There is so much to see and do in Florida beyond Orlando's theme parks. Find out what adventures await the entire family a day trip away from the City Beautiful. Anna Marie Island – 2 ½ Hours Though it is true this beach is not as popular as Cocoa Beach or St. Petersburg Beach, Anna Marie Island has much to offer day visitors without the crowds. Only 7 miles from end to end, the island features 3 main public beaches. It's easy to explore the area via the free trolley, and there are plenty of mom-and-pop cafes and shops to spend time in. Spend some time walking along the city pier, marveling at the pelicans, gulls, and bay area. St. Augustine – 2 Hours Because St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States, the town has much history for day guests to learn more about and explore; the best to get a lay of the land is by starting the day at the old jail and purchasing a trolley ticket. As you ride the trolley, take note of the interesting spots you want to revisit like the St. Augustine Lighthouse. St. George Street is best to wander down and marvel at the many shops, making time of course to visit The Hyppo and grab a delicious gourmet ice pop. Dunedin – 2 Hours Dunedin has an artsy vibe that is perfect for the young (and young at heart) crowd. Craft beer is a staple here since breweries exist within walking distance of each other. Have a few drafts at Dunedin Brewery, Florida's oldest brewery. If you're looking to catch some rays, take a ferry over to Honeymoon Island State Park and enjoy the beach. Blue Springs State Park – 1 Hour Blue Springs State Park features the largest spring on the 310-mile St. John's River. Swim, snorkel, and scuba dive in the crystal clear waters until mid-November through March 15. During this time, the spring becomes full of Florida manatees that are amazing to see in person and make for a great vacation experience. Check out our article on manatee sightings in Florida for even more information. Mount Dora – 40 minutes The charming lakefront town of Mount Dora is a favorite among antique hunters and offers a great setting for a romantic day trip. Stroll through the downtown shops, sip a few wine samples at The Wine Den, and reserve a table on the outdoor deck at Pisces Rising to watch the sunset over the water. Head to the Destinations tab at the top of this page to book your Orlando vacation today. Villa and condo accommodations are available at Summer Bay Orlando by Exploria Resorts, and hotel accommodations can be booked at Crown Exploria Express by Exploria Resorts.
