Orlando is more than just Harry Potter and Mickey Mouse – the region is home to a host of other attractions that have an appeal all their own. From zip-lining to gator wrassling, these are just a few of our favorite local diversions.
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
3755 NW Highway 17-92, Sanford, 407-323-4450
The zoo is home to more than 400 animals – and that’s not counting the Insect Zoo. And thanks to the zoo’s participation in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, you can sometimes see baby versions of endangered species like the Madagascar red-ruffed lemur or the Thai clouded leopard.
Photo via Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens/InstagramCircle B Bar Reserve
4399 Winter Lake Road, Lakeland, 863-534-7377
This former cattle ranch has turned into a great place to view wildlife, especially Florida’s many bird populations at the 1,267-acre park. Here, you can find yourself wandering through several different ecosystems on a variety of hiking trails and bike paths that will give you an up-close look at Florida’s natural habitats.
Photo via tonideecloln/InstagramFlorida Citrus Tower
141 US-27, Clermont, 352-394-4061
Take the day to conquer your fear of heights and head up to the tippy-top of the Florida Citrus Tower, which is a resounding 226 feet off the ground. This tower offers a 360-degree view of eight different counties in Central Florida, making the terrifying ride up worth it.
Photo via funky_fredd/InstagramBlue Springs State Park
2100 W. French Ave., Orange City, 386-775-3663
Located on the St. Johns River, Blue Springs is one of the biggest springs in Central Florida, offering plenty of opportunities to see gators, manatees and other Florida wildlife. Diving, kayaking and swimming are also a staple of this spring, and, if you’ve got a license, diving is welcome here too.
Photo via emmroz/InstagramAirboat Rides at Midway
28501 E. Colonial Drive, Christmas, 407-568-6790
You are almost guaranteed to see gators – lots of them – on this popular hour-long airboat tour.
Photo via bertdakat/InstagramDinosaur World
5145 Harvey Tew Road, Plant City, 813-717-9865
More than 150 life-size outdoor models of dinosaurs rule over a fossil dig, museum and lots of paleontological-themed activities.
Photo via chealsea_today/InstagramForever Florida
4755 N. Kenansville Road, St. Cloud, 407-957-9794
Eco-safaris on a 4,700-acre Florida nature preserve by horseback, open-air coach or zipline offer views of a traditional Cracker-style ranch, gators, black bears and other wildlife. Overnight horseback tours available.
Photo via Forever Florida/FacebookMonument of States
300 E. Monument Ave., Kissimmee
Local rocks and odd related objects from all 50 states and a number of foreign countries are mounted, labeled and assembled in a tower topped by a concrete globe and American flag. A classic relic of World War II-era boosterism. Free, weird and always open.
Photo via myanqle/InstagramOrlando Science Center
777 E. Princeton St., 407-514-2000
The newly remodeled KidsTown is catnip to children (of all ages, frankly) with a huge climbing area and a pickable “orange grove,” among other activities. The science center also has Florida’s largest refractor telescope and all sorts of hands-on learning experiences that’ll appeal to kids and adults alike.
Photo via ericaaoatess/InstagramFort Christmas Historical Park and Museum
1300 Fort Christmas Road, Christmas, 407-254-9310
A regional history museum housed in a replica of a Seminole War-era log fort. You’ll also find examples of pioneer homes, a Florida Cracker-style cabin, a schoolhouse and a sugar cane mill.
Photo via mawenrich/InstagramGatorland
14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail, 407-855-5496
Gatorland is a roadside attraction turned eco-preserve. The flesh-eating monsters roam (almost) free, along with many more scary things. Watch them swim, eat, sleep, wrestle and jump. Learn about them. Embrace them. Well, not literally. You know what we mean.
Photo via Gatorland/InstagramWallaby Ranch
1805 Deen Still Road, Davenport, 863-424-0070
Even in flat Central Florida, you can hang-glide – no mountain required. Wallaby Ranch’s aerotow system will launch your glider into the air, or for newbies, your tandem flight with an instructor. Prices vary widely based on experience level and equipment rental.
Photo via Wallaby Ranch/FacebookHarry P. Leu Gardens
1920 N. Forest Ave., 407-246-2620
Three miles of paved paths wind through gorgeous botanical displays, including the largest formal rose garden in Florida, a bamboo forest and a butterfly garden. You can also visit the historic on-site house museum.
Photo via whitehysteria/InstagramJungle Adventures Nature Park
26205 E. Colonial Drive, Christmas, 407-568-2885
Kind of like Gatorland, but smaller and more intimate, this roadside attraction takes in injured and abandoned wildlife for rehab. Enter through the mouth of the “largest gator in Florida,” a 200-footer that used to double as the home of the park’s original owner. Inside, you’ll see rarities such as a Florida panther and gray wolves.
Photo via Jungle AdventuresWekiva Springs
1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka, 407-884-2009
One of Central Florida’s most popular springs, Wekiva is a great getaway for families, college kids and adventurers. Whether you want to take the afternoon to float in a canoe, grab a drink at Wekiva Island or walk the hiking trail, there is something to accommodate everyone.
Photo via iamwallace/InstagramKennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
State Road 405 east of Titusville, 855-433-4210
You really can’t get a feel for how massive a Saturn V rocket is until you take a stroll under one suspended just a few feet above your head, and this is the only place in the world to do that. Take guided tours of launch areas, see historic rockets, ride the Shuttle Launch Experience and see the Astronaut Hall of Fame.
Photo via tina_nicholls/InstagramWinter Park Scenic Boat Tour
312 E. Morse Blvd., Winter Park, 407-644-4056
This boat tour will take you past the fancy restaurants and cobblestone roads and show you a side of Winter Park you may not be familiar with yet, a side filled with winding interconnected rivers and lush canals off the beaten path.
Photo via lindley_obrien/InstagramMead Botanical Garden
1300 S. Denning Drive, Winter Park, 407-599-2800
This green oasis features bike paths, boardwalks and picnic areas full of native plants and wildlife. The park also features restored wetlands and riparian forests. This unique ecological oasis is a hidden gem in Winter Park. Open daily 8 a.m. to dusk.
Photo via allisoncd94/InstagramMennello Museum of American Art
900 E. Princeton St., Orlando, 407-246-4278
Take a walk through the museum to see the works of Earl Cunningham, Albert Paley and Mary Whyte, or wander outside and view some of the featured sculptures throughout the gardens at this Winter Park museum. Located on the shore of Lake Formosa, the Mennello is also a part of the Orlando Urban Trail, offering walking paths and lake views.
Photo via Mennello Museum/InstagramBok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales, 863-676-1408
A botanical and historical masterpiece designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., crowned with a neo-Gothic/Art Deco 205-foot bell tower.
Photo via Bok Tower Gardens/Facebook
