There’s no denying that Walt Disney World and the other theme parks make a trip to this part of Florida a fun vacation for all, but to spend your whole time there would be to miss out on an amazing variety of activities.
You can make Orlando your base and check out some of the interesting towns, drives and abundance of outdoor pursuits between jaunts to the theme parks and other attractions, or devote whole segments of your trip to exploring these areas before or after your time with the Mouse. Not a theme park fan? Then simply link these trips together for an exploration of the scenic wonders and interesting history this part of Florida has to offer.
Orlando Overnighter:
In two or three days, you can cover a lot of ground, but there are so many options that you should narrow it down by your main interests. Are you all about the thrills? Maybe check out indoor sky diving at Sky Venture, parasail, wakeboard, water ski or do just about anything else water-related at Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre, or head to Kissimmee (a 20-minute drive) for an airboat ride at Boggy Creek or St. Cloud (a 40-minute drive) for an EcoSafari or Zipline Adventure. Have the kids along? The crazy, upside-down WonderWorks experience is unique, Farris and Fosters does a chocolate-making party that’s an instant hit, or you can blow off some energy, swim or canoe and kayak at Wekiwa Springs State Park. Also, Gatorland, with its all-white, blue-eyed alligators, fascinates all ages. If you’re looking for something more low-key, a Loch Haven Cultural Pass to the Orlando Museum of Art , the Orlando Science Center, and the Mennello Museum of American Art could be just the ticket, or a Scenic Boat Tour in nearby Winter Park and shopping and cafes along Park Avenue in the tony town might be more your speed.
Beach Blanket Breakout:
A great way to get a break from the Mouse is to go lie on the beach and let the sun and surf soothe souls stressed by long lines and sensory overload. Daytona Beach, also known as the World’s Most Famous Beach, sits 66 miles east of Orlando and got so famous because of its Boardwalk and the fact that you can drive right to the edge of water, rightly or wrongly. Don’t want to spend all day at the ocean? Daytona is also the place to go for, of course, Daytona USA for NASCAR fun or Klassix Auto Attraction for true car nuts. Take a cruise excursion like the nature- or sunset-themed ones with A Tiny Cruise Line, or take the kids to Adventure Landing. If Daytona is packed – or you spend a day or two there and are looking for a change of pace – New Smyrna Beach has a different vibe. Fishing is a big deal here, especially because it’s known for redfish, so nearly everyone has a line in the water. Car fans can once again rejoice: New Smyrna Speedway is a popular attraction. Smyrna Dunes Park is a family-friendly stop with a variety of activities. And between Daytona and New Smyrna, along the coast, sits Ponce Inlet, with its well-known Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse.
Christmas in July:
The story of how Christmas, a town 24 miles east of Orlando, was named is as charming as the town itself. Around the town are some of the other places famous for launch-watching – specifically, Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach – which along with Christmas have plenty of other reasons for swinging through. Christmas offers the all-ages gator farm Jungle Adventures and the kid-oriented Fort Christmas Historical Park, and Cape Canaveral has plenty to offer those with space on their minds: the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and Warbird Air Museum. But the cape, which encompasses several communities, also offers a variety of outdoor options, including Cape Canaveral National Seashore and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Looking to relax on the beach? Six miles of pristine white sand await at Cocoa Beach, which has the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum devoted to the favored sport of the area as well as tours of the Banana River Lagoon as diversions.
Trip Back in Time:
About 30 miles northwest of Orlando sits a rural area beloved for its lakes, old-fashioned lifestyle and rustic charms. You hit Mount Dora first on U.S. 441, and there you can fish, boat or simply sit by Lake Dora, ride the Mount Dora Cannonball, a steam engine-pulled railway, or check out the wildlife streaming through Palm Island Park. The next town along the way is Tavares, a lake-encircled charmer that makes for an ideal spot for a scenic cruise on an old riverboat with Bartholomew’s Yesteryear Cruises. You can also check out the Discovery Gardens, or let the kids cool off at the Splash Park. A mere 11 miles west on U.S. 441 sits Leesburg, which has Lake Griffin State Recreation Area, with plenty of room for boating. Then head north for 32 miles on U.S. 27 to Ocala, with its mix of culture – the Appleton Museum of Art and the Seminole-oriented Marion County Museum of History – and adventure, such as hiking and canoeing at Silver River State Park. Your final stop on this tour is Silver Springs, where an enormous, circa-1878 theme park, also named Silver Springs, brings the amusement motif full circle, and kids go crazy as well for Wild Waters Water Park. If you still have energy to spare, Ocala National Forest is just down the road, and has more outdoor opportunities in its 383,000 acres than you can imagine.
Sky Venture
It's the sky diving experience without the fear of, well, falling from the sky. Participants don flight suits, goggles and helmets and enter a tunnel that channels winds of up to 125 mph for the sensation of being airborne. Located at 6805 Visitors Cir. (from Interstate 4, exit 75A at International Drive). Cost starts at $44.95 per person; under 18 allowed with parent or guardian permission. Open 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday.
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Sammy Duvall's Watersports Centre
If it goes on the water, you can probably find it at Sammy’s at Walt Disney World Resort, in an enormous complex owned by a former world champion water skier. Of course water skiing is available, but also wakeboarding, kneeboarding, tubing and parasailing on the Seven Seas Lagoon behind the Contemporary Resort, as well as Sea Doo rentals that you can ride in a private watercraft area. Located at 4600 World Dr. Cost varies by activity, but runs about $85-$170.
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Boggy Creek Airboat Rides
With half-hour tours throughout the day and a nightly one-hour tour, there are plenty of opportunities to see alligators, turtles, birds and other wetlands wildlife in the Florida Everglades. The general-public rides take place on 17-passenger airboats, while the private rides seat up to six. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; closed Dec. 25. Located at 2001 E. Southport Rd. Cost: $25.95 adults; $19.95 ages 3-10). Private tours cost $45.95 per person and run 45 minutes.
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Forever Florida EcoSafaris/Zipline Adventures
This 4,700-acre eco ranch and wildlife conservation area features a variety of adventures, from a two-hour, open-air safari coach ride around the property to look for native wildlife, including the possible sighting of a Florida panther – with the option of doing this safari on horseback – to riding a zipline across the area, in the starlight or moonlight, if you prefer. The barbecue at the on-site restaurant is worth sticking around for. Open daily at 9 a.m. mid-March to early September. Located at 4755 N. Kenansville Rd. in St. Cloud. Cost: Depends on activity, but coach safari starts at $28 adults; $22 ages 6-12 and zipline $85 for ages 10 and up.
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WonderWorks
From the exterior of a building built upside down aotp another building to multiple levels of things to do, this is a feast for the eyes and senses, with science-oriented and fun interactive exhibits (land a space shuttle, flight and earthquake simulators), a 4-D roller coaster ride, Lazer Tag, virtual sports, a bubble lab and more. At night, there’s a comedy and magic dinner show, but be sure to purchase tickets early, because it often sells out. The café sells good, kid-friendly food, including pizza and hot dogs. Located at 9067 International Dr. at the Pointe Orlando Entertainment Complex. Cost: Pricing varies depending on which activities you do, but general admission is $24.99 adults; $19.99 ages 4-12, 55+. The dinner show is extra, and the basement activities (Lazer Tag, ropes course, 4-D ride are extra but can be combined in a pass). Open 9 a.m.-midnight daily.
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Farris and Fosters
If you’re in the area for a special occasion, a Farris and Fosters party is guaranteed to be a big hit with anyone who loves chocolate. But even if it’s just a stop, chocoholics go crazy for the goods here. For kids, the party involves each guest getting a slice of chocolate pizza that they can then decorate with toppings and chocolate coatings. Adults can have their own party, choosing from 1,000 different molds or dipping fruit. Make it a family night! Located at 4875 New Broad St. in Orlando. Cost: Kids party starts at $22 per person. Family night is $25 per family. Adult parties depend on chocolates being made. Open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Thurs.; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri.-Sat.
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Wekiwa Springs State Park
Kick back in a canoe or kayak on the Wekiva River or Rock Springs Run – you can rent the boats at the park – or hike, bike the 9 miles of trails or horseback ride along the 16 miles of multi-use trails at this that sits 20 minutes north of Orlando. There is also swimming at Wekiwa Springs. Keep your eyes peeled for deer and wild turkeys. Located off Interstate 4 at exit 94. Take State Road 434 West to Wekiwa Springs Road. Turn right on Wekiwa Springs Rd. and travel approximately 4 miles to the park entrance Cost: $6 per vehicle ($4 single occupant). Open 8 a.m.-sunset daily.
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Gatorland
They call themselves the "Alligator Capital of the World," and while a cheesy sideshow exhibit might come to mind, this 110-acre place is much more of a serious zoo, with alligators and crocodiles (they’ll make sure you know the difference before you leave), as well as tons of other animals and an impressive bird rookery. There’s also an on-site water park. Located at 14501 South Orange Blossom Trail just north of Orlando. Cost: $22.99 adults; $14.99 ages 3-12. Open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.
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Loch Haven Cultural Pass
If you were planning to go to The Orlando Museum of Art, The Mennello Museum, and the Orlando Science Center anyway, there’s no reason not to get this pass, which will save you 20 percent over the cost of buying the tickets separately. Just use them within a two-week period. Visit the website for more information or to purchase. Cost: $25 adults; $15 children.
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Orlando Museum of Art
OMA offers a sizable collection of American art – look for pieces by John Singer Sargent, Georgia O’Keeffe, Ansel Adams and Robert Rauschenberg – as well as ancient artifacts and African textiles and beadwork. Plan to spend about two hours. Located at 2416 North Mills Ave. in Loch Haven Park, Orlando. Cost: $8 adults; $7 military/seniors/students; $5 ages 4-17. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Fri.; noon-4 p.m. Sat.-Sun.; closed major holidays.
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Orlando Science Center
With hands-on exhibits, a giant-screen theater and planetarium and an observatory on top with a refractor telescope, the Science Center is kid central for budding scientists. Popular sections include the dinosaur dig, the swamp with live alligators, the flight simulators and Kids Town, for anyone under 48 inches. On weekends the center offers labs where kids can conduct experiments. Located at 777 East Princeton St. in Loch Haven Park, Orlando. Cost: $17 adults; $12 ages 3-11; $16 55+/students. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun.-Fri.; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sat.; closed major holidays.
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Mennello Museum of American Art
The rather small Mennello, which is operated by the City of Orlando, has a collection of works by American artist Earl Cunningham, along with sculptures and paintings and traveling exhibitions by traditional and contemporary artists. Located at 900 East Princeton St. in Loch Haven Park, Orlando. Cost: $4 adults; $3 60+; $1 students; under 12 free. Open: 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tues.-Sat.; noon-4:30 p.m. Sun.; closed major holidays.
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Smyrna Dunes Park
With 73 acres surrounded on three sides by water, the natural habitat of Smyrna Dunes is a draw for wildlife enthusiasts hoping to see a variety of birds and marine life, as well as swimmers, fisherman and naturalists. You can also meander along the two-mile elevated boardwalk that traverses five ecosystems. Picnic areas available. Located on the peninsula east of New Smyrna. Cost: $5 per vehicle. Open sunrise to sunset daily.
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Ponce Inlet
A fisherman’s paradise, the lazy town of Ponce Inlet is also famous for its uncrowded beaches and, of course, the Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station, a lighthouse built in 1887 that attracts folks from all over the world. Town attractions include a science center and botanical gardens. Located 64 miles northeast of Orlando via Interstate 4, and 11 miles south of Daytona Beach via U.S. 1.
Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse
With its museum and lighthouse keeper’s lodging, the 1887 site is one complete historical destination, a mecca for lighthouse lovers the world over and the second-tallest masonry example in the country. You can climb to the top (note that it’s 203 steps) and look down from the 175-foot tower, where views of the surrounding beach and the coastline are breathtaking, and there’s also a nice nature walk. Located at 4931 S. Peninsula Dr. Cost: $5 adults; $1.50 under 11. Open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Memorial Day-Labor Day; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. day after labor Day-day before memorial Day.
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Christmas
Christmas is home to “Swampy,” the world’s largest non-living alligator – it’s a building that measure 200 feet, one inch, and houses the offices and gift shop for Jungle Adventures, one of the premier attractions (which also is the largest alligator farms in Florida, by the way) in a tiny town whose other claim to fame is the enormous amount of mail it gets during a certain holiday, when folks long to have their mail stamped with the postmark. The other fun thing about the town? It’s always decorated. Located 20 miles east of Orlando via Florida 50.
Cape Canaveral National Seashore
A pristine stretch of Florida coastline with its own gorgeous beaches run by the National Park Service, the National Seashore offers plenty to do, including fishing, boating, hiking and camping, as well as swimming and surfing. Manatee sightings are likely, and the ranger-led programs are a great way to ensure you’ll see other wildlife. Located 40 miles east of Orlando via Interstate 95 and U.S. 1. Cost: $3 per person/per day; under 16 free (annual park pass $35). Open 6 a.m.-6 p.m. in winter; 6 a.m.-8 p.m. summer.
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Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
More than 500 species of wildlife call the 140,000 acres of Merritt Island home, and this quiet refuge is known as a place for quiet reflection and relaxation as well as a superb fishing hole – the permits are free, but very much required – as well as a likely place to spot alligators and manatees in their natural habitats. There’s a wildlife drive long with seven hiking and walking trails for varying abilities. Note that most of the refuge is closed 24 hours prior to a shuttle launch at NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center. Located four miles east of Exit 200 off Interstate 95, 52 miles east of Orlando. Cost: Free. Open sunrise to sunset daily.
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Bartholomew's Yesteryear Cruises
Take an eco-friendly ride on one of Bartholomew’s electric boats, which seat six and offer narrated tours of the area's waterways. The hour and a half cruise runs from Lake Eustis down the Dora Canal. Reservations required. Located at 12121 Canal St. in Tavares. Cost: $12 per person. Times vary; call 352-343-7047 for details.
Discovery Gardens
These themed demonstration gardens – including elaborate kitchen and children's areas – offer inspiration to the home gardener and a pleasant way to while away an hour or two, with their fragrant walkways and vibrantly colored plantings. Get gardening tips from master gardeners and be sure to stop by the butterfly house. Located at 1951 Woodlea Road in Tavares. Cost: Free. Open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Mon.-Fri. (summer); 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri. (winter)
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Children's Splash Park
A seaplane-themed splash park, this popular attraction has slides, water cannons, spouts and buckets that pour water everywhere. It's a great place to escape the heat, but be warned that it can hold only 59 people, so come early. Located at 201 E. Main St. in Tavares. Cost: $2 per person. Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily April-October, but Tuesdays are "day care" days, with reservations required.
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Lake Griffin State Recreation Area
Not only can boaters find plenty to do at Lake Griffin, with the park connected by a 45-minute canoe trip to the eighth largest lake in the state, but the pretty campground - shaded by enormous oak trees - a nature trail and playground are top spots for families, too. Canoe rentals are available, and the fishing for bass, crappie, and catfish is good. Located 15 miles west of Tavares, 2 miles north of Leesburg and 30 miles south of Ocala. Cost: $5 per vehicle. Open 8 a.m.-sunset daily.
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Ocala
Named for the nearby historical site Ocale, founded by the extinct Native American Timucua tribe, the name is loosely translated as "big hammock," a likely reference to the abundance of hardwood trees growing in the area. The city is best known, however, for being one of five legally allowed to call itself the "horse capital of the world" because of its tremendous ties to the industry, including thoroughbred breeding, training and sales. Just driving around looking at the expansive horse farms can be rewarding, and the whole setting has an elegant Southern quality to it. Located 27 miles north of Orlando via U.S. 27.
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Appleton Museum of Art
The extensive set of collections at this easy-to-navigate museum includes sculptures and textiles from Africa, Asian bronzes, prints from Americans Whistler and Audubon, Islamic pottery and rugs and Pre-Columbian artifacts. There’s also an impressive gathering of post-World War II paintings, sculptures and paper works from around the globe, as well. Located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Cost: $6 adults; $4 seniors, students over 18; $3 ages 10-18; under 9 free. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday; closed major holidays.
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Marion County Museum of History
The pretty grounds themselves are worthy of a stop – be sure to check out the Native American “paha” huts – but inside the building you’ll find dioramas of area life through the ages, in addition to extensive historical information on the earlier tribe of Timucuans. Located at 307 SE 26th Terrace in Ocala. Cost: Donation requested. Open: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday-Saturday; closed major holidays.
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Silver River State Park
Gorgeous springs found among the miles of hiking trails, canoeing and biking, along with camping, are among the draws at this picturesque state park. Also check out the reconstructed Cracker Village – with a house and other structures showing Central Florida life during pioneer times – along with the kid-friendly Silver River Museum. Located east of Ocala, one mile south of Florida 40 on State Road 35. Cost: $6 per vehicle. Open 8 a.m.-sundown daily.
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Silver Springs
There are indeed springs here, which produce hundreds of millions of gallons of water daily, and surrounding them are lush foliage and the pristine Silver River, so crystal-clear it has become famous in underwater movie scenes. You can see for yourself on a glass-bottomed boat. Located 86 miles northwest of Orlando via Interstate 75 and 6 miles east of Ocala via Florida 40.
Silver Springs Theme Park
The glass-bottomed boats at this large but easily navigated theme park are among the most famous attractions in the country, which gain access to the amazingly clear, 99.8 percent pure water of the Silver River that runs through it. Two different cruises offer unique voyages – one a trip back in time to a Seminole village depicting life in the 1880s; the other, an ecosystem teeming with alligator, turtles and many species of large birds, such as heron and osprey. There's a kids' playland, shows featuring reptiles, snakes and birds, and several rides. Located just east of Ocala on Florida 40; take exit 352 east off I-75 or exit 268 west off I-95. Cost: $29.99 adults; $24.99 ages 3-10; under 3 free. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. most days; check website for late hours on holidays and special closed dates.
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Wild Waters Water Park
There's plenty to keep you cooled-off at Wild Waters: wave pools, slides, tube rides, splash pools, a large play area with wading pool and interactive water games for smaller kids and an even shallower wading pool for much smaller ones. Located east of Ocala off Florida 40; take exit 352 east off I-75 or exit 268 west off I-95. Cost: $29.99 over 48 inches; $24.99 under 48 inches. Open: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday-Saturday; check website for extended summer hours.
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Ocala National Forest
With more than 383,000 acres of forest interspersed with lakes, springs and rivers, Ocala National Forest is ideal hiking and biking territory, as well as well set-up for canoeing, fishing and swimming. Juniper Springs, Salt Springs, Alexander Springs and Silver Glen Springs Recreation Areas feature natural hot springs open to the public. There are designated Jeep and ATV trails, too. Don’t’ feel like doing anything? Just drive through on one of the scenic byways. Stop by one of the three visitor’s centers (Salt Springs, Pittman or Ocklawaha) for trail maps and activity information. Located 15 miles east of Interstate 75 in Ocala, just east of Silver Springs. Cost: Fee vary by use area; check website for details. Open year-round.
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