Living in Orlando offers residents seemingly endless options for events to attend, places to dine, and new adventures to explore. But in addition to being an entertainment mecca, its Central Florida location is another top reason to find your next home for sale in Orlando, Florida.
With so many exciting, nearby cities to explore in all directions from central Orlando, residents love that they can easily get away to find even more new adventures any time they'd like! We're highlighting some of the best day trips Orlando residents must take at least once, and all the favorite fall events in each community you won't want to miss to make the most of the season!
Mount Dora - 31 Miles from Downtown Orlando
Under an hour away from Orlando lies the charming town of Mount Dora, Florida. The one-of-a-kind city nestled among Lake Dora holds a historic atmosphere resembling a quaint New England town. Stroll its downtown streets and enjoy boutique-style shopping, delicious local eateries, or take a boat tour and explore the famous Dora Canal!
Known as the 'Festival City,' Mount Dora hosts a number of events that would make for a fun-filled fall day trip! From the Annual Bicycle Festival and Craft Fair in October, the Scottish Highland Festival and Plant and Garden Fair in November, and the Annual Christmas Walk in December, there are many opportunities to partake in the joy of the season in Mount Dora!
New Smyrna - 55 Miles from Downtown Orlando
Central Florida residents love that they get to enjoy the warm, sunshine-filled weather almost 365 days a year! That luxury paired with some of the country's most famous beaches just a car ride away makes for unbeatable day trips.
One of the most popular day trips for an Orlando resident is to the East Coasts' New Smyrna Beach. Just south of Daytona and about an hour from Orlando, New Smyrna offers the ability to drive your car right onto the sand, and its quaint Flagler Avenue offers local dining, ocean-side drinks, and shopping!
For its fall festivities, stop by for the Halloween Costume Contest and Parade along Canal Street, and in November, the annual Holiday Art Show, Flamingo Follies, along Flagler Avenue!
St. Petersburg - 118 Miles from Downtown Orlando
One of the most popular Florida West Coast beaches is St. Petersburg, or St. Pete. Its white sandy beach, elaborate watercolor sunsets, and charming atmosphere will welcome you into the vibrant town. Hosting a number of year-round events, beautiful waterfront parks, and popular Central Avenue full of shops, drinks, and dining, St. Pete is the perfect place for a day away from home!
Enjoy the spirit of fall in St. Pete with its Autumn Harvest Festival at the Pinellas Pioneer Settlement in October, and the Holiday Extravaganza and Gift Market in November!
St. Augustine - 107 Miles from Downtown Orlando
Take a trip just about 2 hours north of Downtown Orlando for a fun fall day strolling the streets of historic downtown Saint Augustine sipping your favorite fall beverage.
Shop along the cobblestone streets of its downtown, grab a bite to eat along St. George Street, visit the 'oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S,' Castillo de San Marcos, and overlook the Matanzas River from the famously historic city.
Take in the fun of the fall season by enjoying ghost tours throughout 'haunted' St Augustine, attend the loved arts and craft show, or take a trip through the corn maze at Sykes and Cooper Farms Corn Maze and Harvest Festival - just a few of the season's favorite festivities!
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