The Sunshine State has an abundance of perfect day trip destinations, especially along Central Florida’s west coast. Whether you’re traveling with family or hitting the road with your best girlfriends, there’s a fun-filled adventure waiting for you. Case in point: We’ve rounded up nine outstanding itineraries that make the most of even the shortest visit. Each of these spots—from Dunedin to Tampa to Lido Key—offers plenty of excitement, indulgence, and relaxation, plus scenic views and opportunities to connect with nature. These itineraries are perfect for helping you get the most out of your visit, but they also leave plenty of unscheduled time to explore and discover on your own.
Ready to hit the road? Keep reading for our curated Florida day trip ideas. With palm trees, sugary white sand beaches, and pristine blue water at every turn, the hardest part will be deciding where to go first.
VERO BEACH
If yours is a family full of early birds, you’ll love catching the sunrise along the Vero Beach Boardwalk. With stunning views and an expansive boardwalk, it’s the perfect way to start your day in Vero Beach. Once you’ve walked up an appetite, head to Kimpton Vero Beach and indulge in some next-level comfort food, whether you’re craving a hearty omelet loaded with fresh veggies or the must-try chicken & waffles. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring McKee Botanical Gardens, and allow plenty of time for little ones to experience the Children’s Garden. They’ll love the larger-than-life musical instruments and epic play pirate ship, while the adults will appreciate the cool, serene atmosphere provided by the flourishing native plants and trees.
FORT PIERCE
Start with an early lunch at On the Edge Bar and Grill, where you can take your pick from fresh-off-the-dock seafood and classic bar bites, including burgers, burritos and sandwiches. Head to Jetty Park, which extends along Fort Pierce Inlet and offers plenty of sightseeing, bird watching, and family photo ops. Finish your day with a long afternoon at Pepper Park Beach, a stunning 52-acre park where you can splash, sunbathe and hone your sandcastle-building skills for hours.
MELBOURNE
Melbourne has plenty to offer for a fun-filled day trip, whether you prefer to window-shop, savor some delicious meals and treats, or try something decidedly more adventurous. Kick off your day with a trip to the Eau Gallie Arts District, an eclectic mix of art galleries, murals, restaurants, and shops. It offers a full calendar of family-friendly events, which means there’s something for everyone to enjoy. When it’s time to break for lunch, check out the offerings at Squid Lips Overwater Bar & Grill—especially if you’re a fan of grilled fish or bacon-wrapped anything. If you’re hungry for adventure instead, make your way to the Brevard Zoo and tackle the canopy course and zip lines at Treetop Trek Aerial Adventures. Before you wrap up an epic Melbourne day, cool things down with a double scoop of your favorite ice cream at Eau Gallie Creamery.
KISSIMMEE
Taking to the water is one of the best ways to explore Florida’s many wonders. In Kissimmee, you’ll love exploring the lush cypress forest and spotting wildlife from a canoe or kayak as you paddle along Shingle Creek during a guided eco-tour. Back on land, head over to Island Grove Winery at Formosa Gardens for an afternoon of wine tasting and vineyard tours. If you’re lucky, you might catch the resident beekeeper harvesting honey from the on-site hives, but if not, you can pick up a jar of the sweet stuff to take home.
DUNEDIN
When you want a bit of one-on-one time with your significant other, there’s no better spot for a romantic day-date than Dunedin. Set out early and get your hearts pumping with a stand-up paddleboarding trip to Caladesi Island with Sail Honeymoon. The clear turquoise waters and pristine beaches are the perfect backdrop for reconnecting with your loved one. Head to downtown Dunedin for the rest of your outing, where you can spend time window-shopping and strolling the charming streets. Grab a table for two at Caracara Restaurant and Bar to enjoy delicious tapas and a glass of wine while you reflect on a perfect day together.
TAMPA
Gather your girlfriends and head to Tampa for the ultimate girls’ weekend getaway! Start by cruising along Tampa Bay’s waterways with eBoats Tampa to take in the views and soak up some rays while you’re at it. After docking, take a stroll along the Riverwalk, where you’ll encounter some of Tampa’s most exciting attractions, including the Florida Aquarium, the Tampa Museum of Art and an array of parks. When it’s time to eat, don’t worry if everyone wants something different. Make your way to Armature Works at Heights Public Market, where you can choose from nearly a dozen different vendors for the perfect group dining experience.
ST. PETERSBURG
Want a girls’ trip itinerary that inspires your creative side? Start with a trip to Morean Glass Studio, where you can watch glass blowers at work as they create beautiful, artisanal glass designs. Head to Central Avenue for top-notch shopping at scores of boutiques and lifestyle shops, including Misred and Book+Bottle, where you’re guaranteed to find a great gift (for yourself, or someone else!). Cap off a signature sunny Florida day with a detour to St. Pete Pier for sunset drinks at Pier Teaki Rooftop Bar. With stunning views and specialty cocktails, it’s a recipe for a perfect evening.
SARASOTA/LIDO KEY
The tiny island of Lido Key packs a big punch when it comes to adventure and activities. Start your day here by exploring the mangrove tunnels—considered one of Sarasota’s hidden gems—with Kayaking SRQ. Whether you choose to kayak or paddle board, you’ll get a dose of sunshine and an opportunity to spot wildlife, such as manatees and dolphins. Once you’ve set foot on dry land again, make your way to St. Armands Circle, Lido Key’s historic shopping district. You can easily spend a few hours popping into independent or well-known designer boutiques and meandering around the charming park. Wind down with dinner at Vernona Gourmet, where you’ll find a menu that pairs fresh seafood with comfort dishes that evoke the owner’s Hungarian heritage.
BRADENTON/ANNA MARIA ISLAND
For a day trip that doubles as a romantic getaway, you can’t go wrong with the small beach town of Bradenton. Experience a once-in-a-lifetime excursion with a horseback ride in the ocean courtesy of the swimming C Ponies. These rescued horses take guests off the beach and the trail and into the bay for an experience that riders liken to flying in the water. Next, spend some time at the Anna Maria City Pier and the surrounding beaches to relax on white sands and splash in clear waters. Recharge with the fresh catch of the day and some delicious cocktails at Sandbar Seafood and Spirits on Anna Maria Island, where you can grab a table right on the sand and gaze out over the ocean.
