10 Memorable Memorial Weekend Day Trips from Orlando

Updated: May 28

Thanks to sunny skies and warm temperatures. Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect opportunity for a Florida road trip! And with Orlando perfectly placed in the middle of the state, you have an endless choice of place to explore.

Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect time to get out and about and explore all this great state has to offer, and whether your looking for a fun day trip or a three day weekend getaway, Florida offers an endless choice of places to go and things to do, all within a few hours drive of Orlando.

Memorial Weekend Day Trips From Orlando

Cocoa Beach and Melbourne

Cocoa Beach is the closest beach to Orlando, only a one hour drive will find you at one of the best surfing locations in the country, and Cocoa Beach’s Ron Jon Surf Shop stays open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

A must visit is Cocoa Beach Pier, with a great choice of food and drink. Also in Cocoa, head to the Astronaut Memorial Planetarium and Observatory or plan a family beach day at Fischer Park.

In Melbourne, visit Brevard Zoo, home to more than 900 animals representing more than 195 species from Florida, South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia, and if wildlife watching is your thing, a respectable 2,200 animal species inhabit the Indian River Lagoon.

Daytona Beach

Though the races moved to Daytona International Speedway in 1959, the beach is where it all began. More than a century later, the sand is just as smooth, compact and driveable (look for access point along Atlantic Avenue).

While you’re there, do the Daytona classics – surf the Atlantic, and take a thrill ride on "The Slingshot" on the boardwalk – then check out the newer, colorific Ocean Walk Village for souvenir shopping and refreshments.

New Smyrna Beach

A favorite of Orlando locals, perfect for when you need a quick getaway to the coast, this alluring area boasts 17 miles of soft sand beaches and easy-going vibes that make it ideal for a day of swimming, surfing and boating.

The Marine Discovery Center is popular attraction, where you can find guided kayak and dolphin tours around the Indian River Lagoon, or step back in time and climb 175 feet of fun in the Florida sun at the Ponce Inlet Light Station and Museum!

Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral is the home of the Kennedy Space Center, the hub of the nation’s human space program. Also near the space center is Canaveral National Seashore, 24 miles of undeveloped beach with 1,045 plant species and 310 bird species.

For the kids and kids at heart, try the Wizard of Oz Museum, a celebration of all the classic’s enduring appeal

Lake Wales

Lake Wales is a looker. Sixty bells encased in an Art Deco- and Gothic-styled, coquina and marble carillon tower sound over Historic Bok Tower Gardens’ more than 250 blooming acres.

The Lake Wales Arts Center is a free art gallery, inside a Spanish Mission-style church from 1927. Similarly, the Lake Wales Museum and Cultural Center earns its nickname, “The Depot Museum,” from its home inside a former railway station.

St. Augustine

St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest continuously settled city, was founded in 1565, 55 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock and 52 years after Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon first laid sight on this shore.

The city boasts a plethora of historically significant structures, perhaps none as famous as Castillo de San Marcos, built between 1672 and 1695. The fort guards Matanzas Bay, and cannons often boom as guides in period costume describe the structure’s unique coquina walls.

Attractions include Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse in the U.S. and a rare albino alligator at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park.

The St. Augustine Lighthouse on Anastasia Island offers spectacular aerial views. Spanish- and French-influenced food abounds, with spicy Minorcan clam chowder and fresh seafood among the culinary delights

Tampa

Tampa’s to-dos are a reflection of its melting-pot influences. In 1886, Vicente Martinez Ybor visited this city and decided to set up his Cuban-born cigar empire here.

Ybor City, with its signature street lamps, wrought-iron balconies and brick streets, tells the story. By day, take the walking tour from Ybor City Museum State Park.

Nights reveal flamenco dancers at The Columbia Restaurant, established in 1905, and a bar scene. Downtown is a sight from the mystical minarets of the circa-1891 Tampa Bay Hotel (now the Henry B. Plant Museum and The University of Tampa) to Busch Gardens adding theme park thrills to the mix.

St. Pete Beach

St. Pete Beach, situated on a barrier island west of St. Petersburg, is known for its miles of white-sand beaches, glistening emerald-green water, oceanfront resorts, and top-notch dining.

St. Pete Beach offers ample beach access, and there are plenty of water and outdoor activities to keep you busy, from parasailing to sunset cruising.

Grab a secluded spot at the secret garden at Upham Beach, fish from the iconic St. Pete Pier, or rent a stand-up paddleboard to explore the water and watch for dolphins.

Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach dazzles with impeccable beaches and inviting waters. Trip Advisor named it the nation's # 1 beach in 2018. Caladesi Island, off the north end of the beach, was recognized as the nation's best by Dr. Beach in 2008.

Besides the beaches, there is Clearwater Beach's inviting, small-town atmosphere. And, of course, there's Clearwater Marine Aquarium, dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick and injured marine animals, public education, conservation, and research. With Clearwater Beach attractions such as these, fine restaurants and family-friendly lodgings, as well as exciting beach activities, Clearwater Beach's many options will have the whole crew smiling.

A must visit is Pier 60, Clearwater Municipal Marina and Mandalay Avenue, where you can participate in a nightly sunset celebration, board a pirate cruise or fishing charter, and enjoy souvenir shopping and a grouper sandwich, steps from the Gulf.

Treasure Island

The main draw here is three miles of sparkling white, sandy beaches on shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Go swimming, shelling, sunning, snorkeling, parasailing and more, or simply walk the beach and take in one of the most stunning and memorable sunsets that you will ever see.

Hang out at the world's longest waterfront bar, Gators Cafe & Saloon, to catch the sunset and enjoy the atmosphere at the surrounding beach bars, for live music and dancing.

Visitors traveling with kids should be sure to check out the four-story-tall inflatable water slide on the beach at 10400 Gulf Boulevard and the The Pirate Ship Royal Conquest and activities at John’s Pass Village.

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