Image by Odalaigh via Flickr
Orlando, Florida is best known as the home of Disney world, but visitors and locals are within a day’s travelling distance of a host of delightful destinations. They offer a great car trip for anyone, and they will take people buy some of the best sites that are offered of the entire state. Most of these destinations are only an hour away by car, and they are great way to see all this state offers.
Titusville and NASA 50 minutes:
Titusville, Florida is only a short drive from Orlando, and it is just across the river from the Kennedy Space Center. This is the choice place to watch a rocket take off into the sky, and visitors can bring an umbrella and their Wi-Fi to tune into the official NASA web site for news on the launch. If there is no launch, visitors can enjoy a day at the Space Center which is just across the river from Titusville.
Silver Springs, Florida 75 minutes:
Image via Wikipedia
Silver Springs offers a nature theme park, and visitors can marvel at the crystal clear waters. They support a host of abundant fish and artifacts, and there is a petting zoo that is ideal for children. There are also botanical gardens in the area, and visitors are also offered the opportunity to enjoy a glass bottom boat ride among the alligators that are abundant throughout the park. The Fort King River Cruise includes a Seminole Indian village, stockade and authentic “Cracker” homestead. There is also a concert every weekend with well-known artists.
Flagler Beach, Florida 70 minutes:
Flagler Beach is a local’s favorite, and this town shows visitors what the state was like before the advent of high rises and condos. There is a marked absence of malls and fast food eateries, and instead there are shops, fruit stands and farmer’s markets that offer the best of the local seafood and agriculture. There is also a beach that has unique coquina sand and is usually deserted, as there are no vehicles allowed. The A1A scenic highway runs through Flagler County and is a magnificent road trip.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park 85 minutes:
Homosassa Springs is famous for the abundance of manatees that live in the area. These springs are home to those who are rehabilitating from injuries and recuperating before they return to the wild. These prehistoric mammals can grow to more than 13 feet in length and weigh over a ton. Although there are numerous waters, there is no fishing or boating allowed in the area to safeguard the manatees. The park has an overabundance of wildlife and trails.
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Tarpon Springs, Florida 2 hours:
Only two hours from Orlando, visitors can take in the sights that are offered at Tarpon Springs. This site is one of the most Greek cities in Florida, and it is famous for the historic sponge docks that proliferate in the area. There is a sizable Greek influence in the area, as many came from Greece over 100 years ago where they began to dive for the sponges in the Gulf of Mexico. The docks have restaurants, gift shops and an aquarium. Downtown hosts antique stores and galleries. Howard Park has picnic areas and a beautiful white sand beach.
Weeki Wachee Springs 1 hour 35 minutes:
These springs are home to mermaids who perform in the crystal clear water. They show off a number of feats, and they can even drink sodas while they are swimming under the waters. There is also a park, Buccaneer Bay that offers one of the only spring fed waterparks in the state. It comes complete with white sand beaches, and is full of events throughout the summer that appeals to tourists of all ages.
Orlando, Florida is unique in that it is nearly in the middle of the state and offers visitors and local’s lots of enjoyable road trips that can be completed in a day. This is the perfect way to see many of the wild life that makes this state their home. There are numerous crystal springs and white sand beaches that offer ample opportunities for a day’s adventure. And the weather is almost perfect year round.
Marcie McDonald is an insurance consultant who writes for cheapestcarinsurance.org.uk. She recommends checking online sites to compare car insurance rates, and also to see if you qualify to cheapest car insurance before making your choice.
