Attractions Nearby Orlando, Day Trips and Excursions

(Orlando, Florida - FL, USA)

It is difficult to distinguish between Orlando's city attractions and its nearby attractions, since many of the key drawcards are located some way out of town. In fact the Orlando area as a whole offers a cornucopia of fun and entertainment scattered all about the city.

However, if you get bored of the spreading theme parks you can head east to the coast and visit the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral and Merritt Island State park.

Busch Gardens

Address: 3605 East Bougainvillea Avenue, Tampa, Florida FL, 33612
Tel: +1 888 800 5447
Busch Gardens is an adventure park combining a safari theme with thrilling white-knuckle rides and other attractions. The park's safari element comprises one of the world's best zoos featuring over 2,700 animals from all over the world. There are also live shows throughout the park that repeat regularly throughout the day. With its curious blend of natural and manmade thrills, attractions at Busch Gardens offer something for everyone.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 22:00
Admission: charge

Cocoa Beach

Address: Florida (FL) 32932 0763, USA
Cocoa Beach is the title given to both the resort and its six mile stretch of scenic sandy coastline that is especially popular with holiday makers. Not so much an attraction as an entire tourist center, Cocoa Beach is aimed primarily at residents, but at only an hour's drive from Orlando it can provide a delightful alternative to the hustle and bustle of mainstream attractions. The Cocoa Beach area is famous for its surf scene as well as great dining and shopping experiences.
Open hours: daily, 24 hours
Admission: free

Daytona Beach

Address: Florida (FL) 32118, USA
Tel: +1 800 854 1234
Daytona Beach is a fantastic place for Orlando holiday makers to escape the madness of the theme parks for a day and indulge in a little unadulterated relaxation. Drive 56 miles / 90 km from Orlando and arrive at 23 miles / 37 km of sandy white beaches, where the average temperature is about 26 °C / 78 °F; perfect for a spot of sunbathing. A range of water sports are available at Daytona Beach, for those wishing to be energetic including canoeing, jet skiing, parasailing, scuba diving and surfing.
Open hours: daily, 24 hours
Admission: free

Kennedy Space Center

Address: west on 405, between Range Roadand E Avenue SW Orsino, Florida FL, USA
Tel: +1 863 324 2111
Known the world over as the launch station for NASA spacecraft, the Kennedy Space Center is one of Florida's most popular attractions and offers much more than the lucky chance to witness a shuttle launch. The Visitors' Complex at the Kennedy Space Center offers interactive exhibits, virtually real films on the various programs, a viewing platform which is usually open to the public and a range of amenities including an IMAX theater and restaurants - making it a fun day out for the whole family.
Open hours: daily except the two days prior to shuttle launches.
Orlando attraction charge: admission charge for all, special tickets required on launch days.

Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge

Address: Highway 402, Titusville, Florida FL, US
Containing more endangered species than anywhere else in on the US continent, this refuge features unique environments of hammocks among the swamp and marsh. Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge is great for birding or kayaking.
Open hours: daily except the two days prior to shuttle launches.
Admission: charge