23 quintessential Orlando 'tourist traps' every new resident should visit at least once

By on Fri, Apr 5, 2024 at 5:58 pm

Say what you will about the tourist-filled parts of Orlando, but thrill seekers and theme park enthusiasts flock to the city for good reason. There are a lot of local attractions to sort through, but only a select few every new resident needs to visit at least once to consider themself a local. Some are action-packed, some are nature-infused, some are just weird — but they're all endearingly Florida.

From reptile zoos to indoor action parks to roadside stops and plenty of theme parks, here are 23 quintessential Orlando “tourist traps” every new Orlandoan should visit. 
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Dezerland Park 5250 International Drive, Orlando This massive indoor amusement center offers plenty to do for the whole family, including a bowling alley, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, go-karts, a movie theater and more. Dezerland is also home to the Orlando Auto Museum, showcasing thousands of vehicles, all valued at more than $200 million.
Photo via Dezerland Park/Facebook

Dezerland Park

5250 International Drive, Orlando
This massive indoor amusement center offers plenty to do for the whole family, including a bowling alley, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, go-karts, a movie theater and more. Dezerland is also home to the Orlando Auto Museum, showcasing thousands of vehicles, all valued at more than $200 million.
Orlando Science Center 777 E. Princeton St., Orlando If you want to experience some naturally occurring thrills while learning about the world around you, Orlando Science Center has it all. With options and exhibits fit for all ages, it's a great spot to take the kiddos or enjoy with a group of friends.
Photo via Orlando Science Center/Facebook

Orlando Science Center

777 E. Princeton St., Orlando
If you want to experience some naturally occurring thrills while learning about the world around you, Orlando Science Center has it all. With options and exhibits fit for all ages, it's a great spot to take the kiddos or enjoy with a group of friends.
Central Florida Zoo 3755 W. Seminole Bouelvard, 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. Besides the many wild encounters, the zoo also offers its Wharton-Smith Train Depot, home to a one-quarter scale model of an authentic Atlantic Coast Line Railroad streamliner, The Champion. Skip the steps and ride around the zoo's property in style.
Photo via Central Florida Zoo/Facebook

Central Florida Zoo

3755 W. Seminole Bouelvard, 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. Besides the many wild encounters, the zoo also offers its Wharton-Smith Train Depot, home to a one-quarter scale model of an authentic Atlantic Coast Line Railroad streamliner, The Champion. Skip the steps and ride around the zoo's property in style.
Orlando Museum of Art 2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando Soak in some art, learn a bit about your community's creativity and immerse yourself in all things inspirational at Orlando Museum of Art. Founded in 1924, the museum is home to a rotating series of temporary exhibitions and traveling shows complemented by mainstay works. Guests can also take advantage of the year-round workshops held on site, like art appreciation classes, lectures, films, guided tours, kids' events and more.
Photo via Orlando Museum of Art

Orlando Museum of Art

2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando
Soak in some art, learn a bit about your community's creativity and immerse yourself in all things inspirational at Orlando Museum of Art. Founded in 1924, the museum is home to a rotating series of temporary exhibitions and traveling shows complemented by mainstay works. Guests can also take advantage of the year-round workshops held on site, like art appreciation classes, lectures, films, guided tours, kids' events and more.
Medieval Times 4510 W. Vine St., Kissimmee You don’t have to re-watch Game of Thrones to get in the medieval mood. Right here in Orlando we’ve got jousting knights, mass amounts of bourgeois screaming for bloodshed, and the expectation that you’ll eat with your hands. If that last part’s got you twisted, drink away your reluctance with a strawberry Maiden’s Kiss.
Photo via Medieval Times/Facebook

Medieval Times

4510 W. Vine St., Kissimmee
You don’t have to re-watch Game of Thrones to get in the medieval mood. Right here in Orlando we’ve got jousting knights, mass amounts of bourgeois screaming for bloodshed, and the expectation that you’ll eat with your hands. If that last part’s got you twisted, drink away your reluctance with a strawberry Maiden’s Kiss.
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.
Photo via Bok Tower Gardens/Facebook

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.
Icon Park 8375 International Drive, Orlando Madame Tussauds Orlando, Sea Life Orlando Aquarium and Museum of Illusions are just some of the attractions included at this 20-acre International Drive entertainment park. Take a ride in the Orlando Eye observation wheel and take in the 400-foot-high Central Florida views.
Photo via Icon Park/Facebook

Icon Park

8375 International Drive, Orlando
Madame Tussauds Orlando, Sea Life Orlando Aquarium and Museum of Illusions are just some of the attractions included at this 20-acre International Drive entertainment park. Take a ride in the Orlando Eye observation wheel and take in the 400-foot-high Central Florida views.
Safari Wilderness Ranch 10850 Moore Road, Lakeland Lakeland's Safari Wilderness offers its guests a first-hand drive-through experience featuring plenty of exotic wildlife. Safari Wilderness prides itself on being totally different than a zoo or theme park; its emphasis is on immersing its guests in nature.
Photo via Safari Wilderness Ranch/Facebook

Safari Wilderness Ranch

10850 Moore Road, Lakeland
Lakeland's Safari Wilderness offers its guests a first-hand drive-through experience featuring plenty of exotic wildlife. Safari Wilderness prides itself on being totally different than a zoo or theme park; its emphasis is on immersing its guests in nature.
Orange World 5395 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee Orange World is just what is sounds like: one big orange-themed extravaganza. At this Kissimmee roadside stop, you can find fresh oranges and other produce, Florida-themed gifts and plenty of wacky souvenirs.
Photo via Adobe

Orange World

5395 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee
Orange World is just what is sounds like: one big orange-themed extravaganza. At this Kissimmee roadside stop, you can find fresh oranges and other produce, Florida-themed gifts and plenty of wacky souvenirs.
Wekiva Island 1014 Miami Springs Drive, Longwood Wekiva Island offers some ideal outdoor fun without requiring an entire planned day trip. This Central Florida destination is just under a 30-minute drive from Orlando, and offers plenty of water fun for kids. Rent a kayak or paddleboard, play beach volleyball, or just splash around in the cool, clear waters.
Photo via Wekiva Island/Facebook

Wekiva Island

1014 Miami Springs Drive, Longwood
Wekiva Island offers some ideal outdoor fun without requiring an entire planned day trip. This Central Florida destination is just under a 30-minute drive from Orlando, and offers plenty of water fun for kids. Rent a kayak or paddleboard, play beach volleyball, or just splash around in the cool, clear waters.
Legoland 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven Legoland offers 150 acres of interactive theme park activities and viewings geared for families with young kids, although it works for Lego lovers of all ages. There are more than 50 rides, shows and attractions at the Winter Haven park.
Photo via Legoland/Facebook

Legoland

1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven
Legoland offers 150 acres of interactive theme park activities and viewings geared for families with young kids, although it works for Lego lovers of all ages. There are more than 50 rides, shows and attractions at the Winter Haven park.
Walt Disney World Lake Buena Vista, Florida You can't really call yourself a local until you've succumbed to this dominating force in Orlando's tourism scene. Between Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom, there's a little something for nearly everyone at one of the several parks. Hop on a ride, grab some Mickey-shaped ice cream bars and dive into the magic.
Photo via Walt Disney World/Facebook

Walt Disney World

Lake Buena Vista, Florida
You can't really call yourself a local until you've succumbed to this dominating force in Orlando's tourism scene. Between Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom, there's a little something for nearly everyone at one of the several parks. Hop on a ride, grab some Mickey-shaped ice cream bars and dive into the magic.
Universal Orlando Resort 6000 Universal Boulevard, Orlando Florida's other theme park giant, Universal's Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios are the perfect stop for parkgoers looking for a more action-packed day. With rides of varying level of intensity, live shows, character encounters and lots of sweet treats, Universal remains an essential "tourist trap."
Image via Adobe

Universal Orlando Resort

6000 Universal Boulevard, Orlando
Florida's other theme park giant, Universal's Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios are the perfect stop for parkgoers looking for a more action-packed day. With rides of varying level of intensity, live shows, character encounters and lots of sweet treats, Universal remains an essential "tourist trap."
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.
Photo via Gatorland/Facebook

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.
Lake Eola Park 512 E. Washington St., Orlando Right in the heart of Orlando is Lake Eola Park, a glistening body of water surrounded by ample space for picnicking, sightseeing and taking a breather just outside of the bustle of downtown. It's an essential spot for Orlandoans to know – and bonus points for actually riding in the tourist-adored swan boats.
Photo via Lake Eola Park/Facebook

Lake Eola Park

512 E. Washington St., Orlando
Right in the heart of Orlando is Lake Eola Park, a glistening body of water surrounded by ample space for picnicking, sightseeing and taking a breather just outside of the bustle of downtown. It's an essential spot for Orlandoans to know – and bonus points for actually riding in the tourist-adored swan boats.
WonderWorks 9067 International Drive, Orlando This all-around entertaining attraction offers an "amusement park for the mind." Visit the I-Drive emporium for a glimpse into more than 100 exhibits and attractions that will make you scratch your head in confusion or widen your eyes in surprise. There's also laser tag, a ropes course and a 6D motion ride.
Photo via WonderWorks/Facebook

WonderWorks

9067 International Drive, Orlando
This all-around entertaining attraction offers an "amusement park for the mind." Visit the I-Drive emporium for a glimpse into more than 100 exhibits and attractions that will make you scratch your head in confusion or widen your eyes in surprise. There's also laser tag, a ropes course and a 6D motion ride.
Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards 19239 U.S. Highway 27, Clermont 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.
Photo via Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards/Facebook

Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards

19239 U.S. Highway 27, Clermont
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.
SeaWorld Orlando 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando Central Florida's most buzzed-about aquatic park, SeaWorld Orlando offers sea life encounters, rides, live shows and more. Open just in the past year is the new Pipeline: The Surf Coaster, and coming soon is family-friendly ride Penguin Trek.
Photo via SeaWorld Orlando/Facebook

SeaWorld Orlando

7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando
Central Florida's most buzzed-about aquatic park, SeaWorld Orlando offers sea life encounters, rides, live shows and more. Open just in the past year is the new Pipeline: The Surf Coaster, and coming soon is family-friendly ride Penguin Trek.
Magic Castle Gift Shop 7646 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee You've driven past it, you've seen photos of it, but have you ever been inside? This Orlando landmark has little to offer besides Disney merchandise from years past and kitschy knickknacks, but it sure is a trip.
Image via Google Maps

Magic Castle Gift Shop

7646 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee
You've driven past it, you've seen photos of it, but have you ever been inside? This Orlando landmark has little to offer besides Disney merchandise from years past and kitschy knickknacks, but it sure is a trip.
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.
Photo via Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art/Facebook

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.
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