Unlike living up north, where a day trip can potentially take you to other states to explore on a budget, we don't have that luxury of living deep in the bowels of Florida. So, to explore, we have to resort to taking day trips from Orlando. It's a fantastic way to enrich your travel experience and deepen your appreciation for the state's diverse offerings. While Orlando is considered the entertainment capital of the state, the surrounding cities provide a variety of cultural, historical, and natural attractions that I find more exciting and often easier on the wallet. From the arts scene in St. Petersburg to the charming cobblestone streets of St. Augustine, each city offers unique experiences. By stepping out of Orlando, you can see how other cities in our swampy playland support their local business community and with locals and visitors. Some cities are friendlier than others, and some are exploding with their identities and culinary scenes! You get to engage with local communities, discover the all-important "hidden gems," and create memorable experiences beyond the typical tourist itinerary.

I've grown very fond of these day trips, and no matter how many times I've visited a city, there is always something new on the next trip. Below is my rotating roster of ten cities, all within 1-2 hours of driving (since we still haven't mastered the art of public transportation in this vast state, have we now) and all the places I would hit up on my trip.