Hidden Orlando - is there one

[lossieglen]

We visit Orlando annually and now go mainly for the weather and for my wife and daughters to buy shoes.

Done all the usual stuff over the years and now looking for the out of the box thinking to find hidden gems (if of course there are any)

Anyone got any ideas.
Thanks

[mskitty]

Take a look at Wizzo's recent trip reports. Over the last few years they have explored lots of areas beyond the usual parks. Some are further afield than Orlando but it may give you a good starting point.

[Tinkermom]

Okay let’s give you a few ideas, the obvious one if you’ve not been is Celebration then Winter park,Altamonte, Mount Dora for a sunset cruise. Wekiwa Springs, Lake Apopka is stunning and maybe a visit to the Old Town. Spirit of the Swamp is a really fun thing to do and Gatorland is great for the kids. Bok Tower Gardens is nice and not far.

Plenty to keep you busy 😊

[scooby99]

If you now go primarily for the weather & shopping, why not skip Orlando entirely & do the coast; either the East coast or Gulf coast?

Gorgeous weather without as intense humidity as Central Florida, lots of shopping options, new places to explore, as relaxed or busy as you want.

[jdouds]

Hi now for a real spanner in the works why not do as a lot of us have done after many year in Florida. Try the west coast, San Fran, Monterey, Vegas ,san Diego, Yosemite. FANTASTIC new adventure.

[East Coaster]

Originally Posted by jdouds

Hi now for a real spanner in the works why not do as a lot of us have done after many year in Florida. Try the west coast, San Fran, Monterey, Vegas ,san Diego, Yosemite. FANTASTIC new adventure.

See more...

I can only agree with this! After 7 trips to Orlando with the kids DH and I went to the west - San Fran, Yosemite, Mammoth Lakes, Vegas, Palm Springs and San Diego! Absolutely loved it - so diverse! Having said that we're off back to Florida this year - but only in Orlando 3 nights before heading off to Miami and the Keys! Can't wait.

[Chilli-pepper]

We haven't been to the parks for years but still go back year after year for the wildlife (OH does photography) and you will see everything in their natural habitat.

Appreciate this is not everyone idea of a holiday but we love to go out for the day with a picnic and be immersed in the nature side of Florida there are loads of other state parks but these are a few we go to and love.

Orlando Wetlands (free but can leave a donation)

Circle B Bar Reserve (free) - we probably go here at least 5 or 6 times in a 2 week holiday to catch sun rises and sun sets- best times to catch the wildlife feeding

Sweetwater Wetlands ($5 per car)- may be a bit far for you?

Lake Kissimmee State Park ($5 per car)

Lake Louisa ($5 per car)

Leu Gardens
Adult $10
Child (ages 4-17 years) $5
Children (3 years and younger) Free


Bok Towers
Adult admission: $15
Child admission (ages 5-12): $5
Child admission under 5: Free admission


A couple of bird feeding photos.