There are some excursions from orlando that will allow you to complement your visit beyond the parks. The Florida peninsula is one of the most touristic places in the United States, so it will not be difficult for you to find places to spend the day and disconnect from the theme parks. In this post we tell you the 10 Best Excursions From Orlando for you to enjoy.
10 BEST TOURS FROM ORLANDO
1. Kennedy Space Center
⏱ Distance from Orlando: 50 minutes | 83km
Kennedy Space Center is the most popular excursion from Orlando. It is located less than an hour from the city center, so it is affordable for all tourists. Is about one of 10 NASA launch centers and is located on Merritt Island.
Space trips have been launched at the Kennedy Space Center since the 1960s. Although most of the facility is still in operation to this day at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, tourists can enjoy a very interesting visitor complex where they can learn about the history of space travel.
One of the star attractions of the Kennedy Space Center is the space shuttle atlantis. Is incredible! In addition, you will be able to listen to astronauts so that they can tell you first-hand what it is like to live in space. In short, you will have within reach a wide variety of exhibits, artifacts, and other attractions about the history and human and robotic space exploration.
Without a doubt, youOne of the best excursions from Orlando.
2. St. Augustine, one of the best excursions from Orlando
⏱ Distance from Orlando: 1 hour and 40 minutes | 173km
Less than 2 hours from Orlando you can visit the oldest continuously inhabited European city in America. The Spanish founded it in 1565 and today you can still see some colonial treasures.
He San Marcos castle it is the main attraction of St. Augustine, since it is the oldest fort in North America. It was built to protect the city from attacks by corsairs. In the city, you can also visit the Flagler College, probably the most attractive building in St. Augustine. A super interesting city!
Book the excursion to St. Augustine
3. Everglades
⏱ Distance from Orlando: 4 hours | 370km
When we think of Florida, surely one of the first things that comes to mind is its famous American alligators and crocodiles. Although they can be seen throughout the Florida peninsula, we believe that the best place to see them is in the Everglades.
Is about one of the largest national parks in the country. Its swamps are home to a large number of American alligators and crocodilesamong other species.
Going from Orlando to the Everglades is tiring, but worth it. It’s about 4 hours by car, although you can also take the opportunity to visit other nearby places such as Miami. If you are looking for comfort, the best way is hire an organized tour.
Book the tour to the Everglades
4. See manatees in Crystal River, one of the best excursions from Orlando for snorkelers
⏱ Distance from Orlando: 1 hour and 30 minutes | 140km
If you like snorkeling, this is it. one of the best excursions from orlando. You will be able to swim with one of the tamer creatures in the sea, the Florida manatee. Unfortunately, despite the fact that this species is in danger of extinction, in Crystal River it is easy to find them.
This town, located in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, is recognized as the “Manatee Capital of the World”. In fact, Crystal River and Homosassa are the only places in the United States where you can legally swim with manatees.
Interacting with these creatures is a unique experience. In addition, it also includes food and an airboat ride to learn more about these species and wildlife in the state of Florida. Do not miss it!
Book the excursion to the Crystal River
5. Clearwater Beach
⏱ Distance from Orlando: 2 hours and 30 minutes | 193km
Clearwater Beach is not only one of the best beaches in Florida, but one of the best in the United States. And the good news is that it is relatively close to Orlando. To go from Orlando to Clearwater Beach will take about 2 hours and 30 minutes, but once you get there you can spend the whole day relaxing on the white sand and its beautiful waters. The turquoise color of the water is amazing!
In addition, in its surroundings you will find a super relaxed atmosphere with surf shops and rspecialized seafood restaurants.
Many dolphins live in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.. If you want to see them, you can hire a tour with transportation from Orlando. Very interesting!
Book your dolphin watching in Clearwater Beach
6. Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
⏱ Distance from Orlando: 1 hour and 30 minutes | 140km
Along with Crystal River, Homosassa is the only place in the United States where you can swim with manatees. So if you want to get close to these creatures, it’s one of the best excursions from orlando.
Manatee season runs from November to March. As the Gulf of Mexico cools, these animals begin to seek warmer temperatures in natural springs that have a constant temperature of 23ºC.
Apart from the manatees, in this park you can also see other wild species of the state like the Florida panther, the red wolf, as well as the black bear, the bobcat and, of course, the alligators. A perfect excursion for animal lovers!
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7. Daytona Beach, one of the best excursions from Orlando
⏱ Distance from Orlando: 55 minutes | 90km
If you’re a car lover, Daytona sure sounds familiar. Many races are held in this town during tall year. The most famous is The Daytona 500, the most important race in the NASCAR Series. So if you like cars, you cannot miss a visit to the Daytona International Speedway. However, Daytona has much more to offer than car racing!
Daytona Beach is known as the Festival Capital of Florida. So you won’t be short of festivals to attend! Also, do not forget to walk along its promenade, one of the emblems of Daytona Beach.
And if you like nature, you can always hike some of the many nature trails and waterways to explore.
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8. Miami
⏱ Distance from Orlando: 4 hours | 378km
Going from Orlando to Miami too easy. So, obviously, we couldn’t forget about the largest city in Florida in this article. Although the trip is long to visit Miami in one day, we believe that it is worth it, especially the Miami Beach area and its historic Art Deco district.
In this case, if you want to visit Miami, We recommend you spend a couple or three days to get to know the city in depth. You can’t miss either Little Havanawhich is like teleporting to Cuba or the very interesting Brickell area.
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9. Mount Dora, one of the most interesting excursions from Orlando
⏱ Distance from Orlando: 40 minutes | 54km
If you are looking for an excursion near Orlando, we recommend visit Mount Dora, one of the smallest and most picturesque towns in Florida. It’s hard to believe that this oasis of peace is only less than an hour from downtown Orlando!
It is a different destination, perfect for relaxing. In Mount Dora you will find lakes, quiet country houses, super cute cafes and historic buildings. In addition, this small town stands out for its antique shops.
Don’t forget to get to its famous lighthouse at Grantham Point Park, one of the emblems of Mount Dora. If you get the chance, Mount Dora also hosts several festivals that are worth going to. Definitely, one of the best excursions from Orlando.
10. Devil’s Den
⏱ Distance from Orlando: 1 hour and 40 minutes | 164km
And finally, to finish this post about the best excursions from orlandowe keep this jewel. Did you know that less than two hours from Orlando you can transport yourself to a Mexican cenote? Yes, you read that right. Although geographically it is not in Mexico, in Devil’s Den you will have the opportunity to swim in an amazing underground spring.
Florida beaches are a much more popular option for cooling off, but at Devil’s Den you will live a completely different experience. It is also a super interesting place for snorkeling or scuba diving, although you must book in advance. Definitely, one of the best excursions from orlando.
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MAP WITH THE BEST EXCURSIONS FROM ORLANDO
On the following map you will find marked the best excursions from orlandomentioned in the article.
Source: https://lostraveleros.com/mejores-excursiones-desde-orlando/
