3-Day Road Trip from Orlando in North Florida

On your vacation to Disney or Universal, you might decide you want a break from the theme parks of Orlando and head on a road trip for a few days. You might be thinking of heading south and to the coast for some beach time, but Florida has so much more to offer than just theme parks and beaches. This 3 day road trip around North Florida will make your trip to Orlando much more rewarding.

On this road trip, you’ll check off all the boxes in making this a well-rounded trip that has a big variety in sightseeing. You’ll see some gorgeous nature, soak in rich history and be awed by some of humanity’s greatest achievements.

Sound like a good trip? Then read on to get this 3 day road trip from Orlando itinerary.

P.S. Don’t know if you have time for three whole days outside of Orlando? No worries; all of these places are close enough for just a day trip from Orlando.

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Day 1: Cape Canaveral

Remember how I promised this 3 day road trip from Orlando would make you feel awe at humanity’s achievements? I was referring to the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral.

Even if you’re not a huge space nerd, let me make this bold statement: anyone can enjoy the Space Center.

It almost has the feel of the theme parks in Orlando crossed with an interactive museum. You will learn so much and be inspired by what humans have achieved. The Space Center has shows, a rocket launch simulator, some of the most impressive rockets ever made that you can see up close and so much more! Get your ticket ahead of time here.

And definitely watch a rocket launch if there’s one scheduled for when you’re in Florida.

I wouldn’t consider myself too knowledgeable or interested in space exploration before watching the rocket launch from Cape Canaveral, but it was probably one of the most impressive things I’ve seen in my entire life.

(Try to catch a rocket launch at night; it’s so cool!)

Where to Stay: Titusville is a short drive away from Cape Canaveral, and the hotels there are much cheaper (I stayed at Best Western Space Shuttle Inn). Alternatively, you can find a hotel on Cape Canaveral.

Distance from Orlando: About 50 minutes

Day 2: St. Augustine

St. Augustine is a must for any history lovers or those who wish they were on vacation in Europe instead of Orlando.

Instead of going to Epcot, drive two hours up to St. Augustine, the oldest city in the U.S.! Walking around St. Augustine, you really feel like you’re somewhere in Europe, with its old buildings and churches, pedestrian-friendly roads and a laid-back atmosphere.

There is so much to do in this beautiful city, and you can definitely see it in a day. Check out my one-day in St. Augustine guide to create your perfect itinerary.

And if you’re not totally convinced on whether you want to rent out a car, you can take a tour to St. Augustinethat leaves from Orlando. You’ll get dropped off and picked up from St. Augustine in a day, which makes it one of the best day trips in North Florida from Orlando.

Distance from Cape Canaveral: ~2 hours

Distance from Orlando: ~1 hour 45 minutes

Day 3: Ichetucknee Springs or Ginnie Springs

On your final day of your 3 day road trip around North Florida before heading back to Orlando, you’ll be spending some time in nature relaxing. I have traveled to Orlando so many times throughout my life, yet I never knew until now that there is the most gorgeous place just over two hours away.

The Ichetucknee Springs are so beautiful that I can’t believe I’ve never heard of them. The water is so stunningly clear and the most gorgeous colors. You can float down the river in a tube or kayak, or you can swim in the springs.

If you’re feeling brave, take a dip in the Blue Hole, where you can see the water coming out of the source of the spring.

It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you think you can manage it, brings some goggles or a snorkeling set. If you’re an experienced cave diver, you can dive in it. (Never in million years will that be me.)

Here’s a video I took swimming over it. (Please excuse the shakiness; the water coming out of it creates a current that was pushing me away. And also I was having a little panic attack, convinced something scary would crawl out of there. But I really wanted to see the spring. So I hope you enjoy!)

Alternatively, if your idea of relaxation is drinking, I’d recommend Ginnie Springs. At these privately owned springs, alcohol is allowed, so you’ll find lots of people coming here to party. (Alcohol is not allowed at state parks like Ichetucknee Springs.) That being said, there were lots of kids there, so I wouldn’t say it’s not family friendly.

With a beer in hand (in a non-disposable container), you can float down the lazy river or hang out drinking in one of the springs: all as beautiful as Ichetucknee Springs.

If you have an extra day, why not visit both?

Where to Stay: I camped while visiting the springs. The first night, I camped at Ichtecknee Family Canoe & Cabins. They’re located right by the Ichetucknee State Park North entrance, and if you don’t have camping equipment, they rent out little cabins. This is a great place to stay.

The second night I stayed at the campground at Ginnie Springs. It was expensive ($30 per person) and really loud at night, but it’s a great atmosphere for anyone who’s into partying with a whole campground. I personally like the peace and quiet of nature, so I will not be returning there.

Distance from St. Augustine: ~2 hours

Distance to Orlando: ~2.5 hours

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I hope this 3 day itinerary for a road trip to North Florida will inspire you to explore outside of Orlando on your trip. Like I said, even if you don’t have three days to spare, these are all good options for day trips from Orlando.

All three of these places are really unique and will make your vacation to Orlando much more interesting.

Which of these would you be most interested in visiting on a day trip from Orlando?