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When it comes to traveling to the United States, the Disney theme parks and Miami often appear at the top of the main lists of places to visit.
However, what many people don't know is that there are many places to visit in Orlando besides the typical destinations in this region.
Although Florida has become a must-see for anyone visiting the United States, it offers options that go far beyond the parks and traditional outlet shopping. It's essential to open your mind and explore everything the region has to offer in order to make unforgettable memories.
And if you think of Orlando, you think of contact with nature, right? All right, we admit that this may not be the first association you make with the city, but the natural beauty of the region often surprises many tourists who choose to visit this little-explored attraction.
1. Wild Florida Gator Park
If you're a true nature lover, Orlando offers some locations that can't be left out of your next vacation itinerary. The first of these is Wild Florida Gator Park, which offers visitors the chance to experience the breathtaking beauty of Florida's swamps.
With an airboat tour, a super close contact with the totally free native animals, and a mini zoo tour, it is possible to immerse yourself in the nature of the park and forget the stress of the big city for a few hours.
2. Lake Eola
Another option for this closer contact with nature is Lake Eola, which is located 10 minutes from Orlando's tourist center and offers easy access by car. This is the perfect destination to relax at the end of the day and enjoy Orlando's warm evenings with the family.
At dusk, the lake and its fountain are illuminated in a special way and tourists are treated to a show of colored waters that dance to the rhythm of the music. Our top tip is to set aside a Sunday to enjoy the open-air activities and round off your trip with a typical American picnic.
For more options of nature parks in Orlando, check out this post!
3. Winter Park
Fun in Orlando is always guaranteed, but if you're also looking for cultural and even informative tours, know that the city doesn't give up on this type of activity for its visitors either.
The charming little town of Winter Park, founded in 1858, was built with the aim of welcoming millionaire families from the north of the USA during their winter vacations. Over the years, however, it has become a cultural corner of Orlando that welcomes tourists from all over the world.
With wide streets and a wooded landscape, the city offers visitors the chance to visit museums that tell a little about the history of the region, such as that of the artist Louis Comfort Tiffany, founder of one of the world's most prestigious jewelry stores.
4. Kennedy Space Center
An address that shouldn't be left out of your itinerary is the Kennedy Space Center, which is part of the NASA complex and has become a must-see for fans of science and space adventures.
The visit includes learning a little more about the early years of space exploration, ranging from the projects of probes to the huge control rooms that had the responsibility of launching rockets and ships into space. With the right to simulate space shuttles, it is possible to feel like a real astronaut there.
To round off your cultural tour of Orlando, don't miss one of the city's most famous sights, the Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. Here you can embark on a journey through the Middle Ages through gastronomic and interactive experiences.
5. Amway Center
We can't deny that Orlando's main fame comes from the fun to be had in its numerous theme parks. But what many tourists don't usually pay attention to is that, outside the parks, the city is also full of options for outings and adventures for the whole family.
One of the city's unforgettable adventures is at the Amway Center, home to one of the NBA's top basketball teams, the Orlando Magic. The arena hosts a variety of attractions all year round, such as ice hockey and musical shows, so be sure to check the calendar of events taking place during your trip.
6. International Drive
Another attraction that usually wins over tourists is a stroll along International Drive, an avenue that concentrates endless entertainment options for its visitors, from restaurants and bars to the much-desired outlets.
There are three unmissable excursions there, the first of which is to enjoy the experiences of the Ice Bar, built completely out of ice and where the temperature reaches - 3 °C.
The second is to admire the Florida skyline from the Orlando Eye, one of the largest Ferris wheels in the world, and to finish off, don't forget to stop by the traditional wax museum.
7. Cirque Du Soleil
Theatrical performances are a great way to enjoy your stay in the city, and there's nothing better than enjoying a Cirque Du Soleil play! It's 90 minutes long with a great storyline during the show.
It takes place from Tuesday to Saturday, from 6pm to 9pm, and you can buy your ticket at Downtown Disney!
8. Hard Rock Café
And in the midst of all the tourist attractions to enjoy, the food section couldn't be missing, could it? This is one of the best-known spots, with a super musical look, with original memorabilia from various famous bands and artists from all over the world on display on its walls.
With well-known music and a very pleasant atmosphere, the place also has a delicious menu! Best of all, it's open every day from 10am to 12:30am!
9. Orlando Improv Comedy Club
And there's no shortage of places to laugh and unwind! The Comedy Club stands out in this regard - it promotes a night of laughter (and only for adults +21), from the lightest to the heaviest.
10. King's Bowl Orlando
And there's nothing better than enjoying a good night of bowling, at King's Bowl you can play bowling, billiards and enjoy two lively bars, making the place even more complete!
The venue has 22 bowling lanes with ten pins in total. Apart from bowling and billiards, you can also use the tennis table, foosball and a full bocce court! In terms of food, it's very tasty and well made, but the typical: pizza, hamburgers and fried portions!
Not to be missed: 10 Tips for those going to Orlando for the 1st time!
Orlando is a typical North American tourist city that offers countless sightseeing possibilitiesand delights the most diverse types of tourist, from those who love nature to those who prefer the magic of theme parks. Put them on your travel itinerary and you certainly won't regret it!
We hope you enjoyed this post and don't forget these valuable tips when you travel. And if you're looking for more routes full of stunning natural landscapes, lots of adventure, gastronomy and stories to tell? Keep following the Happy Tours USA blog! See you next time!
