Living in such close proximity to some of the most popular theme parks in the world can have its perks (sometimes). But it doesn’t hurt to be reminded of all the things that make Orlando great otherwise. Locals and tourists alike have the opportunity to get up close and personal with Florida wildlife, zen out in a historic garden, explore the local arts scene, eat plenty and more.

Here are the 18 quintessential greatest things to do in Orlando — far, far away from Mr. Mouse.

Will’s Pub

1042 N Mills Ave., Orlando
You can’t list Orlando dives without Will’s. This punky dive has been bringing heavy hitters and heavy pours to Mills for more than two decades, and it remains an ideal hometown destination. Grab a brew, take your turn in the photo booth and catch some homegrown live music – from big-name touring acts to up-and-coming young artists. Credit: Photo via Will's Pub/Facebook
The Florida Prize group exhibition opens at OMA Credit: Photo via Orlando Museum of Art

Gatorland

14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando
Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve located right here in Orlando, along South Orange Blossom Trail. The spot was founded 73 years ago by Owen Godwin on former cattle land, and has ever since been a wildlife adventure and adventure park. Guests can watch the gator feeding shows, hold baby gators or hang out in the petting zoo. Credit: Photo via Gatorland/Facebook

Inhale some fresh air at Wekiwa Springs State Park

Wekiwa Springs, FL 32779
This stunning spring is less than 20 minutes from downtown Orlando, inviting locals to escape the city and enjoy all that nature has to offer. The emerald water is perfect to dive into and cool off with friends and family. There’s ample space to have a picnic, making it a top contender for Orlando’s best summer hangout. Wekiwa Springs also has its very own food truck for those who didn’t pack enough snacks. Credit: Photo via floridastateparks.org

Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards

37 minutes from Orlando
Lakeridge Winery brings a tiny taste of Napa Valley to Central Florida. The more-than-80-acre plot of grape-planted vineyards is the perfect place to get lost in Central Florida. Traveling wine lovers and connoisseurs can sample local wines and spend the day in the sunny countryside. Credit: Photo via Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards/Facebook

Prance through Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales
Open 365 days a year, this historic landmark is known for its Art Deco singing tower and nearly 50 acres of scenic gardens to explore. Bok Tower Gardens single-day admission is $17 and will get you access to garden areas and the 3.5-mile Pine Ridge Preserve hiking trail. Credit: Photo via Bok Tower Gardens/Facebook

Feed your creativity at Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

445 N. Park Ave., Winter Park
This attraction remains a less touristy sight well worth seeing. The Morse Museum houses the most comprehensive collection of the works of stained glass pioneer Louis Comfort Tiffany in the world, including the masterpiece that is the Tiffany Chapel. Credit: Photo via Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art/Facebook

Soak up some sun with a hotel pool day pass

Multiple locations
There’s plenty of local resorts and hotels offering pool day passes for locals to get some splashing in. At the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, for one, there’s a wave pool, a family pool with a 125-foot waterslide, an adults-only pool and an 850-foot lazy river. After a dip in the pool and a game of mini golf, guests can grab some food from one of 10 unique restaurants nearby. Credit: Photo via Omni Orlando Resort/Facebook
Kappy’s Subs 501 N. Orlando Ave., Maitland Family-owned since 1967, Kappy’s Subs offers a little glimpse into Orlando’s restaurant history, serving classic American fare (like subs, burgers and dogs) across a good old-fashioned all American diner counter. If you’re a big group, you might want to plan to pick up your sandwiches to go. Credit: Photo via KappysSubsfl.com
Visit the Central Florida Zoo 3755 W. Seminole Blvd., Sanford The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a relatively cheap spot perfect for all ages. The zoo offers scads of animal viewings and tons of educational opportunities, with general admission tickets ranging from $15 to $25, depending on the time of year and age of the ticket holder (but the extra-little ones age 2 and below get in free). Credit: Photo via Central Florida Zoo/Facebook

Best Restroom


Winner: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Finalists: Tori Tori, The Glass Knife Credit: Photo via Dr. Phillips Center/Facebook
Eat your way through East End Market 3201 Corrine Drive, Orlando The Central Florida food hub and neighborhood market is jam-packed with food ranging from savory meats to tasty vegan biscuits, powerhouse smoothies and craft-roasted Lineage coffee. There’s a patio outside for extra seating, but for too hot or too rainy days, we’re planting ourselves right inside to enjoy seemingly endless food and shopping options. Credit: Photo via East End Market/Facebook

Run wild at Wildflower Farms

2218 Carrington Drive, Orlando
Wildflower Farms is a small farmstead located right here in Orlando. Reserve a spot for one of their special kid-friendly events, like Family Time on the Farm ($16 per person) and Fables on the Farm ($13 per person). There’s also goat yoga and plenty of opportunities to run wild with cute critters. Credit: Photo via Wildflower Farms/Facebook

See a show (and grab a drink) at Enzian Theater

1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland
Enzian Theater has a sizable and attractive patio surrounding its Eden Bar, perfect for enjoying a drink or small bite before catching a movie. From cult classics to the latest buzzing blockbuster, the theater offers daily showings sure to please. Check their schedule for matinees, kids’ showings and special events. Credit: Photo via Enzian Theater/Twitter
Have a laugh at SAK Comedy Lab 29 S. Orange Ave., Orlando Downtown Orlando’s own SAK Comedy Lab is the perfect spot to laugh away your troubles, with an always evolving calendar of shows and performances. The spot opened in 1991, but the minds behind it were brewing up the concept for decades prior. It’s also cultivated some big players in the comedy world, most notably actor Wayne Brady, who went on to find fame as a performer on Whose Line Is It Anyway? Credit: Photo via SAK Comedy Lab/Facebook

Take a Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour


It may not sound like the most thrilling activity to do around town, but these tours draw crowds for a reason. Tourists and locals alike stand to learn something from these slow-traveling vessels and their brave, actually entertaining, guides. You’ll get to see all the flora and fauna in the area, plus you’ll get a front-row seat to see the biggest, fanciest homes Winter Park has to offer. Credit: Photo via Winter Park Boat Tours/Facebook
Twin Oaks Conservation Area 2001 Macy Island Road, Kissimmee This grassy trail is perfect for the less experienced hikers, although it is geared toward all abilities. Along the 1.9-mile path, hikers are almost guaranteed to spot plenty of birds throughout the tall grasses and oak trees that line the board walk trail. Credit: Photo via osceola.org
Credit: Photo via Media Geekz

Additional Slideshows

25 easy weekend road trips from Orlando everyone should do at least once