Orlando Labor Day Weekend Road Trips and Getaways

This Labor Day Weekend, jump in the car and head out on the open road on a weekend getaway to remember! This is the perfect opportunity to get out and about enjoy the sun and fun here in Florida.

Labor Day Weekend in Orlando is the perfect time to get out and about and explore all this great state has to offer, all the locations here are a fun day trip, or for a Labor Day wekend to remember, pack an overnight bag, and enjoy a relaxing weekend!

Whatever you decide to do this Labor Day Weekend, have fun, and enjoy.

Hit The Beach This Labor Day Weekend

So... when you think of the Sunshine State, two things spring to mind, theme parks and beaches, and thanks to Orlando's central location, you don't have to choose, pretty awesome!

Orlando is practically in the middle of both the historic east coast beaches and the stunning gulf coast beaches in the west coast of Central Florida, so this Labor Day Weekend, whether you want a day at the beach or a weekend away, get ready to soak up the sunshine!

East Coast Beaches

Daytona Beach

The world's most famous beach is just an hour from downtown Orlando, Daytona Beach is all about the cars, a place to catch a NASCAR race and even drive your own car right on the beach.

Free summer concerts with movies and fireworks are offered May through October at the Bandshell, and there's plenty of entertainment and fun at the nearby boardwalk and fishing pier.

For a quieter corner, head to Ponce Inlet and climb to the top of Florida's tallest lighthouse, built in 1835. Plus, for shopping and dining, a visit to Beach Street is a popular choice.

New Smyrna Beach

New Smyrna Beach is a hot spot for surfing, quirky shops, and delightful eats, plus you can drive your car onto this beach’s wide, compacted smooth sand! A must do for sure!

Once you’ve gotten your fill with paddle boarding and sunbathing, check out Flagler Avenue with Old Florida shops, local boutiques and casual eateries.

Cocoa Beach

Orlando's closest beach is well known for its surfing culture with Cocoa the home of the world's largest surf shop, Ron Jon Surf Shop at 52,000 square feet.

Open 24 hours a day, the huge store features everything under the sun, from T-shirts and seashells to beach bikes, paddleboards, and of course, surfboards.

The Cocoa Beach Pier area is fun with lot's of beach activities, while many families like the quiet of Lori Wilson Park where you'll find free parking, restrooms and outdoor showers.

West Coast Beaches

Clearwater Beach

America’s number one beach, Clearwater is definitely a renowned hot spot, complete with shopping, dining, live entertainment, and a revitalized downtown area. White sand and clear, shallow waters make this beach a destination that can’t be beaten for families.

Don’t miss the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and the awesome sunset celebration that is held nightly at the always fun Clearwater Beach Pier. Don't miss it!

Madeira Beach

At Madeira Beach, the sun, the white sand beaches and emerald turquoise waters invite swimming and sunning, be a beachcomber, or just sit and watch the world go by from the shade of a beach umbrella.

Set sail on a sunset cruise or a daylong fishing excursion or just stroll the wooden boardwalk and check out the waterfront shops and dining options.

Treasure Island

The main draw here is three miles of sparkling white, sandy beaches on shores of the Gulf of Mexico.

Go swimming, shelling, sunning, snorkeling, parasailing and more, or simply walk the beach and take in one of the most stunning and memorable sunsets that you will ever see.

Hang out at the world's longest waterfront bar, Gators Cafe & Saloon, to catch the sunset and enjoy the atmosphere at the surrounding beach bars, for live music and dancing.

St Pete Beach

With miles of beaches, surf shops and boutiques, along with dining and water sports for all ages, it's easy to see why St. Pete Beach is voted one of the best beaches in the U.S.

At the heart of St. Pete Beach is the historic pink palace, the Loews Don Ce Sar Hotel, built in 1928 at the heart of America's Jazz Age. It's worth a visit to soak up the nostalgic, Gatsby-like atmosphere.

Make time to see the Salvador Dali museum in downtown St. Petersburg, housing the largest collection of Dali's work outside of Spain.

Labor Day Weekend Road Trips On A Tankful

Orlando offers more things to do than most tourist destinations put together, and being located in the heart of Central Florida, Orlando’s convenient location makes it easy to go on Labor Day Weekend road trip, whether it's for the day, or the whole weekend, you can escape the theme park crowds, and enjoy Florida’s most picturesque landscapes at nearby cities, natural springs, and state parks.

Fill the tank and get ready to hit the road!

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

The perfect place to experience Old Florida, Weeki Wachee is famous for its underwater theater and mermaid shows, located less than a two hour drive from Orlando, this is a beautiful state park where visitors can enjoy the 72 degree crystal clear waters, perfect for a day of swimming, snorkelling and kayaking, there's even a water park with flume rides.

Sarasota

Sarasota is only 2 hours from Orlando and offers a string of eight stunning islands tucked away into the Gulf coast of Southwest Florida.

You’ll find fascinating cultural attractions like The Ringling Museum and Marie Selby Botanical Garden and you can't miss the beautiful Siesta Key Beach.

Mount Dora

Only a 40 minute jaunt north and you’re in Mount Dora, one of Florida’s beloved small town charms.

The biggest draw to this area is the Renninger’s Antique Center & Farmer’s Flea Market, where visitors come to shop for vintage treasures, while the array of outdoor cafes, galleries and wineries are perfect for a day trip away.

Caladesi Island State Park

Drive two hours west past Tampa and you’ll find Caladesi Island State Park,in the city of Dunedin.

Located along the Gulf Coast, its white powdery sand, emerald waters, and lack of tourist crowds make this area feel like an off the grid slice of paradise, regularly ranked one of the top beaches.

Blue Springs State Park

Located in Orange City just 45 minutes from Orlando, Blue Springs State Park is the largest spring on the St. John’s River, a manatee refuge offering 72 degree temperatures that are perfect for cooling off.

Take a dip in the pale blue waters and soak in the views of the forested banks that surround you.

St Augustine

The oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine is a great two-hour day trip for history enthusiasts.

Founded in 1565, here you can walk along the cobblestoned streets in the National Historic Landmark District,

walk the walls of the 17th-century Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, and climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum for a stunning view of the city below.

Tampa

In less than two hours you can be in Tampa, a vibrant city with a long list of family friendly attractions.

Browse artwork at the world renown Salvador Dali museum, relax on the award winning Clearwater Beach, or cheer on the local Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

If you’re an animal lover, you’ll enjoy an afternoon of feeding giraffes at Lowry Park Zoo or observing manatees at the Electric Manatee Viewing Center.

Ocala National Forest

Outdoor enthusiasts will delight in the opportunities at nearby Ocala National Forest, the world’s largest sand pine scrub forest, it’s here that you can explore over 360,000 acres of hiking or take a swim in the crystal clear waters of Silver Glen Springs.

One of the best places to experience Florida’s natural landscapes, an excellent choice for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

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