15 Summer Day Trips from Ciggys4Less for the Best Florida Sunsets

Summer in Florida is made for late starts, long drives, water views, and sunsets that make the whole day feel worth it. Whether you’re heading out for fishing, boating, beaches, springs, small towns, or a quiet lakeside walk, there are plenty of day trips within reach of Ciggys4Less in Leesburg.

Before you head out, it helps to plan ahead. Stock up early, bring water, check parking, confirm local rules, and give yourself enough time to arrive before the evening rush. For adult smokers, it’s also smart to be respectful of public spaces, use designated smoking areas when available, and always dispose of cigarette waste properly.

Ciggys4Less is located at 1320 W. North Blvd., Leesburg, FL 34748, making it a convenient starting point for summer day trips across Lake County, Central Florida, the Gulf Coast, and the Atlantic Coast.

1. Mount Dora Sunset Park

Location: 230 W. 4th Ave., Mount Dora, FL 32757
Best for: Small-town strolling, dinner, lake views, easy sunset watching

Mount Dora is one of the easiest sunset day trips from Ciggys4Less. Sunset Park sits right in downtown Mount Dora near the Chamber of Commerce and includes benches, parking, restrooms, and a water fountain.

Plan to arrive by 4:30-5:00 PM so you have time to walk downtown, grab food, browse shops, and settle in before sunset. Parking is usually easier earlier in the afternoon, but downtown can get busy during festivals and weekends.

Best sunset view: Find a west-facing view toward Lake Dora, then walk the waterfront area as golden hour begins.

2. Lake Louisa State Park

Location: 7305 U.S. Hwy. 27, Clermont, FL 34714
Best for: Hiking, lakes, kayaking, cabins, fishing, quiet sunset views

Lake Louisa State Park is a strong pick for people who want a full outdoor day without driving to the coast. The park has lakes, trails, paddling, boating, swimming, fishing, picnic areas, restrooms, playgrounds, and parking.

Arrive by 2:00-3:00 PM if you want to hike or paddle before sunset. Summer afternoons can be hot, so bring water and plan the most active part of the day before or after the worst heat.

Parking situation: State park parking is available inside the park, but popular areas can fill on busy weekends.

Best sunset view: Look for open lake views near Dixie Lake or Lake Louisa. The reflection over the water is the reason this one belongs on the list.

3. Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive

Location: 2850 Lust Road, Apopka, FL 32703
Best for: Wildlife photography, slow scenic driving, birds, quiet views

Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is free to visit and runs through Lake Apopka’s North Shore area. The entrance is on Lust Road, and the drive is generally open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and federal holidays from 7 AM to 3 PM, with vehicles exiting by 5 PM.

Because the drive closes before sunset, this is best as a late-afternoon wildlife trip followed by sunset nearby. Arrive by 2:00 PM so you aren’t rushed.

Parking situation: Parking is limited near access points, so treat this as a drive-through nature experience rather than a traditional park stop.

Best sunset view: After exiting, look for nearby Lake Apopka access areas or continue toward Mount Dora, Tavares, or Clermont for dinner and sunset.

4. Wekiwa Springs State Park

Location: 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka, FL 32712
Best for: Springs, swimming, kayaking, shaded trails, summer cooling off

Wekiwa Springs is one of Central Florida’s classic summer day trips. The park offers emerald spring water, wildlife viewing, trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, plus canoe and kayak rentals on-site.

Arrive early, ideally before 9:00 AM, especially on summer weekends. Spring parks can reach capacity quickly. Spend the day swimming or paddling, then leave time for a relaxed evening drive home.

Parking situation: Park lots can fill early during summer. Go early or choose a weekday.

Best sunset view: This is more of a daytime springs trip than a sunset destination, but the drive back through Apopka and Lake County can be beautiful near golden hour.

5. Clearwater Beach and Pier 60

Location: 1 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
Best for: Gulf sunsets, beach walking, fishing pier, restaurants

Clearwater Beach is one of the strongest sunset destinations on this list because the Gulf Coast faces west. Pier 60 has a 1,080-foot fishing pier, park space, covered pavilions, snacks, bait, tackle, rentals, and night fishing.

For parking, the Pier 60 lot is located at 160 S. Gulfview Blvd. with 141 spaces, and Clearwater lists parking at $3.50 per hour during operating hours.

Arrive by 2:00-3:00 PM if you want beach time and dinner before sunset. On weekends, earlier is better.

Best sunset view: Stand on Pier 60 or along the sand just south of the pier. This is one of the easiest places in Florida to get a wide-open sunset over the water.

6. Pass-a-Grille Beach

Location: Gulf Way / Pass-a-Grille Way, St. Pete Beach, FL
Best for: Quieter Gulf beach sunsets, beach walking, low-key evenings

Pass-a-Grille is one of the best beach sunset options if you want something more relaxed than Clearwater. The City of St. Pete Beach lists public beach parking at Pass-a-Grille Beach, including 541 spaces on Gulf Way and 186 spaces on Pass-a-Grille Way.

Arrive by 3:00 PM on weekends or 4:00 PM on weekdays. Parking is better than some beaches, but it can still fill during peak season.

Activities: Beach walking, fishing, dinner nearby, photography, and sunset watching.

Best sunset view: Anywhere along the Gulf-facing beach near 8th Avenue or toward the southern end of the island.

7. Cedar Key

Location: Dock Street, Cedar Key, FL 32625
Best for: Old Florida atmosphere, seafood, fishing, kayaking, Gulf sunsets

Cedar Key is farther, but it is one of the most memorable sunset trips from Central Florida. Dock Street is the center of the waterfront action, with restaurants, lodging, shops, and Gulf views. Local lodging descriptions highlight Dock Street’s Gulf-front setting and sunset views.

Leave Ciggys4Less by late morning if you want a relaxed day. Cedar Key is not a quick pop-in destination. Plan for lunch, exploring, dinner, and sunset.

Parking situation: Expect small-town street and lot parking. During busy weekends and events, park once and walk.

Best sunset view: Dock Street, the marina area, or any west-facing waterfront spot. Cedar Key sunsets are especially good because the horizon feels wide and open.

8. Crystal River Archaeological State Park

Location: 3400 N. Museum Point, Crystal River, FL 34428
Best for: History, walking paths, river views, slower-paced sunset trip

Crystal River Archaeological State Park is a 61-acre National Historic Landmark with burial mounds, temple/platform mounds, a plaza area, and midden features.

This is a great choice if you want a quieter, more reflective day trip. Pair it with seafood in Crystal River, a marina walk, or a nearby waterfront stop before sunset.

Arrive by 2:00-3:00 PM so you can explore the park, then shift toward the water for golden hour.

Parking situation: State park parking is available, but confirm current park hours before heading out.

Best sunset view: The park area and nearby waterfront offer peaceful views, but the best color usually comes from open river or Gulf-facing spots nearby.

9. Playalinda Beach at Canaveral National Seashore

Location: Playalinda Beach Road, Brevard County, FL
Best for: Natural beach, space, ocean views, quieter Atlantic Coast trip

Playalinda Beach is on the southern end of Canaveral National Seashore near Kennedy Space Center and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. It is more natural and less commercial than many beach options.

Because the Atlantic faces east, this is better for sunrise than sunset directly over the ocean. Still, late afternoon light across the dunes and water can be beautiful.

Arrive by 10:00 AM-noon if you want a full beach day. For a shorter trip, arrive by 3:00 PM and stay through golden hour if park hours allow.

Parking situation: Beach access points have parking areas, restrooms at some lots, and boardwalk access; some sources list entrance fees, but always verify current National Park Service fees before visiting.

Best sunset view: Not over the ocean, but the evening light behind the dunes and across the lagoon side can be beautiful.

10. Lake Kissimmee State Park

Location: Lake Wales area, on the shores of Lakes Kissimmee, Tiger, and Rosalie
Best for: Fishing, wildlife, camping feel, Old Florida scenery

Lake Kissimmee State Park sits along lakes Kissimmee, Tiger, and Rosalie and is known for wildlife such as deer, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, turkeys, and bobcats.

This is a strong pick for people who like fishing, open landscapes, and a less crowded outdoor experience. It feels more rural and slower than the beach destinations.

Arrive by 1:00-2:00 PM for hiking, wildlife viewing, and lake time before sunset.

Parking situation: State park parking is available, but confirm current hours and fees before going.

Best sunset view: Look for open lake edges or prairie-style views where the sky has room to spread.

11. Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Location: Okeechobee County, FL
Best for: Wide-open skies, dark sky viewing, photography, nature lovers

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve is a 54,000-acre grassland preserve and has earned a Dark Sky designation.

This is not the closest trip, but it is one of the most dramatic sky destinations in Florida. If your idea of a great sunset includes huge open horizons and a slower, quieter experience, this one is worth considering.

Arrive by mid-afternoon and plan ahead carefully. Because it is more remote, bring everything you need before you go.

Parking situation: Use official park areas and confirm access before visiting.

Best sunset view: Open prairie views. Stay for the transition from sunset into early night if conditions and hours allow.

12. Cocoa Beach Pier Area

Location: Cocoa Beach, FL
Best for: Easy Atlantic beach day, restaurants, surf watching, casual boardwalk energy

Cocoa Beach is one of the closest beach options for Central Florida residents and is commonly included among popular beaches near Orlando.

Like Playalinda, Cocoa Beach faces east, so it is not a classic over-the-water sunset spot. However, late afternoon is still a great time to visit because the heat softens and crowds begin shifting.

Arrive by 10:00 AM-noon for a full beach day, or by 3:00 PM for a shorter evening visit.

Parking situation: Expect paid beach parking near popular access points, especially near the pier and downtown areas.

Best sunset view: For sunset color, look west from a higher restaurant deck, bridge approach, or river-facing spot after beach time.

13. New Smyrna Beach

Location: New Smyrna Beach, FL
Best for: Beach day, restaurants, Flagler Avenue, casual walking

New Smyrna Beach is another Atlantic Coast favorite near Orlando, often listed among top beach day trips from Central Florida.

It is a good choice if you want beach time, food, and a walkable town feel. Spend the day by the ocean, then shift toward the Indian River side for a better sunset angle.

Arrive by late morning on weekends to avoid the worst parking stress.

Parking situation: Beach and street parking vary by access point. Expect paid parking in high-demand areas.

Best sunset view: The beach is better for sunrise, but river-facing parks and restaurants on the mainland side can give you better evening color.

14. Downtown Winter Garden and Lake Apopka Area

Location: Winter Garden, FL
Best for: Small-town evening, food, walking, biking, nearby Lake Apopka views

Winter Garden is a strong late-day trip if you don’t want a long drive. Pair downtown food and shopping with a Lake Apopka-area sunset stop. Lake Apopka has multiple public access points and trails around the north shore and surrounding areas.

Arrive by 4:00 PM for an easy evening: walk downtown, eat, then head toward a lake access point for sunset.

Parking situation: Downtown Winter Garden has public parking options, but evenings and events can be busy.

Best sunset view: Lake Apopka access points or west-facing open areas near the lake.

15. Clermont Waterfront and Lake Minneola

Location: Clermont, FL
Best for: Lakefront walking, biking, casual dinner, sunset over the water

Clermont is one of the easiest day trips from Ciggys4Less, and it works especially well for people who want a relaxing evening rather than a full-day drive. The area is known for outdoor activity, cycling, lake views, and access to Lake Louisa State Park nearby.

Arrive by 4:30 PM for a walk, dinner, or time along the waterfront before sunset.

Parking situation: Downtown and waterfront parking are generally easier than beach parking, but weekends can get busy.

Best sunset view: Lake Minneola waterfront, especially from open shoreline areas with westward views.

How to Plan the Best Summer Sunset Day Trip

The best sunset trips usually follow a simple pattern:

Start earlier than you think. Summer traffic, parking, and afternoon storms can all slow you down.

For beaches, arrive earlier in the day if you want good parking. For parks and lakes, mid-afternoon usually works unless the location fills early.

Bring water, sunscreen, a small trash bag, and anything you’ll want before the drive home.

For adult smokers, check posted rules before lighting up. Many beaches, parks, and public spaces have restrictions or designated areas. Be courteous, avoid crowds, and never leave cigarette waste behind.

Stop by Ciggys4Less Before the Drive

A good day trip starts before you hit the road.

If you’re heading out for fishing, boating, springs, beaches, or a sunset drive, stop by Ciggys4Less first so you’re not paying convenience-store prices halfway through the trip. Whether you prefer traditional options or Roll Your Own, planning ahead helps keep the day relaxed.

Visit Ciggys4Less at 1320 W. North Blvd., Leesburg, FL 34748, Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM.