10 Unforgettable Day Trips To Take Around Florida This Year
Florida is so much more than theme parks and packed beaches, and 2026 is the perfect year to start exploring what most visitors never see. Beyond the crowds lies a Florida filled with crystal-clear springs, charming small towns, historic landmarks and adventures that feel like mini vacations just a short drive away.
Want to swim in water so clear it looks unreal? Wander through places rich with history and local character?
Or chase outdoor thrills that make your weekend feel like a movie? Florida delivers it all, from peaceful nature escapes to quirky roadside gems and unforgettable coastal getaways.
This is the side of the Sunshine State that turns simple road trips into stories worth remembering. The kind of destinations that make you stop and think, “How did I not know this existed?”
These ten Florida day trips are proof that some of the best adventures are closer, more surprising, and more memorable than you ever expected.
1. Key West
Imagine a place where roosters roam freely like they own the joint, where sunset celebrations turn into nightly parties, and where the vibe is so laid-back you’ll forget what stress even means. Key West, FL 33040, sits at the southernmost tip of the continental United States, and boy, does it know how to show visitors a good time.
The journey down the Overseas Highway alone is worth the trip—you’ll drive over 42 bridges with turquoise water stretching endlessly on both sides.
Once you arrive, Duval Street becomes your playground, packed with quirky shops, legendary bars, and restaurants serving the freshest seafood you’ve ever tasted. Ernest Hemingway’s former home still stands here, complete with dozens of six-toed cats descended from his original feline companions.
History buffs will geek out over Fort Zachary Taylor, while beach lovers can claim their spot on some of Florida’s prettiest shores.
Sunset at Mallory Square transforms into a street performer circus where fire-eaters, acrobats, and musicians compete for your attention and applause. The island’s funky, bohemian spirit mixed with its rich maritime heritage creates an atmosphere that’s completely unique.
Rent a bike, grab some key lime pie (it was invented here, after all), and lose yourself in the tropical paradise that’s somehow still part of America.
2. Dry Tortugas National Park (Fort Jefferson)
Ever dreamed of visiting a massive Civil War-era fortress sitting smack in the middle of crystal-blue Caribbean-like waters, accessible only by boat or seaplane? Welcome to Dry Tortugas National Park, Key West, FL 33040, where Fort Jefferson rises from the sea like something straight out of a pirate movie.
This hexagonal marvel contains over 16 million bricks and was never actually finished, despite decades of construction starting in 1846.
Getting there is half the adventure—most visitors take a ferry or catamaran that cruises 70 miles west of Key West across open ocean. The journey rewards you with some of the most incredible snorkeling and diving in North America, with visibility often exceeding 100 feet.
Colorful fish, sea turtles, and vibrant coral gardens surround the fort’s moat walls, creating an underwater paradise.
Dr. Samuel Mudd, the physician who treated John Wilkes Booth’s broken leg after Lincoln’s assassination, was imprisoned here, adding a fascinating dark chapter to the fort’s history. Pack a picnic because there are no food services on the island—just pristine beaches, incredible bird watching, and the chance to explore the massive fort’s corridors and ramparts.
The park sees relatively few visitors compared to mainland attractions, giving you that exclusive, remote-island feeling without leaving U.S. territory.
3. Captain Hiram’s Resort (Sebastian)
Nestled along the Indian River Lagoon at 1580 US Highway 1, Sebastian, FL 32958, Captain Hiram’s Resort serves up exactly what a Florida day trip should feel like—relaxed, waterfront, and deliciously unpretentious. This isn’t your typical stuffy resort; it’s a casual riverside haven where flip-flops are formal wear and the biggest decision you’ll make is whether to sit inside or grab a table on the sprawling outdoor deck.
The Sandbar restaurant here has perfected the art of Florida coastal cuisine, serving everything from blackened mahi-mahi to coconut shrimp while boats drift lazily past your table. Live music fills the air most evenings, with local bands playing everything from reggae to classic rock as the sun paints the sky in shades of orange and pink.
The resort’s marina buzzes with fishing charters and pleasure boats, giving the whole place an authentic Old Florida fishing village atmosphere.
Sebastian itself remains refreshingly undeveloped compared to its flashier neighbors, maintaining that sleepy beach town charm that’s increasingly rare along Florida’s coasts. After lunch, explore the nearby Sebastian Inlet State Park for world-class surfing and fishing, or simply hang around the resort’s tiki bar sampling tropical drinks with names you can’t pronounce.
The vibe here whispers rather than shouts, making it perfect for folks seeking authentic Florida flavor without the tourist circus.
4. Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring
Picture descending a wooden staircase into an ancient underground cavern where a perfectly clear spring maintains a constant 72 degrees year-round, and you’ve just imagined Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring at 5390 NE 180th Ave, Williston, FL 32696. This geological wonder formed thousands of years ago when the cavern’s roof collapsed, creating a natural skylight that sends ethereal beams of sunlight piercing through the water below.
Snorkelers and scuba divers flock here to explore the spring’s depths, where visibility is so incredible you can see every detail of the limestone formations and fossil beds below. The water stays pleasantly cool even during Florida’s scorching summers, making it a refreshing escape when the heat becomes unbearable.
Ancient rock formations jut from the water’s surface like prehistoric sculptures, while ferns and vegetation cascade down the cavern walls.
Fossils of extinct animals including giant sloths and saber-toothed cats have been discovered here, reminding visitors they’re swimming in waters that have existed for millennia. The facility provides gear rentals, lessons, and even camping if you want to extend your prehistoric adventure overnight.
Non-divers can still peer into the cavern from observation decks, though honestly, you’ll kick yourself for not taking the plunge. The spring’s mysterious, otherworldly atmosphere makes you feel like you’ve discovered a secret portal to Florida’s ancient past.
5. Blue Spring State Park
Between November and March, Blue Spring State Park at 2100 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763, transforms into Florida’s most adorable manatee sanctuary, hosting hundreds of these gentle giants seeking refuge from cooler coastal waters. Watching these massive, whiskered creatures float lazily through the crystalline spring run feels like witnessing nature’s most relaxing meditation session.
The spring pumps out 104 million gallons of water daily at a constant 72 degrees, creating the perfect manatee spa.
During manatee season, swimming is prohibited to protect the endangered animals, but elevated boardwalks provide front-row seats to the aquatic show below. Bring binoculars and patience—you might spot mothers nursing calves or watch manatees surface for breath with the most hilariously surprised expressions.
Once spring arrives and the manatees head back to warmer coastal waters, the park reopens for swimming, snorkeling, and tubing in water so clear it looks Photoshopped.
The park’s natural beauty extends beyond the spring, with hiking trails winding through ancient cypress forests draped in Spanish moss. Thursby House, a historic homestead from the 1870s, sits within the park and offers glimpses into pioneer life along the St. Johns River.
Kayaking and canoeing opportunities abound, letting you explore the surrounding waterways at your own pace. Pack a picnic, claim a shady spot, and prepare for one of Florida’s most magical wildlife encounters that doesn’t require a theme park admission ticket.
6. Silver Glen Springs (Ocala National Forest)
Hidden within the sprawling Ocala National Forest at 5271 FL-19, Salt Springs, FL 32134, Silver Glen Springs offers a swimming experience that’ll make you question why anyone bothers with chlorinated pools. The spring’s impossibly clear water creates a natural swimming area that rivals any resort, with a white sandy bottom and water so transparent you can count fish from 20 feet away.
First-magnitude springs like this one are geological celebrities, pumping out at least 64 million gallons daily.
Families absolutely love this spot because the spring run gradually deepens, giving nervous swimmers and kids a chance to ease into the adventure. The main spring boils up from the earth in a mesmerizing display of natural hydraulics, creating gentle currents that push swimmers downstream toward the connecting creek.
Rope swings dangle from towering cypress trees, offering the kind of wholesome fun that makes you feel like you’re starring in a summer camp movie.
The surrounding forest provides shaded picnic areas perfect for post-swim snacks and lazy afternoon naps in hammocks. Wildlife sightings are common—keep your eyes peeled for otters, turtles, and countless bird species that call this pristine ecosystem home.
Unlike some of Florida’s more famous springs, Silver Glen maintains a peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere even on beautiful weekends. The short nature trail around the spring offers educational signage about the area’s ecology and history, making this trip both fun and enlightening for curious minds.
7. Mount Dora (Downtown Area)
Stepping into downtown Mount Dora, FL 32757, feels like someone pressed pause on the 1950s and forgot to hit play again—in the absolute best way possible. This impossibly charming lakeside town sits on rolling hills (yes, Florida has hills!) and serves up small-town America vibes with tree-lined streets, independent shops, and not a chain store in sight.
Antique streetlamps illuminate brick sidewalks where locals actually wave at strangers like they’re auditioning for a Hallmark movie.
The downtown district packs over 100 specialty shops, galleries, and restaurants into a walkable area that begs for leisurely exploration. You’ll find everything from vintage vinyl records to handcrafted jewelry, from quirky home decor to rare books that smell like history.
The architecture showcases beautifully preserved buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s, many housing businesses that have served the community for generations.
Mount Dora’s location on Lake Dora provides stunning waterfront views and a picturesque lighthouse (yes, an inland lighthouse—Florida does what it wants) that’s become the town’s unofficial mascot. The community hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including renowned arts festivals, classic car shows, and holiday celebrations that transform the downtown into a Norman Rockwell painting come to life.
Stop by one of the local cafes for lunch where the waitresses call you “honey” and mean it, then browse the afternoon away discovering treasures you didn’t know you needed but absolutely can’t live without.
8. Butterfly Rainforest — Florida Museum of Natural History (Gainesville)
Walking into the Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History, 3215 Hull Rd, Gainesville, FL 32611, is like stepping through a portal into a living kaleidoscope where hundreds of butterflies from around the world flutter freely around you, occasionally landing on your shoulder like you’re a Disney princess. The screened conservatory maintains a tropical climate year-round, creating the perfect environment for these delicate creatures and the lush vegetation they depend on.
Over 55 to 65 different butterfly species representing six continents call this rainforest home at any given time, from tiny blues smaller than your thumbnail to massive swallowtails with wingspans that command respect. Waterfalls cascade into koi ponds, exotic plants bloom in riot of colors, and the air smells like a mixture of flowers and adventure.
Patient visitors who stand still often find butterflies landing on them—apparently, bright colors and sweet-smelling perfumes make you extra attractive to these winged beauties.
The museum staff provides magnifying glasses for close-up butterfly observation and maintains a chrysalis display where you might witness the magical moment when a butterfly emerges from its cocoon. Educational signage throughout explains butterfly life cycles, migration patterns, and conservation efforts without feeling like homework.
The surrounding Florida Museum offers additional exhibits covering Florida’s natural history, fossil collections, and cultural artifacts, making this a full-day educational adventure. Photography enthusiasts go absolutely wild here, and the rainforest provides Instagram content that’ll make your followers insanely jealous of your butterfly-covered existence.
9. Haulover Park (Kite Days Festival) — Miami Beach
When the wind picks up at Haulover Park, 10800 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33154, the sky transforms into a dancing canvas of colors, shapes, and designs that’ll have you staring upward until your neck hurts. The annual Kite Days Festival turns this beachfront park into ground zero for kite enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing everything from traditional diamond kites to massive inflatable octopi that look like they escaped from a fantastical sea creature convention.
Professional kite flyers demonstrate skills that seem to defy physics, making their kites perform loops, dives, and synchronized routines set to music. Kids (and let’s be honest, plenty of adults) run along the beach launching their own kites, creating a joyful chaos of strings, tails, and occasional tangles that require diplomatic negotiation.
The festival typically features kite-making workshops where you can craft your own flying creation, plus vendors selling kites in every design imaginable.
Even outside festival dates, Haulover Park remains one of South Florida’s best beaches for kite flying thanks to consistent ocean breezes and wide-open spaces. The park also offers tennis courts, a golf course, and a marina, though the beach itself steals the show with its pristine sand and clear waters.
Food trucks and concession stands keep hunger at bay while you’re mesmerized by the aerial ballet overhead. Watching giant dragon kites soar against Miami’s blue sky while waves crash nearby creates one of those simple, perfect moments that reminds you why Florida living is pretty spectacular.
10. St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
Climbing the 219 steps of the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum at 100 Red Cox Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32080, will leave you breathless in both the cardiovascular and spectacular-view sense of the word. This striking black-and-white striped tower has guided ships safely to shore since 1874, standing 165 feet tall as a testament to maritime history and architectural beauty.
The spiral staircase winds upward through increasingly narrow passages until you emerge onto the observation deck where 360-degree views reward your efforts.
From the top, St. Augustine spreads out below like a living history book—you can spot the ancient Castillo de San Marcos, the Bridge of Lions, and the Atlantic Ocean stretching endlessly toward the horizon. On clear days, visibility extends for miles in every direction, making the leg-burning climb absolutely worth it.
The lighthouse grounds feature the beautifully restored keeper’s house, now a museum packed with fascinating maritime artifacts, shipwreck treasures, and stories of the keepers who maintained this vital beacon.
Ghost hunters flock here claiming the lighthouse is seriously haunted, with numerous paranormal investigation shows featuring the location and its spooky tales. Whether you believe in spirits or not, the history is undeniably rich—the site has witnessed shipwrecks, wars, and centuries of coastal life.
Interactive exhibits let kids experience what lighthouse keeping involved, from polishing the massive Fresnel lens to understanding navigation techniques. The museum also offers moonlight climbs and special nighttime tours for those brave enough to ascend in darkness, adding extra adventure to an already thrilling experience.