13 epic Orlando day trips less than 2 hours away

When most people think of Orlando and Central Florida, they think of one thing: theme parks! While the area is home to some of the best theme parks in the world, there is so much more to do than most people realize. This list of epic day trips less than two hours from the city will definitely make you want to extend your visit. 

RELATED: Quiz: Which Orlando theme park is for you?

Take a wild ride through the swamps and backwaters around Orlando | Photo by GettingStamped.com

1. Search for ‘gators in a fan boat

How about a hair-raising ride on a fan boat looking for Florida alligators? Head to Kissimmee and grab a seat on a custom built boat made for the swamps with a propeller so big it could almost power a small airplane. A guided tour of the swamp is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon of your vacation.

Distance from Orlando: 40 minutes

There is no better way to start a day than a hot air balloon ride | Photo by GettingStamped.com

2. Float over the parks in a hot air balloon

One of the coolest things you can do near Disney World is taking a hot air balloon ride. Lift off with Orlando Balloons in Davenport and watch the sun rising over Central Florida. If you’re lucky and the winds are right, you’ll get a one of a kind view of the area’s theme parks. A must do if you are looking for something unforgettable to add on to your next Orlando trip.

Distance from Orlando: 43 minutes

Get face to face with these guys! | Flickr CC photo by usfwsendsp

3. Swim with the manatees of Crystal River

Jump into the pristine waters around Crystal River to have a swim with some adorable manatees. The area around Crystal River is one of the few places in the country where you can legally swim with these so called “sea cows,” and it’s just a short drive away from Orlando. Plan your trip accordingly, the manatees only hang around from November to March.

Distance from Orlando: 1 hour, 30 minutes

For some out of this world fun head to Kennedy Space Center | Flickr CC photo by Bill Dickinson

4. Play astronaut at Kennedy Space Center

For wannabe astronauts of all ages, make sure to take the less than one hour trip from Orlando to the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral. The center has one of the largest collections of rockets and space equipment on the planet and you can even have lunch with a real astronaut. For some education along with entertainment, this is a must.

Distance from Orlando: 50 minutes

5. Hit the links

Warm and sunny Central Florida is the perfect place to play a few rounds of golf. The area around Orlando has 15 courses, including top spots like Reunion Resort, Waldorf Astoria Club and Grand Cypress Resort. Take out the stress of long park lines while crushing some balls on the course.

Distance from Orlando: Multiple options within 1 hour

Hop in a Kayak for a unique Central Florida adventure | Photo by GettingStamped.com

6. Paddle through a cypress swamp

Get your paddles wet in Shingle Creek just outside of Orlando. A short ride away from the theme parks brings you to a whole other world. This peacefully quiet swamp is a great place to take a break from the busy parks. A kayak trip here could bring you all the way to the Everglades if you were up for about two weeks of paddling.

Distance from Orlando: 35 minutes

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If you didn’t go to the beach, did you even go to Florida? | Flickr CC photo by jinjian liang

7. Visit world famous Daytona Beach

A trip to Florida would feel a bit incomplete without setting foot on a beach. Make the short drive to Daytona Beach and spend the day soaking up the sun and surf. The racing fan in your group will also love a stop at the nearby Daytona International Speedway for a spin around the track.

Distance from Orlando: 1 hour

Go for a dip with the Devil | Photo by Eric Beach – Eric Beach, copyright 2007 – all rights reserved, GFDL, Link

8. Enter the Devil’s Den

Distance from Orlando: 1 hour 40 minutes

Rent a bike and check out oddly perfect Celebration | Photo by GettingStamped.com

9. Bike through the real-life town that Disney built

Rent a bike and pedal your way through the bizarrely perfect town of Celebration, Florida. You may think you’ve somehow ended up on a movie set it’s so perfect and quiet. Bike paths wind their way through the city and around the small lakes in the community. It’s the perfect places to unwind for a few hours.

Distance from Orlando: 35 minutes

10. Take a helicopter ride

Take to the skies in a helicopter for unparalleled views with Orlando Heli tours, with locations in both Orlando and Kissimmee. Cruise over wetlands, cityscapes, and the parks of Central Florida. This is sure to be a day trip full of memories and amazing pictures.

Distance from Orlando: Multiple locations under 1 hour

11. Learn the ropes at Orlando Tree Trek Adventures

In Kissimmee, you can get back in touch with nature while strapped into a ropes course-inspired adventure center. Take on one of the craziest obstacle courses you’ve ever seen or just coast down one of the many zip lines. Whichever you choose, it will be a breath of fresh air outside of the theme parks.

Distance from Orlando: 35 minutes

Come face to face with real Florida ‘gators! – Photo by GettingStamped.com

12. Pay a visit to Gatorland

A Central Florida classic, this unique Orlando park lets you get up close to Florida’s most feared and famous reptiles. Here you’ll find live shows along with educational displays about the alligators and their habitat.

Distance from Orlando: 35 minutes

13. Skydiving

Forget the roller coasters; their drops are nothing compared to jumping out of a plane from a few thousand feet up. The guides at Skydive City in Zephyrhills will get you ready to make the leap of faith and get you back down safely to their USPA drop-zone. In case you chicken out,  you can still make your way to iFly, an indoor skydive experience.

Distance from Orlando: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Tagged: Disney, Florida, Orlando