Emily Flores
People usually land in Orlando chasing rides, but the city has more up its sleeve. Beyond the ticket gates, you’ll find places buzzing with art, history, and fun. The best part? Many of these experiences hide in plain sight, yet few visitors stumble upon them. You might be surprised at how much of Orlando you haven’t explored. Here are 20 ways to enjoy it differently.
Stroll Through Harry P. Leu Gardens
Harry P. Leu Gardens, just outside downtown Orlando, features 50 acres of peaceful walking paths and colorful plants. You’ll also discover Florida’s largest camellia collection, a stunning display of flowering shrubs that bloom in cooler months, alongside the historic 19th-century Leu House Museum. Locals even return for seasonal plant sales and outdoor movies.
Charles Hosmer Morse Museum Of American Art
Head to Winter Park, only minutes from Orlando, to visit the Morse Museum. Inside, you’ll find the world’s largest Tiffany glass collection. And don’t miss Tiffany’s chapel, a breathtaking stained-glass and mosaic interior originally created for the 1893 World’s Fair. Beyond glass, the museum showcases pottery, decorative arts, and Friday-evening free admission.
Paddle The Wekiva River
Sometimes the best adventure is slow and steady, like paddling the Wekiva River. Recognized as a National Wild and Scenic River, it’s a favorite for kayaking and canoeing. Herons and egrets fly overhead, while manatees and otters surface nearby. The springs also keep the water at 72°F, making it pleasant no matter the season.
Explore Lake Eola Park
Lake Eola Park is a favorite downtown spot in Orlando. The 23-acre lake makes a beautiful setting, with the city’s landmark fountain right in the middle. Here, visitors can rent swan-shaped paddle boats or see the actual swans that live at the park. And on Sundays, the year-round farmers’ market brings the park to life.
Discover The Experience Of The Orlando Science Center
The Orlando Science Center isn’t your typical museum—it’s hands-on and full of energy. Spread across four floors, it features interactive exhibits, a planetarium-style observatory for stargazing, and a towering dinosaur skeleton. Visitors also enjoy the giant domed theater and “Science Night Live,” a special adults-only evening event.
Visit The Mennello Museum Of American Art
Plan a visit to the Mennello Museum of American Art at 900 East Princeton Street in Orlando. This museum showcases American folk art and contemporary works, with painter Earl Cunningham—famous for colorful coastal scenes—as the highlight of its permanent collection. It even features a sculpture garden and hosts an annual festival.
Cruise The Winter Park Chain Of Lakes
Scenic boat tours on the Winter Park Chain of Lakes are a peaceful way to explore the city’s beauty. The canals, carved in the late 1800s, connect sparkling lakes bordered by tall cypress trees. Along the ride, you’ll pass historic homes and gardens, surrounded by lush, green scenery that makes the cruise unforgettable.
Hike At Mead Botanical Garden
In Winter Park, Mead Botanical Garden offers a quiet retreat across 48 acres. Paths wind through wetlands and flowerbeds, where birdwatchers gather on guided walks to glimpse owls and herons. A butterfly garden further brightens the terrain, while the amphitheater welcomes celebrations that carry laughter and music into the trees.
Catch A Show At Dr. Phillips Center For The Performing Arts
In downtown Orlando, the Dr. Phillips Center is the city’s cultural hub. Audiences enjoy Broadway shows, concerts, dance, jazz, and even opera in its stunning theaters. The spacious lobby? It provides sweeping city views that set the mood before every performance. No wonder it’s become Orlando’s favorite gathering place.
Shop And Dine At East End Market
East End Market is Orlando’s go-to spot for food lovers. Located in the Audubon Park Garden District, this lively hub brings together local vendors and artisans. Inside, you’ll also find a farm-fresh restaurant run by chefs, an on-site urban farm, great craft coffee, and fun pop-up shops that keep things exciting.
Wander Ivanhoe Village
Right along Lake Ivanhoe, Ivanhoe Village is one of Orlando’s most interesting spots. Visitors shop for vintage finds, dine at local restaurants, and admire colorful street art. Even the neighborhood was once nicknamed “Antique Row,” thanks to its many antique shops. Today, the lively “Virginia Drive Live” block party still brings everyone together.
Marvel At The Orlando Museum Of Art
The Orlando Museum of Art has been inspiring visitors since 1924. Situated in the Loch Haven cultural corridor, it showcases both national and international works. Plus, its striking modernist design makes the building itself worth a look. And inside, you’ll find blockbuster traveling exhibitions and favorites like the annual Festival of Trees event.
Kayak At Rock Springs Run
Just 30 minutes from Orlando, Rock Springs Run flows through Kelly Park with crystal-clear, spring-fed water perfect for tubing or kayaking. The water stays a refreshing 68°F all year and winds through a subtropical forest full of wildlife. Many visitors call it Florida’s best natural lazy river — and it’s easy to see why.
Browse The Orlando Public Library
Florida’s largest library sits right in Orlando, covering 290,000 square feet. It isn’t only about books—visitors also come for classes, exhibitions, and live performances. With its bold Brutalist architecture, the building catches attention immediately. In addition, the genealogy center adds a personal touch and gives guests a chance to explore family history.
Tour The Wells’Built Museum Of African American History
The Wells’Built Museum was once a hotel built in 1921 for African-Americans during segregation. Today, it stands as a museum preserving African American cultural heritage. Even jazz legends like Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong stayed here, and the exhibits highlight powerful stories, including key moments from the Civil Rights movement.
Stargaze At Seminole State College Planetarium
In Sanford, the Seminole State College Planetarium brings the universe indoors. This public planetarium is packed with immersive astronomy shows that wow both kids and adults. Families love the playful “Storybook Skies,” while visitors of all ages enjoy free telescope viewings and themed nights such as the lively “Laser Light Nights.”
Ride The Orlando StarFlyer
The Orlando StarFlyer dominates International Drive, standing 450 feet tall as the world’s tallest swing ride. Believe it or not, it’s taller than the Statue of Liberty. Riders zoom through the air at 60 mph, with sweeping panoramic views of Orlando, which makes the experience both thrilling and unforgettable.
Visit The Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center
Located in Maitland near Orlando, the Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center was established in 1981 as one of the first Holocaust centers in the U.S. Inspired by survivor and philanthropist Tess Wise, it now features art exhibits tied to human rights and educational programs that serve visitors of all ages.
Admire Street Murals In Mills 50 District
Mills 50 is Orlando’s neighborhood of color and creativity. Walls explode with bright murals, and even utility boxes are painted with bold designs, turning everyday objects into art. Both local and international artists leave their mark here. Hungry after exploring? Authentic Asian eateries nearby also make this district perfect for food and photos.
Relax At Kraft Azalea Garden
On Lake Maitland, Kraft Azalea Garden offers a peaceful place to relax. The garden is filled with big cypress trees and features the Greco-Roman-style Exedra monument, a curved structure with tall white columns that looks like an open-air stage. Photographers love coming here at sunrise, and couples often choose the garden for small wedding ceremonies.