Day Trips From Orlando

Day trips from Orlando include Daytona Beach.Sunrise image by Doug Leugers from Fotolia.com

There are plenty of theme parks in Orlando, Florida, but visitors to the area often want other entertainment options. Orlando's convenient location in Central Florida offers a number of quick outings. There are day trips that range from gazing down into the crystal-clear waters of Juniper Springs to staring up into the sky at NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center.

NASA'S John F. Kennedy Space Center

NASA's rocket garden features historic missiles.rockets at the kennedy space center image by Wimbledon from Fotolia.com

NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center is located on Cape Canaveral on the east coast of Florida, about a one-hour drive from Orlando. While watching space shuttle and rocket launches are a highlight of the center, Kennedy Space Center also has tours, space history exhibits and a rocket garden featuring historic spacecraft. In addition to the tour included with admission, there are two other tours available. Advance reservations for those tours are strongly recommended.

To reach Kennedy Space Center from Orlando, drive east on highway 528, or The Beeline. Take the Titusville/Kennedy Space Center exit at highway 407. When 407 ends at 405, turn right and enter Kennedy Space Center.

Cars are allowed on the beach in Daytona.beach image by Horticulture from Fotolia.com

Daytona Beach is one of the closest beaches to Orlando. Ocean lovers can drive from Orlando right onto the white sands of Daytona in about 45 minutes. The beach is lined by restaurants, shopping and a pier with a number of rides and amusements. Racing fans can visit Daytona International Speedway and the Daytona 500 Experience, a NASCAR-themed attraction. Tours of the track are available, as well.

I-4 east leads from Orlando to the east coast of Florida. From there, take I-95 north for half a mile, then take highway 92 east directly to Daytona Beach.

Pine trees abound in Ocala National Forest.pine trees image by Piter Pkruger from Fotolia.com

Ocala National Forest comprises nearly 400,000 acres in north central Florida, and it is an ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle of Orlando. Camping is available, but there are plenty of day trip options: hiking, canoeing in lakes and rivers, and swimming in one of four springs. Recreational areas like Juniper Springs, where the clear water is 72 degrees C year-round, have been popular since the 1930s. The historic sites reflect the life of the Civilian Conservation Corps, a Depression-era workforce responsible for many of the parks throughout the United States.

Ocala National Forest has many entrances, and driving routes will vary depending on which sites are being visited. The Ocala National Forest website has detailed maps and information.

The carillon's bells can be heard throughout the park.Kirchturmglocken image by Gregor Scholl from Fotolia.com

Bok Tower Gardens is an idyllic holdover from the popular garden attractions of the 1920s. Quiet paths wind along Iron Mountain, the tallest point in Central Florida at just 298 feet above sea level. The focal point of Bok Tower Gardens is the singing tower, a tall structure carved with scenes of Florida plants and wildlife. A carillon is housed inside the tower, and recitals are held regularly on the carillon bells.

To reach Bok Tower Gardens from Orlando, drive south on I-4 west and take highway 27 south to Lake Wales. Turn left on Mountain Lake Cutoff Road and follow signs to the Bok Tower Gardens parking lot.