15 charming Florida towns worth a weekend road trip from Orlando

The temps are rising and summer is on its way in Florida — and that means it’s road trip season. Embrace all the weird and wonderful Florida has to offer by experiencing some of the state’s most charming small towns, all within driving distance of Orlando.

There are tons of beaches, small-town shops and home-grown eats to choose from, so pack up the car and embrace your inner Florida traveler.

Get away and play for a day at Orlando’s homegrown attractions: Your guide to the wildest wonderful spots driving distance from Orlando

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Photo via SanfordPorchfest.org

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 Willow Tree Cafe or some booze-infused handmade marshmallows from Wondermade.

Photo via VisitFlorida.com

New Smyrna Beach

1 hour and 6 minutes to 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. Small shops like Lola’s Boutique promise clothing and accessories you won't find anywhere else. After shopping, you can head for a bite to eat at Atlantis Bistro, a cozy Italian restaurant located on Flagler Avenue known for the incredible lasagna served on the weekends.

Photo via Venice Mainstreet Inc./Facebook

Venice

3 hours and 25 minutes to Orlando
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 in Caspersen Beach.

Photo via VisitFlorida.com

DeLand

48 minutes from Orlando
Once known as Persimmon Hollow for the wild persimmons that grew there in abundance, DeLand is located about an hour north of Orlando on I-4. From Stetson University to the DeLand Mansion, the town is ripe with history — and provides the perfect jumping-off point for outdoor excursions. Take in a show at the historic Athens Theatre, plunge into the waters at Ponce de León Springs State Park or grab an authentic Cuban coffee at Chicas Cuban Cafe.

Photo via Mount Dora/Facebook

Mount Dora

40 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.

Photo via Adobe

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 the original Chico’s, the award-winning Blue Giraffe and more than two dozen other shops.

Photo via VisitStPeteClearwater.com

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.

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.

Photo via Romano Beachfront Park/Google Maps

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.

Photo via AmeliaIsland.com

Fernandina Beach

3 hours and 4 minutes to Orlando
A stroll along Centre Street will bring you to all sorts of eclectic shops, including Celtic Charm, Blue Door Artists, and Pelindaba handcrafted lavender products. 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.