Need a break from it all? These dynamic destinations within a day’s drive offer the perfect escape.

While many of us look forward to our summer vacation all year long, the truth is that the fall season is also a wonderful time to get away and recharge the batteries. Whether looking to pamper yourself, relax by the water or take advantage of premier shopping and dining options, there are several worthy locales to visit within a day’s drive from the Greater Orlando area. Check out these hot spots that each offer their own unique experiences and are sure to help you create lasting memories.

PETE/CLEARWATER
With 35 miles of sandy white beaches and picturesque ocean views, the St. Pete-Clearwater area is renowned for its relaxed atmosphere, in-demand restaurants, retail shops and attractions. Filling your day is easy, no matter if you’re hanging by the St. Pete Pier or enjoying one of the many festivals held throughout the year. And there’s plenty of other ways to immerse yourself in all that the area has to offer, whether visiting a botanical garden, heading to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium or exploring works of art at the Dalí Museum. Be sure to stay at The Don CeSar where you can relax in a suite overlooking the beach or indulge in a luxurious spa treatment. 

NAPLES
A place where luxury meets leisure, Naples is beloved for its beaches, upscale dining, fancy shops, impeccable golf courses and a thriving arts and culture scene. A stroll along Fifth Avenue is the perfect way to grab a bite, visit a gallery or find the latest fashions. But, if you’re looking something a little more adventurous, there are no shortage of engaging outdoor activities—both on water and land—that the entire family will enjoy. 

JUPITER
The variety of activities found in this vibrant coastal town seamlessly blends history with modern comforts. Jonathan Dickinson State Park is Southeast Florida’s largest state park and just one of many found in the area, each offering visitors a tranquil retreat. Meanwhile, baseball lovers can head to Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium during spring training or to catch minor league action during the season. You can also paddle the Loxahatchee River, take Fido to Jupiter Dog Beach, grab a bite at one of the many waterfront restaurants available and much more.

PORT ST. LUCIE
Florida’s sixth-largest city is still fairly young, having been incorporated in 1961, but it’s already one of the more popular in the state and growing at a rapid rate. And it’s easy to see why with a quality of life that locals say can’t be beat. Take a hike at Savannas Preserve State Park, head out on an airboat adventure on the St. Lucie River, go horseback riding or learn about the local history of the Navy SEALS at the National Navy SEAL Museum. 

SANIBEL ISLAND
Looking to get a round of golf in? Book a tee time at one of the more than 70 courses in the area. If being on the water is more your speed, you’ll want to take advantage of the quality fishing, hop on a boat to check out the abundant wildlife or maybe head out in a kayak or canoe for further exploration. If you have enough energy left, perhaps you’ll want to grab a bike and ride along the many miles of paths and trails to get a closer look at the island’s natural beauty.

FERNANDINA BEACH
Situated on Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach blends the past with the present day to create a unique community home to an array of shops, restaurants, museums and much more. Centre Street is certainly the place to be whether you’re soaking up the local history, grabbing a bite to eat, discovering a new boutique or attending a community festival (the annual Charles Dickens celebration in December shouldn’t be missed). The allure and charm will make this a place you’ll want to visit regularly. 

KEY WEST
If you’re making your way to the southernmost point of the continental U.S., chances are you’ll never find a dull moment, especially if booking a room at the Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa located steps from several area activities. The beaches are an obvious attraction and offer opportunities to not only put your toes in the sand, but also tour the island on a jet ski, take a glass bottom boat tour or go snorkeling. After your excursion, you can check out the former home of Ernest Hemingway or be awed by the beauty at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden. No matter what, no visit to Key West is complete without a jaunt to Duval Street where the good times roll day or night.

CAPE CORAL
Though this inviting city is built around the water, it is also home to more than 1,500 acres of parks, including Rotary Park which is a designated site along the Great Florida Birding Trail and attracts throngs of bird watchers regularly. The impressive 365-acre Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve is home to a boardwalk and provides great vantage points for observing manatees, dolphins and other wildlife. And with five marinas, Cape Coral is the perfect place to cast a rod, charter a yacht, enjoy some recreational paddle sports or visit one of the many restaurants serving up fresh seafood and other coastal fare.

DAYTONA BEACH
You don’t have to be a NASCAR fan to enjoy the thrills of catching a race at Daytona International Speedway, but those daring enough can even take the wheel and a run a few laps around the track during a timed session. You’ll want to include a trip to Jackie Robinson Ballpark, a historic site where Robison played his first professional game and now serves as home to the Daytona Tortugas. And you can find plenty of rest and relaxation along the 23 miles of beaches where you can work on your tan, take a surfing lesson or get a bird’s-eye view while parasailing.

BRADENTON
With a good mix of history, arts and culture, and nature, this Gulf Coast city has a little for everyone. The Village of the Arts is a vibrant community full of historic cottages now home to restaurants, shops and, of course, art galleries. Other popular spots include the Bradenton Riverwalk, Manatee Village Historical Park, De Soto National Memorial Park and Old Main Street where you’ll find the expansive Brandenton Public Market. Nearby Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key are also great places to spend a leisurely day during your visit.

SARASOTA
Sarasota is revered for its more than 40 miles of coastline where you’ll encounter some of Florida’s most pristine beaches, but this is much more than just a place to watch the tide roll in. St. Armands Circle is an outdoor hub replete with high-end shops, dining destinations, galleries and live entertainment. Over at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, you can learn more about the family behind the popular circus as well as view a wide-ranging collection of John Ringling’s personal artwork.

AUGUSTINE
Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is steeped in history and considered the oldest city in the United States. When you’re not enjoying the area’s 42 miles of beachfront experiences, you can learn more about its roots while hopping aboard the country’s oldest trolley or while being paraded around in a horse-drawn carriage. Notable cultural attractions include the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum and the Lightner Museum, the latter of which is located at the former Hotel Alcazar, which dates back to 1887. The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park offers the chance to get up close and personal with gators, crocs and other animals while learning more about the park’s conservation work. Grab a room at The St. Augustine Beach House, an award-winning boutique oceanfront hotel that is also dog friendly. 

WEST PALM BEACH
West Palm Beach has a little something for everyone, whether you love food, arts and culture, or just a sun-drenched day spent along the water. With four unique retail and entertainment districts, you are never too far away from a good time, but be sure to add the Norton Museum of Art and Palm Beach Zoo to your itinerary while you’re in town. The Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa offers two outdoor pools, the popular ONA Coastal Cuisine and suites with a private balcony, fully-stocked kitchens and separate living and dining spaces.

STAY AND PLAY
If a staycation is more your speed, The Waldorf Astoria Orlando offers it all from luxury amenities and a world-class spa to poolside cabanas, an 18-hole championship golf course and the award-winning Bull & Bear steakhouse. In Kissimmee, the Westgate Town Center Resort boasts multiple basketball and tennis courts, 14 pools, mini golf and an on-site water park among its many activities. New to the property is the Mystery House, a state-of-the-art arcade complete with a bowling alley and food hall.

TAKE FLIGHT
For anyone looking to venture beyond the Central Florida area this fall, Orlando Sanford Inter-national Airport offers flights throughout the country, from as nearby as Key West all the way out to Provo, Utah.