Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly outing, romantic getaway or adventure with friends, these locations have something for anybody. 

Just because Labor Day is behind us and school is back in session doesn’t mean that the summertime travel bug is ready to hunker down for hibernation. Fortunately for those who still have some wanderlust to satisfy, living in Central Florida means being advantageously located to make most of The Sunshine State accessible by car for a much-needed day trip. 

From playing tourist right in your own backyard to taking an excursion that’s worth the drive, we’ve rounded up some of Florida’s best-kept secrets and crowd-pleasing favorites to consider for your next outing. Whether you’re taking turns at the wheel with a group of like-minded travelers, looking for something to do for just your partner and you, or piling the kids into the car for family-friendly fun, we’ve got you covered with lots of options.

Charlotte Harbor
The state’s second-largest estuary is a favorite fishing hole, but this picturesque waterfront community situated on a Gulf Coast inlet has plenty to delight history buffs, nature lovers and families alike. The breathtaking Englewood Beach has a playground for kids who’ve had their fill of swimming and sandcastles, while hiking and biking trails offer a unique perspective of the region’s natural beauty.

Clearwater/St. Pete
The region is revered for a white-sand shoreline where the gently lapping Gulf waters meet the land, and with good reason! But this Tampa Bay-proximal area is more than just some of the best beaches in the country: Amazing attractions, a full calendar of events and natural beauty as far as the eye can see all ensure that there’s plenty of sun-soaked fun for everyone. Whether you’re traveling with eager museum-goers, avid golfers, craft-beer enthusiasts or folks who thrive on a vibrant nightlife scene, it’s a different day trip every time you visit. 

Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral
Dig your toes into the sand, take to the water or contemplate the stars in this sure-to-please double-shot destination. If you’re looking for someone else to take the wheel while you see the sea and enjoy the salty air, check out Port Canaveral’s day cruises for a unique afternoon adventure that allows for a bite-sized taste of Las Vegas-caliber gaming right in your own backyard. 

Columbia County
Florida’s Springlands are packed with year-round appeal so there’s never a bad time to visit this natural wonderland’s green forests, sunny blue skies and crystal-clear natural springs. If you’re looking for a short romantic getaway, Lake City is especially well-versed in providing a rendezvous for two that can be lovingly curated to accommodate whatever kind of intimate dining experiences, historical sites, quiet walks and quality time together you’re looking for, while nearby Ichetucknee Springs State Park welcomes you to take in a lush natural backdrop by floating your way down the Ichetucknee River together. 

Crescent City
Not even 90 minutes from Orlando, this serene “oasis of Old Florida” invites you to discover life between the lakes. A walking tour of local community institutions like churches, businesses and homes dating from late 1800s to the early 1900s offer a glimpse into Florida’s past while inviting guests to embrace a slower pace of life and take in both the natural scenery and architectural variety you’ll find here. 

Crystal River
Swim with the manatees in warm Gulf waters, go diving for scallops, hike through verdant and unspoiled forests, play a round on some great golf courses or immerse yourself in local history—the ways to spend a day here are as endless as the views from a clear-bottom kayak. There’s also plenty of arts and culture to take in if you’re traveling with friends and families whose interest skew more toward art and museum exhibits than adventures and marine exploration. 

Florida Keys
It’s worth the scenic drive to The Keys, especially if you’re looking for a dramatic change of scenery without leaving Florida. After you’ve snapped your obligatory Southernmost Point & Buoy selfie at one of the state’s most iconic landmarks and indulged in some literary history at The Hemingway Home and Museum, you’ve got to check out the country’s only frost-free, subtropical, natural conservation habitat at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden. There, you’ll find an arboretum, botanical garden, wildlife refuge and education center all rolled into 15.2 stunning, historical acres. 

Hobe Sound
This Treasure Coast locale is named for the seawater geysers you can watch reaching up to 50 feet from the Atlantic Coast’s largest Anastasia limestone shoreline. Retail therapy, golf courses and charming eateries are all among the offerings you’ll find here, but it’s the nature preserves, wildlife refuges and preserved parks that really steal the show. The peaceful, barrier-island sanctuary of Blowing Rocks Preserve and its naturally evolving shores are a must-visit, especially if you’re looking to immerse yourself in some stunning scenery. 

Homosassa Springs
The animal lovers you’re traveling with will be delighted by the wildlife programs and encounters they’ll find in this town that made for an inviting train stop in the early 1900s. Check out the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park to learn more about our finned, furry and feathered friends. Its unique Underwater Observatory invites visitors to safely watch all kinds of marine life, while its array of alligators, bears, deer, flamingos and more living in the park as refuge habitants offer an opportunity for up-close observation. 

Lake Wales
About 50 miles south of Orlando is this community that truly has something for everyone. Its lush rolling hills and citrus groves make for a picturesque backdrop while the historical Bok Tower Gardens offer their own breathtaking sites, as well as artistic, cultural and personal enrichment for visitors of all ages and interests. Meanwhile, the distinct flare of Lake Wales’ cowboy history is infused into its parks, attractions and events, including a rodeo every Saturday night. 

Naples
Sure, this southwest town is well-known for its incredible high-end shopping, immaculate golf courses, world-class arts and culture scene, and pristine, wheelchair-accessible white-sugar beaches—and rightfully so!—but there’s even more to love about Naples. The adventurous can get an eagle’s-eye view of America’s largest subtropical wilderness via airboat, while the Naples Botanical Garden has plenty to do to keep the whole family entertained. Your four-legged family members will love it here, too, with lots of options for pet-friendly outdoor spaces and restaurants.

Okahumpka
Right in nearby Lake County is this friendly, peaceful little town where outdoor enthusiasts can get away from the amusement parks’ hustle and bustle to reconnect with nature–fitting for a town that takes its name from a Native American word meaning “deep water” for the nearby spring. But it’s not just nature you can explore here, as the town’s historical roots go deep and paint a picture of Florida’s past through old settlements like the 19th-century Campbell House, which contains a historical marker commemorating civil-rights activist Virgil D. Hawkins and has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. 

Sandestin
This golf and beach resort area on the Emerald Coast is awash in quiet luxury that’s as inviting as the sun-warmed beaches dotting its landscape. It’s so hard to leave that those tempted to make their day trip last a little longer can find everything for everyone they’re traveling with at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, where this home away from home has plenty of family-friendly activities, pampering amenities and posh accommodations to make the kind of memories you’ll be daydreaming about revisiting for years to come. 

Sebastian
Situated where the St. Sebastian and Indian rivers meet just two miles from the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll have no trouble filling a day with aquatic adventures here. From fishing and boating to surfing and swimming, the unspoiled shores of Sebastian Inlet State Park offer a veritable haven for anyone who just wants to spend a day splashing around in the sun. There’s also plenty of beach bars and waterfront dining for those who can’t get enough of the salt- and freshwater views. 

Silver Springs
Head to this Northern Florida escape if you’re eager to get away from the everyday and spend some time among nature. Checking out the paddle- and glass-bottomed boats, museum and wildlife-watching available at Silver Springs State Park puts you close to great dining and culture both in the park and beyond, as one of Florida’s oldest tourist destinations has plenty of experience entertaining centuries of guests drawn to the artesian springs inspiring its state park’s name.

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Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden
Key West | South Florida
(305) 296-1504 | KeyWest.Garden

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Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
Florida’s Gulf Coast
(888) 519-0048 | HiltonSandestinBeach.com

TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

City of St. Petersburg
West Coast Florida
StPete.org

Columbia County
North Florida
LakeCityFL.com

Giant Recreation World
Central Florida
(407) 573-1305 | GiantRecreationWorld.com

Jetty Park at Port Canaveral
East Coast Florida
(321) 783-7111 | PortCanaveral.com/Recreation