Where do you suggest to go after Orlando

Question

Hi My son and his friend are currently in Orlando and enjoying ten days in the parks etc. They finish up on Monday and then have till Friday with nothing booked. They cant hire a car as dont have credit cards and are 21. Where would be a good spot for 2 21 year olds to head for a few nights on public transport?

Answer

Since your son and his friend are 21, without a car or credit cards to rent one, their best options after Orlando are places accessible by public transport, buses, or trains. Florida is generally car-dependent, but there are still a few viable destinations that are reachable and offer nightlife, beaches, or a relaxed atmosphere for young adults.

Here are some suggestions:

Miami – Accessible by Amtrak or Greyhound from Orlando. Miami offers beaches, nightlife, art districts (Wynwood), and lots of restaurants. South Beach is lively and very social for young travelers. Once in Miami, Uber, Lyft, and public buses are widely available.
Fort Lauderdale – Also reachable by train or bus. Less hectic than Miami but still has beaches, bars, and restaurants. The Riverwalk area is good for walking around, and it’s a bit more budget-friendly for accommodations than Miami.
Daytona Beach – Reachable by bus or SunRail to nearby stations. Offers beach activities and a youthful vibe, especially during events or spring break periods. Smaller scale than Miami but more relaxed.
Tampa / St. Petersburg – About a 4-hour bus or train ride. The downtown and St. Pete areas have nightlife, museums, and beaches. Tampa’s Ybor City offers bars and entertainment for 21-year-olds.

Other tips:

Check schedules in advance for Amtrak and Greyhound, as travel times vary and some options require transfers.
Consider staying in hostels, budget hotels, or Airbnb for easy access to social areas.
Within cities, rely on rideshare apps and local buses. Public transport in Florida is limited compared to other states, so plan for some walking or short rides.
For beach days, Miami and Fort Lauderdale are the most accessible and lively for young travelers without a car.

In short, for 2 21-year-olds without a car, Miami or Fort Lauderdale are the top recommendations for a few nights after Orlando due to accessibility, nightlife, and public transport options. Daytona Beach or Tampa/St. Petersburg can work for a more relaxed or alternative experience.

Where do you suggest to go after Orlando

More Orlando Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions