Looking for even more ideas? Pitch a tent at one of the Best Florida Campgrounds, kick back with a staycation at one of the top Family Resorts in Florida, or dive into fun at the Best Hotel Water Parks in Orlando.

Weekend Getaways from Orlando for Families 

1. Daytona Beach, Florida

Distance from Orlando: 1 hour

Daytona Beach isn’t just about sun and sand — it’s packed with fun for the whole family! Just a quick drive from Orlando, this beach town has it all: splash-worthy waves, live music at the Daytona Beach Bandshell, and non-stop action along the bustling pier and boardwalk. Feeling adventurous? Check out the Daytona International Speedway, explore cool exhibits at the Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS), or zip through the treetops at Daytona Beach Zipline Adventure.

Heads-up: Daytona gets wild during spring break (think college crowds and loud parties), so it’s not the best time for a family visit. It’s also home to the Daytona 500 — a massive NASCAR event — so unless you're here for the race, you might want to plan around it to skip the crowds.

2. Tampa Bay, Florida

Distance from Orlando: 1.5 hours

Pack up the crew and cruise over to Florida’s Gulf Coast for a weekend in Tampa. From toddlers to teens, there’s something for everyone: little ones will love the hands-on fun at the Glazer Children’s Museum, thrill-seekers can conquer the coasters at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and curious minds of all ages will geek out at the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI). Add in animal encounters at ZooTampa at Lowry Park, underwater adventures at The Florida Aquarium, and you’ve got a weekend full of wide eyes and tired feet. 

Need a break? Soak up the sun on one of Tampa’s beautiful beaches, wander the scenic Tampa Riverwalk, or hop aboard a pirate ship cruise. And if you’ve got extra time, make time for a detour to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park — where real-life mermaids put on a show in an underwater theater!

3. Amelia Island, Florida

Distance from Orlando: 3 hours

This Jekyll Island beach is filled with driftwood, hence the name: Driftwood Beach. Photo by Emily Crenshaw

4. Jekyll Island, Georgia

Distance from Orlando: 3.25 hours

5. St. Augustine, Florida

Distance from Orlando: 2 hours

Part of Florida's "Historic Coast," this idyllic beach town offers beauty, history, and fun. St. Augustine is first and foremost a beach paradise, with swimming, kayaking, boating, and much more. Families can even board a pirate ship for a tour of the waters with all their mateys! Beyond the pristine waters, a weekend trip to St. Augustine can include a visit to Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum, Potter's Wax Museum, St. Augustine Alligator Farm, and much more.

6. Cocoa Beach, Florida

Distance from Orlando: 1 hour

You might get a surprise visitor at the Lion Country Safari in West Palm Beach. Photo by Jackie Jones

7. West Palm Beach, Florida

Distance from Orlando: 2.75 hours

West Palm Beach is the perfect mix of relaxation and fun. Kick back on beautiful beaches, then stroll down Clematis Street for cool shops and cafes. For a little culture, check out the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum. If you're feeling adventurous, go on a drive-through safari at Lion Country Safari or take a scenic bike ride along the Lake Trail. Whether you're into shopping, history, or beach time, West Palm Beach has it all for a fun and relaxing weekend!

8. Treasure Coast, Florida

Distance from Orlando: 2.25 hours

The Treasure Coast is situated just north of West Palm Beach in southeastern Florida. This area offers a treasure trove of attractions, including clean public beaches, a children's museum, parks, and impressive resorts. Visit Blowing Rock Preserve to observe waves crashing over the rocky Anastasia limestone shoreline, learn about Florida's coastal wildlife and ecosystems at the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center, and enjoy a Pontiki Boat Tour along the beautiful intracoastal waterways.

9. Miami, Florida

Distance from Orlando: 3.5 hours

With the extension of the Brightline train, it's never been easier to travel between Orlando and Miami! Most people associate Miami with its gorgeous beaches and vibrant nightlife, but there is so much more for families to enjoy in this South Florida city. Explore nature at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, enjoy a fun-filled day with the resident animals at Zoo Miami, take a dip in the Venetian Pool, go snorkeling, and so much more. Follow our Miami & South Florida site for even more ideas!

10. Clearwater, Florida

Distance from Orlando: 2 hours

Escape to beautiful Clearwater Beach for a weekend getaway. Check out the expanded and renovated Clearwater Marine Aquarium, hop on a dolphin cruise from the marina, stroll through the fun evening scene at Pier 60, and enjoy some fresh seafood at beachside restaurants.

11. Naples, Florida

Distance from Orlando: 3.5 hours

Leave the hustle and bustle of Orlando with a scenic drive to Naples, where sun-soaked beaches, gardens, and family-friendly attractions await. In addition to the amazing beaches Naples offers, families can stroll a floral wonderland at Naples Botanical Garden, visit the Naples Zoo, and take in a spring training baseball game.

12. Sarasota, Florida

Distance from Orlando: 2 hours

Sarasota offers beautiful beaches and a rich cultural scene, making for a perfect weekend retreat. Visit The Ringling (home to the Museum of Art, Ca' d'Zan mansion, Circus Museum, Bayfront Gardens, and the Historic Asolo Theater), relax on Siesta Key Beach, and take the kids to the whimsical Sarasota Children's Garden.

13. Gainesville, Florida

Distance from Orlando: 2 hours

It may be a college town, but there is so much for families to enjoy in this North Florida city! Kids will love to walk amidst hundreds of butterflies in the Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History. Visit the resident animals at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, venture into a 120-foot deep sinkhole at Devil's Millhopper State Park, and search for wild bison, horses, and alligators at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

14. Jacksonville, Florida

Distance from Orlando: 2 hours

Jacksonville is packed with family-friendly fun, from the Jacksonville Zoo and Adventure Landing water park to the hands-on exhibits at the Museum of Science and History. Soak up the outdoors at James Weldon Johnson Park, wander the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, stroll the scenic Southbank Riverwalk, and of course—there are over 1,100 miles of shoreline to explore.

Sanibel Island's prisitine beaches are knowm for collecting beatiful shells. Photo courtesy of Visit Florida 

15. Sanibel Island, Florida

Distance from Orlando: 3.5 hours

At Sanibel Island, pristine beaches await for sandcastle building and shell collecting. Explore the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge to discover the island's unique ecosystem and wildlife, visit the secluded island known as Cabbage Key, and learn all about shells from around the globe at the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum & Aquarium.

Head to the Sun Splash Water Park for a day of fun ion the sun.  Photo by Jackie Jones

16. Ft. Myers, Florida

Distance from Orlando: 3 hours

A weekend trip to Fort Myers from Orlando is perfect for families, with kid-friendly spots like the IMAG History & Science Center and the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium. Spend your days shelling and splashing at local beaches, and enjoying laid-back coastal vibes the whole family will love.