Living on the I-4 corridor, the drive to Tampa and Orlando may come like second nature to us. And we all know that Floridians don’t have a problem driving. With fall being around the corner, it’s the ideal time to get outside and not sweat it out.
We’ve compiled six places that are ~2 hours or less from Lakeland so you can take your family or yourself for a mini one-day getaway.
Daytona Beach | 1 hour, 51 minutes
Daytona International Speedway | Photo by @mwoodski
Daytona Beach is a city on the Atlantic coast. It’s primarily known for Daytona International Speedway, which hosts the iconic Daytona 500 NASCAR race every February.
Besides obviously having beaches – there’s the Daytona Lagoon with everything from a lazy river + wave pool to mini-golf and a rock wall. For a more educational day, you can stop by the Halifax Historical Museum, which features old racing photographs and artifacts of antique model cars, or the Museum of Arts & Sciences. See their current + future exhibits here.
Lastly, we must mention that Daytona Beach is home to the tallest lighthouse in the state. Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum stands 175 ft. tall and features breath-taking views...if you choose to climb 203 steps to the top.
Homosassa | 1 hour, 45 minutes
Monkey Island | Photo by @777robhowland
Ever heard of Monkey Island? This Spider Monkey colony has buildings, play areas + feeders and can be seen from Homosassa Riverside Resort. You can also boat or kayak to the island but you can’t step foot on it.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is for those on the wild-side to see endangered Florida panthers, red wolves, and whooping cranes. It’s also the place for all those that are on the hunt for more springs + trails. Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park has the remains of a 5,100-acre sugar plantation and a steam-driven mill that operated from 1851-1864 and supplied sugar products for southern troops during the Civil War.
DeLand | 1 hour, 37 minutes
Stetson Mansion | Photo by @saltwater_n_wine
The Athens of Florida is home to Florida’s oldest college, Stetson University. Take a tour of the campus if red-brick buildings, Greco-Roman columns + oak trees pique your interest. Breakfast at The Old Spanish Sugar Mill is a must – with pancakes cooked tableside on griddles. The restaurant is located inside De Leon Springs State Park, where you can boat, camp, hike, paddle, scuba dive, picnic, snorkel, tube + more. You name it, it’s there.
For a few guided tours, visit Florida’s First Luxury Estate, Stetson Mansion, the Museum of Art - DeLand, or take the Fountain of Youth ECO/History boat tour.
Tarpon Springs | 1 hour, 18 minutes
Hellas Bakery and Restaurant | Photo by @_sara_schell
Known as the “Sponge Capital of the World,” this coastal community is absorbed with authentic Greek food (like Hellas Bakery and Restaurant). Eateries, market, and bakeries line waterfront Dodecanese Blvd., a legacy of the Greek sponge divers who settled here in the early 1900s. As a souvenir, purchase a sea sponge at the Sea Docks.
For a cultural and historic day, visit the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts and Cultural Centers or the 1940s Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral with stained glass + Neo-Byzantine architecture. Take a drive through the historic district bounded by Read, Hibiscus, Orange, Lemon Streets, Levis Avenue, and Spring Bayou, featuring 145 historic buildings across 700 acres.
Mount Dora | 1 hour, 16 minutes
Modernism Museum | Photo by @lemonhearted
This quaint Central Florida town is known for antiques + collectible items. It’s also the “Bass Capital of the World” – so we hope fishing is listed on your itinerary. For ideas on where to fish, check out these canals off of Lake Dora, Beauclair, and Carlton. You can also visit the Modernism Museum or, if you’re there on a Sunday, stop by the Mount Dora Village Market for some local produce + handmade crafts.
#ProTip: If staying overnight, Lakeside Inn lands at the top, being the longest-running hotel in Florida at 130+ years old.
Lake Wales | 45 minutes
Bok Tower Gardens | Photo by @lavender.gooms
This city is located in our very own Polk County. If you haven’t yet been – make a stop at Bok Tower Gardens to see the 250-acre contemplative garden, 205 ft.-Singing Tower with 60 carillon bells, bird sanctuary, and Pinewood Estate. If hungry, Bok Tower’s Blue Palmetto Cafe has an assortment of well-picked salads, sandwiches + wraps. And while you’re there, don’t forget to grab a beer from their selection.
The Lake Wales Art Center features art exhibits, concerts + educational series. Make sure to reference their event’s page when planning your day trip.
If you don’t believe that Halloween is only meant for October, check out Spook Hill – an optical illusion where cars appear to roll up the gravity hill when put in neutral.
