Orlando Staycation Ideas

Orlando has plenty of great attractions for awesome days out. Whether spending memorable time with your significant other, the family, your friends, or treating yourself to some quality alone time, there’s no shortage of things to see and do around one of Florida’s most exciting cities. Perhaps, however, you’re craving a little longer away from home, but don’t want the hassle, expense, or time commitment of traveling too far away. Orlando has plenty of terrific staycation spots within easy reach too, ideal for switching up your environment for a night or two. Here are some top recommendations for staycations around Orlando.

Lake Nona

Close to Orlando International Airport, the scenic Lake Nona area is just a stone’s throw from several pretty lakes, including Lake Hart, Red Lake, Mud Lake, Lake Whippoorwill, and, of course, the namesake Lake Nona. The area is known for its many excellent golf courses and, ideal for thrill-seekers, is home to Nona Adventure Park, where you’ll find a rope course, wake park, aqua park, and climbing tower. The town offers a wealth of dining and drinking establishments, as well as terrific shopping and pretty parks such as Boxi Park and Crescent Park. Check into Lake Nona Wave Hotel for a pampering stay. All rooms combine technology and wellness features, such as innovative beds and linens, for a restful stay, and you can join intimate classes at the luxurious Chopra Mind-Body Zone. All stays include free admission to Lake Nona Performance Club, complete with high-tech fitness equipment and wellness amenities, and you can enjoy pleasant strolls through the neighboring Lake Nona Sculpture Garden.

Daytona Beach

If you’re dreaming of sunny days on the sands, Daytona Beach is within just an hour’s drive of Orlando. Relax on the white-sand beach, take a dip in the sparkling waters and enjoy water sports such as kayaking, boating, surfing, scuba diving, fishing, and paddleboarding. Take to the skies and admire the vistas with an exciting paragliding experience, visit the Marine Science Center to learn more about the area’s sea turtles and try to spot dolphins swimming through the waters. The rivers offer more water-based fun, with leisurely cruises, and other activities include hiking and biking in nearby state parks, touring Daytona International Speedway, enjoying shopping, entertainment and thrills galore at Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier, and perfecting your swing at one of the nearby golf courses. History and culture lovers won’t be disappointed, with historic sites like The Casements, Eldora State House and Dummet Sugar Mill Ruins, as well as diverse museums and art galleries.

De Leon Springs

Located around an hour north of Orlando, De Leon Springs offers blissful bathing in delightful warm water, as well as myriad outdoor adventures. Set in a scenic state park, the beautiful springs are also perfect for snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and canoeing. The Nature Trail provides an easy short walk along a paved trail or, if you’re feeling more energetic, the Wild Persimmon Trail runs for a little more than 4 miles and takes in plenty of wildlife. Nearby, Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge and Smooth Waters Wildlife Park provide even more opportunities to immerse yourself in nature. For excursions a little farther afield, Crystal River Springs, St. Augustine, Clearwater Beach, Lake Placid, Miami, and the Florida Everglades are also excellent Orlando staycation ideas. There are definitely plenty of ways to enjoy your time when you have a fabulous home in one of Dream Finders Homes’ vibrant communities in Orlando.

Categories: Blog, Orlando