Five Sights in Orlando That You Can’t Miss
Do you want to make the most out of your trip to Orlando? Visit these unique sites and experience the city to the maximum.
Orlando is home to world-renowned and lesser-known attractions. Plenty of interesting sites become overshadowed by the majesty of the theme parks. But if you’re visiting Orlando, you shouldn’t miss out on the underlying magic.
From nature to science, there’s much to behold in The City Beautiful. While some attractions require a trip outside Orlando, the experiences are well worth it. Here are five sights in Orlando you should definitely see.
1. Orlando Science Center
There’s a number of fascinating things to explore in the Orlando Science Center. The rotating and permanent exhibits showcase various fields, from history to technology. Of the permanent exhibits, the interactive Pompeii: The Immortal City will transport you back to ancient Rome.
You can get to know Florida’s ecosystem first-hand in NatureWorks and interact with live animals. For younger visitors, KidsTown offers plenty of fun and educational activities. The Hive is a space dedicated to handiwork, with tools and materials for crafting. There are even mentors to help you create anything you can imagine. The STEAM Gallery showcases examples of a fusion of art and science. And at the DinoDigs, you’ll see giant replicas of the prehistoric creatures. The exhibit features dig pits where you can uncover hidden fossils.
The Orlando Science Center houses two cafes that offer meals, snacks, and beverages. You can also bring your own food and head to the Loch Haven Cultural Park to enjoy it.
2. Lake Eola Park
Located in downtown Orlando, Lake Eola and the surrounding park might be among the most beautiful places in the city. Although Lake Eola Park is at the center of Orlando, the environment is surprisingly very peaceful. And the sidewalk, less than a mile in length, circles the lake so you can easily go around it.
You can rent a swan-shaped paddleboat and ride on the clear, calm water. But there are also real swans in the lake. The park is also home to other birds that chirp among the treetops. Lake Eola Park is a truly relaxing oasis in the middle of the lively city.
The park is also home to the Walt Disney Amphitheater that hosts concerts, plays, and movie projections. There are also several local restaurants in the park. You might even catch some of the fairs or festivals organized here throughout the year.
3. Kennedy Space Center
An hour’s drive outside Orlando, the Kennedy Space Center is something you shouldn’t miss.
The Visitor Complex has impressive exhibitions that tell the tale of space exploration. In the Rocket Garden, you can get a guided tour of the giant rockets exhibited on site. The Heroes and Legends exhibit is a homage to space pioneers and includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.
You can even see the Atlantis space shuttle up close – over 60 interactive exhibits detail the Space Shuttle Program. And with Journey to Mars: Explorers Wanted, you’ll learn about deep space exploration plans. You can also take a skill test to become a space explorer and see the life-size rover replicas.
Other attractions include the Shuttle Launch Experience and the Astronaut training simulators. You can also explore the history of the legendary telescope at the Hubble Space Telescope Theater. There’s also an IMAX theater that shows space-themed films, both in traditional and 3D projections.
4. Old Town
Old Town is a complex with a retro theme. It’s based on mid-century aesthetics and houses weekly classic car shows. Besides that, there are rides with a vintage flair.
Go on the classic carousel, the Ferris Wheel, or the Hurricane roller coaster to experience the good old times. For a unique experience, go on the Paratrooper – it’s a spinning wheel with rocking cars in the same old-timey style.
On the other hand, the Happy Days Family Fun Center features video and skill games. You can choose from over 50 games, including the classic Skee-Ball. There are even prizes that range from candy to electronics. Truly, the gaming spot is as fun as it is nostalgia-driven.
And if you’d like an exciting scare, visit the Mortem Manor Haunted Attraction. Live actors, animatronics, and props will take you through two scary stories. After you’ve had your share of screams and goosebumps, visit the Post Mortem Horror gift shop to take home some unique memorabilia.
Old Town has a fun shooting gallery and a magic exhibition. That’s why a day spent in this complex will provide great fun and long-lasting memories.
5. Gatorland
There are over 2,000 alligators in this nature reserve and theme park. Gatorland has daily shows and gator training sessions you can watch. And the swampy area is open for walks if you want to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
There are several animal species in Gatorland besides the alligators and crocodiles. You can see panthers, wild cats, scorpions, various birds, giant turtles, and snakes. Two outstanding residents of this park are a pair of white leucistic alligators. Because as far as anyone knows, there are only a dozen of the species left on the planet.
For those craving adrenaline rushes, there are two ziplines here. The Screamin’ Gator will take you flying over the crocodiles and alligators. The line is 1,200 feet long and counts as one of the best in the USA. The Gator Gauntlet offers a similar experience at a height of 350 feet.
Do you want a unique ride? The Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure will take you on a 15-minute adventure while riding an enormous custom-made monster truck with an open top.
Finally, the Allie’s Barnyard Petting and Feeding houses a much more serene experience. It’s where you can feed and pet the endearing four-legged domestic animals. After the action-packed main attractions of Gatorland, this will come as the perfect conclusion to your day.
Indulge in the Hidden Beauty of Orlando
There’s so much Orlando has to offer, both in the city and in the wider area. Even after revisiting many times, there’ll be more for you to discover.
Some of the unique experiences are not as obvious and famous as the theme parks. But once you scratch the surface, you’ll want to go back for more.
The City Beautiful is waiting, with plenty of hidden treasures for you to explore.
