Beyond Theme Parks
Some of the best theme parks in America can be found in Orlando. But there’s so much more to Central Florida than Disney World and Universal Studios! There are beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife to discover, white sand beaches to explore, amazing cultural and historical sites, and a bustling nightlife that will have you dancing the night away. On your next vacation, avoid the crowded theme parks and see what Central Florida has to offer you!
Get In Touch with Nature
There’s no shortage of beautiful parks and exciting wildlife adventures in Central Florida. You just have to know where to look!
Blue Spring State Park
Blue Spring State Park, located along the St. Johns River, is a haven for manatees who come to the spring run from November through March to stay warm in the refreshing 72-degree waters. In addition to manatees, many other wildlife species are found in the spring run, including a variety of wading birds, ospreys, eagles, and kingfishers. After the manatees leave the spring run, visitors are welcome to enjoy snorkeling, tubing, and kayaking in the pristine warm waters.
floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/blue-spring-state-park
Lake Eola Park
Lake Eola Park is in the heart of downtown Orlando, and it’s a great place to spend the day with the family. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the park and a fun afternoon picnic. Or, get out on the waters of Lake Eola in one of the park’s fun swan paddle boats. The park also hosts several events throughout the year, and there are live musical performances at the Walt Disney Amphitheater. This beautiful greenspace even includes a Japanese rock garden complete with a full-size pagoda.
orlando.gov/Parks-the-Environment/Directory/Lake-Eola-Park
Ziplining Adventures
Thrill seekers can soar through the canopies of Ocala Canyon at Florida Zip Line Adventures. Billed as Florida’s only canopy tour, visitors can experience an 1,100-foot zip line across Lost Spring Lake. For those who prefer to keep both feet on the ground, there are horseback tours, kayaking through the canyon, and gem mining at the historic Zuber Mine where guests can search for real gems, crystals, fossils, and more! You won’t find an experience like this anywhere else in Florida.
zipthecanyons.com
Airboat and Wildlife Excursions
For an up-close view of nature, take an airboat ride along the St. Johns River. This one-hour tour explores the beauty and nature of the St. Johns River, where you can expect to see alligators, turtles, frogs, a variety of bird species, fish, and plants. Relax as the boat winds through the shallow waters and swamplands as you see nature like you never have before.
Another amazing place in Central Florida to see wildlife is Rainbow Springs State Park in Marion County. This park is full of fun and exciting nature experiences, including birdwatching, swimming in the warm waters, fishing, hiking, snorkeling, tubing, and kayaking along the crystal-clear waters for unparalleled views of the wildlife above and below you. Amenities at the park include campgrounds, a restaurant, gardens, a picnic pavilion, and a shower station.
centralfloridaairboattours.com
visitrainbowsprings.com
Off-the-Beaten-Path Beach Adventures
Unspoiled, white sand beaches are waiting to be discovered on your next visit to Central Florida. Enjoy the pristine beauty and get a glimpse of wildlife as you stroll along some of the most gorgeous beaches in the United States.
New Smyrna Beach
Enjoy the small-town charm of the New Smyrna Beach area, which is well-known for its nationally-recognized arts scene, historical ruins, and delightful cuisine. A unique feature is the ability for vehicles to drive on New Smyrna Beach from sunrise to sunset from November 1st to April 30th. From May 1st to October 31st, vehicles can drive from 8 AM to 7 PM, whichever comes first, and as long as the tides permit driving. This unparalleled access lets you get your toes in the sand much faster than parking away from the beach and walking. There are 17 miles of white sand, and the beach is well-known to surfers due to the plentiful wave breaks for both expert and amateur surfers.
visitnsbfl.com
Canaveral National Seashore
Canaveral National Seashore boasts the longest stretch of undeveloped Atlantic coastline in Florida. This barrier island consists of dunes, hammocks, and lagoons, as well as ancient Timucua shell mounds. Thousands of plant and animal species call the seashore home. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of this beach with hiking trails, campsites, seaside horseback riding, a restored turn-of-the-century home, and a museum and information center. Animals like sea turtles, manatees, dolphins, and birds use the estuary as their source for food, shelter, breeding, and nesting, so there’s something new to see with every visit.
nps.gov/cana/index.htm
Cocoa Beach’s Thousand Islands
The Thousand Islands Conservation Area of Cocoa Beach is a 338-acre site that consists of a series of islands in the Indian River Lagoon. Storks, alligators, manatees, and rare tropical plants can all be found on this quiet stretch of beaches. Except for a short nature trail along Fourth Street South, all access to the islands is by boat, with the primary access point in Cocoa Beach. The many channels through the islands provide excellent opportunities for paddling and kayaking. Unique experiences in Thousand Islands include paddling through bioluminescent waters, and seeing rockets launch from your kayak.
brevardfl.gov/EELProgram/Sanctuaries/ThousandIslandsConservationArea
Cultural & Historical Gems
Art lovers and history buffs can find plenty to do in Central Florida, whether it’s gazing at the work of talented artists, or learning how early pioneers made their way of life in the Sunshine State.
Polk Museum of Art
The Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland has the distinction of being one of the top 10 art museums in Florida due to its educational programs, diverse exhibits, and dynamic events. As an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the museum features an extensive permanent collection of contemporary and modern art, along with a wide selection of Pre-Columbian, Asian, European, and American Decorative Arts. Twenty exhibitions rotate through the museum’s nine galleries during the year, including a rare collection of 19th-century Japanese woodblock prints, and ceramic plates made by Pablo Picasso. A lovely outdoor garden lets visitors get some fresh air and sunshine as they view a showcase of permanent sculptures. Be sure to get your original work of art from the museum’s fun Art-o-Mat Machines.
polkmuseumofart.org
Lake Wales Art Center
The Lake Wales Art Center is housed in a beautiful Spanish Mission-Style building that once served as a Catholic church. Throughout the year, visitors to the art center can view popular art gallery exhibits, including an international photo competition, black history month exhibit, and Hispanic heritage month exhibit. The center’s grassy courtyard and outdoor seating area also hosts live concerts and solo performances ranging in genre from gospel to Jazz. There are also several exciting classes available where attendees can learn several artistic endeavors, such as playing the ukulele, voice lessons, oil painting, singing for theater, and even date night pottery classes.
lakewalesartscouncil.org
Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek
The Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek in Osceola County is a unique attraction that includes authentic structures from pioneer life. Here, visitors can see a general store, post office, schoolhouse, church, train depot, and various homesteads, all as they stood in Osceola County during the pioneer days. Take a guided tour to learn more about what pioneer life was like from day to day, and explore the 160-acre property which is comprised of pine flatwoods, wet and dry prairies, oak hammocks, and hardwood wetlands. The area is also home to several important animal species like the American bald eagle, sandhill crane, swallow-tailed kit, and Eastern bluebirds.
osceolahistory.org/pioneer-village
Nightlife Beyond the Park Gates
Central Florida has a vibrant nightlife scene with bustling rooftop lounges, eclectic eateries, and sophisticated wine bars. Whether you’re looking for a fun night of dancing, a quiet lakeside stroll, or a quiet night at a cozy bistro, you’ll find it beyond the park gates.
Downtown Orlando
Downtown Orlando is known for its nightlife scene and features several rooftop lounges with gorgeous view of the city. Popular rooftop hot spots include the modern and stylish Illume, the luxurious Sky Lounge Orlando, the upscale Elevate, and the fun and tropical High Tide. Music lovers can catch a live show at one of many of Orlando’s music venues, like The Plaza Live in the trendy Milk District, the intimate and eclectic atmosphere of The Social, or performances from local artists at The Timucua Arts White House. If you want to be in the heart of the action, check out Orlando’s newest nightlife epicenter, Church Street Station. This district features exciting clubs, plush bars, a thriving after-hours scene, and a world of diverse cuisines.
downtownorlando.com/Home
Mount Dora
Mount Dora offers a more laid-back small-town approach to nightlife. This is the perfect destination for a quiet night out away from the crowds of larger cities. Here, you will find lakes, quiet country inns, quaint shops, and a buffet of tasty dining options. Take an evening stroll along the Palm Island Boardwalk, visit the iconic lighthouse at the Port of Mount Dora in Grantham Point Park, or enjoy a meal at one of the town’s eclectic eateries.
whattodoinmtdora.com
Winter Park’s Hannibal Square
Winter Park is a walkable community just outside of Orlando with a sophisticated ambiance. One of the most popular destinations in Winter Park is the historic Hannibal Square, which features trendy boutiques, upscale wine bars, and cozy bistros. CFS Coffee, The Wine Room on Park Avenue, Peterbrooke Chocolatier, and the Prato Italian restaurant are some of the most popular places to visit in this area. There are also a number of beautiful historic hotels in Winter Park that are perfect for a romantic getaway for two.
cityofwinterpark.org
