Best Day Trips in Florida – Enjoy Epic 24 Hour Experiences

Chris Boothman
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Best Day Trips in Florida – Enjoy Epic 24 Hour Experiences

One of the best ways to explore a variety of new destinations during a vacation is to experience a collection of awesome day trips. We have always loved finding a base location and then incorporating several day trips into our trip. Exploring many of the larger US states using day trips is a challenging experience but one of the best states that you can certainly achieve this is Florida. As we explore the best day trips in Florida with some of the most knowledgeable experts in the travel business, we hope that you are inspired to pay a visit to the Sunshine state and perhaps experience a plethora of these destinations.

walt disney world day trip

Whether you prefer outdoor adventure or exploring urban expansion, Florida is home to a collection of destinations that will surely satisfy every type of traveler. From the pristine sandy beaches along the Gulf coast to the historic city of St. Augustine on the East coast, Florida is undoubtedly one of the most diverse states in terms of culture, landscape and attractions.

Let’s take a look at some of the best destinations that are worthy of day trips across the state. Whether you are based in the “origin” of the following recommendations or perhaps want to explore from further afield, you are certainly spoiled for choice when it comes to diverse variety.

best day trips in florida

Best Day Trips in Florida

From Miami to Key West, Orlando to Tampa and many more, Florida is home to a collection of destinations that create the perfect base to experience a myriad of amazing day trips. Here are some of the best day trips that we are going to cover throughout this post, thanks to our amazing travel blogging friends from across the globe that share their experiences and expertise on different parts of the Sunshine state.

  • Fort Myers to Sanibel Island
  • Jacksonville to St. Augustine
  • Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park
  • Miami to Everglades National Park
  • Miami to Key West
  • Naples to Big Cypress National Preserve
  • Naples to Captiva Island
  • Naples to Marco Island
  • Naples to Port of the Islands
  • Orlando to Gainesville
  • Orlando to Kennedy Space Center
  • Orlando to St. Petersburg
  • Palm Beach to Miami
  • Panama City Beach to Destin
  • Southwest Florida to Matlacha
  • St. Petersburg to Homosassa Springs
  • Tallahassee to Panama City Beach

While you may be tempted to head straight to the home of the mouse and experience Disney World in one day, we encourage you to consider one (or more) of the following day trip recommendations – we don’t think you will be disappointed.

Fort Myers to Sanibel Island

The beautiful Fort Myers area is the perfect place to take a break from commercial Florida and get back to nature. Be sure to take a trip west, over the causeway, and explore Sanibel Island in One Day.

The focus on Sanibel Island is wilderness and wildlife. Development has been limited since the 1970’s allowing nature to thrive. The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is the largest wildlife refuge on the island. Here you’ll discover wetlands and mangroves, ideal for bird-watching.

sanibel island florida

Sanibel Island is the perfect place to park the car and get active. Recreation options are plentiful. Biking around Sanibel is easy with dedicated bike lanes and multi-use paths as well. It’s easy to cover many sites on the island just by pedaling. Fishing and kayaking also let you enjoy the natural beauty of Sanibel up close.

Sanibel has many beaches to relax on. But there’s more here. Sanibel is famous for Shelling. Join in the fun and search for unique color and shapes of shells that are constantly deposited on the sand. Take the family and visit the Shell Museum and the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village.

sanibel island shelling

End your day trip to Sanibel with a stunning sunset at Bowman’s Beach.

Thanks to Andy Vanr from Avrex Travel for sharing a convenient day trip from Fort Myers to explore the gorgeous, untouched wilderness at Sanibel Island. In only 30 minutes, you can be away from life in Fort Myers to enjoy the relaxing solitude of Sanibel Island.

Jacksonville to St. Augustine

Taking a day trip to St. Augustine from Jacksonville is one of the most unique Florida day trips and an absolute must if you’re in the area. St. Augustine, having been founded in 1565 and continuously inhabited ever since, is known as the “oldest city” in the United States. St. Augustine is also technically a part of Jacksonville so the short, 45-minute drive from point to point should be no sweat.

While in St. Augustine you can check out such beautiful and historic sites as Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the U.S., take a memorable tour of Flagler College, shop on the country’s oldest street, drink from the Fountain of Youth, ride a trolley around town and stop at each of the many important landmarks, and so much more.

day trip to st augustine

The city is also home to many delicious, locally-owned restaurants, beautiful green spaces, an unbelievable amount of history, and even a publicly accessible lighthouse. The St. Augustine Lighthouse played a significant role in World War II and will be a highlight of your day trip to St. Augustine. Climb the 219 steps of the St. Augustine Lighthouse for amazing 360° views of the city and the coast, spend some time in the maritime museum, and grab a snack in the WWII-themed on-site cantina.

Thanks to Ashley Smith from My Wanderlusty Life for highlighting why the historic city of St. Augustine is one of the best places to enjoy a day trip in Florida.

Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park

One of the most significant cities in Florida is Key West, the southern-most city in the continental United States. But do you know that there is another site, 80 miles southwest of Key West, where you can visit one of the most pristine islands in the State of Florida?

Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most remote National Parks sites. In fact, it is so remote and quite expensive to get here that most people opt to skip it. But for those who are interested, a day trip to Dry Tortugas is one of the must thing to do from Key West.

dry tortugas national park

There are only two common ways to get to Dry Tortugas National Park. Fly with a seaplane costs around $356-625 roundtrip, or the most popular one with a Yankee Freedom III ferry for $180. Both will require you at least half a day to do.

Because of its remote location, you can expect to find a pristine landscape that offers an adventure of a lifetime. You can join the guided tour of historical Fort Jefferson, or simply enjoy swimming or snorkeling in the white-sand beach with crystal-clear, blue water.

You can also arrange a kayaking tour if you bring your own kayaks on the ferry, as well as camping on this pristine land.

Thanks to Halef and Michael from The Round The World Guys for highlighting why one of America’s remote national parks is well worthy of a day trip from Key West.

Miami to Everglades National Park

This day trip’s drive is about 40 miles west of the city and takes about an hour with traffic. If you don’t have access to a car, there isn’t an easy public transport option but there are private tour agencies running this route.

Just a touch past the visitor center, make sure to stop in to the Miccosukee Indian Village, where you can learn more about the Miccosukee Tribe’s culture in both the present and past. They have a cafe for lunch, lots of real-time demonstrations with artisans and alligator handlers, and nearby airboat rides to get on the water (there are no airboat rides inside the park’s boundaries).

miami to everglades national park

Start out at the Shark Valley Visitor Center, arguably the most popular hub of the Everglades National Park. There are a few small exhibits to explore before you set out on the paved, 15 mile path that leads to a tall observation tower with 360 degree views of the park.

You can rent bicycles or walk if you’d like to DIY but they also have naturalist-led tram rides that will stop to point out animals. Alligators are common along with countless colorful birds, snakes, and turtles. If you’re visited the Everglades with kids, be sure to do the junior ranger program as well.

Thanks to Stephanie Woodson from Explore More Clean Less for sharing why Everglades National Park is well worthy of visiting for a day trip from Miami.

Miami to Key West

If you are looking for a fantastic day trip to do, consider doing a day trip from Miami to Key West and back. You can do this as a long day trip or break it up into different islands along the way to Key West and back, but definitely doable as a nice day trip exploring the Florida Keys.

Once you get past the main highway from Miami and headed out to the first island at Key Largo, the roadway changes from multiple lanes so a slower two lane expressway with low and long roads that cross over the flat water almost giving that vibe that you are floating on water. There are so many cool places to discover on your Miami to Key West road trip starting with Key Largo, one of the largest islands including a visit to John Pennekamp coral reef, easy days on the beach or a nice enjoyable meal on the water on the island.

miami to key west day trip

You continue on to scenic stops to Islamorada, Marathon Keys and the various keys along the way with gorgeous water views, dazzling beaches and sunny skies. A lovely stop at Bahia Honda State park is a great place to enjoy more beach time, some water activity or just lazing on the beach.

Once you head into Key West, the mood changes into more a historic and cool vibe with palm trees, cool Florida plantation style architecture and the historic district oozing with pedestrian venues, quirky shops and galleries, restaurants and some stunning sunsets that really takes your breath away. An overnight stay would be ideal but a day trip exploring the islands and beautiful waters of the keys is also a fun thing to do from Miami.

Thanks to Noel Morata from Travel Photo Discovery for sharing one of the more adventurous day trip options in Florida – it’s feasible but as Noel indicates, definitely worth considering as an overnight option. However, for those of you that love to explore as much as possible in only one day, the trip to Key West is definitely a challenge to see how much you can experience.

Naples to Big Cypress National Preserve

Naples, Florida is the perfect gateway city if you want to visit Big Cypress National Preserve without staying in the sleepy town of Everglades City. It’s just over an hour’s drive to the Big Cypress Welcome Center from Naples.

Most people probably don’t even know Big Cypress exists, but it’s a great Everglades National Park alternative with a lot fewer people and just as many gators. Make sure you do all of the little boardwalks in the park and visit Clyde Butcher’s gallery. If you want to do something a little more adventurous, sign up for a paddling tour with rangers.

big cypress national preserve

Another great activity is visiting the Fakahatchee Strand State Park Preserve. On your way in to Big Cypress from Naples will be a nice boardwalk that is easy and under two miles. And if you want an even more unique experience, hike out to the Fakahatcheee Hilton. A little shack in the swamp with a pond full of gators out back. This is also 1-1.5 hours from Naples. It’s an easy hike and worth it if you love wildlife. Either way, the Big Cypress area is a great way to get away from the bustling city.

Fakahatcheee Hilton

Thanks to Megan Johnson from Red Around World for sharing why the inherent beauty of Big Cypress National Preserve is worth visiting on a day trip from Naples.

Naples to Captiva Island

One of the best day trips you can take from Naples is to Captiva Island. Located 60 miles north of the city, this beachy getaway is the perfect antidote to city living. Captiva Island is the smaller sister to the larger Sanibel Island, located just over Turner Bridge.

Once upon a time, pirates sailed the waters near here followed later by the conquistadors. It’s also where the Calusa Indians once called home. These days, the island is famous for its brilliant sandy beaches, its beautiful shells and its spellbinding sunrises and sunsets.

captiva island day trip

Although the beach is the main draw, there are lots of other things to do in Captiva Island as well. Once you’ve had a swim, head to the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum. The museum was started in 1984 by a local shell collector and is today the only museum in the US devoted to entirely to shells and mollusks.

Next up should be a tour of the island, Florida style, on a golf cart. You can rent one from YoLo. Other fun things to do paddle-boarding, listening to live music at the Mucky Duck pub and eating delicious local Floridian food. Captiva Island really is a great day trip from Naples but you’ll enjoy yourself so much, you’ll probably want to stay longer.

Thanks to Katja Gaskell for sharing a few reasons why Captiva Island should be considered one of Florida’s hidden gems given that it frequently lies in the shadow of the larger, nearby Sanibel Island.

Naples to Marco Island

The Gulf Coast of Florida has many great beaches and day trip opportunities. One of my favorite ones is Naples to Marco Island. The drive time is only 25 minutes between the two and while Naples has more of a downtown vibe and is a much bigger town, Marco Island has more of a quaint little beach town feel.

While in Naples, be sure to check out 5th Avenue South for upscale shopping and dining or take one of the many eco-tours to go kayaking, dolphin watching, or boating around the islands in the area. Naples Pier is a nice place to drop a line and catch a fish, go for a walk on the boardwalk, or watch the sunset. There are also world-class golf courses and a small zoo as well.

naples to marco island day trip

On the drive south to Marco Island (taking Highway 41), you could stop in at Naples Botanical Gardens or see one of the largest mangrove swamps in the world at Collier Seminole State Park. Exit Highway 41 at Collier, and after crossing a bridge to get to the island, you will quickly notice the tranquil vibe of Marco Island. There are a couple of public beaches on the island with ample parking for guests.

The water here is usually warm and calm, and many private companies offer watersport rentals or dolphin watching cruises. Near sunset, there are always people watching from their balconies or walking the beach. You will often witness sea turtles nesting on the beach in the summer, which is pretty special.

If you are looking for more “hustle and bustle”, walkable downtown, golf courses and nightlife, then Naples is a great place in Florida to spend some time. Marco Island offers a more affordable and quiet alternative a quick drive away.

Thanks to Margie DQ from DQ Family Travel for sharing several reasons why both Naples and Marco Island are great day trip options in Florida.

Naples to Port of the Islands

A Florida Gulf Coast road trip is one of the best you can take in the state. This Florida day trip takes you from Naples to Port of the Islands to see manatees in the wild. Before hitting the road, spend some time exploring Naples. Get away from the tourists and snowbirds at Clam Pass Park. Hike the boardwalk through the mangroves keeping an eye out for majestic osprey.

The drive from Naples to Port of the Islands takes about 40 minutes. Book a 90 minute boat tour with Manatees Guaranteed ($59 USD per person). Idle gently along the river between Port of the Islands Marina and Fakahatchee Pass using polarizing sunglasses provided by the tour operator to make it easier to spot the manatees.

port of the islands

You’ll find that manatees are very curious and may stick their noses out of the water very close to the boat. We saw at least 5 manatees on our short cruise and they were all quite playful. If you see a series of circles in the water, that’s a manatee’s “footprint”.

Finish this Florida day trip with an “Old Florida” experience in Everglades City. Stop at The Rod and Gun Club to get a taste of Old Florida atmosphere including plenty of dark wood panels and taxidermy. Experience the Victorian sitting rooms, general store, and grab a bite to eat before you return to Naples.

Thanks to Jennifer from Sidewalk Safari for highlighting why we should all be considering Port of the Islands as an epic road trip destination in Florida – who wouldn’t want to see those amazing manatees?

Orlando to Gainesville

One of the best Florida day trips is from Orlando to Gainesville. Everyone knows Orlando has great theme parks and shopping. Less than two hours away in Gainesville, however, visitors to Central Florida can experience nature, culture, and amazing food.

There are a lot of things to do in Gainesville, for adults and kids alike. Home to the University of Florida, Gainesville has world class museums, including the Florida Museum of Natural History that has daily butterfly releases. There are also beautiful parks and gardens, with both paved and unpaved trails. Our favorite is Kanapaha Botanical Gardens which has the largest public display of bamboo in Florida.

gainesville florida

Of course, we can’t forget to mention the food in Gainesville. It’s a college town, so there is a large variety of restaurants. From pizza to Southern comfort, Gainesville has something for every kind of foodie.

The fastest and easiest way to get to Gainesville from Orlando is on the Florida Turnpike and I-75. Please note that the Turnpike is a tolled highway. If you’re in a rental, make sure to get a SunPass for your car; it’s the easiest way to pay.

Thanks to Vicky from Buddy the Traveling Monkey for highlighting one of Florida’s lesser known cities, Gainesville and why this deserves to be on everyone’s radar for at least a day trip.

Orlando to Kennedy Space Center

Sure, your kids can meet Buzz Lightyear in Orlando. But, one hour’s drive away at the Kennedy Space Center, they can meet a real astronaut, see a space shuttle and maybe experience a rocket launch!

The drive to Kennedy is a well-travelled route from Orlando and an easy day’s return journey. You may find it hard to cram in everything so have a look beforehand and prioritize your time. The website has an interactive itinerary planner and you can buy tickets in advance online.

kennedy space center day trip

On base, key attractions include a tour of the Apollo and Saturn V missions, the Astronauts’ hall of fame, IMAX cinema and Rocket garden. An epic highlight is the Atlantis Space Shuttle experience. This fascinating exhibition has 60 interactive exhibits and a Shuttle Launch Experience ride – one of the best things we did on our visit to Florida.

Just as exciting, every day a real life astronaut gives a talk about their time in Space and there’s an opportunity to ask questions and take photos. Inspirational for budding young space travelers and armchair astronauts alike!

For an insight into a world of science, adventure, courage and intrepid travel, the Kennedy Space Center is a day out like no other – not to be missed on your Florida vacation.

Thanks to Jo from Where Jo Goes for highlighting one of Florida’s iconic attractions and definitely one that is worth paying a visit to during a day trip from Orlando (or surrounding cities). Check out our experience on a Kennedy Space Center bus tour to find out why we 100% agree with Jo’s comments.

Orlando to St. Petersburg

Less than 2 hours away by car, St. Petersburg makes the perfect day trip from Orlando. Arrive in St. Petersburg hungry. Stop into Bandit or the Bikery for some coffee, Trip’s Diner for breakfast, pizza at Cappy’s, a juicy burger at El Cap, fresh Mexican at Casita Taqueria, or some vegan fare at Cider Press Cafe.

After brunch, enjoy St. Petersburg’s natural attractions. Explore Weedon Island by renting paddle-boards, canoes, or kayaks at Sweetwater Kayaks. For a more private experience, travel to Shell Island Key Preserve with Coastal Kayak charters. Other options include windsurfing with North Beach Windsurfing, or jet skiing at the famous pink Don Cesar Hotel.

st petersburg florida

If relaxing is more your style, head to St. Petersburg Beach and enjoy some time with your toes in the sand, looking out onto the crystal blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Or, take a pontoon boat out on a sunset cruise of St. Pete Beach with Island Ferry St. Pete Beach.

In the late afternoon or early evening, walk down Central Avenue and do some shopping or just admire the street art and make your way to Bayshore Drive. Enjoy fantastic views of the bay, stop in to visit the Dali museum, admire the Vinoy Hotel, or take a drive to Sunken Gardens. Drive or walk a bit further north to Vinoy Park, admiring the architecture of St. Pete’s millionaire row.

vinoy hotel st petersburg

End your night with some great seafood at either The Oyster Bar or 4th Street Shrimp Store, and a trip to a great brewery like Green Bench or St. Petersburg Brewing Company.

Thanks to Kelly Johnson from Snap Travel Magic for sharing why St. Petersburg is the perfect day trip destination on the west coast of Florida from Orlando.

Palm Beach to Miami

Beautiful beaches, world class shopping, great museums and tasty dining experiences. Yes, Palm Beach is a worthy destination, but sometimes the bright lights and big city call your name. A day trip to Miami from the Palm Beaches previously involve some notorious traffic and what could be up to a 3 hour transit. No more! Say hello to the Brightline.

Florida’s sparkling new train system can whisk travelers away for a quick one hour trip to the Magic City where a full day of sightseeing awaits. The enjoyable trip on the bright yellow transit system arrives in a convenient downtown location for easy transfer to all the city has to offer.

wynwood walls street art miami

The morning can be spent posing for Instagram worthy snaps in front of myriad of street art in Wynwood. Stop for a bite in one of the many area cafes and then venture on to Ocean Avenue and a bit of fun in the sun in South Beach.

Make sure to save some time and your appetite for a walking tour in Miami’s Little Havana. Visiting family-owned restaurants and getting a behind the scene look at the food scene will afford great insight into the Cuban community. Don’t leave without admiring the tradition of a hand-rolled Cubano and listening to traditional music. Trains run frequently for your return trip, with additional stops in Ft. Lauderdale and plans for Orlando in the not too distant future.

Thanks to Alison Abbott from Green With Renvy for highlighting why Miami is now a perfect day trip destination from Palm Beach (or other nearby locations) thanks to the awesome Brightline train system.

Panama City Beach to Destin

One of the most common questions for visitors to the Florida Panhandle is, should you go to Destin or Panama City Beach? They are both great options.

Panama City Beach, with the natural beauty of Shell Island and all the dolphins in St Andrews Bay, is absolutely stunning. It’s known as ‘the Shipwreck Capital of the South’ because of all the Panama City Beach dive sites. Destin is known for its fishing and world-class white sand beaches of Okaloosa Island and deep-sea fishing. Why not do both and connect them by one of the best day trips in Florida along scenic Highway 30A?

destin florida day trip

It’s only fifty miles from Panama City Beach to Destin, but you can spend all day enjoying the sights along the way. As soon as you leave PCB, you reach Camp Helen State Park. The park is home to one of the most Instagrammable spots on the Panhandle, the ruins of an old pier on the beach.

A little farther up the road, you reach the idyllic town of Seaside. The town square looks like it’s straight from a 50’s tv show. Between the delicious restaurants and innovative food trucks, you can’t beat lunch at Seaside. Highway 30A rejoins US 98 at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. This park features some of the most beautiful beaches and secluded sand dunes in Florida.

Snorkelers will love the aptly named Seahorse Reef at Topsail Hill Reserve. After rejoining US 98, you’re on the outskirts of Destin. Soon, you’ll see all the attractions like Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park that sprang up when Destin became the ‘World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,’ but you’ll have the memories of the Highway 30A trip to remind you of the natural beauty of the Panhandle before all the tourists came.

Thanks to Jenn and Ed Coleman from Coleman Concierge for sharing some of the highlight attractions along Florida’s Panhandle coast.

Southwest Florida to Matlacha

There’s a small spit of land off the coast of southwest Florida that’s as colorful as can be, and a must-visit day trip from just about anywhere from Sarasota to Marco Island.

If you blink, you just might miss the tiny artsy town of Matlacha, Florida (mat-la-SHAY), since parking is limited and only a two-lane road runs through it. You won’t find chain stores, restaurants, or parking garages here — only locally owned places to support. The small island located between North Cape Coral and Pine Island is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts, anglers, and art-lovers alike, surrounded by water and some of the best fishing, boating, and paddling in all of SWFL.

matlacha florida

But it’s the colorful art galleries you’ll notice when you arrive. Just pull off the main road and park yourself for the day. Stroll over the “Fishingest Bridge in the World” to and from galleries and shops filled with antique treasures, island clothing, and the signature funky artwork the town is known for.

When you get hungry, the freshest seafood awaits you at local joints like The Blue Dog Cafe and Bert’s — fresh Red Snapper sandwiches, Gulf Coast shrimp, and mouthwatering fish tacos. Come for the day by car or boat, and discover this undiscovered southwest Florida gem!

Thanks to Lori Sorrentino from Travlinmad for highlighting why the vibrant, artsy town of Matlacha is a perfect spot to visit from anywhere in the Southwest region of Florida.

St. Petersburg to Homosassa Springs

If you are looking for a relaxing and sunny place, St Petersburg will be perfect for you! Located on the west coast of Florida, it’s home to some of the best beaches in Florida, a lively downtown, many museums and beautiful state parks. There are many things to do in St Pete and plenty of day trip options!

One of them is going to Homosassa Springs! Generally overlooked compared to Crystal River, Homosassa Springs are a way better option if you want somewhere away from the crowds. This State park offers beautiful springs and is home to many manatees!

homosassa springs florida

It will take you about 1 hour and half to get there. Once you do, head to the visitor centre. There is an admission fee of $13. From there, you will go on a mini cruise on the springs and the Homosassa River, all the way across to the wildlife park.

The best time of the year to visit is in winter (January to March). At this time, the springs are warmer than the sea and that’s why you will find many manatees. If you love outdoor activities, Homosassa will be your paradise. It’s the perfect place to go kayaking and snorkeling!

You can easily spend the entire day at Homosassa. However, if you want to add another activity to the list, you can stop at Weeki Wachee on the way. You can watch one of the mermaid shows there.

Thanks to Pauline from BeeLoved City for sharing one of Florida’s lesser known destinations but certainly one that should be on everyone’s radar during a future trip to the Sunshine state.

Tallahassee to Panama City Beach

When in the state of Florida and looking for the best day trip ideas, you may want to do something a little different. We started our day trip in Tallahassee the capital of Florida and from there, rented out a car to be able to drive over to Panama City Beach.

Depending on how much time you have you can also take a Greyhound bus to get to Panama City for as little as $20. This Seaside town makes a perfect getaway for those looking for something different, however, it all depends on what time of year you visit as the atmosphere changes drastically.

panama city beach florida

During the winter months, the town is completely abandoned but during the summer everything comes back to life. With Panama City Beach being the main attraction, you may want to plan your trip for the spring/summertime. However, be sure to book any accommodation well in advance.

We arrived during the month of June and aside from some lazy days sprawling on the white sands of Panama City Beach, one of our favorite things to do was to explore the WonderWorks. The bizarre upside-down building grabbed our attention as soon as we arrive in the town. We did feel the entry fee was a little overpriced, but in hindsight, we had a whale of a time spending a few hours playing inside on our last day.

All in all, a trip to Panama City from Tallahassee is well worth your precious time.

Thanks to Daniel James from Layer Culture for highlighting one of the best day trip options along Florida’s Panhandle coast.

Summary

Florida is inundated with amazing day trip destinations and is certainly one of the best states across the US for plotting our various day trip itineraries during a visit to the Sunshine state. We would like to reiterate our appreciation to our amazing travel experts for sharing their in depth knowledge of Florida, ranging from the Panhandle to Key West and beyond. Please feel free to share other day trip Florida destinations in the comments below as we look to compile a collection of the best spots across the state to enjoy an epic visit.

How to Plan an Affordable Weekend Trip in 5 Easy Steps

Chris Boothman
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How to Plan an Affordable Weekend Trip in 5 Easy Steps

How do you travel so much? How do you afford to explore as much of the world as you do? Why can I never find cheap flight deals or understand how to take a weekend road trip? We have lost count the number of time we are asked these questions regarding how we are able to travel the world and so we felt it was time to start sharing some of our secrets and hopefully help you figure out the “how to” when it comes to planning a weekend getaway. If you want to plan a weekend trip, you need to be prepared and plan accordingly. Let’s take a look at a few ways in which we are able to accomplish so much and yet still maintain our regular 8-5 jobs.

plan a weekend trip

Whether you are an avid traveler or simply looking to find some time to take your next weekend vacation, travel planning is critical in order to create an experience that you will not only enjoy but will also be affordable. When you achieve both of these components, that will have a knock-on effect that allows you to plan more trips in the future…it’s a bit like the old domino effect that we always hear about. But it’s so true and we can 100% attest to this philosophy after 10+ years of experience traveling the world.

Planning a Weekend Trip

We have decided to share our 5 easy steps to planning (and subsequently booking) the perfect, affordable (yes, that’s critical!) weekend getaway. Follow these 5 core principles and you can start planning the moment you finish reading this article! Let’s take a look at our insider tips to creating the perfect weekend getaway itinerary.

  • Location, Location, Location
  • Planes, Trains and Automobiles
  • From Hostels to 5-Star Luxury
  • 24 Hour Challenge
  • Spontaneity Always Wins

Don’t worry, we are going to break each of the above categories down so you get a better idea of what we are referencing with each of these. But we are really confident that if you follow these strategies, you will ready and raring to book a trip in the near future.

airport departures board

Remember, our focus here is to create an AFFORDABLE experience and so this is always going to be subjective as every budget is different. We are basing our recommendations on an average lifestyle, one that we consider ourselves to be part of as we very rarely stay in 5-star luxury resorts or fly first-class.

Location, Location, Location

It may be rather cliché but let’s be honest folks, the number one component of planning any trip, regardless of the length of time, is the desirability of the location. You could argue that this is less important when planning a weekend getaway given that the length of time is shorter and if you hate the destination, well you will be back home sooner rather than later. But actually, we would argue the exact opposite. If you choose the perfect destination, you will be inspired to either go back again or in the very least, have a strong desire to keep exploring! And that’s what traveling the world one weekend at a time is all about…the desire to keep going!

find the perfect location

So how you find the perfect destination? Well, there are a myriad of tactics here and ultimately it’s going to be down to personal preference. Let’s start by thinking about locations that are convenient to your home town. What do we mean by convenient? Realistically, if you are planning a road trip (don’t worry, we will come back to this a little later), you are not going to want to drive more than 4-6 hours for a weekend getaway. For the experienced (or should I say “daring and adventurous”) travelers out there, you could probably push this to 8 hours but for the beginners, let’s start with a gentle road trip destination.

weekend road trip

Dependent on where you live is going to determine the feasibility of finding a reasonable location within this vicinity. Once you have a list, consider adding a few “dream” destinations to this but again staying within the realms of reality by focusing on your home country (if you live in Europe, you can extend this to neighboring countries for sure!). By now, the excitement and adrenalin should be pumping through your veins because you will soon be ready to start hitting up your favorite travel blogs (hint, hint), drooling over your favorite Instagram and Pinterest images and searching Google to your hearts content.

weekend trip pinterest planning

For your first trip, let’s go with three road trip destinations and three “potentially realistic” dream destinations. Now it’s time to take these locations and head to phase two of this preparation – aptly named…Planes, Trains and Automobiles!

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

After deciding upon a possible destination for your weekend getaway, it’s time to start look at numbers and considering just how realistic this trip is going to be. Again, the reality of this decision is going to be very much dependent on your personal budget and how much you determine to be “realistic” to spend on a weekend getaway. If we start by looking at flights, if you are leaving on a Friday and returning Sunday evening, you are probably not going to want to spend more than $200 per person – that immediately is going to restrict the number of available destinations (for the Europeans reading this, you have quite a few more options due to the plethora of low-cost airlines) but it’s still possible.

barcelona getaway park guell

Our #1 tip is to utilize Google Flights. Similar to other travel metasearch engines such as Skyscanner, we think that Google Flights is the best one out there, notably because of the really cool map feature where you can enter your home city, enter your chosen dates and then browse around other destinations and their updated prices. A word of caution here, some airlines do not participate on here such as Southwest Airlines so if you know your airport is a hub for a certain airline and you don’t see it on the results, consider visiting their direct website before proceeding further.

weekend getaway flights

Flights are not the only way to take a weekend getaway. Of course, those dream destinations are probably only realistic via plane travel but you may be fortunate to be able to consider hopping on the train if you find a cheaper alternative route or perhaps simply because you have always wanted to travel this way – the biggest issue of course with this is you are going to be extremely limited on destinations and the travel time is likely to be slightly longer. It is worth considering though.

eurail train pass

Finally, the infamous road trip option. As you consider thinking about three chosen destinations that are nearby your hometown within that 4-6 hour radius, start plotting out some routes – again Google’s Maps tool is a great option but there are plenty of available websites and softwares that you can use for this. Do you want to get there as quickly as possible? If so, the interstate route is likely to be the optimal route. Do you want to stop along the way and admire the scenery? These are questions to consider when planning the trip!

weekend road trip

From Hostels to 5-Star Luxury

Ok, so you have your heart set on a destination and you either have your road trip planned out or your flights booked. For a weekend trip, the likelihood is that you will need somewhere to stay for two nights. For those of you that are really trying to stick to a tight budget, accommodation options such as hostels or low-profile hotel chains may be your preferred option but also given that you are only having to book two nights, you may be able to indulge in a slightly higher priced property than perhaps you would if you were looking at a longer stay.

singapore westin

One of the best ways to search for great hotel deals, particularly if you don’t really have a preference on “brand name” is to utilize a resource such as Priceline. Whether you opt for an “express deal” where you won’t know the exact hotel until after you book, or simply opt for one of the “Guest Favorites” or “Pricebreaker Deals”, there are plenty of affordable options available to suit every budget. This is also a great resource because you can search for specific neighborhoods which may offer ideas on the best places to stay – if you are unsure, perhaps switching this step with the next one (planning things to do in the destination) may be more appropriate.

hollywood hotel los angeles

If you are passionate about starting to travel more frequently, whether it’s just on the weekends or perhaps with some longer vacations thrown in there, you may want to consider opting for a hotel chain where you can start earning loyalty points. We are avid, loyal Diamond members of Hilton Honors and always try to stay at one of their properties wherever we travel around the world.

hilton orlando

It’s not always the most cost effective but the long term benefits give you free breakfast, free nights etc. It’s one of those that you may not see the immediate benefits but you have to trust the process…we can 100% attest it’s worth it!

24 Hour Challenge

You may be wondering what a 24 hour challenge has to do with a weekend getaway…well, in our opinion, the biggest problem people face is trying to experience too much in a short timeframe. The temptation when spending a weekend away at a new destination is to try and cram as much as possible into exploring the destination. This is actually one of the worse things you can do because you will get easily burnt out and possibly return home regretting even taking the trip.

elk horn iowa

Now I will add the caveat that much of our travels are the exact opposite of what we are recommending here but after many years of traveling like this, you certainly become seasoned professionals. However, when you first start out with planning weekend getaways, try the tactic of planning an itinerary for a single day trip.

wild atlantic way ireland

Even though you may have up to 36-48 hours to explore the destination, having enough things to do in 24 hours will then allow you to spread these over the multiple days. What does this then allow? Step 5 of our strategy to planning the perfect weekend…spontaneity! More on that later.

brooklyn bridge new york city

Every destination is different – a weekend trip to New York City is going to require careful planning because there are so many attractions worth visiting. However, a trip to a lesser known destination such as Oklahoma City may not have quite the number of iconic attractions, yet you will still benefit from taking the time to identify spots you cannot afford to miss. If you love sampling local restaurants or coffee shops, go ahead and put them down on a list because the moment you arrive in the destination, you want to be ready to visit every spot without having to try and figure out opening times, location etc.

oklahoma city street art

Spontaneity Always Wins

Regardless of how much planning and organizing you do before heading on your weekend getaway, there will ALWAYS be something that you don’t plan for. It is critical that you allow some time in your itinerary to be spontaneous and experience something that you hadn’t already scheduled.

weekend trip to nashville

If you allow spontaneity to take over (albeit still trying to stick to an itinerary), your experience will be enhanced to a level you could never have imagined. The main benefits of this, aside from the fact you will likely have an amazing experience, is that you will be raring to book your next trip because you realize just how many hidden gems are out there waiting to be discovered.

hillsboro village nashville

Spontaneous travel allows you to have the flexibility to enjoy the adventure of a lifetime. This is another potentially cliché statement to make but it should go without saying that having a “laissez-faire” attitude when exploring a destination will likely spark some amazing experiences. It’s sometimes a Catch-22 situation trying to establish the fine line between having an organized itinerary and allowing that carefree approach to life to enhance your getaway. But that is exactly why following step 4 is critical to achieving the perfect weekend getaway because it allows you to build in some time for these spontaneous events to occur.

pisa italy

Summary

You did it! You have followed our 5 simple steps to booking the perfect weekend getaway. All that you need to do now is actually book your trip and whisk yourselves away to enjoy an amazing short vacation. While many of you reading this may think these steps are obvious, we feel that this is something everyone should take a step back and think about because it’s all about creating a sustainable system that will enable you to travel more frequently. That is exactly what we are focused on trying to inspire – more travel!

hobbiton day trip new zealand

We hope that you are able to travel the world as frequently as we do but if not, and you are only able to take an occasional weekend getaway, go ahead and follow these 5 steps and we assure you that your trip will be amazing! Let us know how you plan your weekend getaways…what are your keys to success? How do you achieve the dream getaway? Are you most concerned about the location or budget or something else? We want to hear your stories, so feel free to share them in the comments below! Happy travels folks!

Gulf Coast Getaway – How to Enjoy an Eco-Friendly Visit

Chris Boothman
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Gulf Coast Getaway – How to Enjoy an Eco-Friendly Visit

Enjoying a Gulf Coast getaway is all about relaxing along the 32 miles of pristine, white sandy beaches that line this spectacular stretch of coastline…ok, that’s one way of experiencing a trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and you certainly would be 100% accurate about this type of visit. After visiting this beautiful region of Alabama on several occasions, during our recent trip we decided to take a look at this area from a completely different angle, one that I will genuinely admit we probably don’t pay enough attention to when we travel the world but something that we are committed at being more aware of moving forward – sustainability!

gulf coast beaches

We are not going to try to convince you to become vegan or share expert opinions on sustainable travel, we will leave that to the experts. Instead, we want to share just a few reasons why we think Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is doing an amazing job of becoming an eco-friendly destination and why during your next visit to the Gulf Coast we think you should be inspired to experience some of the awesome spots that are truly driving the “green” concept to the region.

From the most environmentally friendly hotel in the region to some of the best places to eat and things to experience, we hope that our eco-friendly weekend guide to the Gulf Coast will give you a few ideas that you can enjoy on your next visit. Let’s take a look at some of the ways Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is becoming a sustainable destination (a caveat here, this is by no means an exhaustive guide, this is simply covering a few areas/restaurants/experiences that we enjoyed on our recent visit to the Gulf Coast).

eco friendly gulf coast getaway

Where to Stay? The Lodge at Gulf State Park

When it comes to where to stay in Gulf Shores, you are spoiled for choice. High rise condominiums line the 32 miles of gorgeous beaches and there are several other options that you can consider dependent on budget and personal preference. However, when it comes to picking the perfect eco-friendly accommodation option, there really is only one choice – the incredible Lodge at Gulf State Park. Located along Beach Boulevard in Gulf Shores, this ultra-modern coastal development epitomizes everything there is to love about hotels that are 100% focused on providing an environmentally friendly option for visitors to the area.

the lodge at gulf state park

Part of the Hilton family, The Lodge at Gulf State Park is a flagship eco-friendly hotel for this brand to showcase their desire to move towards a collection of sustainable hotels. On November 1, 2018, the Lodge opened its doors and was proud to focus on the following.

A MODEL OF RESILIENT ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY COASTAL DEVELOPMENT

The Lodge at Gulf State Park

We all hear the words “sustainable tourism” and this has to start at the very top with global brands and we can 100% attest that Hilton has done an amazing job with the careful curation of this amazing hotel structure. In a nutshell, sustainable tourism is a combination of mainstream tourism and ecotourism by incorporating sustainable practices to benefit the local community (and the visitors also benefit from these initiatives also!).

the lodge at gulf state park gulf shores

At the Lodge at Gulf State Park, there are no details gone unnoticed. When it comes to providing the perfect experience to fit naturally into the existing environment of ecosystems, we are delighted to hear that this region is not only being preserved but also thriving because of the inherent features that the Lodge at Gulf State Park offers.

lodge at gulf state park

The moment you check in at the Lodge, you immediately realize you are in for an awesome experience. Offering 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space along with a plethora of outdoor reception areas, there is no shortage of space to enjoy the full hotel experience. If you are interested in learning all about the amazing natural resources and sustainability practices, check in at the front desk and ask to speak with the Lodge naturalist who will be more than happy to give you a full insight into these initiatives.

Environmentally-Friendly Characteristics

Some of the intriguing characteristics of this hotel that help create such an eco-friendly environment consist of the following, many of which may seem obvious, while others we would never even have contemplated as being able to benefit the local eco-systems:

  • All the buildings at the Lodge at Gulf State Park are designed to reduce energy usage by 32% and interior water use by 35% in comparison to a standard hotel (or similar accommodation option).
  • Natural daylight and ventilation in all regularly occupied spaces.
  • Passive cooling techniques including building orientation and wooden screens to filter sunlight.
  • Condensation from air conditioning units is collected and recycled to replace water in the on-site swimming pool. An average of 8,400 gallons are collected daily during the summer months.
  • Lighting sensitive to wildlife are incorporated into every building and no lights are directly pointed at the beach. In addition, all lights are shielded away from the sea turtle nesting areas.
  • Air conditioning units are installed with sensors that will switch them off automatically whenever balcony doors or windows are left open.
  • Rainwater is collected and directed to nearby wetlands to help those eco-systems continue to thrive.
lodge at gulf state park alabama

The above are just some of the core features that the Lodge at Gulf State Park can be proud to have implemented. When you add in basic components such as in-room “boxed water”, instead of the standard plastic bottle, this is certainly something that will not only help the environment but also perhaps encourage more guests to start thinking about sustainable initiatives they can continue when they leave and head back home.

lodge at gulf state park

Eco-Friendly Eats in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

The Gulf Coast is home to an amazing collection of seafood establishments and a myriad of cuisine options to satisfy every appetite. If you are focused on dining at eco-friendly restaurants, you are in for a real treat as there are a number focused on providing environmentally friendly service while catering to every type of diner. From extensive vegan options to the “behind the scenes” catering processes, you can be sure that a visit to one of the following restaurants will not only provide excellent cuisine, you can be reassured that there is a real focus on providing sustainable practices to help the environment.

soul bowlz gulf shores

If you are looking for an extensive vegan guide to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, our friend Ashley from Wild Hearted has put together quite the collection, many of which we are going to recommend also but some others that perhaps you wouldn’t think of. From decadent coffee shops to high-end luxury restaurants, the Gulf Coast may surprise you at the variety of options that are available for the eco-friendly minded traveler. We are going to give you an option for breakfast, lunch and dinner but we would love to hear other recommendations on what you have found to be sustainable eats in the area.

Soul Bowlz

What better way to start your day than a healthy, nutrient packed bowl of deliciousness. Head over to Soul Bowlz in Gulf Shores to enjoy “a bowl of heaven found on the Gulf Coast!” From the traditional Acai bowl to alternative Pitaya, Acerola and Graviola super fruit options, Soul Bowlz has a creative menu of fruit combinations that will leave you wanting to go back for me. This is certainly one of our “go to” spots for breakfast, particularly if you are wanting to start the day with one of the healthiest spots on the Gulf Coast.

soul bowlz gulf shores

The Sunrise (Goiaba blend, Hemp Granola, Strawberries, Raspberries, Banana and Honey) is a definite favorite of ours but there are so many unique offerings that you should try something different each time until you find the perfect bowl. Soul Bowlz offers these in two different sizes and also has a collection of smoothies. Whether you are wanting to dine in or take this “to go”, it’s the perfect way to start your day and have plenty of energy to explore the beauty along the Gulf Coast.

sunrise soul bowlz gulf shores

Picnic Beach

A “picnic at the beach” or “picnic in the park” is surely an appealing thought and while you may not want to go to the effort of packing your own picnic basket, you can head over to Picnic Beach to enjoy your very own “picnic” experience while indulging in a delicious collection of menu items. Renowned as being a casual dining spot in the heart of Gulf Shores, the moment you approach Picnic Beach you can see the typical picnic surroundings with benches, blankets and artificial green turf to represent the “park”.

picnic beach gulf shores

Enjoy locally prepared food that follow the traditional BBQ theme and for those that prefer to eat plant-based cuisine, there are plenty of options available. The Buffalo Cauliflower Wings with homemade vegan ranch are a popular choice among every visitor, regardless of your cuisine preference.

picnic beach gulf shores alabama

An extensive menu is available, from light snacks to a variety of fresh seafood options, and of course, a visit to Picnic Beach wouldn’t be the same without sampling the resident “Beachwacker” which is a play on the traditional Gulf Coast Bushwacker which is popular in this region.

Safari Club Gulf Shores

Recognized as Alabama’s first “Green Restaurant”, Safari Club Gulf Shores is part of the all new renovated Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. Regardless of your opinion on zoos, we highly recommend taking some time to visit Safari Club to not only enjoy an extensive menu of vegan, vegetarian and other cuisine options but also to learn about the initiatives that we believe makes this the most eco-friendly restaurant on the Gulf Coast.

safari club gulf shores

After sitting down with head chef, Greg Buschmohle, we learned about the intricate details of how this restaurant is focused on providing excellent service while providing the most eco-friendly environment to not only support sustainable initiatives for the local community but primarily to help provide a better environment for the animals in the Zoo. Zero styrofoam is utilized, no plastic straws can be found at the restaurant, and all all to-go containers are biodegradable and/or recyclable. These are just a few “common” ways that Safari Club differs from your regular restaurant.

safari club gulf shores alabama

Some of the behind the scenes approaches include onsite composting that can be utilized for animals in the Zoo along with the interior architecture of the restaurant that is designed to meet the core principles needed for this to be considered “green”. All ingredients are sourced locally and in conjunction with the City of Gulf Shores recycle program, any waste products follow appropriate recycling protocols to ensure as much can be utilized as possible.

safari club gulf coast

When it comes to the menu options, you cannot go wrong with anything offered at Safari Club. Whether you are craving a pizza (the Moroccan is definitely a popular choice), or sandwich, there is plenty of variety for every taste palette.

moroccan pizza safari club

Things to Do to Enjoy the Local Environment

Embrace the great outdoors while exploring the Gulf Coast and enjoy the plethora of ecosystems that are thriving in the region by experiencing some of the following things to do that we believe are the perfect way to protect the local environments. We should all take pride in helping to preserve the Gulf Coast ecological environment and take a moment to understand how the 32 miles of pristine beaches continue to serve as the heart of soul of not only the locals/visitors that enjoy this stretch of coastline, but also how this serves as a natural habitat for a myriad of wildlife.

gulf coast wildlife

Here are some of our recommendations on how you can learn about the environment and continue to understand the initiatives that are taking place to protect this region.

Cycle the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trails

Perhaps the best way to experience a wide variety of eco-systems is to hop on a bike and explore the 15 miles of Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail complex. A collection of intertwining paths make this a perfect area to explore and if you followed our recommendation of staying at The Lodge, you can take advantage of the Gulf State Park Free Bike Share program and pick up your bike outside the hotel and head across Beach Boulevard to begin your journey exploring this myriad of trails. Alternatively, head over to Beach Bike Rentals and pick up a bike for a small fee and enjoy the trails all day.

hugh s branyon backcountry trails gulf shores

From wildlife sightings to admiring the local flora and fauna that is thriving in these environments, the Backcountry Trails are the perfect way to get away from the stereotypical “beach life” associated with the Gulf Coast and instead explore another side of the region. The amount of wildlife you will see is a clear indication of the positive, sustainable efforts that the local authorities are having on the area as the untouched natural habitats continue to thrive.

gulf coast getaway gulf shores and orange beach

Sustainable Initiatives at Gulf State Park

Thanks to Ashley from Wild Hearted for contributing the sustainable initiatives that can be found throughout Gulf State Park.

Gulf State Park is comprised of two miles of beaches, a large campground, the Lodge at Gulf State Park and a variety of activities to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in relaxing on the beach, biking the trails, or wildlife watching, there’s plenty for you to do. But, make sure to stop by the Interpretative Center [located adjacent to the beach pavilion] to learn more about how they are preserving their environment and natural resources.

gulf state park interpretative center

On top of being able to learn more about the land and marine wildlife, you can learn about all the amazing sustainability initiatives including: collecting, storing and treating 105% of the water needed by guests and the surrounding landscape, being self-sufficient and actually generating more energy than the facility uses, using locally sourced building materials, and more.

gulf coast getaway

The facility includes a multi-use space, an amphitheater, public restrooms, bike parking, sand play area, covered porch with an interactive exhibit, and view of the beaches. The Center is truly unique being classified as a Certified Living Building and LEED Platinum-certified – the highest possible LEED designation, and Fortified Commercial certified.

gulf state park

Protect the 32 Miles of Gulf Coast Beaches

It goes without saying you will want to experience the inherent beauty of the gorgeous beaches along the Gulf Coast. Whether you are enjoying the epic sunrise and sunset experiences you get in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, or simply looking to relax on a secluded part of the beach throughout the day, please be sure to follow the basic principles that should be adhered to in any public space.

gulf coast alabama beaches
  • Be considerate of wildlife in the area – remember, you are visiting their natural habitat so please be sure to give them plenty of space and allow them to feel at home.
  • Be sure to remove any trash from beaches before you leave – while it goes without saying you should take your own trash with you, why not lead by example and take any other trash that you may see so that others may follow suit!
  • Choose organic and eco sunscreens that do not use chemical solar filters which can cause harm to the Gulf.
  • Use refillable bottles instead of taking plastic water bottles.
  • It may seem like a great idea to take as a souvenir but please don’t take any sand home with you – leave it so you don’t destroy part of the natural eco-system.
gulf shores beaches

Of course, all of the above are fairly simple practices that should be considered on any beach getaway. If you do this, you can thoroughly enjoy the breathtaking beauty that attracts so many visitors to the Gulf Coast every year.

Enjoy Golf on the Gulf Coast

Heading to a golf course may not be everyone’s idea of a fun activity but regardless of whether you are aspiring to be the next Tiger Woods or simply enjoy the great outdoors, visiting one of the many courses in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is not only an opportunity to perfect your skills but also to enjoy breathtaking natural environments.

kiva dunes gulf shores

From the gorgeous links at Kiva Dunes to the 27-hole complex at Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club, there is a collection of courses along the Gulf Coast that are proud to have sustainable initiatives that help wildlife continue to thrive on and around the course.

peninsula golf and racquet club

Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club is located close to Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge and together, they combine to offer over 7,800 acres of natural habitat for migratory birds, nesting sea turtles, among many other species. Peninsula covers 800 acres of beautiful live oaks, cypress trees and more natural vegetation, so it’s no surprise that you will likely stumble across a resident alligator or eagle as you play your way around one of the three 9-hole courses.

golf in gulf shores

Enjoy the beauty of Craft Farms Golf Resort by playing both the Cotton Creek and Cypress Bend courses (36-hole complex) and you will experience fairways lined with live oaks full of Spanish moss, and ideal surroundings for native wildlife to flourish.

Summary

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is a destination that is near and dear to our hearts – it’s our home away from home when it comes to vacation spots and following our recent visit, we truly have a much greater appreciation for the environmentally friendly initiatives that many of the local businesses are focused on promoting. The more organizations that develop such initiatives, the better it will serve the collection of ecosystems that together create the beautiful environment that can be seen along the 32 miles of the Gulf Coast in Alabama.

gulf shores and orange beach

We strongly encourage you to consider staying at The Lodge at Gulf State Park during your next trip to the Gulf Coast. Not only does this offer an amazing accommodation option that is conveniently located in the heart of Gulf Shores, it is also the most eco-friendly hotel in the region. With a myriad of dining options to choose from and plenty of things to do to foster the sustainable tourism along the Gulf Coast, this is certainly a region that may fall under the radar for sustainable destinations but many of the local establishments deserve praise for their ongoing efforts to help promote this philosophy.

Sydney to Canberra – Enjoy an Epic Day Trip to the Capital

Chris Boothman
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Sydney to Canberra – Enjoy an Epic Day Trip to the Capital

Australia is blessed to have a plethora of amazing destinations that every visitor should want to add to their itinerary. Whether it’s the beautiful cities of Sydney or Melbourne, or perhaps the iconic Gold Coast or Uluru in the heart of the Outback. But there is one destination that we think frequently falls under the radar and lays in the shadow of many of its more infamous urban counterparts – the capital city itself, Canberra. Whether you are visiting Australia for a week long adventure or perhaps just spending a few days, if you are planning a trip to Sydney or Melbourne, you should certainly consider adding Canberra to this itinerary. We want to focus this post on how to enjoy an amazing day trip from Sydney to Canberra but it’s certainly feasible to enjoy a two-day getaway if you are visiting from Melbourne.

international flag display canberra

Canberra is rarely the first place that people think about visiting and given it’s relatively neutral location in between the powerhouse cities of Sydney and Melbourne, this is one of the reasons why it was chosen as Australia’s capital city. After spending the day in the capital, we can 100% attest that this beautiful city is one that deserves to be on everyone’s radar and for those of you that love city life but want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities, Canberra is certainly a place you will fall in love with. There are not many capital cities around the world that have such a relaxing feel to them but Canberra is definitely one of those!

sydney to canberra day trip

Let’s take a look at how you can make the most of a day trip from Sydney and why your next trip to Oz should include a visit to Australia’s historic capital.

Sydney to Canberra Day Trip

For the adventurous folks, a day trip from Sydney to the capital will be an experience you won’t want to miss out on. A 3-hour drive each way may seem a little daunting for many but after experiencing this for ourselves, we can confirm that this is well worth the effort given the amazing encounters you can have not only in Canberra but on the drive to and from the capital city.

canberra national convention centre

The drive itself is relatively straightforward but depending on how much time you have will likely determine which route you want to take in either direction as there are a couple of more scenic alternatives that you may want to consider. Here are a couple of options, featuring the most direct route which we followed between Sydney and Canberra and an alternative picturesque return drive, albeit quite a bit longer in terms of duration.

international flag display canberra

Quickest Route – M31 to M23

The quickest route between these two cities is undoubtedly along the highways of M31 and M23 – the majority of the drive will be along M31 until you hop over to the M23 in Yarra for the final 78km.

sydney to canberra direct route

Scenic Route via Wollongong

There are a few alternative scenic routes that you can take if you have enough time to enjoy your return journey to Sydney. If possible, be sure to take in the gorgeous Grand Pacific Drive along the East coast between Wollongong and Sydney (and further south depending on where you choose to start your route along the coast).

sydney to canberra scenic drive

Best Things to Do in Canberra in 24 Hours

Spending only one day in any city across the world is going to be a challenging experience. Our number one tip is don’t try to do everything! When you realize that you will only be able to see a few highlights across the city, this will make your visit more rewarding because you won’t be rushing around trying to capture the best of everything. Canberra is certainly a city that is no different so after a 3-hour drive from Sydney, you will need to have the rest of your day planned out in order to maximize your time.

lake burley griffin

Canberra is a city full of history, gorgeous architecture and unique cultural experiences that makes this city standalone from it’s Australian counterparts. There are certainly a number of things to do here and they include the following:

  • Parliament House
  • Lake Burley Griffin
  • Australian War Memorial
  • National Gallery of Australia
  • Telstra Tower
  • Anzac Parade

These are just a few of the highlight attractions and are by no means an exhaustive list. There are several self-guided walking tours in and around the city that you can enjoy and we strongly recommend taking either the Lake Burley Griffin or Anzac Parade tours. We opted for Lake Burley Griffin but you cannot go wrong with either. The Anzac Parade is a shorter alternative (only 2.5 km and will likely take around 1.5 to 2 hours to complete) and offers a collection of memorial dedicated to commemorating Australian and New Zealand soldiers that have lost their lives in wars across the world.

lake burley griffin walking tour

History of Canberra

With so many cool things to do in Canberra, it can understandably be difficult to decide where to start. Given that we traveled three hours from Sydney to escape the horrendous bushfires that the area was experiencing, we wanted to spend as much time outdoors and there is no better place to start than Lake Burley Griffin in the heart of the city.

canberra history

Head to the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre overlooking Lake Burley Griffin before starting your self-guided tour to learn all about the history surrounding the city and you will soon realize why we recommend this awesome tour for first-time visitors to Canberra. The lake is named after Walter Burley Griffin who was a Chicago architect that designed the city of Canberra and utilized this location as a focal point for the geometric design of the city.

canberra australia

I have planned a city that is not like any other in the world…. I have planned an ideal city—a city that meets my ideal of the city of the future.

Walter Burley Griffin

The history of Canberra dates back to only 1911 making this a relatively new city in comparison to many of the other iconic cities across Australia. When Burley Griffin was invited to design the city, he created a design that had a lake in the center. As you begin your self-guided tour of the lake, you will learn more about the architect, the city of Canberra and all of the historic events that have helped shaped this modern metropolis that is proud to be the capital of Australia.

national capital exhibition canberra

Lake Burley Griffin Self-Guided Tour

Walk outside of the Visitor Center and decide which direction you want to start – if you opt to complete the full 5km loop, it really doesn’t matter because you will enjoy crossing the lake on two separate occasions. Here is a full list of the attractions and landmarks you can experience on this tour.

lake burley griffin sculpture garden
  1. National Capital Exhibition
  2. Walter Burley Griffin Terrazzo
  3. RG Menzies Walk
  4. Captain James Cook Memorial
  5. Captain Cook Memorial Jet
  6. Canadian Flagpole
  7. Commonwealth Park
  8. Citizenship Place
  9. RG Menzies Statue
  10. Site of Murray’s Bakery
  11. Pioneer Women Memorial
  12. Sybil Howy Irving Memorial
  13. A Commemorative Oak
  14. Rond Terraces
  15. Gallipoli Reach
  16. National Emergency Services Memorial
  17. Blundells Cottage
  18. Indian Ocean Tsunami Memorial
  19. Merchant Navy Memorial
  20. HMAS Canberra Memorial
  21. National Carillon
  22. National Police Memorial
  23. National Workers Memorial
  24. Boundless Playground
  25. Kings Avenue Bridge
  26. Bowen Place Crossing
  27. Sculpture Garden
  28. Reconciliation Place
  29. Commonwealth Place
  30. International Flag Display
  31. Peace Park
  32. Australians of the Year Walk
  33. Commonwealth Avenue Bridge
  34. Japanese Cherry Trees

Plenty of memorials, tributes and architectural masterpieces on display throughout this part of Canberra and you could certainly spend at least a half day exploring all of these attractions. We would recommend allocating at least 2-3 hours which is a great way to spend the late morning and early afternoon before heading to enjoy a late lunch in one of Canberra’s eclectic restaurants. For those of you that perhaps want to experience Lake Burley Griffin a little quicker, let’s take a look at some of the highlight attractions from the above.

sir robert menzies statue canberra

Captain James Cook Memorial (and Jet)

Perhaps the most iconic landmark is Lake Burley Griffin itself along with the towering hydraulic jet stream that sends water over 150 meters into the air at 260kms per hour. As you start you walk around the lake and peer across the expanse of water, be sure to take a moment to admire the stream of water that epitomizes the many stunning engineering feats across the city. Back on land, a terrestrial globe commemorates Captain James Cook’s landing on the eastern coast of Australia over 250 years ago in 1770 and was dedicated as such on the bicentennial anniversary in 1970 by Queen Elizabeth II.

captain james cook memorial canberra

Details of Cook’s voyages can be seen inscribed on the handrail and for the avid travelers visiting Canberra, this will surely be a favorite landmark as you appreciate the historic journey that was made by Cook to reach the Australian coastline, given that he started in Plymouth, England back in 1768!

lake burley griffin jet

Commonwealth Avenue Bridge

Did you know that a part of London’s iconic Waterloo Bridge can be found on the north shore of the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge? That’s right, when this was demolished in 1936, several stones were donated to the Australian Government and they can now be seen on one of Canberra’s iconic bridges that may not have the same popularity as the British counterpart but it’s certainly a historic landmark that dates back to its original construction in 1928 (original design but the current version was actually opened in November 1963).

commonwealth avenue bridge

A plaque commemorating the stones has the following inscription, signifying how the close relations between the UK and Australia have continued to flourish.

Stones such as these from the bridge were presented to Australia and other parts of the British world to further historic links in the British Commonwealth of Nations.

commonwealth avenue bridge

As you walk across the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, take a moment to take in the spectacular views across the lake (in both directions) along with admiring the CBD of Canberra to your left and the many landmarks that await on the southern shoreline of Lake Burley Griffin. You will also catch a first glimpse of Canberra’s spectacular Parliament House, located on Capital Hill at the tip of Parliament Drive along with the gorgeous National Library of Australia.

national library of australia

Australians of the Year Walk

Ok, are you ready to walk along Australia’s equivalent to the Hollywood Walk of Fame? How many iconic Australian’s do you know? From sports stars such as Cathy Freeman and Shane Warne to celebrities like Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, there are certainly plenty to lay claim to having a spot on the Australians of the Year walkway.

australians of the year walk

The first award was given in 1960 and there is a commemorative plaque for each individual that was selected as the Australian of the Year. Take some time to see how many names you recognize, there will likely be several along with a few obscure ones that will be interesting to read their stories and realize why they deserved to be recognized as such.

australians of the year canberra

International Flag Display

Canberra is home to one of the largest collections of international flags representing the diplomatic presence within the city. With over 100 flags on display, you can likely find your home country along with a variety of others that truly provide a reflection of how diverse Canberra has become over recent decades and can truly be called a multi-cultural metropolis.

canberra international flag display

This collection was originally opened in 1999 but recently in 2018 was transformed into the cultural attraction we see today. In addition to over 100 countries being represented, the flags of the European Union and United Nations can be seen, again emphasizing the importance of Australia having closed relations with nations across the globe.

canberra international flag display

Memorials

After crossing Kings Avenue Bridge on your return across Lake Burley Griffin, you will see the towering National Carillon, a bell tower that was a gift from the British Government to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Canberra. If you are fortunate to visit on a Wednesday or Sunday lunch time at 12:30PM, you will hear these iconic bells playing but regardless, it’s still an impressive sight.

national carillon canberra

A collection of memorials are grouped together along the shoreline after you leave the National Carillon and rather than focusing on any particular memorial, it’s certainly worth noting that all of these have a unique story associated with them.

national police memorial canberra

Whether you are intrigued to learn more about the National Police Memorial (to commemorate the service and sacrifice of Australian police officers) or perhaps pay your respect to those lost in the tragic Indian Ocean Tsunami on Boxing Day 2004, there are several plaques and monuments that are grouped close together as you walk around the lake.

lake burley griffin memorials

Blundells Cottage

One of the most unique landmarks around Lake Burley Griffin is Blundells Cottage, a former home of workers on the Duntroon Estate that dates back to 1860. For over 100 years, this cottage was occupied by three tenants: the Ginns, the Blundells, and the Oldfields. If you have time during your visit to Canberra, head over to the Duntroon Dairy, the oldest standing building on this particular estate.

blundells cottage canberra

Today, visitors can enjoy a tour of Blundells Cottage between 10AM and 2PM on Saturdays but even walking around the grounds and exterior of the property is an enlightening experience as you reflect on what life was like in the late 19th century before Canberra was transformed into Australia’s capital and the modern city we see today.

blundells cottage lake burley griffin canberra

Where to Eat in Canberra

As we established, Canberra is undoubtedly a diverse city and this is reflected by the variety of cuisine options available. Whether you are looking to sample fine dining or simply find a quick bite to eat, Canberra has something for everyone. We always love sampling coffee shops across the globe and close to where we parked at the Canberra Centre, we stumbled across The Coffee Club which we later found out has several locations across Australia (it was “local” for us rather than a standard Starbucks chain).

the coffee club canberra

From decadent pastries to your favorite handcrafted espresso beverage, there are plenty of options if you are just looking for a late morning or afternoon snack. But for those that want to enjoy breakfast or lunch, there is a full menu offering sandwiches, salads, burgers and more. This was one of our favorite finds because there is a gorgeous outdoor patio area where you can relax and enjoy your coffee, while either planning your day or reminiscing on what you experienced throughout Canberra.

the coffee club canberra patio seating

If you are looking to enjoy something with a little more substance, Courgette Restaurant is a short walk from Canberra Centre and offers European inspired fine dining options. Alternatively, Raku Japanese Restaurant or Akiba are both great options for those wanting to sample the Australian capital’s Asian dining scene.

Canberra to Sydney – Grand Pacific Drive

Planning your itinerary around Canberra can be challenging, especially when we encourage you to try and allocate enough time on your return to Sydney to enjoy the spectacular Grand Pacific Drive. For those of you that have driven the Great Ocean Road close to Melbourne, this is a similarly breathtaking experience.

grand pacific drive

If you don’t have enough time on this trip, don’t worry because it’s well worth taking another day trip from Sydney to experience Wollongong and the amazing sights along this stretch of coastline. But for those of you that choose to follow what we experienced, you can still enjoy some of the best attractions along this drive before darkness sets in.

Kiama

Having spent the majority of the day inland exploring the urban beauty of Canberra, when we first caught a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean we realized this part of Australia is a perfect area to enjoy a vacation given the close proximity of iconic cities and beautiful coastline. Our first stop saw us visit the coastal town of Kiama, infamously known in New South Wales as being the home of the iconic Kiama Blowhole.

kiama blowhole

This geological phenomenon attracts over 600,000 visitors every year and certainly for good reason. Be prepared to have those annoying flies buzzing around your face but if you are able to ignore those, the breathtaking sight of the Pacific Ocean shooting up through the blowhole is an experience you won’t want to miss.

kiama lighthouse

Sea Cliff Bridge

The coastal drive from Kiama to Wollongong and through the Northern Illawarra region of New South Wales culminates in perhaps the pièce de résistance of the Grand Pacific Drive – the Sea Cliff Bridge. A towering cantilever bridge links the coastal towns of Coalcliff and Clifton and opened in 2005.

sea cliff bridge

The scenic walkway is surrounded by rocky cliffs but offers awe-inspiring views overlooking the bridge and out into the Pacific Ocean. For those of you that prefer to stay on flat ground, park your vehicle before the start of the bridge and take a short stroll along the pedestrian walkway that crosses the Sea Cliff Bridge.

grand pacific drive

Summary

A day trip from Sydney to Canberra is primarily about exploring the unheralded Australian capital. However, the beauty of this trip is that there are several other experiences you can enjoy, such as the Grand Pacific Drive, if you allocate enough time. Regardless, visitors to Sydney (and Melbourne) should consider adding some time to their itinerary to pay a visit to Canberra as there are plenty of reasons to justify at least a one day trip.

sydney to canberra day trip

The relaxing vibe of Canberra is something you don’t usually associate with a major city but it’s a refreshing experience and certainly taking a self-guided walking tour of Lake Burley Griffin will give you a real insight into the beauty of Australia’s capital. Have you visited Canberra? Would you consider adding Canberra to your Australian vacation?

lake burley griffin canberra

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