channels, Disney Dining Plan Calculator, and other resources.
Enjoy your trip!
