When you think about Orlando, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? As the “Theme Park Capital of the World,” you might picture Walt Disney World or maybe Universal Orlando. But there are a lot of things in Orlando that are off the beaten path, even beyond the multitudes of theme parks!
Heading to Orlando and looking to stay away from the House of Mouse (or House of Harry Potter, for that matter)? I’ve compiled a list of the best hidden gems in Orlando to get you started, from beautiful kayaking opportunities to small-scale family parks. Check out these non-touristy things to do in Orlando, and you’re bound to see a whole new side of the city.
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1. Wander through the Harry P. Leu Gardens
You might not expect that a beautiful oasis is just minutes from Downtown Orlando, but the Harry P. Leu Gardens is a 50-acre paradise that’s one of the best Orlando secrets. These tranquil grounds hold a diverse array of gardens and collections, from sections designed to attract beautiful butterflies to a citrus grove that honors the agricultural history of Florida.
The location also offers tours of the gardens and the museum that celebrates the lives of the grounds’ former owners, horticultural classes for adults, and family-friendly events that invite you to see the Harry P. Leu Gardens in new ways.
2. Laze about on the Rock Springs at Kelly Park
Just outside of the city is another Orlando hidden gem: Kelly Park. The park offers trails, wildlife sightings, swimming, kayaking, and canoeing, but one of the best things to do is grab yourself an inner tube and laze about at Kelly Park’s natural lazy river, Rock Springs! Rock Springs boasts clear, calm water and is a perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
3. Have family fun at Fun Spot America
You might think of the Disney Parks or Universal Orlando when you think of the theme parks of Orlando, but did you know that there’s another beloved amusement park to check out in Orlando? Fun Spot America has locations in both Orlando and nearby Kissimmee and offers one of the best non-touristy things to do in Orlando.
Ride classic amusement park rides for kids of all ages, from massive wooden coasters to swings meant for the littlest of visitors. There are also midway games, arcades, go-karts, a splash pad, and much more.
4. Visit the Orlando Science Center
Visiting the Orlando Science Center is another non-touristy activity and one of the best ways to spend the day, especially if you’re looking for an escape from Orlando’s tumultuous weather. This hands-on science museum invites you and your family to uncover the power of kinetic energy, get up close to the world of the dinosaurs, go green with exciting sustainability methods, and more.
This family-friendly attraction is particularly great for little ones. In addition to the many hands-on exhibits, there’s a special play section for kids under seven.
5. Take a trip to Mount Dora
There are many cities and towns near Orlando that are worth a visit during your Florida vacation, but Mount Dora, which is just over a half-hour away, is easily one of the most unique.
Known as Festival City, as there are more than 30 festivals per year here, there’s always something to do in Mount Dora. But even if you’re not visiting during a festival, you’ll still love wandering its charming cobblestone streets, stopping by the many museums, exploring its abundant green spaces, and eating your way through its delicious dining scene.
6. Splash down at Nona Adventure Park
Over at Lake Nona is one of the most unique things to do in Orlando, Nona Adventure Park. This massive playground includes a number of activities, including bouncing your way through the Aqua Park inflatable obstacle course, trying your hand at wakeboarding at the Nona Wake Cable Park, taking to the sky at the Climbing Tower, or just chilling out at the Nona Beach Club. There’s something for every kind of adventurer here!
7. Go back in time to Old Town
Old Town is one of the most unusual things to do near Orlando and is more than worthy of a trip. Located in nearby Kissimmee, Old Town is an entertainment complex filled with family-friendly attractions and activities that take you back in time.
Enjoy classic carnival rides, play around nostalgia-inducing arcades, and shop and dine your way through more than 20 restaurants and more than 40 stores. There are also often events happening here, including classic car shows and live music.
8. Eat your way through the East End Market
The East End Market is so much more than a food market. This Orlando gem shows off the best of Orlando, from its top food entrepreneurs to local artisans making handcrafted goods. Come hungry and leave happy with a few bags full of treats you can’t get anywhere else.
By the way, fellow Disney fans, do you know those massive cookies courtesy of Gideon’s Bakehouse that can result in hours-long lines in Disney Springs? You might be able to save yourself a little time by heading here instead, as East End Market is also home to a Gideon’s! They are the only two places you can get them.
9. Catch a flick on the Enzian Theater
Technically located just around the corner in Maitland, the Enzian Theater still deserves a spot as one of the best non-touristy things to do in Orlando. This arthouse movie theater is where you’ll find the Florida Film Festival, as well as many other events throughout the year, and tons of classic films.
Part movie theater, part bar, and part restaurant, the Enzian Theater is a perfect place to spend an evening. But one of my favorite things about the theater actually comes in the morning, specifically the morning of the fourth Sunday of every month, when they have their Peanut Butter Matinee.
In addition to kids under 12 being free, the theater also features a special children’s menu during these matinee showings of family-friendly flicks.
10. Explore Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art is one of the most unique museums in the area and is a true hidden gem in Orlando. Found in nearby Winter Park, this museum, known for its art nouveau collections, features the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany. You’ll even be able to see an incredible chapel interior that he created for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition!
11. Have a laugh at SAK Comedy Lab
If you’re a fan of improv, checking out SAK Comedy Lab is a must-do. This comedy club has improv shows most nights of the year, so you can all but guarantee that you can come here to be in stitches during your Orlando vacation.
Interested in improv yourself? The comedy club also offers classes, including sometimes providing free workshops to up-and-coming comedians.
12. Discover the history of Pioneer Village
Step back in time at Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek, one of the best Orlando secrets. Just a short drive away in Kissimmee, you can see how the settlers and the Seminoles lived in the early days of the area’s colonization as you wander through Pioneer Village, the structures of which were carefully relocated from throughout Osceola County. Throughout the village, you’ll find train depots, homesteads, general stores, working blacksmith shops, and more.
13. Venture around Lake Eola Park
If you want to see the beauty that Orlando has to offer, head to Lake Eola Park. Right in Downtown Orlando is a 28-acre lake that provides you with stunning views of the city. Wander around the area and check out the city’s skyline, or get out on the water on one of the adorable swan-shaped paddle boats.
There are also often events happening around the park, including the Orlando Farmers’ Market every Sunday.
14. Take the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
If you’re an animal lover, skip the zoos and animal-themed theme parks around Orlando and opt for a much more hidden gem in Orlando, the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. This scenic drive runs for 11 miles and is open for guests on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays.
The drive is particularly known for its diverse bird population, but you’ll also spot other animals, as well as a wide array of flora. The St. Johns River Water Management District offers a self-guided audio tour to make sure you don’t miss anything.
15. See a show by Orlando Shakes
Orlando Shakes may have gotten its start as the Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Festival, but this theater company has grown far beyond its Shakespearean roots. From Broadway classics to kid-friendly favorites, this theater group focuses on bringing everyone together over the love of live theater!
There you have it! The 15 best non-touristy things to do in Orlando. What’s your favorite hidden gem?
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