5 Must-Do Family Day Trips from Orlando

Must-See Getaways Near Orlando

Orlando is an amazing destination, but its magic doesn’t end at the theme parks. Within an hour and a half, you’ll find beautiful beaches, space experiences, historic cities, and natural landscapes that are perfect to enjoy as a family.

If you’re traveling from Latin America or Brazil, these excursions will let you see a different side of Florida—perfect for taking a break from the Disney and Universal crowds without getting too far away from the action.

And the best part: by staying with Top Stay Orlando, you’ll have space to organize your outings, prepare snacks at home, free parking, and a strategic location to reach each destination faster.
Because at Top Stay, we truly believe Orlando is better when you choose the perfect place to stay.

Why Staying with Top Stay Orlando Makes Your Family Day Trips Better

Before getting into the list, it’s important to talk about the “how.”
These day trips from Orlando are perfect for families, but they require good logistics: leaving early, finding easy parking, bringing food, extra clothes, or beach gear.
That’s where Top Stay makes all the difference.

Strategic Location for Quick Getaways

Top Stay properties are close to major roads:

• I-4
• 417
• 192
• Turnpike
• International Drive
• Lake Buena Vista

This helps you avoid traffic and save valuable time.

More Space to Organize Bags, Coolers, and Beach Gear

In a hotel, it’s almost impossible to:

• Store floaties
• Organize towels
• Prepare snacks
• Pack coolers
• Deal with wet clothes

In a Top Stay house or apartment, you have more than enough space for everything.

Full Kitchen for Budget-Friendly Meals Before or After Your Trip

Latin American and Brazilian families love this advantage:

• Prepare breakfast before heading out
• Pack snacks for the road
• Cook a quick dinner when you get back

Real savings and total comfort.

Private Laundry for Beach Days

After a day trip to Cocoa Beach or Clearwater, this is priceless:

• Wash towels
• Dry swimsuits
• Have everything ready for the next day

Support in Spanish and Portuguese

Not sure if a beach is kid-friendly?
Want to know which route is faster?
The Top Stay team guides you in real time.

What’s Included in Your Stay with Top Stay?

• Modern, Fully Equipped Accommodation
  Perfect for families: Spacious living rooms, multiple bedrooms, areas to organize backpacks and food
• Smart Check-In and 24/7 Support
  Access via code and immediate assistance.
• Professional Cleaning and Hotel-Level Standards
  Ideal for families with young children.
• Fast WiFi, Full Kitchen, and Large Spaces
  Total comfort before and after your day trips.

The 5 Best Family Day Trips from Orlando

These are the experiences families enjoy the most when visiting Orlando.
All of them are accessible, safe, and exciting.

1. Cocoa Beach — The Closest Family Beach to Orlando

55 minutes from Orlando

If you want a calm beach with gentle waves and a family-friendly vibe, Cocoa Beach is your best option. It’s the closest beach to Orlando and offers:

• Soft sand
• Gentle waves ideal for kids
• Affordable restaurants
• Surf shops
• Areas with showers

Recommended activities

• Visit the famous Cocoa Beach Pier
• Take a basic surf lesson
• Spot pelicans and local wildlife
• Shop at the giant Ron Jon Surf Shop (open 24 hours)

Top Stay Tip
Pack a cooler at your Top Stay accommodation to save on drinks and snacks.

2. Kennedy Space Center — An Educational and Unforgettable Space Adventure

1 hour from Orlando

This day trip is a total hit with families.
Here, kids and adults enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience:

• See real rockets
• Enter the Space Shuttle Atlantis building
• Walk through the Rocket Garden
• Meet astronauts in person
• Try out space simulators

Ideal for families with:
Curious kids
Teens who love science
Adults who are space history fans

Top Stay Tip
Leave early to arrive before 10 a.m. and avoid lines. Prepare snacks at home.

3. Clearwater Beach — White Sand and Turquoise Sea

1 hour and 40 minutes from Orlando

Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States, Clearwater Beach is perfect for families:

• Soft white sand
• Warm, calm waters
• Oceanfront restaurants
• Activities like dolphin tours, boat rides, and parasailing

Popular activities

• Sunset walk at Pier 60
• Dolphin-watching tour
• Swimming in calm waters

Top Stay Tip
Bring an umbrella, towels, and extra clothes. With your in-home laundry, everything will be ready again for the next day.

4. St. Augustine — The Oldest City in the United States

1 hour and 30 minutes from Orlando

A day trip full of history, architecture, and charm for the whole family. Perfect for photos and local shopping.

What to see

• Castillo de San Marcos
• St. George Street (great for shops)
• Trolley tours
• Nearby beaches
• Artisan candy shops

Why it’s great for families
Safe
Walkable
Educational
Scenic

Top Stay Tip
Staying in Kissimmee or Lake Buena Vista puts you just 5 minutes from the highway to St. Augustine.

5. Crystal River — Swim with Manatees (Winter Only)

1 hour and 50 minutes from Orlando

An incredible experience for kids and adults: swimming or kayaking alongside manatees in a protected natural environment.

Activities

• Guided snorkeling
• Boat tours
• Clear-bottom kayaking

Ideal for nature-loving families
Safe, educational, and unforgettable.

Top Stay Tip
Bring thermal clothing or rent wetsuits in the area; the water is cold.

Real Stories: Families Who Enjoyed the Best Day Trips from Orlando

Almeida Family (Brazil)
“Fizemos Cocoa Beach e Kennedy. Voltar para a casa Top Stay com cozinha e muito espaço fez toda a diferença.”

Rojas Family (Mexico)
“St. Augustine was our favorite day. Having laundry at the accommodation saved us after the beach visit.”

Pinto Family (Chile)
“Crystal River was magical for the kids. At our Top Stay home, we had space to organize everything.”

Comparison: Hotel vs. House/Apartment for Family Day Trips

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What’s the best day trip for young children?
Cocoa Beach and Kennedy Space Center are excellent choices.

Which trip requires the most planning?
Crystal River, especially if you choose to swim with manatees.

Is it safe to drive from Orlando to these destinations?
Yes. The routes are wide, well-marked, and heavily used by tourists.

Is Top Stay close to major highways?
Yes. All properties are strategically located for easy travel.

What’s the best day of the week for day trips?
Weekdays, when there’s less traffic.

Orlando is so much more than theme parks. With these day trips from Orlando, you’ll experience beautiful beaches, unique nature, fascinating history, and moments your whole family will remember.

And to make the most of it, you need comfortable, spacious, well-located accommodation—that’s exactly what Top Stay Orlando offers, with modern properties, full kitchens, laundry, fast WiFi, and support in Spanish and Portuguese.

Because at Top Stay, your adventure begins before you arrive.
Experience Orlando with the comfort you deserve. Book your stay with Top Stay Orlando today → https://topstayorlando.com/