Florida Day Trips from Orlando: Unveiling Hidden Gems
Destination: Orlando, Florida
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- Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
- Overview: Venture into the realm of space exploration at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, located about an hour east of Orlando. Here, space enthusiasts can witness NASA's past, present, and future endeavors up close. Stand beneath the massive Saturn V rocket, meet real astronauts, and if your timing aligns, watch a live rocket launch. The center's interactive exhibits, IMAX films, and bus tours to active launch pads offer an out-of-this-world experience. Rating: 4.6/5
- Duration: Approximately 5-6 hours
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Afterwards: Savor fresh seafood along Cocoa Beach Pier before sunset.
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Clearwater Beach
- Overview: For a taste of Florida's idyllic coastlines, head west to Clearwater Beach, a roughly 2-hour drive from Orlando. This award-winning beach boasts sugary white sand and crystal-clear waters, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. Take a stroll on the Clearwater Beach Pier, enjoy water sports, or simply bask in the sun. Dolphin watching cruises are also popular here, offering a chance to spot these friendly marine mammals up close. Rating: 4.8/5
- Duration: Full day
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Must-Try Food: Grouper sandwiches and key lime pie.
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St. Augustine Historic District
- Overview: Step back in time with a visit to St. Augustine, America's oldest continuously occupied European settlement, about 2 hours northeast of Orlando. Explore the cobblestone streets lined with buildings that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Highlights include the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, a formidable Spanish fortress, and the charming Lightner Museum housed in a former hotel from the Gilded Age. The city's rich history and quaint shops make for a delightful day trip. Rating: 4.7/5
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Evening Tip: Sample the city's signature datil pepper dishes before returning to Orlando.