Photo: Jud McCranie · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons Space Coast · Day trip
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Canaveral National Seashore sit right next to Kennedy Space Center.
Distance
Drive time
Est. total Admission source: Merritt Island NWR pass $10/vehicle + Canaveral National Seashore $25/vehicle . Lodging and meals not included.
Where to eat Get directions to A Space Coast day (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Photo: Juliancolton · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons Northeast Florida · 2 days
The nation's oldest continuously occupied European-founded city, a straight run up I-95.
Distance
Drive time
Est. total Admission source: Castillo de San Marcos $15 per person 16+ (15 and under free); Anastasia State Park $8/vehicle . Lodging and meals not included.
Where to eat Get directions to Two days in St. Augustine (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Photo: Daniel Kraft · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons South Florida · Long day trip
Shark Valley, west of Miami, is the easiest way into the sawgrass "river of grass."
Distance
Drive time
Est. total Admission source: Everglades National Park $35/vehicle . Lodging and meals not included.
Where to eat Get directions to Everglades day trip (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Photo: Rizka · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons Central Florida · Day trip
Two Volusia County state parks on the St. Johns River system; winter is manatee season.
Distance
Drive time
Est. total Admission source: Blue Spring State Park $6/vehicle . Lodging and meals not included.
Where to eat Get directions to Central Florida springs day (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Photo: Schwerdf · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons Florida Keys · 2 days
Mostly about the drive down the Overseas Highway, stopping in the Middle Keys.
Distance
Drive time
Est. total Admission source: Bahia Honda State Park $8/vehicle . Lodging and meals not included.
Where to eat Get directions to Two days in the Keys (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Photo: Grendelkhan · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons Tampa Bay · 2 days
Historic Ybor City on day one, a Gulf barrier island on day two.
Distance
Drive time
Est. total Admission source: Honeymoon Island State Park $8/vehicle . Lodging and meals not included.
Where to eat Get directions to Two days on Tampa Bay (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Photo: Taty2007 · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons Tampa Bay · Arts · Day trip
The largest collection of Salvador Dalí's work outside Europe, in a waterfront building downtown.
Distance
Drive time
Est. total Admission source: Gallery admission: adult 18–64 $32, teens 13–17 $22, youth 6–12 $12, 5 and under free . Lodging and meals not included.
Where to eat Get directions to The Dalí Museum, St. Petersburg (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Photo: J. J. Steinmetz · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons Sarasota · Arts · Day trip
Museum of Art, Circus Museum and 66 acres of bayfront gardens on the Ringling estate.
Distance
Drive time
Est. total Admission source: Museum admission: adult $30, ages 6–17 $5, under 6 free (Ca' d'Zan extra) . Lodging and meals not included.
Where to eat Get directions to The Ringling, Sarasota (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Photo: Donovan Evans aka Foto Dono · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons Central Florida · Gardens · Day trip
Historic Singing Tower carillon and landscaped gardens on one of the peninsula's highest points.
Distance
Drive time
Est. total Admission source: Gate admission: adult $25, ages 6–17 $12, 5 and under free ($22/$11 online) . Lodging and meals not included.
Where to eat Get directions to Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Photo: Emilyenjoysbooks · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons Palm Beach · Arts & gardens · Day trip
Japanese art and culture museum with 16 acres of gardens and a lakeside café.
Distance
Drive time
Est. total Admission source: Adult 18+ $18, ages 6–17 $12, 5 and under free . Lodging and meals not included.
Where to eat Get directions to Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, Delray Beach (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Photo: Michael Seeley from Melbourne, FL, United States · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons Space Coast · Family · Half day
Community-built nonprofit zoo with animals from Florida, Africa, Asia and the Americas.
Distance
Drive time
Est. total Admission source: Gate: ages 12+ $36.95, ages 3–11 $24.95, under 3 free ($34.95/$22.95 online) . Lodging and meals not included.
Where to eat Get directions to Brevard Zoo, Melbourne (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Photo: Ebyabe · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons Palm Beach · Arts · Day trip
Major art museum with American, European, Chinese and contemporary collections and a sculpture garden.
Distance
Drive time
Est. total Admission source: Adult $20, students $5, 12 and under free . Lodging and meals not included.
Where to eat Hive Bakery & Café Local independent S. Dixie Hwy · next to the museum Table 26 Local independent S. Dixie Hwy · American Grato Local independent S. Dixie Hwy · wood-fired Italian Get directions to Norton Museum of Art, West Palm Beach (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Photo: (Ebyabe) · CC BY 2.5 · Wikimedia Commons Orlando · Gardens · Half day
A 50-acre botanical garden near downtown Orlando with a historic house museum.
Distance
Drive time
Est. total Admission source: Adult $15, ages 4–17 $10, under 4 free . Lodging and meals not included.
Where to eat Get directions to Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Photo: Notneb82 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons Panhandle · Beach & history · Day trip
A brick Civil War–era fort at the tip of Santa Rosa Island, with Gulf beaches. Reopened for day use Oct 18 after Hurricane Isaias; boil-water notice in effect.
Distance
Drive time
Est. total Admission source: Gulf Islands National Seashore $25/vehicle . Lodging and meals not included.
Where to eat Native Cafe Local independent Pensacola Beach · family-run breakfast & lunch The Reef Local independent Pensacola Beach · locally owned Red Fish Blue Fish Local independent Pensacola Beach · soundside seafood Get directions to Fort Pickens, Gulf Islands National Seashore (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Photo: Larry D. Moore · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons Panhandle · 30A · Day trip
Dune lakes and white-sand Gulf beach on Scenic Highway 30A. Park reopened Oct 13; nearby Topsail Hill remains closed.
Distance
Drive time
Est. total Admission source: Grayton Beach State Park $5/vehicle . Lodging and meals not included.
Where to eat Get directions to Grayton Beach State Park and 30A (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Photo: Tim Ross · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons Panhandle · Forgotten Coast · Day trip
Undeveloped barrier-island beach plus the oyster town of Apalachicola across the bridge. Campground closed.
Distance
Drive time
Est. total Admission source: St. George Island State Park $6/vehicle . Lodging and meals not included.
Where to eat Get directions to St. George Island State Park and Apalachicola (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Photo: Michael Rivera · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons Tallahassee · Nature & history · Day trip
Wooded campus with native Florida animals, historic farm buildings and a zipline course. On-site café closed until Dec 4.
Distance
Drive time
Est. total Admission source: Adult $18.50, ages 4–15 $13.50, 3 and under free . Lodging and meals not included.
Where to eat Little Italy Local independent Tallahassee · since 1987 Pineappétit Local independent Railroad Square · Tallahassee-based Savour Local independent Tallahassee · dinner Tue–Sat Get directions to Tallahassee Museum (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Photo: Amanda from Chicago, USA · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons Gainesville · Museum · Day trip
UF's natural history museum with the Butterfly Rainforest. Closed until Nov 23, 2026 — check before you go.
Distance
Drive time
Est. total Admission source: Butterfly Rainforest $14 adult, $7 ages 3–17 (per a tourism listing; museum exhibits otherwise free). Closed until Nov 23. . Lodging and meals not included.
Where to eat Get directions to Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainesville (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Photo: Ebyabe · CC BY 2.5 · Wikimedia Commons North Central · Springs · Day trip
First-magnitude spring with gardens and waterfalls. Reservations required since April 29, 2026.
Distance
Drive time
Est. total Admission source: Rainbow Springs $5/vehicle; reservation required . Lodging and meals not included.
Where to eat Get directions to Rainbow Springs State Park, Dunnellon (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Photo: Mooeena · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons Jacksonville · Arts & gardens · Half day
Riverside art museum with historic gardens on the St. Johns River. Free first Saturdays and third Thursdays.
Distance
Drive time
Est. total Admission source: Adult $20, ages 6–17 $18, 5 and under free . Lodging and meals not included.
Where to eat Get directions to Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Jacksonville (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Photo: Fl295 at English Wikipedia · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons Amelia Island · History · Day trip
A 19th-century brick fort, beach and maritime forest on Amelia Island, near historic downtown Fernandina.
Distance
Drive time
Est. total Admission source: $6/vehicle (up to 8) plus fort entry $2.50 per person . Lodging and meals not included.
Where to eat Get directions to Fort Clinch State Park, Fernandina Beach (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Photo: Ebyabe · CC BY-SA 2.5 · Wikimedia Commons Nature Coast · Wildlife · Day trip
Manatees year-round at an underwater observatory, plus native Florida wildlife. Boat tours paused due to low water.
Distance
Drive time
Est. total Admission source: Ages 13+ $13, ages 6–12 $5, 5 and under free . Lodging and meals not included.
Where to eat Get directions to Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Photo: Ebyabe · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons Winter Park · Arts · Half day
The world's most comprehensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany's work, including the Tiffany Chapel.
Distance
Drive time
Est. total Admission source: Adult $8, students $3, under 12 free; free Fridays 4–8pm Nov–Apr . Lodging and meals not included.
Where to eat Briarpatch Local independent Park Ave · breakfast and lunch Pannullo's Local independent Park Ave · Italian The Chapman Local independent Park Ave · steak and seafood Get directions to Morse Museum of American Art, Winter Park (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Photo: MediaProMan · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons Mount Dora · Small town & arts · Day trip
Lakeside small town with galleries and shops; the Modernism Museum is open Thu–Sun.
Distance
Drive time
Est. total Admission source: Adult $8, ages 4–17 $5 . Lodging and meals not included.
Where to eat Get directions to Mount Dora and the Modernism Museum (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Photo: 巫迪文 · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons Fort Myers · History · Half day
Thomas Edison's and Henry Ford's riverfront winter homes, lab and gardens.
Distance
Drive time
Est. total Admission source: Self-guided: adult $28, teens 13–19 $20, ages 6–12 $15, 5 and under free . Lodging and meals not included.
Where to eat Get directions to Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Photo: scott.zona · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons Naples · Gardens · Half day
170 acres of tropical gardens, with a children's garden.
Distance
Drive time
Est. total Admission source: Adult $27, ages 4–17 $12, 3 and under free . Lodging and meals not included.
Where to eat Get directions to Naples Botanical Garden (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Photo: Russ · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons Sanibel · Wildlife · Day trip
Wildlife Drive through mangroves on Sanibel Island; closed Fridays.
Distance
Drive time
Est. total Admission source: Wildlife Drive $10/vehicle; visitor center free; closed Fridays . Lodging and meals not included.
Where to eat Get directions to J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center Stuart · Marine science · Half day
Hands-on marine science center with a stingray touch tank and nature trails. Closed Mondays.
Distance
Drive time
Est. total Admission source: Adult $20, ages 3–12 $10, 2 and under free . Lodging and meals not included.
Where to eat Get directions to Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center, Stuart (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Photo: Agape621 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons Vero Beach · Gardens · Half day
Historic 1930s tropical garden; closed Mondays.
Distance
Drive time
Est. total Admission source: Adult $25, ages 2–17 $15, under 2 free (2-year-olds pay) . Lodging and meals not included.
Where to eat Get directions to McKee Botanical Garden, Vero Beach (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Photo: Averette · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons Miami · Arts & history · Half day
Gilded Age villa and bayfront gardens, then Calle Ocho and free Domino Park in Little Havana.
Distance
Drive time
Est. total Admission source: Adult 13+ $25 from Nov 1 ($20 through Oct 31), ages 6–12 $10, 5 and under free . Lodging and meals not included.
Where to eat Get directions to Vizcaya Museum & Gardens and Little Havana (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Photo: Phillip Pessar from Miami, USA · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons Miami · Street art · Half day
Outdoor museum of large-scale street art. Free for Miami-Dade residents with ID.
Distance
Drive time
Est. total Admission source: Adult 18+ $12, ages 13–17 $5, 12 and under free (plus tax) . Lodging and meals not included.
Where to eat Zak the Baker Local independent Wynwood · bakery, Sun–Fri KYU Local independent Wynwood · wood-fired Asian Cotidiano Local independent Wynwood · Mexican bistro Get directions to Wynwood Walls, Miami (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Photo: Upstateherd · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons Key West · 2 days
Hemingway's house and six-toed cats, then the beach at Fort Zach.
Distance
Drive time
Est. total Admission source: Hemingway Home: adult $19, ages 6–12 $7, 5 and under free ; Fort Zachary Taylor $6/vehicle + $0.50/person county surcharge . Lodging and meals not included.
Where to eat Get directions to Key West (opens Google Maps in a new tab) Getaways guides are informational. We don't accept payment for listings, there are no sponsored or affiliate links, and we don't rate or review places. Restaurants are well-known, long-running local spots, each linked to its official site.
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