21 day-trip destinations outside Orlando that feel like a fever dream

Photo via Silver Springs State Park/Facebook

Silver Springs State Park

1 hour and 45 minutes from Orlando
Take a step into true Florida nature with Silver Springs State Park's iconic glass-bottom boat rides. The immersive rides have been a staple attraction of the park since the 1800s, when the tourism boom first started. They also may just be the perfect opportunity to spot the rogue monkey population that calls the park home today.

With all its oddities and giant mouse-themed commercialism, Florida truly is one of a kind. Whether you're new here or are looking for a spring break getaway, the state is full of crazy experiences essential to Florida residency.

Here is a list of Florida's wackiest and wildest spots that are worth a drive from Orlando.

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Photo via Devil’s Den

Devil’s Den

2 hours from Orlando
This Instagram-worthy North Central Florida spring gets its name from the steam (fiery smoke?) that was seen radiating off the water when it was first discovered. Now you can swim, scuba dive or snorkel in this prehistoric watery cave.

Photo via Retirement Home for Horses Inc./Facebook

Retirement Home for Horses

2 hours from Orlando
The nonprofit equine sanctuary Mill Creek Farm acts as a final home for retired horses. For an admission price of just two carrots, you can spend a day getting to know the gentle giants and enjoy activities available on the farm. Open to the public every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Photo via Ghosts and Gravestones St. Augustine/Facebook

St. Augustine Ghost Tours

1 hour and 45 minutes from Orlando
On top of the essential historical sights and kitschy shopping, St. Augustine is also home to some killer ghost tours. Ranging from family-friendly to scary and boozy, there’s a ton of ways to get in touch with the other side.

Photo via Zip the Canyons/Facebook

Ziplining

1 hour and 12 minutes from Orlando
Who knew Florida is home to some actually cool ziplining? Zip the Canyons, located in Ocala, takes its bravest guests flying over natural springs as (they say) Florida's only true canopy zip tour. The adventure park offers a variety of ziplining packages, including a late-night ride, as well as horseback riding and kayaking.

Photo via Dinosaur World/Facebook

Dinosaur World

1 hour and 23 minutes from Orlando
Tampa Bay's own prehistoric playground is the perfect place to wander around hundreds of life-sized dinosaurs in natural settings. The attraction offers a dino-themed play area, a massive interactive boneyard and a museum featuring a collection of animatronic beasts.

Photo via Morse Museum/Facebook

Coral Castle

3 hours and 58 minutes from Orlando
After his beloved Agnes left him a day before their wedding, early-1900s sculptor Ed Leedskalnin spent 30 years hand-cutting gigantic pieces of stone into these works of art. Today, visitors can mosey through the picturesque sculptures and gardens.

Photo via Butterfly World/Facebook

Butterfly World

3 hours from Orlando
Florida, known for many things, is also home to the largest butterfly park in the world. The tropical oasis-like zoo is filled with more than 20,000 exotic butterflies and insects all in one place.

Photo via DiscoverCrystalRiver.com

Crystal River

3 hours from Orlando
Crystal River is home to one of the best spots on Florida's coast to see and swim with manatees. It's also home to the Crystal River Wildlife Refuge, dedicated to the protection and conservation of the area's manatee populations.

Photo via Whimzeyland/Facebook

Whimzeyland

1 hour and 57 minutes from Orlando
What started as an eclectic collection of art and knickknacks turned into one of Florida's most recognizable local landmarks. The totally decked-out "Bowling Ball House" called Whimzeyland is covered with recycled materials, art projects and, yeah, bowling balls.