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Orlando Beyond Parks - Desktop

Orlando: Beyond the theme parks

Orlando Lake

Discover the magic of the real Orlando...

You may know Orlando for its famous out-of-this-world theme parks, but that doesn't mean you have to spend every day of your holiday rocking round rollercoasters and posing with princesses. While the theme parks are amazing, there are plenty of thrilling adventures to be had in Orlando beyond the parks. 

From breath-taking natural beauty, unique wildlife and outdoor adventure to fabulous shopping malls, iconic cultural attractions and beautiful beaches, there is SO much more than meets the eye in this much-loved city.


Fun days out

There are some fantastic days out that you can enjoy just a short drive away from the major theme parks.

Tree Trek Adventure

Tree Trek Adventure Park

Monkey around in the lush Orlando forest on this tree top obstacle course. Tarzan-swing, leap into nets, climb ropes and zoom round zip lines for a challenging but hilarious day out you won't forget.

Nona Water Park

Nona Adventure Park

Get ready to make a splash at this thrilling aquapark featuring a 1000ft floating inflateable obstacle course, 60ft climbing tower/ropes course and wake boarding cable park, making for a fun-filled action-packed day.

Kennedy Space Centre

Kennedy Space Center

The hub of all NASA activity, a day here is an experience of a lifetime where you can watch a real rocket launch, speak to real astronauts and learn about NASA missions, past and future, in interactive exhibits.

Orlando Science Center

Orlando Science Center

Get down with dinosaurs and get up close to reptiles as the Orlando Science Center brings science to life with exciting exhibits on nature, conservation, engineering, technology, food and more.

Orlando Eye, Orlando

The Wheel at ICON Park

See Orlando from 400ft in the air, with fantastic views of Walt Disney World, Universal, nature reserves and lakes. Then peruse the boutiques and stop for food. The perfect way to have a chilled break from busy park days.

Surf's up!

You may need to travel an hour or two to get to a beach from Orlando, but it really is worth it! Many of these beaches are considered some of the best in the world, and whether you stay for a day or longer, getting some Vitamin Sea is the perfect way to unwind and re-centre after long days spent at Orlando's adrenaline-fuelled theme parks.

Vero Beach Florida

Vero Beach

A peaceful, unspoilt beach that's brimming with wildlife, Vero Beach is famous for sea turtle nests that pop up along the sand dunes every Summer. Keep a look out and you might also spot a ghost crab or a brown pelican. The historic town itself is lovely for a stroll round one-of-a-kind boutiques and sophisticated eateries.

Daytona Beach

Daytona is a buzzy beachside city that's full of life. The 23-mile long stretch of white sand is scattered with groups playing volleyball and frisbee. As the birthplace of NASCAR, Daytona is also a mecca for petrol heads, while spring breakers head here in their thousands for the pool parties and beach festivals.
St Pete and Clearwater, Florida

St Pete Beach

With an average 361 days of sunshine and award-winning pristine beaches, St Pete offers a relaxing escape from Orlando's busy crowds. With a distinct laid-back, artsy vibe, you'll find craft fairs and farmers markets, while if you're still after some adrenaline, St Pete is a top destination for watersports like windsurfing, parasailing and kiteboarding.
Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach

Clearwater often wins votes for having the best beach in the USA, thanks to its powdery sand and emerald sea. Every night artisans and street performers gather at the world-famous Pier 60 to marvel and celebrate the stunning sunset. It's also the prime location to spot a dolphin or two!
New Smyrna Beach

New Smyrna Beach

New Smyrna is one of the closest beach day trips from Orlando taking just an hour to get there. A surfers paradise where both amateurs and experts ride the waves. This cozy beach is also known for being pet friendly and eco conscious with a celebrated food scene and globally recognised arts community.
St Augustine

St Augustine Beach

St Augustine boasts a whopping 42-mile long coast line, and while the beach is, of course, glorious, there's much more here to see. As the oldest city in the US, this city is steeping in history which you can learn all about in the Oldest Store Museum, Old Jail Museum, Medieval Torture Museum, or - if you're feeling brave - on a ghost walking tour.

Calling all sports fans...

Sport is HUGE in the US and a holiday to Orlando is a great opportunity to join in with the fans and experience some all-American games first-hand.

Basketball in Orlando

Experience Orlando Magic

And no we're not talking about fairy dust! Going to see a basketball game is a quintessential American experience and the NBA is one of the most exciting sports leagues in the world. Head to the Amway Center, grab a hot dog and join Stuff the Magic Dragon (the team mascot) in cheering on the Orlando Magic basketball team.

Orlando City SC Stadium

Cheer for Orlando City

Football's coming home...to Orlando! Soccer is big news in Orlando from pre-game fun to post-match celebrations, the atmosphere is electric. Fans fill the streets wearing Orlando City's team colour of purple, firing purple smoke cannons, chanting in solidarity. The stadium becomes a sea of purple flags and local bars downtown are full of supporters making the most of game day drink specials.

Ice hockey

Watch Orlando Solar Bears

Another popular sport in the US is ice hockey! The Orlando Solar Bears are a minor league ice hockey team that plays at the Amway Center twice a week. It's a high-octane sport to watch and a fun day out if you're looking for something a little bit different.

Explore the great outdoors

Get back to nature and explore Orlando's mystical rivers, forests, marshes and mangroves, as well as the many birds, fish, reptiles and mammals that call them home.

Everglades

Airboat safari through the Everglades

The Everglades are the largest subtropical wilderness in the US. From Orlando, you can spend half a day exploring the Northern Everglades on an exciting airboat ride. Take in the enchanting landscape and see if you can spot alligators, eagles or wild boars.
Lake Eola

Rent a swan boat on Lake Eola

For a tranquil way to spend a day, head to Lake Eola in downtown Orlando where you can hop on a swan-shaped pedal boat. You'll also find the Walt Disney Amphitheater where there are plenty of live music events you can enjoy for free.
Rock Springs

Kayaking in Rock Springs

One of the most stunning natural springs in Florida, you can hire a glass-bottomed boat that will take you on a winding 2-hour journey down a lazy river under a canopy of trees amongst wildlife.
Manatees

Snorkelling with Manatees

Crystal River is only place in North America where you can legally swim with manatees, also known as sea cows. Just 90 mins away from Orlando, you can swim alongside these gentle giants for an experience you'll never forget.
Winter Park

Relax on a boat tour of Winter Park

One of Florida's most interesting experiences "off the beaten track", a boat tour of Winter Park will take you through a chain of pristine lakes where you'll see colourful tropical birds and flowers and lush palm trees, as well as spectacular mansions, many of which have been owned by the rich and famous. 

Shop til you drop

Disney Springs Shopping

Malls, outlets and boutiques galore!

Shopping in Orlando is like being in a theme park! There are endless options for bargain hunters, treasure seekers and luxury lovers alike.

Close to the theme parks you'll find 3 amazing open-air designer outlets and The Florida Mall which features all your favourite high street brands. For high-end fashion, head to The Mall at Millenia to covet names like Hermès, Chanel and Louis Vuitton. For something more unique, while away the hours browsing eclectic boutiques downtown in Winter Park, while International Drive and Disney Springs are both fantastic for combining a day of shopping with world-class food and entertainment.

Have an Orlando

adventure

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We are continually reviewing our flying schedules, taking into account the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advice against all non-essential travel. Depending on when you are due to travel, your holiday may be affected and we’ll email you to let you know as least 21 days before travel.

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