Just over a 3 hour drive away – a day or overnight trip to Miami is ideal for those looking to escape the crowds and experience a relaxed way of life. The Go Orlando Pass offers a 24 hour Big Bus Miami package included in it’s pass as well as admission to the Miami Seaquarium.
EXPLORE NATURE
Orlando is surrounded by nature trails, preserves and parks. Head to Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve for some good hikes and trails or head to Winter Park; just north of Orlando, for some picturesque boat rides.
One of the best things to do in Orlando besides theme parks is to visit Lake Louisa State Park in Clermont. There are 20 miles of hiking trails here, plenty of lakes and streams to discover as well as picturesque cabins.
Kelly Park and Rock Springs Run is another beautiful area to visit near Disney World whilst Wekiwa River Basin is the perfect outdoors destination for those looking for a kayak experience.
Take a canoe through Shingle Creek and make sure to relax and unwind in the Harry P.Leu Gardens in Winter Park.
24 Comments
I had to double take the Machine Gun America bullet point.
I heard that the bass fishing in the lakes around Epcot is amazing. In addition to trophy bass, you also get the surreal backdrop of Disney behind you.
Wow that are some cool tips that you are sharing there. I’ve never been in orlando but i lll save this post for later (and stumbled as well!) I would love to see the kennedy park.
Thank you so much!
I’m ashamed that I spent months living in Orlando while working at Disney and did almost none of these! Clearly I need to take your guide with me next time we go back 😛 My favorite by far on this list is the airboat swamp tours! SO much fun. Another good one that we did frequently was visiting Cocoa Beach!
Hey, this is really an useful information! I went to Orlando last time just purely for the theme park only (because that’s all I knew that time). Haha…I wish to go back again other time to revisit the theme park as well as going to those places you mentioned. The airboat swamp tour looks interesting. 🙂
Some really great suggestions here! I’m
Not a massive fan of theme parks so would never visit for that. Daytona Beach though, I wouldn’t love to see!
Thanks for sharing!
The closest I have been to Florida so far has been Georgia. Reading through such a comprehensive list on your post has really alerted me to the massive number of things to do. As a nature lover, I would also love to do some of the hikes and trails you mentioned in #3. You are certainly lucky to have so much to see and do right on your doorstep!
There are things to do in Orlando besides theme parks?!?! Whaaaat? Jk 🙂 the outdoor stuff sounds great – I never turn down some kayaking!! This is really helpful, saving it in case I ever make it there!
I haven’t tried a hot air balloon ride ever. That would be something fun to try! I love that there are so many things to do in Orlando and a wide variety of them too!
I lived in Orlando for 6 months a few years ago and am pleased to say that I did a few of the things you listed – but unfortunately not all. I am a huge fan of theme parks though, so it was a hard task to pry me away from them on my precious days off!
Not going to lie, whenever I think of Orlando, the first (and only) thing that comes to mind is Disney. If I ever get roped into going to Orlando (not a big fan of Disney), I would love to rent a boat or go on a kayaking trip. The swamp tour sounds interesting as well, as that is such a big part of FL and I’ve never seen gators up close before!
Orlando is just amazing & its really has so many things to offer to its tourists. I loved all the activities. I hope I will get a chance to visit & I would love to have that adventurous hot air balloon ride. Thanks a lot for sharing such a informative guide.
I have never been and just associate it with theme parks so its great to know Orlando has so much more to offer! Will share the post 🙂
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Hi people can u help my family out with any recommendations
We are heading to Orlando for Xmas & new year
My boys r looking for a gun range of there is one
B very grateful for any advice
Hi Kristiana,
Thank you for your message – how old are your boys? The main shooting range that caters to younger people is the Machine Gun America. Check out their ‘cadet’ experience to see if it is what you are looking for – http://www.machinegunamerica.com/experiences-new/
Another option is the Orlando Gun Club – https://www.orlandogunclub.com
Hope that helps!
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