Despite popular belief, there’s more to being an Orlandoan than hating I-4, chowing down on Pub subs and hitting up the theme parks. In fact, here are a few local, Central Florida staples that you really should experience before you call yourself a true resident of the City Beautiful.

Wekiva Island 1014 Miami Springs Drive, Longwood, 407-864-2003 We all like to visit the beach, but you’re not a real Central Floridian until you cannonball into one of the springs or rivers that offer refreshing relaxation during the hot days. Wekiva Island is a staple because of all the amenities it offers: A bar, boardwalk and a firepit to roast marshmallows on summer nights. Photo via neroexplrs/Instagram
Will’s Pub 1042 N Mills Ave., 407-748-8256 A cultural hub of Orlando, Will’s is where any traveling act worth it’s salt stops. Whether there’s a show that night or not, with tons of quirky events and a great beer menu, Will’s is a must-go for anyone looking for a cold brew and good company. Photo via willspub/Instagram
Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens 3755 NW Hwy 17-92, Sanford, 407-323-4450 The zoo is the only place to see more than 400 animals all in one place anywhere close to the city. Sure, we’ve all seen plenty of wildlife, like gators and deer, but there’s just something about coming face to face with a giraffe that is really freaking cool. Photo via claudiiia_xo/Instagram
Stardust Video and Coffee 1842 Winter Park Road, 407-623-3393 Stardust serves up a mean macchiato or cappuccino, but it also has a bar for a reason. One of the best ways to conquer the Orlando heat come summer is an ice-cold Mint Julep, sipped in a laid-back, coffeeshop atmosphere. Photo via skyseed/Instagram
Wall Street Plaza 26 Wall St., 407-849-0471 This “drinks-to-go” area of downtown is a mandatory stop for anyone who wants to experience a real boozy Orlando Saturday. There’s pretty much a bar for everyone in here, no matter what kind of brew or cocktail creation you might be craving. Photo via doporlando/Instagram
Tiffany Chapel 445 N Park Ave., Winter Park, 407-645-5311 Louis Comfort Tiffany made a name for himself at the 1893 Chicago World Fair with his outstanding stained glass chapel. And now that the Morse Museum has carefully reconstructed it here, it seems almost rude of Orlandoans not to go experience the wonder of this iconic work of art. Photo via moridesuyo/Instagram
Tako Cheena 932 N Mills Ave., 321-236-7457 A late-night lifesaver, Tako Cheena is guaranteed to satisfy any Orlandoan’s midnight cravings. While all of their tacos and burritos combined with Pan-Asian fillings are mouthwatering, the Thai chicken peanut taco here is king. Photo via callie_alexa/Instagram
Solar Bears Game Amway Center, 400 W Church Street, Suite 200, 407-440-7900 It might seem out of place for such a hot place to have an ice hockey team, but the Solar Bears are no joke. These big, brawling athletes own the rink, and their cool moves are a must see for any sports fan. Photo via solarbearshockey/Instagram
Orlando Science Center 777 E Princeton St., 407-514-2000 You don’t have to spend a fortune going to Disney or Universal to feel like a kid again: this place is catnip to children (of all ages, frankly) with a huge climbing area, a pickable “orange grove,” dinosaur exhibit and an observatory. Photo via paige_cassidy67/Instagram
Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour 312 E Morse Blvd., Winter Park, 407-644-4056 Right in Winter Park’s backyard is the Scenic Boat Tour, which takes you on a journey to some of Orlando’s little-known gems like Mr. Roger’s old house. Plus, boat captains typically entertain riders with a barrage of dad jokes, which everyone should be subjected to at least once. Photo via lindley_obrien/Instagram
Rock ‘n Roll Heaven 1814 N Orange Ave., 407-896-1952 The place for music lovers of all genres to buy and sell records, the Orlandoan who doesn’t take advantage of this opportunity to find some sweet classic tunes is a fool. They also sell vintage posters, toys and memorabilia, but don’t ask about the Three Stooges marionettes — legend has it Michael Jackson once tried to buy them and was denied by the owners. Photo via emgoldthwait/Instagram
Orlando City Stadium 655 W Church St., 1-855-ORL-CITY Orlando City might not have been around that long, but if you don’t bleed purple and gold by now, something’s up. To really feel the Orlando spirit, nothing beats cheering on the team with the rest of Lionnation during a big game day. Photo via caetanobecker/Instagram
Blue Spring State Park 2100 W French Ave., Orange City, 386-775-3663 It should be a crime to live in Florida and not take advantage of the state’s beautiful, crystal clear springs. Plus, you can’t call yourself a real Floridian until you see a manatee in person, and Blue Spring is always packed with these gentle giants during the winter months. Photo via marielaenlaluna/Instagram
Orlando Brewing 1301 Atlanta Ave., 407-872-1117 Although it might not look like much from the outside, Orlando Brewing is practically a local landmark. You’ll always find freshly brewed, organic craft beers here, plus live music and a fun outdoor patio usually crawling with dogs makes for a classic Central Florida good time. Photo via todd389/Instagram
The Beacham 46 N Orange Ave., 407-246-1419 The Beacham is a true piece of Orlando history, dating all the way back to the roaring ‘20s. It’s gained local landmark status and has stood as an integral part of the city’s entertainment industry, from the vaudeville era to the club music scene. Photo via plaidbrixx/Instagram
Little Big Econ State Forest 1350 Snow Hill Road, Geneva, 407-971-3500 Sometimes living in a metropolitan area, you forget about things like nature and exercise. For the daring adventurer, this forest with its endless trails is the perfect place to experience what “wild Florida” really means. Photo via brooooooooooooooooke/Instagram
Lakeridge Winery 19239 U.S. 27 North, Clermont, 1-800-768-9463 This winery is a local favorite, with a friendly staff that’ll have you on a free tour within seconds of walking on the premises. Plus, how often are you actually going to be able to see winemakers actually creating the beverage you’re sipping? Photo via deanna_co_a/Instagram
Lake Eola 512 E Washington St., 407-246-4484 In the heart of downtown, Lake Eola is the beating heart, the very symbol, of Orlando. No matter how tacky you might think it is, every resident should hit the water and rent one of the famous swan-shaped paddle boats: you might just see a new perspective of the city you love. Photo via a_leclercv/Instagram
Hamburger Mary’s 4110 W Church St., 321-319-0600 If you’ve never gotten your check delivered to your table in a stiletto, you’re missing out on an Orlando dining experience like no other. Drag queens reign supreme here and they’ll be the first to tell you nothing makes a burger taste better than a little singing and dancing. Photo via Hamburger Mary Orlando/Facebook
Harry P. Leu Gardens 1920 N Forest Ave., 407-246-2620 This 50-acre botanical oasis has been a part of the history of Orlando since the turn of the century. But you don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy the natural wonders these gardens grow: an afternoon stroll through lush tropical foliage never disappoints. Photo via jessieanneruby/Instagram
Kennedy Space Center Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, SR 405, 1-855-433-4210 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. This is the only place in the world where you can get a real taste of all of NASA’s accomplishments, which are a really important part of Florida’s history. Photo via seansondrup/Instagram
Enzian 1300 S Orlando Ave., Maitland, 407-629-0054 This small but adored arthouse theater in Maitland is known for its outdoor movies and throwback screenings. Who doesn’t love dinner and a movie? This is one of the only places in the city where you can see those oldies-but-goodies on the big screen — Netflix just won’t cut it. Photo via rebeccaelayne/Instagram
Orlando Food Truck Bazaar Various Locations, 407-308-1417 A paradise for foodies in Central Florida, these food trucks are the perfect place for the picky Orlandoan who wants to try all the cuisine the city has to offer. You can’t call yourself a true resident until you’ve stuffed yourself full of tacos, mac ‘n cheese and desserts to your heart’s (and arteries) content. Photo via kalebromero/Instagram
Big Daddy’s 3001 Corrine Drive, 407-644-2844 You haven’t experienced a real night out on the town in Orlando until you’ve at least made a stop for a drink and some karaoke at Big Daddy’s. Residents belt out tuneless melodies every night, but if you have the guts, and enough booze in you, taking the stage yourself is exhilarating. Photo via jordanshroyer/Instagram
East End Market 3201 Corrine Drive, 321-236-3316 Although some might be tired of the “neighborhood market” trend, East End is always packed with young movers and shakers looking for local artisan products. It’s a great place to sample what the city’s local farmers and craftsmen have to offer (and it’s guaranteed to offer plenty of great Insta-pic opportunities.) Photo via freehandgoods/Instagram