Day Trips from Orlando
← All Orlando day tripsDay Trips from Orlando: State Parks & Natural Areas
The best state parks and natural areas within driving distance of Orlando, FL. Hiking, camping, swimming, and stunning scenery without the national park crowds. Real drive times, ratings, and visitor info included.
12 state parks near Orlando
Canaveral National Seashore
New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
Just 59 min from Orlando, rated 4.8 stars by 3,868 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge
FL 33715, USA
Just 2 hrs from Orlando, rated 4.8 stars by 1,130 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Weedon Island Preserve
St. Petersburg, FL 33702
Just 1 hr 36 min from Orlando, rated 4.8 stars by 3,589 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
Just 1 hr 56 min from Orlando, rated 4.8 stars by 338 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Princess Place Preserve
Palm Coast, FL 32137
Just 1 hr 26 min from Orlando, rated 4.8 stars by 1,262 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Alafia River State Park
Lithia, FL 33547
Just 1 hr 26 min from Orlando, rated 4.8 stars by 2,016 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
Okeechobee, FL 34972
Just 1 hr 45 min from Orlando, rated 4.7 stars by 961 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Ocala National Forest
Silver Springs, FL 34488
Just 48 min from Orlando, rated 4.7 stars by 5,326 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Weekiwachee Preserve
Spring Hill, FL 34607
Just 1 hr 52 min from Orlando, rated 4.7 stars by 638 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area
Brooksville, FL 34614
Just 1 hr 45 min from Orlando, rated 4.7 stars by 836 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Lake Louisa State Park
Clermont, FL 34714
Just 32 min from Orlando, rated 4.7 stars by 3,545 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Lake Wales Ridge National Wildlife Refuge-Lake McLeod Unit
FL 33880, USA
Just 1 hr 5 min from Orlando, rated 4.7 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Frequently Asked Questions About State Parks Day Trips from Orlando
What are the best state parks near Orlando, FL?
The best state parks near Orlando offer hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and scenic overlooks. Check the cards above for top-rated parks with drive times, ratings, and budget estimates.
How much does it cost to visit state parks near Orlando?
Most state parks near Orlando charge a vehicle entry fee of $5-$15 per day. Annual passes are usually available for $25-$50 and pay for themselves in 2-3 visits. Camping fees are separate and vary by site type.
Which state parks near Orlando are best for camping?
Several state parks within driving distance of Orlando offer campgrounds ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV sites with showers. Book early for summer weekends, as popular parks fill up months in advance.
What is the best time to visit state parks near Orlando?
Spring and fall offer the best weather and smallest crowds at state parks near Orlando. Summer is great for swimming and camping but parks are busiest. Winter visits are peaceful and many parks stay open year-round for hiking.
Don't know where to go?
Tell us your interests, budget, and how far you want to drive. We'll find the perfect trip for you.
Surprise me