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These are the BEST Places to Visit in Orlando!
1 – The Magic Kingdom – Awesome place to visit in Orlando with kids!
Why it’s awesome: Part of the larger Walt Disney World Resort, the Magic Kingdom is one of the most famous places in Orlando. An Orlando must-do for most families, it is the most-visited theme park on the planet. Open since 1971, the incredible park is themed around characters and scenes from Disney creations. It has six different themed areas, each with a fabulous selection of rides, shows, shopping outlets, and places to eat and drink. Disney characters stroll through the park and there are fantastic photo opportunities. The lively and jolly parade and spectacular firework show over Cinderella’s Castle are among the many highlights.
What to do there: Start your magical day by being greeted by Mickey and co as they open the park with a stroll along Main Street USA. See the interesting buildings in this section of the park, representative of different parts of the country, small-town America, and Walt Disney’s childhood. Shop for souvenirs, feast on tasty fare, and ride the Main Street Vehicles.
Catch the Wat Disney World Railroad around the park to save your leg power and discover the many delights in the park’s other cool are
as. Travel the world in Adventureland, enjoying attractions like The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, the Jungle Cruise, and Pirates of the Caribbean
2 – Harry P. Leu Gardens – A beautiful outdoor place to visit in Orlando
Why it’s awesome: The scenic Harry P. Leu Gardens were established in the 1930s, with a couple planting many exotic plants from across the world in their private grounds. Now open to the public, the pretty gardens contain tropical and sub-tropical species. Covering some 50 acres (20 hectares), there are lakes, beautifully landscaped areas, statues, and shaded pathways.
There’s a historic home (now a museum) at the centre of the gardens, lovingly restored to show what life was like in times gone by. It’s among the best outdoor attractions in Florida and is especially great for couples looking for a romantic air and peaceful vibe in nature.
What to do there: Explore the different enchanting sections of the stunning gardens, taking time to inhale the heady aromas in the Citrus Grove, learn about the medicinal, culinary, and other uses of certain plants in the Herb Garden, watch wildlife in the Native Wetland Garden, and absorb the serene air in the White Garden.
Admire the vibrant colours in the Rose Garden and Annual Garden, see the Ornamental Grass Collection, observe colourful butterflies and lovely hummingbirds in the Butterfly Garden, and wander the trails to see bananas, azaleas, bamboo, conifers, tropical fruits, ferns, palms, vines, magnolias, and more.
3 – Kennedy Space Centre – A very cool place in Orlando to go for a day
Why it’s awesome: One of the most famous places in Orlando, the Kennedy Space Center is one of the world’s leading places for space explorations. The NASA facility has seen many significant events, including a number of Apollo missions, the launch of the Skylab space station, and Space Shuttle flights. The huge facility offers public tours where visitors can gain fascinating insights into space programs, challenges, advancements, and future goals. Many people are unaware that the area is also a significant wildlife sanctuary, home to creatures like bald eagles, snakes, manatees, alligators, and Florida panthers.
What to do there: There are various tours and attractions to choose between, letting you experience the awe-inspiring space centre in a way that suits you. Pay homage to renowned space explorers at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, take a bus tour of the facility and visit the Apollo / Saturn V Center, experience a shuttle launch at Space Shuttle Atlantis, be amazed by a 3D space film at the IMAX cinema, learn more about NASA’s work, see the Space Mirror Memorial, and take a tour of the Rocket Garden.
4 – Skeletons: Museum of Osteology – Quite the quirky place in Orlando!
Why it’s awesome: Visiting Skeletons: Museum of Osteology is one of the most unusual things to do in Orlando. One of just two museums dedicated to skeletons around the USA (the other located in Oklahoma), the quirky Orlando museum opened in 2015. Founded by Jay Villamette, an expert on skulls, it houses more than 500 authentic skeletons of animal. Some remains are of rare creatures. Visitors can also learn more about the long, detailed, and painstaking process that has to go into cleaning, identifying, and displaying bones.
What to do there: Watch in fascination as dermestid beetles perform their work. A vital part of the bone-cleaning process, the small beetles munch their way through skin and tissue to completely strip bones bare. Discover how bones are then bleached before arranged to form a complete skeleton. Of course, the highlight is seeing the huge collection of skeletons on display in the unusual museum.
5 – Holy Land Experience – One of the most religious places to see in Orlando
Why it’s awesome: Open since 2001 and founded by a Russian-born Jew who became a Christian minister, the Holy Land Experience is both one of the most religious and one of the most unusual things to do in Orlando. The large biblical-themed attraction park seeks to transport visitors back to the Holy Land and learn more about the life and times of Jesus Christ. Features have been designed to replicate those from the past and there are daily shows to bring scenes further to life. The interactive attraction helps to bring the Bible to life like nowhere else.
What to do there: Take a giant leap back through history and experience the energy of Jerusalem circa 66 AD. The realistic replica shows the streets that Jesus once roamed, where he performed various miraculous feats, and where he ministered to the faithful. Listen as a knowledgeable speaker brings past events to life. See a huge assortment of religious artefacts in the Sciptorium, marvel at the stunning Great Temple, and enjoy the wonder of the Wilderness Tabernacle.
Watch live shows that include an interactive Roman soldier training camp, the sad story of Mary Magdalena, a visit to Lazarus’s home, and the tale of David—The King of Jerusalem. Take younger guests to the Smile of a Child Adventure Land for fun and activities.
6 – Maitland Art Center – A great place to visit in Orlando if you are alone/traveling solo
Why it’s awesome: Established in 1937, the Maitalnd Art Center is one of the things to do in Orlando for anyone interested in striking art from the 20th century. The building itself is an architectural and artistic gem, now featured on the National Register of Historic Places and one of just a few examples of fantasy buildings remaining in the southern part of the USA.
Constructed in a Mayan Revival style, the grounds are reminiscent of a stunning Mexican Mayan temple complex, complete with hand-crafted carvings that display symbols from Mayan and Aztec civilisations. The centre attracts many artists looking for a peaceful place to unleash their creativeness, and the museum houses a number of interesting contemporary works.
What to do there: Explore the gorgeous grounds and lap up the striking details. Visit the restful chapel (added to the complex for the designer’s mother), see artists at work, and relax in the shaded courtyard. Join inspiring workshops, listen to art-focused lectures, take art classes, and learn more about modern art movements. You can also see the collection of works in the gallery, including pieces by the centre’s founder.
7 – Presidents Hall of Fame – An unknown (but awesome!) place to see in Orlando!
Why it’s awesome: Among the lesser-known and lesser-visited attractions in Orlando, the Presidents Hall of Fame started life as a small roadside attraction. In operation since the 1960s, it’s definitely one of the city’s more niche attractions. It began as an exhibition of wax models of all of the presidents of the USA and has since expanded to include waxworks of the first ladies, replicas of famous landmarks from around the nation, and animatronics. Exhibits are detailed and much work has gone into their design. It’s a fantastic place to get great photos and have a break from theme park fun.
What to do there: See life-like figures of all US presidents and first ladies, take lots of pictures, and get many cool selfies. It’s not every day that you get the chance to come face to face with historical figures! Step into a replica of Abraham Lincoln’s bedroom and see various political artefacts from throughout the years. Marvel at the large hand-made replica of the White House—it took thousands of hours to plan, design, and build, and has amazing features like working television sets, accurate furnishings, and opulent chandeliers.
8 – Orlando International Premium Outlets – A great place in Orlando if you love to shop!
Why it’s awesome: Looking to indulge in some serious retail therapy while visiting Orlando? Check out Orlando International Premium Outlets. Located at the end of the buzzing International drive, the popular shopping centre is designed like a typical strip mall, providing lots of space and attractive details. There are some 180 stores selling goods from many well-known designers and brands. Even better? As an outlet centre, the prices are often significantly lower than what you would expect to pay elsewhere.
What to do there: Prepare to give your credit cards a healthy workout and get ready to shop till you drop. Browse in a large selection of stores, with goods including all the latest fashions, footwear, sporting accessories, jewellery, toiletries and perfumes, home items, electronics, luggage, sunglasses, and much more. Shops include H&M, GAP, Calvin Klein, Samsonite, Justice, Coach, Puma, Vitamin World, Invicta, Reebok, Quicksilver, Bose, Diesel, Timberland, and Victoria’s Secret. And, that’s just a small selection! Stop for a break in one of the cafes and restaurants and refuel, ready to hit the shops with gusto once again.
9 – Epcot – Cool place to see in Orlando with friends!
Why it’s awesome: Another theme park at Orlando’s Walt Disney World Resort, Epcot is geared more towards adults. It celebrates human achievements, with a focus on world culture, nature, and technological advancements. Futuristic and exciting, the park opened in 1982. Spaceship Earth, the large geodesic dome, is among the major landmarks in Orlando. There’s an assortment of rides, shows, demonstrations, and other activities, and the array of restaurants means that’s no need to go hungry.
What to do there: Step into Spaceship Earth and discover various methods of communicating through the ages, from early cave paintings up to the smartphones and internet of today. Also within the area of Future World, learn more about the oceans at SeaBase, travel through the skies at Mission: Space, discover various ecosystems at Living with the Land, experience life as a secret agent, have a go in a hang gliding flight simulator, and have fun with a variety of interactive activities.Continue to World Showcase where you can delve into diverse world cultures, sample cuisine from across the globe, and learn more about different landscapes and traditions. Highlights include the Scandinavian-themed Frozen Ever After ride, the House of the Whispering Willows, O Canada!, the American Adventure, and Reflections of China. See African American art in the American Heritage Gallery, Moroccan gems in the Gallery of Arts and History, and traditional Mexican crafts in the Mexico Folk Art Gallery.
10 – Lake Eola Park – One of the most incredible free places to go to in Orlando
Why it’s awesome: Conveniently located in downtown, Lake Eola Park is among the natural and peaceful hotspots in Orlando. Popular with locals and tourists alike, there’s no charge to enter the pretty lake park. The lake is actually a sinkhole, and a track runs around the perimeter. Various events are hosted in the park, including a weekly farmers’ market. There are several leisure and relaxation activities for visitors to enjoy and the park provides great views of the downtown skyline.
What to do there: Stoll or jog along the lakeside trail as you soak up the vistas. Alternatively, take to the waters in a charming swan boat. See the lovely fountain—be sure to return in the evening time too when the fountain is beautifully illuminated through a range of colours. Relax on the grass or on a bench and enjoy the shade of an overhanging tree. There’s plenty of space for little ones to run and play and let off steam.
