Part of central Florida, Orlando is one of the top tourist cities in the state for those interested in the adventure of a lifetime. Whether it’s the nature gardens, parks, or just the theme parks all over the city, there’s something for everyone in there.
Also known as “The City Beautiful”, Orlando is a top destination renowned for its vibrant entertainment scene, including shopping, dining, and amazing nightlife.
No matter what you’re into, chances are these places have the amazing power to bring the kid in you alive. So, whether you travel with your family or just your partner, here are 10 magical places to visit in Orlando. Get ready to step into a dreamworld!
Walt Disney World
This is pretty much every kid’s dream come true. It’s no surprise Orlando is considered an ideal destination for families. However, if you’ve never been to a Walt Disney resort before, chances are you’ll feel just as excited as a grownup. Your childhood is likely to come back to life.
Walt Disney World in Orlando has four different parks. Each of them has its own unique features though. The Magic Kingdom is probably the best-rated one, but it’s also worth hanging around the Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Epcot. There is plenty to explore, no matter where you go.
Opening hours differ based on the park you choose. If you’d like to visit more than just one, make sure you get there early. It’s worth trying to beat the crowds. And even so, chances are you may have to come back some other time, only to finish exploring everything.
Orlando Eye
Spending the evening out? Looking for something to top up a good meal? If you love stunning views and stirring heights, Orlando Eye could be the perfect place for you. Just like every other big city, Orlando has its own “eye” to take you above everything else and show you the city from above.
Obviously, you don’t have to wait until the sun sets in order to enjoy the views. If you’d rather see it during the day, you might as well visit when it’s light outside. Make sure you have plenty of battery on your camera, you’ll take some amazing pictures from up there.
The eye goes up 400 feet in the air, while visitors can enjoy the view from glass capsules. Compared to other attractions in Florida, the Orlando Eye is relatively new. Luckily, it’s open most of the day, so queues aren’t too long.
Universal Orlando
If Disney princesses and old-school characters aren’t really your thing, how about Universal Orlando? In fact, while Disney seems to bring back memories in grownups, it looks like Universal Orlando could be more popular among kids, as it features new and modern characters.
All in all, this theme park brings in a series of different rides, plenty of fun, access to some of Steven Spielberg’s amazing work, and some quality time around the minions, among many other characters. The problem is this park is gigantic, so it’s nearly impossible to see and explore everything in one day.
If this is on your bucket list, the best thing to do is buy a two-day pass. Yes, the park has different deals over more days, so you can take your time with every attraction you run into. Apart from two internal parks, Universal Orlando also has a massive entertainment area, not to mention a shopping center.
Orlando Science Center
If you thought everything in Orlando is about theme parks and cartoon characters, get ready to be surprised. If you’ve always been a bit of a nerd, the Orlando Science Center is there to satisfy your thirst for knowledge and science.
And while some exhibitions might be a bit too difficult to understand for kids, there are also certain parts that explain things clearly. If your little ones love to know how things work, you can’t go wrong with this museum.
There are countless exhibitions to explore. There are just as many experiences you and your family can try on. Even if you’ve visited science centers before, this one stands out in the crowd with its size.
Harry P. Leu Botanical Gardens
Nature attractions like the Harry P. Leu Botanical Gardens don’t really make it on anyone’s bucket list. But after days of hanging around theme parks or shopping around skyscrapers, you feel like you need a bit of peace, so pretty much every tourist ends up here as well.
Located right in the heart of the city, these gardens feel like stepping into a different world. Tranquility, peace, lots of greenery, and a wide variety of unique plants you won’t see anywhere else in Florida. That’s pretty much what you’ll find in there. Go on a sunny day and you’ll love the experience.
Lake Eola Park
Nothing beats a nice morning with a strong coffee and a walk in Lake Eola Park. It’s just so peaceful, it almost feels like it’s recharging your batteries. Located in the central part of Orlando, the park is a quiet spot that’s free to visit.
There are all kinds of festivals organized throughout the year, so fingers crossed you’ll get lucky. If you feel like doing a bit more than just a walk, feel free to rent a swan boat and enjoy the tranquility of water among real swans.
Old Town
The Old Town won’t disappoint. It’s close to the central side of Orlando, and it won’t cost you anything. Not only is it very picturesque, but if you’re up for a shopping trip, it’s got endless rows of shops. Anything you can think of, from top brands to less known names.
Even if you’re not ready to blow your budget on a shopping trip, the Old Town is considered a theme park because it recreates the style and atmosphere of old school Florida. Bring your camera, enjoy the old world charm and if you feel like it, there are quite a few rides you can enjoy too.
From many points of view, the Old Town is a testimony to the unique atmosphere of Florida. Some of the things you can see for free include the outdoor mall, as well as the classic car shows.
Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary
You don’t have to be a religious person to admire the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary. Sure, you can feel its spiritual profile the moment you get in, but at the same time, a lot of people visit for the unique architecture and grandiose appearance.
Of all the tourist attractions in Orlando, this one is probably the most beautiful piece of art in the city. The Latin basilica has spectacular arches enhanced by shades and bright lights, boosting a clean appearance that everyone will admire.
The basilica has a shrine museum as well, not to mention the rosary garden and the gift shop. If you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth a visit. It can host up to 3,800 people, so you can imagine how imposing it feels once you’re in the middle of it.
I-Drive
I-Drive is known as the International Drive area. It’s incredibly diverse, so you could probably spend a whole day there and still fail to see everything. It’s less than 10 miles away from the central part of Orlando and boasts numerous shopping venues, entertainment, bars, restaurants, malls, museums…
The list could go on forever! There are dozens of different cuisines you can try, but you can also have a meal while exploring Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum or watching a themed show. If you’re a night person, there’s just as much entertainment in the evening, don’t worry.
The problem with I-Drive is traffic, though. On weekends, it tends to get clogged with cars. However, the hassle is part of the game, too. It feels like you’re in a different country. You’ll be able to find everything you need for more affordable prices compared to the nearby theme parks.
Skeletons Museum of Osteology
The Skeletons Museum of Osteology is the largest museum in central Florida. It’s quite interesting for children, but it’s just as exciting for grownups to learn about the different shapes and sizes of animal bones. It’s one of the most unique attractions in Florida and hosts over 500 real skeletons from animals around the world.
The museum is spread over three different areas. You can start with the African Safari, go through the Marsupials section, and end your visit with the Florida Wildlife area.
Finish your visit with the gift shop and get some educational stuff for kids.
In Conclusion
In the end, Orlando stands out as an amazing tourist spot packed with incredible places to explore. Its theme parks, natural wonders, shopping, and entertainment venues make it a place with endless opportunities for adventure. With so much to see and do, your visit to this city will surely be unforgettable. Just for your information, the images shown here are for illustration purposes only.
