Unsurprisingly, most Orlando visitors flock to the city for its collection of theme parks. While these attractions offer great fun for everyone, they aren’t Orlando’s only source of entertainment. In fact, this Florida city has a wide range of sights and activities that appeal to guests of all ages and interests. From budget-friendly outdoor activities to cultural adventures and everything in between, Orlando has something everyone will enjoy during a Florida vacation.
When planning your Orlando getaway, remember that this city offers a similarly extensive variety of accommodations. You’ll find a wealth of IHG hotels near the Orlando International Airport and other points of interest as well as a wide range of vacation rental homes. When you add the following attractions to your Orlando itinerary, you should have no trouble finding accommodations that are convenient to everything you want to see and do.
Take Flight
Adventure lovers can indulge their adrenaline addiction through several aerial activities in Orlando. Hop in the basket and take a hot-air balloon ride over Orlando and the surrounding area with such vendors as Bob’s Balloon Flights, Orlando Balloon Rides, and Magic Sunrise Ballooning. Helicopter tours are available from providers like International Heli-Tours, Air Florida, and Air Force Fun Helicopter Tours.
If you want to experience flying yourself, go skydiving with Orlando Skydiving or Skydive Space Center, or try hang gliding at Wallaby Ranch Hang Gliding Flight Park. No matter which you choose, you’re sure to create the memories of a lifetime.
Get Outside
If taking to the air isn’t your idea of fun, consider some of Orlando’s more grounded activities. For instance, go horseback riding or enjoy an airboat ride at Westgate River Ranch. You can also explore Orlando and the surrounding area via bicycle. For a small fee, visitors can grab a bike from Orlando Bike Share and set out on the West Orange Trail, a 19-mile paved trail. Since there are restroom and picnic facilities along the trail, bikers can spend several hours enjoying the Florida sunshine.
Engage Your Mind
For those who love museums, Orlando offers a collection of top-notch and budget-friendly museums where you can while the hours away. For example, check out the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, where you can see the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, the man behind the famous Tiffany lamps.
At the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens, you can tour the home of this 20th-century Czech sculptor and see galleries and sculpture gardens. Other museums include the Orlando Museum of Art and the Mennello Museum of American Art.
Live Like a Local
For shopping, dining and more entertainment, check out Orlando’s many neighborhoods, each of which provides a unique visitor experience. Popular neighborhoods include the Church Street District, Thornton Park, Mills 50, the Milk District, Ivanhoe Village, College Park, Audubon Park and Winter Park. Whether you plan to spend an hour or a day in one of these interesting locales, you’re sure to find a lot to love.
Orlando clearly has much more to offer than just theme parks, so don’t be afraid to get out and explore. In fact, I would highly recommend planning a visit to some of these attractions in between days to the parks so you have time to recoup. By doing so, you may find that your next visit to Orlando will be your best yet!