Sometimes you just want to escape your day-to-day for the weekend, but visiting a new place can be a bit daunting. You have to figure out where to stay, eat and pass the time while you’re there. So, here’s a guide to four places you can road trip to from Orlando that are worth the drive.  —Jenny De Witt

Daytona Beach Beyond bikers and spring breakers, this world-famous beach town features history, character and waves for days. A quick one-hour drive northeast from Orlando, this location on the Atlantic Coast is perfect for a day trip or semi-staycation. Photo via Adobe Stock
Streamline Hotel 140 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach A 44-room restored yet historically accurate boutique hotel with a saltwater pool and rooftop bar. Don’t miss the vintage stock car racing memorabilia. Photo via Streamline Hotel
Daytona Arcade Museum 176 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach Missing your fill of Galaga, Street Fighter II or Donkey Kong? Unlimited play on all games all day, and a rotating selection of local microbrews. Game over! Photo via Daytona Arcade Museum/Facebook
Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier 1200 Main St., Daytona Beach Built in 1925, this 600-foot wooden pier is the most recognizable landmark on Daytona Beach. Walk out at sunset and look back at the lights. Photo by Jenny De Witt
Museum of Arts and Science 352 S. Nova Road, Daytona Beach This place has it all: A giant sloth skeleton (yeah, they’re Florida natives), Napoleon’s bed, hundreds of teddy bears, the best Cuban art collection, and the only place in the country to see an original Coca-Cola bottle. Follow the boardwalk to natural wonder, and don’t skip the planetarium show. Photo by Jenny De Witt
Kale Cafe 116 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach Fresh pressed juice bar with creative vegan cuisine. Don’t miss the chalkboards of veg facts lining the long walls. Fave: papaya chia smoothie. Photo via Kale Cafe Juice Bar & Vegan Cuisine
Macker Seafood 600 Mason Ave., Daytona Beach Fresh ocean fish and shellfish caught at Matanzas Inlet, near Marineland. It’s SHRIMPTASTIC! No, really. You can order that. Photo via Macker Seafood/Facebook
Tia Cori’s Tacos 214 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach Elote, elote, elote, torta, sope, ceviche, elote, elote, elote, taco, elote, flan. Photo by Jenny De Witt
Donnie’s Donuts 200 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach Slightly up the road but so worth the extra mile or two. Creative, delicious cake donuts used as a vehicle for mouthwatering toppings – and they sell out fast. Photo via Donnie’s Donuts/Facebook
Starbucks 110 S. Ocean Ave., Daytona Beach OK, OK, yeah, but hear us out: It’s got a fantastic beach view and free parking. Grab your drink of choice and sit outside on the covered porch to feel the breeze. Photo by Jenny De Witt
Atlantic Sounds Record Shop 138 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach This 37-year-old record store has something for everyone. Come away with an album or cassette that you didn’t know you needed, but have to own – like for instance, the vintage album of cat sounds we may or may not have purchased. Photo via Atlantic Sounds/Facebook
Moxie Vintage 114 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach Stop in to meet Daniel and style yourself up from his creative displays of vintage and retro fashion and unique ephemera. No selfies allowed in the store, by the way. Tip: Pick up a vintage woven straw beach bag. Photo via Moxie Vintage/Facebook
Downtown Farmer’s Market 105 Orange Ave., Daytona Beach Set alongside the Halifax River, pick up local eggs, produce, seafood, and plants on Saturdays from 7-11 a.m. Then stroll the Sweetheart Trail, part of the 3,000-mile East Coast Greenway that stretches from Maine to Florida. Photo via Adobe Stock
Sarasota This Gulf Coast city is just two and a half hours from the City Beautiful and it’s so charming, you may never want to leave. Sink your toes into its powdery sand, and you’ll definitely start making plans to return … or maybe even retire here. Current real estate prices might be a rude shock back to reality, though. Photo via Adobe Stock
The Ringling Circus Museum 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota This is a must-see: circus history told through handcrafted miniatures and interactive displays that amaze kids and kidults alike. How many of you can fit in the tiny car? Photo via The Ringling/Facebook
The Yoga Shack 514 Central Ave., Sarasota If your idea of play is actually hard work on a yoga mat, go here for great instruction, small classes and zero pretention. They’re on the MindBody app to make things simpler. Photo via Yoga Shack/Facebook
Sarasota Farmers Market 1 N. Lemon Ave., Sarasota, 941-225-9256 Saturday mornings downtown until 1 p.m., head to the Big Red Bus for locally roasted coffee and start your stroll. Don’t miss: fish tacos, the breakfast burrito guy or the smoked fish dip. Eat that with crackers on the beach later – they’ll pack it on ice for you. Photo via Sarasota Farmers Market/Facebook
Lido Beach and Park At the end of Lido Key, the lesser-trafficked area where the Bay meets the Gulf, there’s a playground, picnic area, parking and sandy dunes. Try it instead of the packed public beach or Siesta Key. Photo by Jenny De Witt
Sarasota Jungle Gardens 3701 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, 941-355-5305 Established in 1939, the Jungle Gardens are a true old-Florida roadside attraction. See flamingos, alligators, exotic fruit trees, and “two bearded dragons, a skink and a creamsicle snake.” Photo by Jenny De Witt
Cock & Bull Farmhouse 975 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota Dog-friendly, 40 taps and 500-plus bottles. It’s a hike but if you’re looking for local and unique brews from everywhere, this is the place – plus there’s an outdoor beer garden, fire pit and live bands (that don’t play covers). Photo via Cock & Bull/Facebook
The Blue Rooster 1525 Fourth St., Sarasota Get yourself some fresh yardbird served up with a Belgian waffle and whisky maple syrup. The Sunday Gospel Brunch Buffet that will feed your soul in so many ways. Photo via The Blue Rooster/Facebook
Ionie Retreat 1241 Fruitville Road, Sarasota Raw vegan food spot and wellness retreat location where you can order house-made raw treats and juices to go or sit on the porch and chill. Photo via Ionie Retreat & Organic Vegan Cafe/Facebook
Perq Coffee Bar 1821 Hillview St., Sarasota Exceptional coffee served with a sleek, bright, modern groove. The cold brew will kick you into high gear. Photo by Jenny De Witt
C’est La Vie 1553 Main St., Sarasota If it’s French fare you’re after, this spot will transport you back to that summer you spent in Paris. The bread, the pastry, the salad Nicoise … ooh la la. Photo via C’est La Vie/Facebook
Social Eatery & Bar 1219 First St., Sarasota Unique indoor/outdoor vibe with craft cocktails to sip slowly. Skip dinner, go for drinks. Make it your last stop of the night. Photo via Social Eatery & Bar/Facebook
Waffle Stop 660 S. Washington Blvd., Sarasota Locals call this old school greasy spoon the Elvis Café – because he ate here once. You’ll know it the second you walk in. Order what he ate and you’ll love every bite. Photo by Jenny De Witt
Five-O Donut Co. 2241 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota We can’t tell you how good they are because they’ve always sold out before we’ve ever gotten to try them. You tell us! Photo via Five-O Donut Co/Facebook
Westin Rooftop Bar 100 Marina Plaza, Sarasota You don’t have to stay to play. Head to the roof for delicious cocktails, small plates, comfy seats, and firepits. Get there for sunset over the bay and stay for the city lights. Best view! Photo via The Westin Sarasota/Facebook
Artisan Cheese Co. 550 Central Ave., Sarasota Cheese Louise will give you a taste of everything and blow your mind with fresh flavors you may have never considered. Also, find gourmet foodie products you’ve only read about. Photo via Artisan Cheese Company/Facebook
Sarasota Architectural Salvage 1093 Central Ave., Sarasota That thing you were looking for and couldn’t find? It’s here. Probably sourced from an old hotel. Find everything under the sun: giant letters, medical posters, wood, old windows. Plan to spend at least an hour. Photo via Sarasota Architectural Salvage/Facebook
Hotel Ranola 118 Indian Place, Sarasota This updated 1926 building hosts nine suites with full kitchens, comfy beds and Art Deco accents. Don’t miss the rooftop deck. Downtown is walkable from here. Photo via hotelranola.com
Atlantic Beach South of Jacksonville and north of St. Augustine about two and a half hours from Orlando is a little town called Atlantic Beach. Drive until you reach the beach, and you’ll find rows of pastel-colored cottages mixed with a little history and a lot of local life and delicious food. Photo via City of Atlantic Beach
Atlantic Beach Go to the beach. That’s why you came here. Right? It’s the Atlantic. Dark. Mysterious. Occasionally shark-filled. Brave the waves or sun yourself on the shore. Photo by Jenny De Witt
Beach Museum 381 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach Henry Flagler ruled this state’s history for a time because of his passion for (and domination in the building of) railroads. Find out how Atlantic Beach fared compared to neighbor St. Augustine. Photo via Beaches Museum/Facebook
Adventure Landing 1944 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach Water park, arcade, alligator pond, roller coasters, mini-golf, laser tag, go-karts. All the hyphenated fun things to do for kids and those who want to be kids. Photo via Adventure Landing Jacksonville Beach/Facebook
Plantology 1013 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach Beach mama and papa serve up vegan treats, juices and weekend specials that are hearty and wholesome. The thin mint smoothie and golden spiced bowl are our faves. Photo by Jenny De Witt
Pie Heaven Bakery Café 1980 Mayport Road, Atlantic Beach These ladies bake up the best pies in the region. The Key lime comes boozy or non-boozy and both are worth having seconds. Tip: If available get a chicken pot pie. They sell out FAST. Photo by Jenny De Witt
V Pizza 528 N. First St., Jacksonville Beach Head to this place for your fill of the other kind of perfect pie: pizza. This is where the locals go for lunch, dinner and late-night snacking. Photo by Jenny De Witt
Mini Donuts + Coffee 1300 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach So tiny and so cute, you’ll get to taste every flavor. Bring the kiddos for a peek into the kitchen, fill ’em up with sugar and let them run around in the courtyard while you relax on a sofa with your coffee. Our pick: the pop-tart donut. Photo by Jenny De Witt
Hawkers 241 N. Atlantic Blvd., Neptune Beach If you know, you know. If you don’t, then go. But it gets crowded, so go early or you’ll end up UberEats-ing McDonald’s fries while you wait for your food. Not like we really did that or anything. Photo via Hawkers Neptune/Facebook
Beach Diner 501 Atlantic Blvd, Atlantic Beach Really good diner fare in a light and bright beachy atmosphere. Photo by Jenny De Witt
Town Center at Atlantic Beach You can’t miss it. Totally walkable and on your way to the beach. Shop all the shops from locally made brands to surf gear to the latest in beachwear. Photo via Beaches Town Center – Where Atlantic Boulevard Meets The Ocean/Facebook
Hotel Palms 28 Sherry Drive, Atlantic Beach This 1940s motor court was reborn as a vintage-modern beach motel where each room is different, but all are equally breezy. The proprietors offer surfboards, bikes, events and other amenities (just ask). Don’t miss resident Show Pigeon Coffee’s fancy coffee-based breakfast drinks on weekends. Do we still say “mocktails” if it’s breakfast? Photo by Jenny De Witt
Clermont It’s so close and yet feels so far away. Orlando’s citrus history is large and in charge in Clermont – visit the county next door to find a quaint downtown and an OG roadside attraction. Photo via City of Clermont Government/Facebook
Orlando Cat Café 532 Cagan Park Ave., Clermont If it’s floofy cuddles you seek, you have to wait for them to come to you – we promise they will. Grab a coffee and spend time in the kitten tent for cuteness overload. Kid-friendly! Photo by Jenny De Witt
Hall of Presidents 123 N. Highway 27, Clermont This place is an oddball walk through history, home of the largest model of the White House ever made. Its gift shop is full of vintage treasures you have to see to believe. Photo by Jenny De Witt
Citrus Tower 41 U.S. Highway 27, Clermont An original Florida roadside attraction that’s still going strong, 22 stories high with views overlooking the eight-county Central Florida region. Kitschy Florida gift shop included, of course. Photo via Florida Citrus Tower/Facebook
Showcase of Citrus 5010 US-27, Clermont, FL 34714 Ride in a giant wheel monster truck through swamps and citrus groves. Pick your own fruit and delight in the unique world of the Florida farmer. Photo via The Showcase of Citrus/Facebook
revival 2400 S. Highway 27, Clermont can we just all use lower case for everything? funk, soul, ’90s hip-hop. this is the place. come and dance your ass off. drinks optional. Photo via revivalclermont.com
REVolution Off Road 4000 FL-33, Clermont An off-roading adventure destination to fulfill your muddiest dreams. Wear a helmet. Practice archery. Wear a helmet. ATVs and off-roading. Wear a helmet. Photo via Revolution Off Road/Facebook
Axum Coffee 532 Cagan Park Ave., Clermont Arguably some of the best fresh-roasted coffee in Central Florida. This is a must-visit for java aficionados, and the freshly baked pastries are mouth-wateringly good. Bonus: ORLANDO CAT CAFE is just next door. Allergic? No problem. Watch them play through the glass viewing window. Photo via Axum Coffee/Facebook
Jack Benny’s BBQ 100 S. Highway 27, Minneola One of Lake County’s best-kept secrets. You’ll find 60 years of wood-smoked barbecue experience at this local fave – pulled pork and ribs are the move here. BTW, if you went to UF, these are your people. Photo by Jenny De Witt
Uncle Kenny’s BBQ 1157 N. Highway 27, Clermont Kansas-City-style barbecue is the perfect counterpart to Jack’s. Try ’em both to know the best of BBQ in the area. Photo via Uncle Kenny’s BBQ/Facebook
Midcentury Metropolis 603 E. Minnehaha Ave., Clermont When you go, you’ll know. Talk to someone who understands history and prices it right. Photo via Mid Century Metropolis, LLC/Facebook
The Broom Tree 77 W. Montrose St., Clermont You will have to dig, and this is not the place for midcentury modern lookie-loos. We found a set of mother-of-pearl teacups priced too embarrassingly low to publish. Photo via The Broom Tree/Facebook
Lake Louisa cabins 7305 U.S. Highway 27, Clermont Twenty beautiful cabins with screened porches overlook Lake Dixie, where canoeing, fishing, hiking, biking and natural beauty will help you relax and recharge. Don’t miss the horseback trail rides and hosted eco-tours. Photo via Lake Louisa State Park/Facebook