Plot an easy weekend loop from Orlando—coast, history, and freshwater springs in one trip. Start by picking up your car hire at MCO, then aim east to the Atlantic, north to the nation’s oldest city, and back through cool‑blue spring country. This “triangle” keeps daily drives short and maximizes time on beaches, brick streets, and boardwalks.
Stop 1: Daytona Beach (A1A views)
Walk the pier and cruise scenic causeways. Beach parking rules vary by zone, so check posted signs and choose lots with lifeguard access if you’re swimming. If you’re arriving later in the day, consider off‑airport pickup: see Daytona Beach options for in‑town desks.
Stop 2: St. Augustine (history & food)
Park once and explore the compact core on foot. Evenings are perfect for the waterfront and cobblestone lanes. If you prefer switching vehicles (e.g., a smaller car for tight streets), browse St. Augustine car hire choices and confirm hours the day before.
Stop 3: Ocala Springs (Silver Springs & beyond)
Kayaks, glass‑bottom boats, and manatee sightings in winter make it a highlight. Bring quick‑dry towels, water shoes, and a small soft cooler. Avoid rural night driving when wildlife is active; plan daylight transits. Explore Ocala hire locations and consider a slightly higher‑clearance crossover for sandy lots.
Timing & routing basics
- MCO → Daytona: ~1 hr via SR‑417 + I‑4 or SR‑528 + I‑95.
- Daytona → St. Augustine: ~1 hr via A1A/I‑95 (choose scenic or fast).
- St. Augustine → Ocala: ~2 hrs via US‑301/FL‑326.
- Ocala → Orlando: ~1.5 hrs via Florida’s Turnpike/I‑75 connectors.
Parking & tolls
Florida uses SunPass corridors. With Hola Car Rentals you’ll see pricing clearly and enjoy cashback on tolls. Keep small bills for beach lots and historic‑district garages.
Make pickup & return painless
Returning downtown after your loop? Compare airport vs city drop‑offs at Orlando city locations. If you are flying out of Tampa, price a one‑way into Tampa (TPA); for morning flights, a last‑night stay near the terminal can simplify things. Need to push your dates? Flexible bookings with Hola Car Rentals make adjustments straightforward.
Benefits with Hola Car Rentals
- Free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up.
- All‑Inclusive+ Rate with maximum coverage on selected itineraries.
- Transparent pricing, bilingual support, and clean late‑model cars.
Pick your dates, map the loop, and enjoy Florida’s greatest hits—book now with Hola Car Rentals and keep the adventure easy.
Sample 2–3 day loop
- Day 1: Land at MCO, drive to Daytona, catch sunset on the pier, sleep near the beach.
- Day 2: Morning beach time → St. Augustine for lunch, fort views, and evening lights.
- Day 3: Springs morning in Ocala → relaxed return to Orlando with an early dinner.
What to pack
- Light layers, hats, reef‑safe sunscreen, and compact towels.
- Water shoes and a soft cooler for spring areas.
- Small bills/coins for beach and historic‑district parking.
Good‑to‑know
Expect variable cell coverage around certain spring areas; download maps offline before you go. Aim for daylight arrival at new destinations, especially if traveling with kids.
Lodging & parking
Choose hotels with on‑site parking to simplify late arrivals, especially in historic St. Augustine. In Daytona, oceanfront lots fill by afternoon—arrive early or target weekdays. Confirm overnight fees and ask about in‑out privileges.
Springs etiquette
- No glass near waterways; pack reusable bottles.
- Wildlife viewing is from a distance—never feed animals.
- Leave no trace: keep a small bag handy for your own trash.
Budget tips
For 3–4 days, a weekly rate sometimes matches the total cost with more flexibility on time. If you decide to finish in Tampa, price a one‑way drop at TPA in advance. Not sure yet? Hold a cancellable option at both MCO and city locations. For broader ideas, scan Florida car hire pages.
