Are you looking from the best day trips from Orlando for a solo traveler that’s less than three hours away?
If so, you’re in the right place!
The land beyond Orlando, Florida offers so much more to its visitors than Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld.
Orlando can entertain visitors, but have you ever considered what is beyond its borders?
Most people only go to Florida for two things: Miami and Orlando.
It’s fair since these are the most famous cities of the state but if you are willing to broaden your horizons and try something new, then this list is for you!
You got extra time during your trip?
Consider using that pool day to try one of these ten ideas for the best day trips from Orlando that’s ALL within three hours away!
I will touch on why they are good, what to expect, the best thing to do there and tips to better assist you.
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1. St. Augustine, Florida (1 Hour and 45 Minutes Away)
When you think about planning one of your epic day trips from Orlando, St. Augustine should come to mind.
St, Augustine was founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers and today it is the oldest European settlement in the United States that is still inhabited.
It was the capital of Spanish Florida for more than 200 years.
From there, a bunch of famous folks like Ray Charles, Zora Neale Hurston, Henry Flagler, and Felix Varela have called it home at least once.
Why St. Augustine is a Perfect Day Trip from Orlando for Solo Travelers
The city has become known for its historic charm, beaches, art galleries, historic sites perfect for ghost hunting and shopping. This is why 6 million people flock to St. Augustine yearly.
Best Things to Do in St. Augustine, Florida
Similar to Orlando, St. Augustine can have some tourist traps. Luckily for you, I have compiled a list of some of the best to consider trying!
Museums in St. Augustine, Florida
Starting with the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum, which is perfect for history buffs and pirates of the Caribbean fans.
Here you have a chance to dive into and discover more than 300 years of the powerful pirate days in Port Royal, Jamaica.
Inside this awesome 5,000 square foot space, you’ll find more than 800 cool artifacts from the 1600s to now. The museum is all about celebrating the wild history of piracy, plus some fun folklore.
Check out the labor of love from pirate expert Pat Croce!
Make sure to check out the stunning 1,300 square foot courtyard that offers views of the oceans those pirates once sailed!
How Much Does it Cost to Go to the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum?
The museum has been featured in many prominent news outlets and is very affordable ranging between $7.99-$17.99 depending on your age. You can purchase your tickets here.
Downtown St. Augustine, Florida
This historic spot is one of the hottest in the area and can only be checked out on foot. It’s right in the heart of downtown St. Augustine and is the oldest part of the city.
Here you’ll get a chance to journey through the charming architecture of its side streets and buildings are part of the fun! Making it one of the best day trips from Orlando for solo travelers.
This location is packed with shops, cafes, art galleries, and a heritage walk where you can pick up handmade souvenirs and tasty old-school treats like candy! Yum!
You can also check out the world’s oldest wooden schoolhouse and the Cathedral Basilica, the oldest church in the entire state. For the full experience, take part in a 90-minute trolley tour of the town!
State Parks of St. Augustine, Florida
Finally, Anastasia State Park has a beautiful ecosystem filled with amazing wildlife and features 4 miles of beach perfect for all sorts of fun activities like bird watching, hiking, biking, sailing, paddle boating, kayaking, and swimming!
Here you can explore the sand dunes or swing by Coquina Quarry, an archaeological dig site that played a big role in building the nearby Castillo de San Marcos Monument!
Camping’s definitely on the table here, with 139 spots to pick from if you want to stretch this day trip into a longer stay and chill with nature.
Feel free to bike, hike, fish, dive into some water sports, and more in this stunning natural setting.
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2. Kennedy Space Center (45 Minutes Away)
Located on Merritt Island is one of NASA’s ten field centers and has been the primary place of human spaceflight since 1968.
This is extremely important because this was the period when former president John F. Kennedy made it his mission to send humans to the moon by 1970.
The Kennedy Space Center has around 700 facilities and serves as the location for many historically significant launches, which you can still observe today!
This is also the birthplace of the Apollo program, Skylab, and the Space Shuttle programs!
Why Kennedy Space Center is a Perfect Day Trip from Orlando for Solo Travelers
This place is perfect for everyone and has some awesome attractions that’ll really make you think about what people can achieve, and hey, you might even have a little existential crisis while you’re at it, lol!
Fun Things to Do at Kennedy Space Center
With everything in the Visitor Complex, you can expect to spend a full day here.
You can stroll through the rocket garden, walking amongst actual rockets and satellites that made the journey to the great beyond, minus one which is a replica.
You can even have your own space adventure with a space launch simulation that’s much smoother than Mission Space at EPCOT.
You are able to visit exhibits that relate to the Apollo Program, but you’ll have to check out the multiple facilities especially built for the Saturn V. Making it one of the best day trips from Orlando for solo travelers.
Dining and shopping options are available here as well, so you won’t have to go anywhere or leave the amazing exhibits and glory of the accomplishments humankind has made as we continue to explore beyond our solar system and within.
Purchase your tickets or book a tour here for Kennedy Space Center!
3. Cassadaga (40 Minutes Away)
If you are into the spiritual world and are open to the unknown, you’ll want to visit the psychic capitol of the world, Cassadaga!
At first glance, it looks like another quiet, sleepy town. But you would be surprised that tourists come by the busload to explore what this town has to offer.
It’s a great ghost hunting location and is home to many gifted citizens who dedicate their life to the religion and their gifts.
Making it one of the best day trips from Orlando for solo travelers.
Why Cassadaga is a Perfect Day Trip from Orlando for Solo Travelers
Not super creepy on the outside, but it’s packed with spiritual folks and healers eager to share their knowledge and help those looking for healing and insight.
This place sits on a huge energy vortex, and the aim here is to find enlightenment.
It’s not going to break the bank to gain either as the town holds workshops, classes and seminars all the time and tours, especially at night.
The crown jewel, which I have personally visited, is the Cassadaga Hotel. It will transport you to the 1920s era and plays host to friendly spirits.
Oh, and it’s the only hotel in town, plus there’s a spiritualist and healer center right there that you can book by appointment!
The hotel has a cool Italian-themed restaurant and bar that’ll totally give you the vibes you’re looking for. Checking out the town has fairy gardens, shops with souvenirs, and super friendly folks.
Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!
4. Weeki Wachee Springs (1 Hour and 35 Minutes Away)
If you are into fantasy and lore, you will love to immerse yourself into this naturally stunning tourist attraction.
Weeki Wachee Springs is a hidden gem in Florida packed with awesome fantasy fun and some unexpected Hollywood stories.
Why Weeki Wachee Springs is a Perfect Day Trip from Orlando for Solo Travelers
It gets its name, meaning “little river” from Seminole native Americans and the attraction itself was created in 1947 by a stunt swimmer.
The spot made its Hollywood debut in a Warner Bros. film back in 1964, where they hosted the very first underwater movie premiere.
The location has been the site of several filming for movies, tv specials and music videos.
Elvis and Don Knotts dropped by the springs, and guess what? The mermaid herself, Esther Williams, who shot “Neptune’s Daughter” there, swung by as well!
Even Kevin Smith and Larry the Cable Guy have paid a visit to Weeki Wachee to visit the mermaids.
At one time, ABC Network owned this location, and it really helped make the place popular.
As of today, it’s part of the Florida State Park system. It has been confirmed to be the deepest freshwater cave system in North America.
Fun Things to Do at Weeki Wachee Springs
When you visit, you can go to Buccaneer Bay that has water slides, a white sandy beach a lazy river and can participate in a plethora of water sport activities.
The main reason to visit is the mermaids, of course!
While you’re there, you can go into the freshwater cave that transports you back to a simpler time.
In the 400-seat theater, you can watch the Weeki Wachee mermaids perform in a first magnitude spring.
Making it one of the best day trips from Orlando for solo travelers.
How much does it cost to go to Weeki Wachee Springs?
The cost for Weeki Wachee Springs is $13 for adults and $8 for children ages six to twelve years old. Children five years of age or younger are free.
It truly is a relaxing time and a great way to enjoy the natural spring while having a fantastical day trip adventure! You can purchase tickets here before you go!
Recommended: Ultimate Florida Packing List: What to Pack for Your EPIC Trip!
5. Bok Tower Gardens (1 Hour and 5 Minutes Away)
One of the crown jewels of Florida is Bok Tower Gardens! It is so wonderful that it is a U.S National Landmark and on the U.S National register of Historic Places.
The whole 250-acre garden and bird sanctuary was created by Edward Bok and his wife, Mary.
Edward was the editor of Ladies Home Journal and spent the winter of 1921 there with Mary.
They loved the place so much that they bought 25 acres to keep it safe from any development.
According to lore, they commissioned a prominent landscape architect to create “a spot of beauty that is second to none in the country.”
They also planted live oaks, azaleas, blueberry, holly, magnolias and more gorgeous plant life.
Why Bok Towers is a Perfect Day Trip from Orlando for Solo Travelers
As I mentioned previously, the gardens are now 250 acres compared to when it was first only 25 acres.
The bird sanctuary and garden are home to over 100 bird species. You will especially see sandhill cranes and wild turkeys roaming about the grounds.
You should definitely check out the singing tower, built by American architect Milton Medary.
His team used pink etowah marble, grey creole marble from Georgia, and coquina stone from St. Augustine to create it.
And get this, there’s a 15-foot-wide koi pond at the bottom, plus a 60-bell carillon up top, along with some cool ceramic mosaics and iron gates leading to two bridges over the moat.
It was dedicated by former president Calvin Coolidge.
The gardens hold all sorts of events year-round and have a cool shop and cafe right nearby! You definitely want to check out this amazing blend of nature and creativity.
Making it one of the best day trips from Orlando for solo travelers.
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6. Rock Springs Run State Reserve (30 Minutes Away)
Continuing on as we explore the natural wonders of Florida, we move about 30 minutes from Orlando to Rock Springs.
According to Florida State Parks, there is no swimming or access to the Wekiva River at Rock Springs Run State Reserve.
However, there are 17 miles of natural trail that has Indian mounds, swamps, artesian springs, and more within the park.
Here you can do many activities that allow you to commune with nature. Try your hand at horseback riding, biking or hiking.
Editor Update: In the past you could swim and go tubing through Rock Springs/Kelly Park; however, due to an increase in alligator activity, the swimming location is closed.
Why Rock Springs is a Perfect Day Trip from Orlando for Solo Travelers
The park has this cool paddling trail, and if that’s not your thing, you can totally canoe, kayak, or go tubing instead.
There are loads of creeks and rivers to pick from where you can give all these fun activities a shot.
The wildlife you may encounter include the Florida black bear, an alligator, sandhill crane and gopher tortoises.
If you don’t feel like you’re comfortable going on your own, you can go a guided 1–2-hour tour on a horse along the gorgeous trails throughout the park.
Visitors can do some camping with cabins available.
Hunting is permitted on select weekends in specific designated areas between September and January, as well as fishing.
While a day trip can be done here, this is an awesome place to truly and safely be one with nature. Making it one of the best day trips from Orlando.
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7. Crystal River (1 Hour and 30 Minutes Away)
I mentioned mermaids earlier and it’s suspected that explorers of yesteryear mistook these creatures for the mermaids of lore that we know today and can be seen at Weeki Wachee.
Crystal River is another small Floridian town on our list that shares waterways with the Gulf of Mexico.
This beach town in Florida is home to the only legal refuge made specifically for protecting the endangered Florida manatee.
Tons of manatees show up because the spring stays a cozy 72 degrees even when the gulf gets chilly.
It’s a perfect spot for folks to take a dip, and they can check out the manatees in their home turf without bothering them.
Why Crystal River is a Perfect Day Trip from Orlando for Solo Travelers
Visitors come from around the globe for its world-class fishing due to king’s bay waterway connection to the Gulf of Mexico.
If you visit during January, you can visit during the Florida Manatee Festival. It’s among the many festivals they have throughout the year.
The tons of fish around make for an awesome fishing day! Plus, you can dive into any water sport you can think of on the super clean, clear waters.
This means swimming, water skiing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and boating, all while soaking in some unforgettable views of the water and the shore.
Visiting Downtown Crystal River
You will love Downtown Crystal River that gives off the vibes of southern charm, featuring tons of shops, boutiques, galleries, restaurants, bars, and cafes that are all set to welcome visitors with open arms.
Nature, wildlife and the people combine to give visitors a truly exciting and dazzling day trip experience. Making it one of the best day trips from Orlando for solo travelers.
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8. Clearwater Beach (2 Hours and 30 Minutes Away)
Clearwater Beach is one of Florida’s most popular beaches and continues to be on Trip Advisor’s top beaches list yearly.
In 2019, it was dubbed the best beach in the United States and the 6th best in the world. That is quite the feat!
This place is famous for its stunning white sand beaches that stretch across a barrier island by the Gulf of Mexico for about 2.5 miles.
The Sandpearl Resort at Clearwater has been named one of the Best Beach Resorts in the Country.
Why Crystal River is a Perfect Day Trip from Orlando for Solo Travelers
Clearwater Beach gives small town vibes, similar to others on this list but features a hometown hero.
Here you can explore the Clearwater Marine Aquarium which is famous for being home to “Winter” the dolphin. Winter was known as the star of the “Dolphin Tale” films.
Unfortunately, Winter passed away in November 2021 and struck a chord with people worldwide due to her story and use of a prosthetic tail.
What to Expect in Clearwater Beach, Florida?
When you’re visiting, expect temps to be anywhere from the 70s to the high 90s. Sometimes it can get super hot in the summer, so be sure to stay safe out there.
One of the highlights of Clearwater Beach is Pier 60, the central spot for visitors hitting the beach and one of my favorite places to hangout when I’m visiting that area.
Here you’ll enjoy lots of restaurants, bar and souvenir shops along with a long fishing pier for those who want to try their hand!
It’s near the Gulf waterways so you’ll never know what you will catch! Making it one of the best day trips from Orlando for solo travelers.
Things to Do in Clearwater Beach, Florida
If you stay late enough, you can check out “Sunsets at Pier 60.”
This daily event has performers and musical acts to keep everyone jamming and entertained throughout the evening.
You’ll find local crafters and artisans selling their cool stuff like candles, jewelry, and other unique goodies that you can snag for yourself!
Plenty of restaurants, shops and nighttime spots like Palm Inn Pavilion are there for you or you can take a stroll along the newly renovated “Beach Walk.”
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9. Everglades National Park (3 to 4 Hours Away)
On average over 1 million people visit the Everglades National Park every year. As an official national park, it protects 20% of the original everglades in the state.
To the east of the Mississippi River, you’ll find the biggest tropical wilderness in the country. It’s pretty amazing and a total tribute to nature’s awesomeness.
They set up this national park to keep its ecosystem safe, and right now, it’s home to thirty-six endangered species, like the Florida panther.
Florida’s Everglades has the largest mangrove system around here, complete with a bunch of wetlands and forests.
Its geography and ecosystem are fragile and sadly has suffered due to human activity.
Why the Everglades is a Perfect Day Trip from Orlando for Solo Travelers
The park is a favorite for those who enjoy dark sky viewing like me.
It is said that the Milky Way can be seen at its brightest in the southern and western locations of the Everglades, furthest away from the least light polluted areas.
Plus, it’s a super popular hangout for bird lovers since it’s home to more than 350 bird species. The park plays a key role in the Great Florida Birding trail.
Fun Things to Do in the Everglades for Solo Travelers
Speaking of trails, there are various trails ranging in difficulty for everyone to try out. Most are self-guided although ranger led ones happen only during the busy season.
The top trails to check out are Gumbo Limbo and Anhinga. You can camp here all year round, but some spots in the national park need a permit.
If you want to fish, you’ll need a state license, which you can’t get in the park for freshwater but you can usually find for saltwater.
Kayaking and canoeing are cool on most trails, but to keep the animals and ecosystem safe, stuff like jet-skiing and motorboats are a no-go.
And it should be said that because there is low visibility in the waterways that are home to American crocodiles, barracuda, etc., you should not swim here.
This is for people who want to see the delicate ecosystem and natural beauty of the Floridian landscape. Making it one of the best day trips from Orlando for solo travelers.
This winter would be a great time for a day trip as the park will be celebrating its 75th anniversary! For more details, click here.
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10. St. Petersburg, Florida (2 Hours Away)
We have come to the end of the road that is this list, unless you ask for more!
Here we enter “The Sunshine City” as it holds the Guinness World Record for the most days of sunshine! It is very well known for its celebration for its arts and culture.
The city celebrates and takes pride in being accepting of all ethnicities, cultures, as well, being home to some of Florida’s largest festivals.
Why St. Petersburg is a Perfect Day Trip from Orlando for Solo Travelers
St. Petersburg has over 1,000 festivals and annual events so no matter when you visit, there will be something going on for you to partake in.
Sports are super important around here with teams like the Tampa Bay Rays (MLB), Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL), and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL) calling it home.
St. Pete also offer some awesome golf courses, sweet skateboard parks, the biggest marina in the southeast for all your water fun, and tons of trails for biking and hiking.
Why We Love St. Petersburg, Florida
St. Petersburg is ranked amongst the best locations for the arts and cultures. This is the mecca if you are into that kind of stuff! You will thrive amongst world famous museums and galleries.
St. Petersburg, Florida has the awesome Dali Museum, the fun Mural Festival, Fairgrounds St. Pete, cool craft art, and tons of adventures.
You can check out musical vibes at the Florida Orchestra and Florida Opera, or catch a play at American Stage or FreeFall Theatre.
Art isn’t just in museums or galleries. Seriously, art is popping up in alleys and on street corners everywhere you go.
Live poetry can be heard in cafes and breweries to give you a full experience of immersive arts and culture.
Even our Editor, NikkyJ, lived in St. Pete, Florida for a while and loved it!
Whether you are visiting the St. Petersburg Pier or the Sunken Gardens (home to the oldest living museum in the city), or visiting the 1920s Manhattan Casino or Coliseum, you will find literally everything and more to do here.
So much so, you will want to come back for an extended stay! This is why St. Petersburg, Florida is one of the best day trips from Orlando for a solo traveler.
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My Final Thoughts on the Best Day Trips from Orlando for Solo Travelers
Bet you didn’t think that all of this was beyond the borders of Orlando, huh? As you can see, there are lots of options for day trips from Orlando for solo travelers.
Florida has so many unique landscapes, arts, culture, nature and science that goes beyond Orlando’s theme parks, outlets and other interesting and intriguing offerings.
Hopefully this will allow you to consider broadening your horizons and extending your trip to see more!
Because after all, there is indeed more and that’s the fun of solo travel.
What Florida destination on this list are you most excited to visit? Let us know in the comments section below.
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
Victoria is a professional solo traveler here to make your solo trips as stress free AND enjoyable as possible for you.
She has over 5 years of Disney and Non-Disney travel experience and was featured by POPSUGAR as one of the Top 50 Black Disney Creators you should follow.
She is a Proud Native to Baltimore, Md but always will call Disney World home.
UP NEXT: 5 Fun (and SCARY) Things to do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks
(Original Article Date: June 13, 2022/Updated by Editor on July 31, 2024)
Some Photos Courtesy of Canva.com