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7-Day Budget Itinerary for Orlando and Nearby Beaches

Viewed by 79 travelers

Day 1: Thursday December 21 - Exploring Orlando

Begin your trip in Orlando by visiting some of the city's free attractions. In the morning, start with a stroll through Lake Eola Park to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Afterward, head to the Orlando Science Center in Loch Haven Park for interactive exhibits. In the evening, explore the vibrant neighborhood of Thornton Park, known for its charming streets lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries.

  • Lake Eola Park: Free, 2 hours
  • Orlando Science Center: $20 per person, 3-4 hours
  • Thornton Park: Free, 2-3 hours

Day 2: Friday December 22 - Disney World

Spend the day at the iconic Walt Disney World Resort. Start early to make the most of your time. Explore Magic Kingdom, visit your favorite Disney characters, enjoy thrilling rides, and be enchanted by the magical atmosphere. In the evening, don't miss the spectacular fireworks show over Cinderella Castle.

  • Walt Disney World Resort (Magic Kingdom): $109 per person (one-day ticket), full day

Day 3: Saturday December 23 - Daytona Beach

Take a day trip to Daytona Beach, located about 1.5 hours northeast of Orlando. Enjoy a relaxing morning by the ocean, soaking up the sun and playing in the sand. In the afternoon, visit the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier for some classic beachfront entertainment. Before heading back to Orlando, catch a stunning sunset at Ponce Inlet, where you can also visit the picturesque Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse.

  • Daytona Beach: Free, full day
  • Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier: Free to visit, activities and rides have separate costs, 2-3 hours
  • Ponce Inlet: Free, 1 hour
  • Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse: $6.95 per person, 1-2 hours

Day 4: Sunday December 24 - Exploring Orlando's Nature

Discover the natural beauty of Orlando on this day. Start with a visit to Harry P. Leu Gardens, a serene oasis with stunning gardens and historic houses. Spend the afternoon exploring the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve, which offers hiking trails and the chance to spot local wildlife. In the evening, visit Lake Ivanhoe to enjoy a relaxing sunset paddleboarding or kayaking.

  • Harry P. Leu Gardens: $10 per person, 2-3 hours
  • Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Lake Ivanhoe: Rental costs vary, 2-3 hours

Day 5: Monday December 25 - Sarasota and Siesta Key

Take a day trip to Sarasota, located approximately 2 hours southwest of Orlando. Spend the morning exploring the Ringling Museum of Art, which houses an impressive collection of European paintings and circus memorabilia. In the afternoon, head to Siesta Key Beach, known for its powdery white sands. Take a dip in the turquoise waters and enjoy the beach's amenities. Before returning to Orlando, visit St. Armands Circle for boutique shopping and dining.

  • Ringling Museum of Art: $25 per person, 2-3 hours
  • Siesta Key Beach: Free, full day
  • St. Armands Circle: Free to visit, shopping and dining costs vary, 2-3 hours

Day 6: Tuesday December 26 - Kennedy Space Center

Embark on an out-of-this-world adventure at the Kennedy Space Center, located about 1 hour east of Orlando. Spend the day exploring the visitor complex, where you can learn about the history of space exploration, see real spacecraft, and even meet an astronaut. Don't miss the Shuttle Launch Experience and the awe-inspiring Rocket Garden. Return to Orlando in the evening.

  • Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: $57 per person, full day

Day 7: Wednesday December 27 - Winter Park and Hidden Gems

Spend your last day in Orlando exploring the charming town of Winter Park. In the morning, stroll along Park Avenue, lined with boutique shops and cafes. Visit the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, which houses the largest collection of Tiffany glass. In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat tour on the Winter Park Chain of Lakes. For your evening, discover some hidden gems and local favorites such as quirky neighborhoods, art galleries, or live music venues.

  • Winter Park: Free to visit, costs vary for attractions and activities, full day
  • Boat Tour on Winter Park Chain of Lakes: $14 per person, 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For off the beaten path attractions, consider visiting the Orlando Wetlands Park, a vast area of preserved wetlands where you can observe diverse bird species and wildlife. Another local favorite is Wekiwa Springs State Park, offering opportunities for hiking, swimming in natural springs, and canoeing. Don't forget to check out local farmer's markets, particularly the Winter Park Farmer's Market, for unique products and a taste of the local culture.

If you are looking for affordable accommodations and flight options, you can check prices on Kayak.com.

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