One of the many benefits of being an Orlando resident is the ability to get out and explore on the weekends. Being centrally located in Orlando means an endless supply of choices for day trips. This list of five quaint destinations will help you plan a day trip to explore a charming destination. Give these small towns in Florida near Orlando a try and prepare to be pleasantly surprised.
Originally published 2016, most recent update June 2023 by Dani Meyering
There's even more to explore with our road trip date ideas using Florida's scenic byways.
Small Towns in Florida Near Orlando
Micanopy
Pronounced mick-ah-No-pee, this small town (population: 647 as of 2021) just south of Gainesville oozes old Florida charm. Small art galleries, live oak trees, antique shops, and cozy cafes line the main street, and walking town end to end won't take you longer than 15 minutes. If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Micanopy–and it's inviting locals–can't be beat.
Must see: Make sure to venture down NE Cholokka Blvd. to peruse the antique shops, cafes, and art galleries. Aside from town, the real draw of the area is Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, a 21,000 acre U.S. National Natural Landmark located 6 minutes from town. Choose from eight hiking trails while spotting wildlife such as wild bison, horses, alligators, and birds.
Must eat/drink: You can't go wrong with a sandwich and a slice of cake from the Old Florida Cafe. Collectibles and antiques line the walls with tables set in cozy nooks for dining, and outside you'll find plenty of seating on the patio. The Cuban sandwich is a good choice, especially if you've spent the morning hiking Paynes Prairie, and the carrot cake is out of this world.
Essential info: From Orlando, plan for a 1.5-hour drive. Most of the shops and cafes close up by 6pm, so plan your visit accordingly. For a romantic mini-getaway, stay the night in the Herlong Mansion, a historic Greek revival mansion turned B&B.
Dunedin
The Gulf coast is my go-to for a beach escape, and Dunedin always fits the bill. Despite its location right on the coast, this city feels significantly more hip and urban than touristy beach town. Home to a number of art galleries, local breweries, coffee shops, a bustling downtown full of shops and eateries, and a beautiful beach located within a nearby state park, Dunedin truly has it all.
Must see: Honeymoon Island State Park offers beachgoers the same crystal clear water as nearby Clearwater Beach, without the overwhelming crowds. The natural landscape, tranquil water, and quiet atmosphere set this beach apart. From inside the park, you can also hop on a ferry to Caladesi Island State Park for an even more isolated beach day.
Must eat/drink: Dunedin is home to several of my favorite breweries in the state. If you're craving food with your brew, make your way to Dunedin Brewery, Florida's oldest craft brewery. The Apricot Peach Ale and Tater Tot Poutine are both great selections. Another favorite, 7venth Sun Brewing Company is almost always filled to the brim with locals and for good reason. In fact, there are lots of great Dunedin breweries and Dunedin restaurants too.
Essential info: From Orlando, plan for a 2-hour drive. You'll find the majority of the shops and restaurants along Main Street and Douglas Ave. Entrance to Honeymoon Island State Park is $8.00 per vehicle ($4.00 if you're alone).
Historic Downtown Kissimmee
Kissimmee might conjure up images of kitschy gift shops, discounted attraction ticket booths, and endless resorts, but Historic Downtown Kissimmee couldn't be farther from the tourist-laden lands of 192 and Old Town. Just minutes from scenic Lake Tohopekaliga, the downtown area boasts an eclectic selection of restaurants, bars, and specialty shops. For such a tiny town, I was pleasantly surprised to see so much going on here and can't wait to go back.
Must See: Kissimmee Lakefront Park, located on the shore of Lake Tohopekaliga, is a beautiful spot to unwind. Throughout the park, you'll find paved walking and biking trails, BBQ grills, large pavilions, boat ramps and fishing piers, a decorative lighthouse and more. It's a great place to enjoy the outdoors and catch the sunset.
Must eat/drink: For my fellow pizza fans, Broadway Pizza Bar is your go-to for a pie. The Catfish Place is a family-owned casual seafood restaurant that serves up fresh Lake Okeechobee grouper and other native seafood staples, like catfish, gator meat, and even soft-shelled turtle.
Essential info: From Orlando, plan for a 40-minute drive. Many of the shops and restaurants are located along Broadway, but Dakin Ave. and Monument Ave. are worth exploring. Parking is available at Kissimmee Lakefront Park and throughout downtown. Similar to Micanopy, many of the shops and restaurants close up by 6pm.
New Smyrna Beach
While I usually prefer the calm clear waters of the Gulf coast, there's a certain charm to New Smyrna Beach that draws me in. An easy drive from Orlando, New Smyrna is the ultimate beach day destination: pretty water, good local eats, and a wide beach area with plenty of room to spread out your towel and soak up the sunshine.
Must see: The beach! Like Daytona, New Smyrna Beach allows you to park your car right on the beach. There are food stands set up for beach essentials like hot dogs and snacks, and the beach is wide with plenty of room for everyone. After spending the morning soaking up the sun, stroll along Flagler Ave. to explore the local scene full of restaurants, shops, and more.
Must eat/drink: For oceanfront dining with a cool breeze, head to The Breakers on Flagler Ave. The ultra laid-back restaurant facing the water serves up hearty burgers (choose from 15 burger varieties) and American fare. Yellow Dog Eats is an Orlando favorite eatery with a New Smyrna Beach location on Canal Sreet, right next to the brewery in fact. The outdoor patio out back is casual and relaxing. And it's dog-friendly too!
Essential info: From Orlando, plan for a 1-hour drive. Stick to the beach area near Flagler Ave. to maximize your day trip. Parking directly on the beach is allowed along most of the beach, but there are designated areas of the beach where cars aren't allowed if you prefer.
Cassadega
One of the most interesting places near Orlando is the small town of Cassadega. The Psychic Capital of the World is sure to be an interesting place to visit.
Must see: To get the full history of the area and understand the culture, the Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp is the place to start. You'll encounter plenty of new-age practitioners armed with tarot cards and palmistry. And further down the road is the Devil’s Chair a memorial sculpture with a storied past.
Must eat/drink: Visiting Cassadega is a great excuse to head to Downtown DeLand for lunch and enjoy the afternoon strolling along this beautiful Main Street.
Essential info: From Orlando, plan for a 45 minute drive.
Bonus Idea: St. Augustine
While you can easily spend a full weekend exploring the nation's oldest city, it's totally doable to hit the highlights in a day. There's simply no better place in Florida to experience true old world charm than in St. Augustine. Wander the streets and marvel at historical homes, get spooked on a ghost tour, get lost in an old fort, and eat your fill at one of many local eateries. Lovers of history and architecture will delight in this day trip which is a must visit for any Floridian.
True, it's not a small town considering how popular it is, but the charm is off the charts.
Must see: To get the full history of the area while getting around town, check out Old Town Trolley Tours. You'll get a detailed retelling of St. Augustine's past and may hop on and off the trolley at your leisure all day long. Ticket packages are fully customizable, with the option to add on admission to many area attractions at slightly discounted prices. Flagler College, Castillo de san Marcos, and the St. Augustine Distillery are all worthy of inclusion in your day trip itinerary, and each are trolley stops.
Must eat/drink: Now a staple of St. Augustine, Ice Plant Bar‘s selection of craft cocktails and culinary offerings are unparalleled. Set in the former Ice Plant (hence the name), the building's charm is intact with exposed brick walls and a 1920s vibe. Do yourself a favor and indulge in the Wagyu beef burger along with a signature craft cocktail.
Essential info: From Orlando, plan for a 2-hour drive. Free parking is available for those who purchase trolley tickets at The Old Jail. If you're just visiting for the day, leave some breathing room in your schedule. Choose 2 or 3 attractions you want to see most, and spend some time navigating on foot down quiet side streets and neighborhoods.
More ideas:
- Must-Try Cedar Key Restaurants
- Explore Downtown Clermont
- Gulfport Florida: Tampa Bay's Hidden Treasure