Living here means having a front-row seat to some of Florida’s most unforgettable experiences — all within a short drive.
Whether you’re showing off the area to visiting friends and family or planning a spontaneous weekend adventure, one of the best things about living in Ormond Beach or Daytona is how close we are to… well, everything. From rocket launches to historic cobblestone streets, here are my favorite day trips that are all less than a tank of gas away:
Theme Parks (1 Hour Away)
Orlando is basically in our backyard — which means quick access to world-famous theme parks, without the daily traffic. And yes, Florida resident discounts make it even sweeter.
Favorites to bookmark:
- Magic Kingdom
- Epcot
- Hollywood Studios
- Animal Kingdom
- Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure & the NEW Epic Universe
- SeaWorld - including Aquatica & Discovery Cove
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
It’s easy to pop down for a day and be home in time for dinner. Trust me, this is major if you have little ones (or just want to avoid hotel chaos).
Cape Canaveral (1 Hour Away)
Rocket launches? Yes, they’re a regular part of life here. You can sometimes catch them right from your backyard — but for a front-row view, head to Cape Canaveral.
Tour NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, check out SpaceX or Blue Origin launch schedules, or time your visit for an astronaut meet-and-greet.
Tip: The beachside viewing spots are unforgettable.
St. Augustine (1 Hour & Change)
If charming cobblestone streets, centuries-old architecture, and quirky boutiques are your vibe — St. Augustine is calling. As the nation’s oldest city, it’s full of incredible restaurants, museums, and historic tours by trolley, by sea, or even by ghost.
It’s the perfect spot for a date day, girls’ day, or a casual family outing that doesn’t feel like a tourist trap.
Natural Springs (45–60 Minutes)
Need a reset? The crystal-clear freshwater springs nearby are your go-to for kayaking, swimming, or just a peaceful nature walk under the Spanish moss.
Some local favorites include:
- DeLeon Springs
- Blue Springs
- Gemini Springs
- Green Springs
Bring a picnic and prepare to feel like you’ve stepped into a Florida postcard.
Sports Fans, Rejoice
Florida has more professional sports teams than any other state — which means if you love live games, you’ll find one in just about every direction. Whether it’s college football season or NFL playoffs, you’re never far from the action.
Nearby teams include:
- Orlando Magic
- Orlando City Soccer
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Miami Dolphins
- Florida Gators
- Florida State Seminoles
- UCF Knights
- USF Bulls
Weekend Getaways (2–6 Hours Away)
When you’re ready for a full weekend escape, here’s your easy-access short list:
- Tampa / St. Pete: 2 hours
- Fort Lauderdale: 3 hours
- Miami: 4 hours
- Savannah, GA: 4 hours
- Key West: 6 hours (or hop on a flight!)
Why This Matters
Relocating to the Daytona Beach area means you don’t have to give anything up — in fact, you gain access to some of the best day trips and weekend escapes in the country. Whether you’re a theme park pro, a space nerd (guilty), a sports fan, or just someone who loves having options, living here puts you in the center of it all.
Want a local’s guide to planning your relocation?
Reach out — I’m happy to share the full picture of what living here can really feel like.
