With Disney World being dubbed “The Happiest Place on Earth”, it definitely overshadows Orlando’s other attractions and activities. But I assure you, they are there, and they are worth seeing. Whether you don’t have kids, have already put your time in with Mickey and his friends, or are trying to avoid spending quite as much as a day in the Disney parks can cost, Orlando still has plenty to do. No matter what you’re looking for, there’s something for everyone, and here are is plenty of examples.
If you love…
…The Arts
Orlando’s art scene is bustling with several museums and galleries worth a visit. The Orlando Museum of Art has every style of art you could imagine, and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art has the largest collection of work by Louis Comfort Tiffany in the world. Music and theatre lovers can enjoy performances by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre, and for a twist, Sleuths Mystery Dinners.
…The Outdoors
Cocoa Beach Pier End – Photo by Photomatt28 Flickr Creative Commons
Orlando is home to more than a dozen golf courses including Lake Nona Golf and Country Club.
It’s a close drive to nearby beaches including Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Canaveral National Seashore, and Melbourne Beach. There is plenty of parks, gardens, and nature preserves including Harry P. Leu Gardens, Lake Eola Park, Tibet-Butler Preserve, Lake Lizzie Nature Preserve, and Turkey Lake Park. These nature lover attractions allow for great bird watching, fishing, hiking, biking, and other activities unique to each location.
…Food and the Nightlife
Regardless of your budget and what you’re craving, you can find a suitable restaurant. Ther cuisine is eclectic with steak houses like Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, plenty of seafood spots like Deep Blu Seafood Grille, and ethnic establishments like Padrino’s Cuban Bistro. For dessert, visit the World of Chocolate Museum and Café for chocolate sculptures, workshops, and tastings. Beer lovers will be quite content at the World of Beer Dr. Phillips, which served more than 500 beers from around the world. For evening entertainment, you’ll find every type of place including piano bars, comedy clubs, places to dance and be in crowds, and places to relax with a glass of wine.
…To Save
The Kennedy Space Center – Photo by InSapphoWeTrust Flickr Creative Commons
A great way to save on villas in Orlando is to book your stay with Florida 4 Less. Besides saving on a renting a villa for your stay in Florida, you can also find deals on attractions. Busch Gardens, Sea World, The Kennedy Space Center, and swimming with dolphins at Discover Cove are just a few of the ticket attractions you can find. You can also find many completely free attractions throughout the Orlando area including the largest flea market in the U.S., Fleaworld.
The article is brought to you by Florida 4 Less.
