10 incredibly easy fall road trips from Orlando everyone should do

Clermont

Estimated drive time: 45 minutes
The rolling hills of Clermont haven’t just provided quality cardio for the small town’s surprising number of Olympic athletes--they’ve also provided fertile ground for Florida’s foremost premier winery. Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards grows a plentiful variety of Muscadine grape wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio, and Petite Sirah on its 80+ acre orchard. And come October 13-15, it will host 5 top BBQ cooks and live blues music for its BBQ and Blues Festival.

Photo via lakeridgewinery/Instagram

Clermont

Where to eat or drink: For folks who love their coffee but wish it came with more cats (or vice versa), the charming Cat Cafe is sure to make a worthwhile trip. Cats are adoptable. Meanwhile, at The Crooked Spoon you’ll find pub grub for foodies in a classic sports-bar environment. The menu changes depending on the availability of local ingredients.

Photo via orlandocatcafe

Merritt Island

Estimated drive time: 1 hour
The largest island in Florida is home to many wonders - the Kennedy Space Center, 140,000 acres of National Wildlife Refuge, and at least for now, bioluminescent kayaking tours. Give Get Up and Go Kayaking a call, and see the water of Florida’s East coast come alive with blues and greens in every splash. The tour group also does treks out of Rock Springs and Winter Park.

Photo via getupandgokayaking/Instagram

Merritt Island

Where to eat or drink: Put that cookie down! Because in Merritt Island, you can do a whole lot better. For under $5, at Fat Donkey Ice Cream and Fine Desserts you can get a variety of creative and tasty treats, including the key lime pie ice cream, ‘butterscotch bombs’ and more. Vegan ice cream also served. Alternatively, try The Fat Snook. As if designed by hip, young, urbanite mermaids, The Fat Snook provides an intimate yet casual dining experience for those seeking high quality seafood fare. Perfect for a romantic evening out, or if you’re just not up to doing the fishing yourself.

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Melbourne

Estimated drive time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
‘The Harbor City’ saddles the beautiful Indian River Lagoon, and offers a number of unique day-trip options. For example: ever try kayaking while spying on hungry giraffes? At Brevard Zoo, you can do just that. But beware - the giraffes might be spying on you too. Other fun activities include rhino encounters, treetop treks, and more.

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Melbourne

Where to eat or drink: Djon’s Steak & Lobster House: In the mood for seafood? Disappointed by your microwave’s ability to cook Tortellini Quatre Fromage? Djon’s Steak & Lobster House has got you covered. Make sure to bring your best outfit to this elegant restaurant. Meanwhile, at The Mansion you can dress a little more relaxed. Made from a 1905 Central Florida mansion, this restaurant and winery serves seafood and steak, but also taco salad and ice cream sandwiches. Its view of the Intracoastal Waterway is great on any sunny day.

Photo via thebigmansion.com

Lake Wales

Estimated drive time: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Sitting in the center of the Florida Penninnsula, where the Orange groves still actually grow, is the Lake Wales community. And tucked away in Lake Wales is Bok Tower Gardens, a tower standing since 1929 with a 60-bell carillon whose chiming can be heard every day at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Inside there are eight levels full of history on how the tower came to be and a room where bells can be viewed, as well as access to the top. The tower is surrounded by beautiful gardens which house endangered plants, pollinating plants and gorgeous landscapes. There are also two trails which are going to leave you wanting to come back.

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Lake Wales

Where to eat or drink: The Crazy Fish Bar & Grill was formerly a biker bar, but at this now casual and friendly spot you can enjoy platefuls of tasty, Florida seafood favorites. Crab Cakes, Mahi Mahi, Sea Scallops - they’re all here, and at prices that won’t sink your boat. If it’s economic pricing you’re looking for, though, be sure to visit The Egg House: All American food fare with an emphasis on breakfast favorites and eggs. This friendly diner has a drive through, as well as outdoor seating. All menu items are under $10. Be sure to get there before closing time at 2:30.

Photo via ashleymandy/Instagram

Orange City

Estimated drive time: 1 hour
The Orange Trees that were once this city’s namesake are mostly gone, but in Orange City there’s still plenty left to enjoy. It’s small town vibe is sure to make for a truly spooky Oct. 28 Block Party, and with the weather cooling, you can be sure to spot more manatees at Blue Spring State Park. Blue Spring is the largest spring on the St. Johns River, and in the winter it is home to over 400 manatees.

Photo via _maria_mante/Instagram

Orange City

Where to eat or drink: Founded in 2002, Mi Tierra Authentic Mexican Restaurant was the next step in the decades-long career of Executive Chef Javier Chino. It’s a place where you can get big, tasty servings of homestyle Mexican cuisine, and it’s particularly great after a dip in the chilly Blue Spring. Also try Lelo’s Barbeque: this counter-serve restaurant comes with no bells or whistles - just delicious Puerto Rican food at a very fair price. Outdoor seating available.

Photo via Mi Tierra Authentic Mexican Restaurant/Facebook

Deland

Estimated drive time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
Things to do: Sometimes called "the Athens of Florida," DeLand is full of vintage architectural detail to spot on its antique buildings and homes. Hontoon Island State Park is a nice visit for adventure seekers, but be cautious of bears. If you feel like shopping for a gift to take home, check out the DeLand Indie Market at Artisan Alley.

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Deland

Where to eat or drink: Orlando is blessed by the number of its craft breweries, and we’re (thankfully) not alone: Persimmon Hollow in Deland is only a few years old, and yet its brews are already classics. Try the Drunken Monk or the Funky Freddy Fitz. And with only a glass wall dividing the bar from the brewery, you can see the magic happen yourself! Otherwise, give the Urban Brick a shot. With tomatoes straight from Italy and craft brews from right around the corner, Urban Brick promises authentic fare that’s sure to satisfy. Get pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and chicken wings, all in a modern downtown environment.

Photo via brewpublik/Instagram

Mount Dora

Estimated drive time: 55 minutes
Far from your average average-size-town, Mount Dora is renowned for both its niceness and its niceties. While none of the pink paint from 1981’s Honky Tonk Freeway remains, you can find instead the Mount Dora Craft Fair on Oct. 28th and 29th, and the David Bowie Design Exhibition on October 27th. That second one is hosted at the Modernism Museum, which makes for a great day trip any day of the year.

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Mount Dora

Where to eat or drink: 1921 by Norman Van Aiken offers many a quality and locally sourced dish, all inside of a remodeled house built in, yep, 1921. The restaurant also has a special relationship with Mount Dora’s Modernism Museum, meaning you’ll get to see a number of its displays while you’re dining. Alternatively, The Goblin Market is another good option. From its gated outside garden to its romantic interior dining rooms, The Goblin Market is that special spot for special occasions. You’ll want to call ahead here for a dinner reservation.

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Gainesville

Estimated drive time: 1 hour, 55 minutes
Rolling hills, majestic oaks, and if you're up for a hike, Paynes Prairie Preserve. If you’re into spookier things and love a good sunset view, then head to the world’s largest occupied bat colony inside UF’s campus and see bats swooping low and out into the night.

Photo via mariya_levchenko/Instagram

Gainesville

Where to eat or drink: Satchel’s Pizza is good, but you’d be forgiven if you went there just for the wall art. Or the room art. Eat inside a repurposed bus, greenhouse, or under a small plane. And check out those stained glass windows! Also, at Bangkok Square you can find a comfortable and modern restaurant serving authentic Thai food. Come here for quality sushi and a quality dinner.

Photo via aaronsmom0709/Instagram

Ona

Estimated drive time: 2 hours, 15 minutes
With a population of just 314 according to the latest US Census, you might not expect Ona on our list of the best day trips. But that’s only because you wouldn’t expect this small community to be home to a genuine castle. Solomon’s Castle--the home and gallery of artist Howard Solomon--covers 12,000 square feet, 80 stained glass windows, and features three story spires of discarded aluminum plating. It’s very shiny.

Photo via kim_n_bob_schroder/Instagram

Ona

Where to eat or drink: Modeled after a 16th century Spanish Galleon, The Boat in the Moat is neighbor to Solomon’s Castle. And while none have reported finding gold coins or spotting singing mermaids, quite a few have reported finding a good meal.

Photo via booking123/TripAdvisor

Winter Garden

Estimated drive time: 35 minutes
Formerly a major citrus city, Winter Garden is known for its cool and cutesy downtown area. Seated on the edge of Lake Apopka, you can walk around and catch a show at the Garden Theatre or stop by the Farmers Market, every Sat. from 9 am - 2 pm.

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Winter Garden

Where to eat or drink: The Plant Street Market may be Winter Garden’s premiere spot for casual wandering, as it's home to almost two dozen local vendors, including an antique shop, an oxygen bar, and several fine eateries. Be sure to stop by Crooked Can Brewing for a taste of the Citrus Kicker or Mr. Tractor.

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