Summer with its parties and pools and BBQ and family and fun is coming to an end. It's time to explore some Labor Day Weekend getaways with the big day coming up on Monday, September 2, 2024.
If you're feeling the need for a little escape this Labor Day Weekend, maybe a quick day trip somewhere new is the perfect recipe for Labor Day Weekend fun!
And hey – Florida is a tourist hotspot in the summertime for good reason. There are so many places to visit and take advantage of your days in the sun. Explore our list of day trips from Orlando for the perfect Labor Day Weekend adventure.
Originally by Natalie Monzon, updated May 2024 by Meghan Roth
LABOR DAY WEEKEND HOTEL DEALS
Take advantage of the holiday weekend and book a staycation at one of these Orlando hotels. We've found multiple Orlando hotel deals for the summer. Some of these deals do not apply on Labor Day weekend, but take a look and find a getaway that works for you.
Before we dive into some of the Orlando hotel with Labor Day deals, let's make a quick trip to Daytona Beach for one of the best hotels in Central Florida, especially for beachfront relaxation and entertainment.
HARD ROCK HOTEL DAYTONA BEACH – Editor's Pick
Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach is one of our favorites because it is fun, playful, and right on the beach. Between the bottomless brunch on the beach and luxurious Rock Spa, and the staff that'll treat you like a rockstar, it's a great choice for a quick getaway.
It's a fantastic beach getaway close to home. There is live music nightly and this beachfront hotel is newly refreshed with new pool deck enhancements, new music memorabilia, and ultimate upgrades to the rooms. The lobby and the hotel hallways are full of cool memorabilia.
On top of all find out about all the packages and deals that Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach offers.
Naughty & Nice Romance Package Exclusive Amenity Inclusions:
- Breakfast in Bed ($40.00 restaurant credit per room/per day for room service or dining room)
- *Couples Massage ($288 value) – *Must be booked in advance. Please call 386-947-7366 to check availability for the dates of your stay.
- Bottle of Champagne & Amenity ($55 value)
- Late Checkout
- Discounted room
THE ALFOND INN
Explore Winter Park's Park Avenue and nearby Hannibal Square, both within walking distance of this boutique hotel. The Alfond Inn boasts a top-notch restaurant (brunch just resumed and the restaurant is also participating in Bite30), bar, stunning artwork (free art tours available), a pool and more. It's also pet friendly ($50/night pet fee applies).
The Adventures in the Park Package includes:
- Two night stay in a Classic Room
- Two tickets to Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
- Two tickets to The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
- Starting at $259/night
GRANDE LAKES ORLANDO
Love the outdoors? Set upon more than 500 acres, Grande Lakes Orlando is home to two of Orlando's most upscale properties, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando and JW Marriott Orlando. It's also an oasis of outdoor activities from guided eco tours to fishing and mountain biking, and even learning the art of falconry.
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes' Reconnect package includes:
- Overnight accommodations
- Breakfast for two at Highball & Harvest
- Complimentary valet parking
- $25 Nightly Resort Credit for Deluxe Rooms or $50 Nightly Resort Credit for Executive Suites
- Rates from $289 – $549/night
Margaritaville Resort Orlando
You don't need to be a Jimmy Buffett megafan to appreciate the tropical bliss of the Margaritaville Resort Orlando. The moment you set foot in the tropical-themed lobby you'll realize you're in paradise. And while it is easy to get to the fun of Walt Disney World theme parks, you may never want to leave the resort itself.
There are two pools, one that is quiet and calm, and the other that is a happening beach spot, plus two bars, a full-service restaurant, and the fun of Sunset Walk just steps away. You can even enjoy bottomless mimosas at the resort 7 days a week! The rooms are full of nautical details with plenty of space and a balcony for relaxing.
A variety of special offers are available, including up to $100 resort credit and 25% off select rates.
Check out the Summerzcool package:
Book now through September 8th for stays from May 28th to September 9th. If you stay for 3 nights, receive a 60% discount on your third night. If you stay for 4 nights, receive an 80% discount on your fourth night.
Orlando World Center Marriott
Towering above the main gates to Walt Disney World the Orlando World Center Marriott is an incredible resort. The new River Falls Waterpark available to all hotel guests features a 575ft. zero-entry lazy river; 3 waterslides and an aqua playground with bubbling nozzles and other fun features. What an awesome way to spend Labor Day Weekend.
The Getaway in Our World package includes:
- $25 nightly resort credit
- Self-parking for one vehicle per night
JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa
One of our absolute favorite hotels near Walt Disney World, JW Marriott Bonnet Creek is blissful. Its modern design somehow pairs beautifully with the surrounding Bonnet Creek nature preserve and the magic of Walt Disney World within sight. The dining and the spa here are superb.
The Suite Savings Package includes:
- Complimentary room upgrade on stays of 2 or more nights
- Discounted suites also available on select dates
Feature image is of JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek, by Dani Meyering
MORE ORLANDO HOTEL DEALS FOR LABOR DAY WEEKEND:
- Caribe Royale Orlando: Caribe Royale Orlando is currently offering a seasonal special for stays now through October 5, 2024.
- Four Seasons Resort Orlando: Special rates and parking
- Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate: Longer Days, Longer Stays Offer – Now through September 2, save up to 20% the more nights you stay.
LABOR DAY WATER PARK FUN
These Labor Day Weekend getaways are all about water parks. A few are close to Orlando yet feel miles and miles away, and others are worth the travel time.
Buccaneer Bay
There are tons of water parks around Florida but none is quite as unique as this spring-fed water park. It's the perfect Labor Day Weekend day trip from Orlando. Buccaneer Bay is located inside Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. There's a sandy white beach, a swimming area, and four water slides. Three of the slides drop you off into the natural springs. If you're not up for the thrill you can rent a tube and flow along the natural lazy river. You can also rent a kayak or canoe for a DIY adventure. Don't be surprised if you spot a mermaid swimming around the crystal-clear waters. This water park is the perfect mix of nature and fun.
Epperson Lagoon
I found the perfect place to kick back and relax this Labor Day Holiday! Epperson Lagoon has everything you could ever need for a day in the sun. There's a swim-up bar with a variety of beer and specialty drinks and tons of activities for everyone to enjoy. For $10 you get unlimited access to a water slide that plummets you back into the lagoon. Kayaks and paddle boards are available to rent for those who don't feel like swimming.
There's even a floating obstacle course if you're seeking a little bit of adventure. This seven-acre lagoon is located within the Metro Places Lagoon communities but is open to the public for a limited time. Admission is $40 per day to enjoy the sandy beaches, live music, and clear waters. Make sure to get your Labor Day holiday tickets in advance; it's common for the park to sell out, and with so many people wanting to escape for somewhere cool this Labor Day Holiday Weekend, a sellout is possible.
Related: Day Trip to Epperson Lagoon for Fun in the Sun
If you're interested in exploring more of the Tampa Bay area then consider a scalloping trip. It is a popular thing to do in the summer. Here's your Ultimate Guide to the 2024 Scalloping Season in Tampa Bay.
Island H2O Water Park on Labor Day
Orlando is famous for its theme parks and water parks any day of the year, but particularly on Labor Day Holiday Weekend. Cool off this Labor Day by taking a trip to Kissimmee and checking out the latest water park addition. Island H2O has eight slides, a lazy river with lighting effects, a pool for adults 21 and up only, and live entertainment. It's an interactive water park with games that allow you to earn points towards food and merchandise discounts.
Admission is $54.99 for one day. Get your tickets online and look for special deals, so you don't have to wait in the ticket line at the entrance. The lines at security and to get into the park itself will be long enough.
This fun waterpark is within walking distance (or a short trolley ride) of Sunset Walk at Margaritaville Resort Orlando, a shopping and dining district.
Editor's pick – If you're going to visit a waterpark on Labor Day weekend then Island H2O is a good choice mostly because of one thing: private cabanas. Normally a private cabana in a water park is way too pricey. But at Island H2O they are relatively affordable on weekdays $199.99 and weekends $249.99. There are even cabanas just for adults in the adults-only pool area.
Island H2O Live! Cabanas include:
- In-Cabana food and beverage service
- Refrigerator
- Select beverages
- Table for four
- Two lounge chairs
- Private locker*
*The private locker is smaller than I expected and is a capsule that locks and can attach to a chair. We were invited to check out Island H2O in June 2022 and we received complimentary admission and a standard cabana.
Volcano Bay
It can be hard to decide which Orlando water park is best. If you're looking for a place that feels like paradise, you may want to consider Universal's Volcano Bay. Besides tons of water slides, there is a lazy river, and a fast river, plus a gorgeous beach and multiple pools. And, it has some of the best food and drinks in any water park. Plan your day with Volcano Bay Tips for Couples.
CITIES TO EXPLORE FOR LABOR DAY WEEKEND
These Labor Day Weekend getaways are within an hour or so drive from Orlando.
St. Pete
St. Pete is definitely a more artsy city! The murals–a huge part of the city's culture–will have you walking around for hours and are a huge part of the city's culture. There's also a collection of museums that are unique to the city. Located by the waterfront, the Dali Museum houses the largest collection of Dali's works outside Europe.
Also located in St Pete, the Florida Holocaust Museum is one of the largest in the country. It was built as a living memorial for those who suffered and perished due to the holocaust. For an outdoorsy adventure, head to Sunken Gardens, a botanical garden lush with tropical foliage, waterfalls and flamingos.
Foodie and craft beer highlights include Engine No. 9 (burgers) and Green Bench Brewing.
Also check out: St. Pete Breweries — A Beer Lover's Guide
There's so much to see and do in this city that sometimes a day doesn't feel like enough. When you're done experiencing all of the art and culture, enjoy one of St Pete's best qualities — the beach.
Labor Day Weekend calls for all things tropical. If you enjoy the St. Pete area then consider exploring the many Tropical and Authentic Tiki Bars around Tampa Bay.
Winter Garden
If you love cute, historic towns then this place is definitely the Labor Day trip for you! Winter Garden has a vintage feel to it that makes it so charming. They have the Winter Garden Farmer's Market at 9am which has tons of local vendors selling produce, crafts, juices, popsicles, and so much more. It's the perfect place to take your family (including the furry ones). It's a very dog-friendly place and most restaurants have an outdoor area so you're able to hang out with your best friends and enjoy some delicious food.
Plant Street Market is a local community market with 20 vendors selling natural, organic, and handmade products. Crooked Can Brewing Company takes up a good portion of this space and is always full. They sell hand crafted beers and have live entertainment for guests to enjoy. There are so many options here that it's almost guaranteed no one will leave this place disappointed. For an active Labor Day Weekend adventure, set out for a peaceful bike ride along the West Orange Trail.
Lakeland
This historic downtown area is often overlooked. From art installations to street festivals, craft beer to top-notch restaurants, and the only drive-in movie theater remaining in Polk County, a visit to Lakeland is well worth the one hour drive from Orlando. Don't believe us? Check out our list of 25 reasons Downtown Lakeland is worth the drive.
Labor Day-Trip Worthy Attractions
Brevard Zoo
The Brevard Zoo in Melbourne is perfect for your Labor Day Weekend if you're into getting up close to cute animals. You can feed a giraffe, enter a room with a ton of hungry birds, pet a llama, and walk alongside kangaroos. The zoo's mission is to conserve wildlife through education and participation. Every animal is housed in an environment that resembles its own in the wild. You'll encounter a mob of meerkats, rhinos, gators, monkeys, and so much more.
If you’re tired of walking, you can take a different route by experiencing the zoo via kayak. Or, et a bird’s eye view of everything from the zip lines up above the zoo. There's so much to do here that an entire day won't seem like enough.
Tampa's Riverwalk for Labor Day Weekend
Most Floridians love being near water. It's where we feel most at home. The Tampa Riverwalk has it all. You can hop on the Pirate Water Taxi to take in the scenic views while making various stops around the city. It's $20 for an all day pass and stops at various places like the History Center, Straz Performing Arts Center, Ricks on the River, and more. It even stops at some restaurants where you can enjoy waterfront dining, Ulele being the most popular.
For something a little more educational, you can visit the Tampa Museum of Art. The exhibits are constantly changing so you can keep going back and never get bored. It has interactive exhibits that everyone will enjoy.
Tampa's Riverwalk also reaches one of my favorite places! Armature Works is a fully restored mixed-use building with eateries, shops, and a rooftop bar. You get such a beautiful view of the city and the water!
Explore the Space Coast
Labor Day Weekend is all about celebrating the hard work we all put in throughout the year and honoring the end of summer. The Space Coast is one of our favorite getaways with its beaches, rocket launch viewing locations, and attractions is a great place to spend some time together. Plus, the space-themed rooftop bar, The Space Bar is worth the drive in itself.
