We don’t doubt the fact that Orlando has it all, but that doesn’t mean we can’t branch out to appreciate the small-town charm of our nearby neighbors. As we head into the peak of summer, we’re looking to soak up some sun in New Smyrna Beach, eat and drink our way through Sanford, stroll the streets of Mount Dora, and maybe even zip line in Ocala.

Here are 21 small cities and beach towns just a short road trip away from Orlando that are always worth the drive.

Flagler Beach 1 hour and 19 minutes to Orlando Flagler Beach is famous for its six miles of uninterrupted beaches. After exploring the beach and the nearby parks, visit the Central Avenue shops that sell locally made clothes and pottery. The Flagler Beach Municipal Pier is a popular spot for fishing, and there’s a great deal of green space like the Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park, 150 acres of scenic trails leading to a monument of Florida’s history with sugar plantations on the east side. The farmers market is every Saturday, and there you can find locally produced food, clothing, crafts and more. Credit: Photo via Shutterstock
Dunedin 2 hours and 40 minutes to Orlando Main Street is the cosmopolitan shopping and dining roadway in Dunedin, host to a miscellany of interesting storefronts. Visitors can stop for a drink at Dunedin Brewery, the oldest microbrewery in Florida; or purchase mystical oddities or curios at Enchanted Earth, the official witch shoppe of Dunedin; or get a sweet at Strachan’s Ice Cream and Desserts, which is renowned for the award-winning carrot cake and homemade waffle cones. Credit: Photo via Shutterstock
Fernandina Beach 3 hours and 4 minutes to Orlando This beach town is situated on Amelia Island and offers plenty to do and several ways to soak up some sun. A stroll along Centre Street will bring you to all sorts of eclectic shops, plus you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride and learn about the history of the Old Florida architecture on display. For some nice outdoor dining in charming quarters, head to Leddy’s Porch Bistro at the Florida House Inn, serving up Southern comfort food with vegetarian and gluten-free options. Credit: Photo via AmeliaIsland.com
Mount Dora 50 minutes to Orlando Known for its antique shops, annual arts festivals and great eats, Mount Dora sits just a 45-minute drive north of Orlando. Hop on the over-the-top sushi bandwagon with sushi burritos, sushi donuts and sushi pizza at Wave Asian Bistro, or step into the past at the Mount Dora History Museum, housed in a 1923 fire station downtown. And don’t miss out on the thrifting day of a lifetime at Renninger’s Vintage Antique Center or the Village Antique Mall. Credit: Photo via Mount Dora/Facebook
Sanibel Island 4 hours and 33 minutes to Orlando Enjoy a bike ride or a comfortable stroll under covered walkways that trace in and out between neotropical foliage, on the city’s main thoroughfare for shopping and dining. Along the way, stop by Periwinkle Place, a 41,240-square-foot shopping experience, home to more than two dozen shops. Credit: Photo via Adobe
Venice 3 hours and 25 minutes to Orlando The main drag of a city originally modeled to resemble Venice, Italy, Venice Avenue is as much a treat for the architectural enthusiast as it is the avid shopper. In addition to boutiques, restaurants and assorted other stores, Venice Ave. is home to the nation’s largest community theater. Venice Beach is also known for its shark teeth and seashells galore along its Atlantic sands. If you’re looking for even bigger shark teeth, though, grab a mask and go snorkeling at Caspersen Beach. Credit: Photo courtesy Christopher Suckow via Venice, Florida Municipal Government/Facebook
Sanford 30 minutes from Orlando Nestled along the southern shores of Lake Monroe, Sanford is about 40 minutes due north of Orlando on I-4. The former hub of Central Florida is coming back into its own with annual festivals, such as Sanford Porchfest and Love Your Shorts Film Festival, providing plenty of reasons to plan a visit. Grab savory schnitzel and beers by the boot at Hollerbach’s German Restaurant or some booze-infused handmade marshmallows from Wondermade. Credit: Photo by Vanessa Simmons via Sanford Porchfest/Facebook
New Smyrna Beach 59 minutes from Orlando New Smyrna Beach maintains its small-town charm in all the local offerings along its two main streets. If you’re in the mood to browse, the New Smyrna Beach Antique Mall offers a collection of jewelry, art and lightly used furniture. After shopping, plenty of Italian and seafood-focused eateries are ready to satisfy your cravings. Credit: Photo via Shutterstock
Apalachicola 5 hours and 22 minutes to Orlando Apalachicola’s Market Street hosts many charming shops in this quaint Cape Cod-resembling fishing town. Grady Market offers the biggest collection of clothing and accessories, and is located in the building that once housed the French consulate. When it comes time to choose where to get a bite to eat, you won’t be lacking in choices — you may want to try Hole in the Wall Seafood, which specializes in Apalachicola oysters and seafood classics. Credit: Photo via Grady Market/Facebook
Boca Grande 4 hours to Orlando Boca Grande has long attracted the wealthier set as a natural seaside haven, but its Old Florida charm is for everyone to enjoy. The Port Boca Grande Lighthouse is the oldest structure on the island where this beach village is found. If you’re seeking good fishing, try the Boca Grande Pass, one of the deepest natural channels in Florida. Downtown, you can explore the well-preserved historical sites of the Gasparilla Inn. If you want to visit a local eatery, stop by PJ’s SeaGrille to enjoy their artistically presented seafood and enjoy the homey environment, which includes patio seating. Credit: Photo via FloridaStateParks.org
Ormond Beach 1 hour and 8 minutes to Orlando This tiny Volusia County beach town is just about an hour northeast of Orlando, located on Florida’s east coast. Walking along Granada boulevard, you can find Ormond Beach’s local boutiques, along with ice cream and coffee shops, and City Hall, which hosts a monthly farmers market. During the day, you can explore the Granada Plaza Shopping Center or pop onto Romano Beachfront Park to catch some rays. Credit: Image via Google Maps
Ocala 1 hour and 25 minutes from Orlando If you look closely, there are plenty of hidden gens in Ocala, whether outside or indoors. Zip the Canyons takes its bravest guests flying over natural springs as (they say) Florida’s only true canopy zip tour. There’s also the Ocala Drive-In, local arts, plenty of nature trails, parks and natural swimming holes to explore nearby, too. Credit: Photo via Ocala and Marion County, Florida/Facebook
Playalinda Beach 1 hour and 6 minutes from Orlando Playalinda is known for its low-key atmosphere and picturesque views — and for being one of Florida’s most popular nude beaches. There’s also a ton of shops and local eateries nearby, which are not clothing-optional. Credit: Photo via Canaveral National Seashore/Facebook
St. Augustine 1 hour and 45 minutes to Orlando Steeped in history and hauntings, St. Augustine has plenty to do for visitors of all ages. Shop down George Street, visit the Fountain of Youth and Castillo de San Marcos, or hop on an evening ghost tour for some true thrills. Credit: Photo via Adobe
Daytona Beach Pier 58 minutes from Orlando Aside from its made-for-spring-break beaches and allure to international bikers, Daytona Beach offers an active pier for strolling. There’s plenty to see, eat and drink on this strand of very Florida fun in the sun. Credit: Photo via Daytona Beach/Facebook
Cocoa Beach 1 hour from Orlando Cocoa Beach is a classic Florida beach town with picturesque waters and miles of sand. Visit the pier during sunset for a bite to eat and walk around to enjoy the big east coast sky. Credit: Photo via Cocoa Beach/Visit Cocoa Beach
Melbourne Beach 1 hour from Orlando Enjoy fishing, snorkeling and tons of other outdoor activities with your friends and family in Melbourne Beach. It’s located next to the Indian River Lagoon and not too far from the Space Coast. Rent a jet ski or a boat to take the beachside for a cruise to round out the day. Credit: Photo via Adobe
Sarasota 3 hours and 5 minutes to Orlando This Gulf Coast city is just about three 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. Clown around at the perfect-for-all-ages Ringling Circus Museum or spend a Saturday morning downtown at the Sarasota Farmers Market for locally roasted coffee, treats and a stroll. Credit: Photo via Visit Sarasota County/Facebook
St. Petersburg 2 hours and 23 minutes from Orlando A little over two hours west of Orlando — past Tampa and the end of I-4 — is downtown St. Pete, known as “Sunshine City” for its Guinness World Record–holding 768 days of consecutive sunshine. That record provides plenty of reasons to play outside, but if you’re looking to escape the heat, the city has enticing indoor offerings as well. Explore the mind and works of Salvador Dali at the Dali Museum, or get lost in the Sunken Gardens, a living garden home to some of the oldest tropical plants in Central Florida. Credit: Photo via VisitStPeteClearwater.com
Fort De Soto 3 hours from Orlando Fort De Soto offers a pet-friendly beach for those pups who love the water. Humans can also hang out by the shoreline and catch some rays, or take a peek around the large tidal pool while searching for sand dollars. You’ll find pristine clear waters paired with soft white sand, as well as nearby historic sites, such as a Spanish American War-era fort. Credit: Photo via Fort De Soto/Pinellas County
Atlantic Beach 2 hours and 30 minutes from Orlando 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. Brave the waves, sun yourself on the shore or get immersed in Florida history at the Beaches Museum. Then treat yourself to some homegrown eats like Key lime pie from Pie Heaven Bakery Cafe or a pop-tart donut from The Mini Bar. Credit: Photo via Jennifer De Witt

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15 charming Florida towns worth a weekend road trip from Orlando