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(AP Photo/Reinhold Matay)
Disney World
4600 N. World Dr., Lake Buena Vista, FL
disneyworld.disney.go.com
At a little less than 200 miles away, Disney World is the best trip for the family on a tank of gas. While others travel thousands of miles to get there, the entire family can pile into the family truckster and head to see Mickey and the gang. Plus, if you’re already there in Orlando, you can also check out Epcot Center, Universal Studios, MGM Studios, and Sea World.
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Marco Island
Nestled on the southwest coast of Florida, Marco Island offers a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. You can check out Marco Walk Shopping Center or head for the white sandy beaches for a relaxing day in the sun. Head up and down N. Collier Blvd to drive along the beach, or head over to the Shops of Marco for a little more shopping. From South Florida, head west on U.S. 41 and then follow the signs.
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Everglades National Park
If the beach isn’t your cup of tea, or you’re just beached out, you can head for the swamps of the Everglades for a nature experience you won’t forget. From the wide array of wildlife you’ll see, including gators, pythons, and dozens of species of birds, to the spectacular scenery of the most crucial area for sea life, the Everglades will light up all your senses.
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Key Largo
Getting to Key West can be quite a journey and unless you’re getting good gas mileage, it’s a tough sled on one tank of gas. So instead, head to Key Largo where you’ll get the Keys experience without having to go all the way down U.S. 1. If you want to enjoy the Gulf side, head to Sunset Cove and do a little fishing. Or, you can head to the Atlantic side to soak up a little sun. To get there, just head south on U.S. 1 or the Florida Turnpike and enjoy the one-of-a-kind drive.
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Lake Okeechobee
The Big O may not be the first place you think of to spend a day, but the lake can be a great place to do some nature watching, or for you sportsman, a fun location to try your hand at a little fishing. One of Florida’s State Parks, you can also head around the lake on a trail that is along the Herbert Hoover Dike, which surrounds the lake for flood protection. But don’t expect to walk the trail, it’s only 110 miles long. To get there, just head up I-95 to Highway 441 west in Palm Beach County, or go north on U.S. 27.
