Things to Do in Orlando

So, you and your family decide that you want to take a trip to one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world, Orlando, Florida. One of the most important things that you have to take into consideration is what you are going to do when you get there. If you are thinking about taking a trip to Orlando, you are probably well aware that it is home to some of the most famous theme parks in the entire world. In fact, for most travelers, this is one of the main reasons why Orlando is at the top of the vacation destination list. We all know that there isn’t much than can beat a great day at a theme park or a ride on a crazy roller coaster to get your adrenaline pumping, but there is so much more than that to do in Orlando. Orlando, and the surrounding areas, has so much more to offer than attractions and theme parks, all that you have to do is dig a little and you will find the other side of Orlando that the common visitor may never get to see.

One of the best things about visiting the Central Florida area is that no matter where you are staying, you are no more than minutes away from some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Even the locals know that there is nothing better to do in Orlando than to pack up the family, the cooler, the beach toys and the beach chairs and head to the coast for a nice day of basking in the sun and cooling off in the water. There are so many gorgeous beaches here that you may find it a bit difficult to decide where to go and what beach to go to. There are beaches to the east and to the west of us here in Orlando, making the options virtually limitless. On the east coast we have one of the most famous beaches in the world, Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Beach was always a well-known beach to Floridians, but it wasn’t until the 1960’s when it became world renowned, largely in part to the space program and NASA. Cocoa beach is also known as the “Space Coast” and you can visit the Kennedy Space Center to learn all about that name and the incredible history of the United States Space Program.

The Cocoa Beach is also home to a number of cruise line ports, like Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruises and Royal Caribbean. A cruise is an excellent way to spend a vacation and, if you are staying in Orlando, all you have to do is take a short drive to the ports and you can be on your way to the Caribbean in style. Of course, if you do not wish to cruise there are other activities that you can do while you are there. Nearby Jetty Park is a great place to go if you are looking to take a nice and relaxing camping trip, as Jetty Park is home to an excellent camping site. Not only that, Jetty Park is known for outstanding fishing, so if you are quite the angler, you have to put a visit to Jetty Park at the top of your list.

The east coast is also home to another famous beach that you may want get in mind when you are looking for things to do in Orlando, and that is Daytona Beach. Daytona Beach is home to the Daytona 500, one of the most anticipated NASCAR races in the country. You can visit the Daytona International Speedway while you are visiting the city. If you are not a racing fan, that’s quite all right because you can just go down to the beach and relax for a while. Other beaches on the east coast include New Smyrna beach and Melbourne Beach. All of the beaches on the east coast are a great way to spend a day while you are in Orlando, so you should at least check out one of them before your trip is over.

Now, let’s turn our attention in the complete and opposite direction, to the west coast. The west coast of Florida has some of the most charming beaches on the coast. Clearwater Beach has held the rank of the most beautiful beach in Florida for a number of years now. Its white sandy beaches and the calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico make it an ideal destination for a day, or two, of rest and relaxation. It is a beach that you certainly do not want to miss out on, especially if you are looking for something to do in Orlando. Other magnificent beaches in the area include Treasure Island, St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay. If you are looking for a cruise, Tampa bay is home to famous cruise lines such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Holland America. As you can probably tell there are so many beaches in the Orlando area, all readily accessible, that you should have no problem finding a place to go in Orlando.

Of course, beaches are not the only places that you can do while you are trying to find something to do in Orlando. The City Beautiful is also home to some great places where you can just walk around and take in everything that is around you. For instance, you can take a trip out to Downtown Disney, where you will find a movie theater, restaurants, shops, and even concerts and events that are often held there. It is a great place to take a leisurely stroll and grab a bite to eat and maybe even sit by the lake and have lunch at one of the fabulous restaurants that they have on property. If you are visiting Orlando then you are all ready in the area, so there is no reason we you shouldn’t check it out.

Another place that may be of some interest to you is Universal Studios City Walk. City Walk is located in side on the property at Universal Studios. You can spend all day walking around and looking at the various shops and restaurants that call City Walk their home. It is an excellent place to check out when you are looking for something to do in Orlando on a fine day. Some restaurants and clubs include The Groove, Bob Marley’s and Pat O’Brien’s. Whatever you decide to do when you are out at Universal Studios City Walk, one thing is for sure and that is you will have a great time. Be sure to check this out on a day when you are looking for something different to do the Orlando area.

If you are a nature buff and staying in Orlando, you will love all of the activities that the city and her surrounding areas have to offer. With more than 30 state and national parks located in or around the Orlando area, it is truly a nature lovers dream. The parks usually offer camping facilities and other outdoor activities such as canoeing, kayaking, hiking and even SCUBA diving. These are also great places to just go and explore on your own, and another great thing is that the entrance fees to the parks are nominal. If you are looking to do something in Orlando and you love the outdoors, then this is definitely something that you want to look into.

As mentioned previously, there are many parks to choose when you are searching for things to do in Orlando. If being in the great outdoors is your cup of tea, you should hope in your vehicle and head to one of these unique and beautiful parks, like Wekiwa Springs State Park. While you are visiting Wekiwa Springs you will notice that you will be presented with many things to do and see. The spring itself is the start of the Wekiwa River, and at the head of this river is a spring that stays at a cool 72 degrees year-round, perfect to jump into if you are there in the middle of the hot Florida summer. The park also boasts over 13 miles of great hiking and biking trails that will take you through some of the most fascinating landscapes that you will ever see. You can also rent, or bring your own, canoes or kayaks to propel you down the clear spring and right into the river. After a day packed full all sorts of fun and exciting activities, you can settle down beneath a huge shade tree and have a nice and relaxing picnic. If you are in Orlando, this should be on your to do list.

If you are in Orlando long enough, you may hear someone use the term “Old Florida” when describing a state or national park. This term is used because the landscape of the parks has not changed in a very long time. In fact, some places that you will go are still the same as when the Timucuan Indians called this land their home. In other parks, like Rock Springs and Silver Springs, you will see and abundant amount of wildlife and plant life that are indigenous to the area, like alligators, fish and birds. If you are looking for a great time, especially with the family, while you are in Orlando then you need look no further than the great natural surroundings that are “Old Florida”. A trip to the Orlando area is certainly incomplete if you decide not to take a trip to one of these amazing parks.

As you can now see, there are plenty of things to do in Orlando once the thrill of the theme park is over. When you are in Orlando, get out there and discover a completely different and fascinating world that lies under the surface of a typical tourist destination. So, when you are looking for things to do in Orlando, look away from the attractions and theme parks and look to the inner Orlando for some great things to do. There is a whole new world that you can discover in the Orlando area, all you have to is get out there and see it for yourself.