Orlando is known for so many things — theme parks, being close to the beach, spring break vacations, and of course — the heat! While there is so much to explore in this popular vacation destination, people often feel they don’t have the time to explore the local hidden gems.
In this article, we’re going to take a deep dive into some of the best Orlando hidden gems that offer a little bit of everything. Whether you’re a nature lover an art fan or maybe just a foodie looking for a new favorite dish, check out these incredible hidden gems in Orlando Florida!
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Table of Contents
Hidden Gems in Orlando for Nature-Lovers
After checking out the theme parks, you may feel the need to get away from the crowds for a bit. There’s no better way to decompress than in nature! Here are some great hidden gems in Orlando for nature-enthusiasts!
1. Wekiwa Springs State Park
- Address: 1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, FL 32712
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Nestled just north of Orlando, Wekiwa Springs State Park is the perfect spot for all nature enthusiasts! This natural spring is best known for its for its crystal blue water, which is perfect for those hot summer days. There is so much wildlife to see while you’re there too! From playful otters to a wide variety of birds, Wekiwa Springs State Park offers a tranquil escape into the wilderness.
2. Blue Spring State Park
- Address: 2100 W. French Ave., Orange City, FL 32763
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Blue Springs State Park is one of the best hidden gems near Orlando. This park is the spot for anyone who’s a fan of manatees, here you will find a plethora of them seeking refuge in the springs in the warmer months. After you’re done hanging with the manatees, there are so many other attractions to take part in — from swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
3. Mead Botanical Gardens
- Address: 1300 S Denning Dr, Winter Park, FL 32789
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
If you’re a fan of butterflies, flowers, and just an overall lush vibe, the Mead Botanical Gardens is the hidden oasis waiting for you! Enjoy over 47 acres of diverse plants and flowers while enjoying the various wildlife habitats and pavilions.
4. Screamin’ Gator Zip Line
- Address: 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail Orlando, Florida 32837
- Hours: Monday – Friday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Are you more of an adventure-seeker? Even if you’ve already experienced Gatorland, the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line is definitely worth another visit!
The Screamin’ Gator Zipline offers a unique opportunity to zipline through the sky with Florida’s iconic wildlife as your backdrop. When you’re suspended above the treetops, you can enjoy panoramic views of the park and scream while you cross the resident gators below.
I visited here for a daytime activity during a Bachelorette party once and it was so.much.fun.
5. Tibet-Butler Preserve
- Address: 8777 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32836
- Hours: Monday – Sunday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
The Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve is a perfect serene escape in the heart of Central Florida’s wilderness. With over 440 acres of wilderness, this is the perfect spot for a stroll where you can admire wetlands, lakeshores, and oat hammocks. While exploring, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings, such as deer, otters, and a wide array of bird species that call the preserve home.
Artsy Hidden Gems in Orlando
In case you need a break from the Florida sun and humidity, here are some of the best hidden gems for museum and art-lovers!
6. Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
- Address: 445 N Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
- Hours: Monday – Thursday 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM, Friday 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM, Sunday 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Located in Winter Park, Florida, the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art is one of the best hidden gems near Orlando. This museum is known for its large collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany. The museum’s collection also features American decorative arts from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which showcases the nation’s artistic heritage during this transformative period.
Insider Tip: If you’re a student, be sure to bring your ID! That will grant you a $1 admission ticket.
7. Drip! Art Lounge
- Address: 544 W Fairbanks Ave C-1, Winter Park, FL 32789
- Hours: Monday – Friday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Get ready to unleash your inner artist! Drip! Art Lounge is such a fun and unique spot! This space offers a fusion of creativity, entertainment, and immersive art experiences — all in one place. There’s a little bit of performance art, interactive installations, and visual storytelling, Drip! invites visitors to step into a world where color, sound, and movement come together to ignite the senses.
8. Enzian Theater
- Address: 1300 Orlando Ave, Maitland, FL 32751
- Hours: Monday – Thursday 3:00 PM – 9:30 PM, and Friday – Sunday 12:00 PM – 9:30 PM
This is one my all-time favorite hidden gems in the Orlando area. The Enizan Theater is considered Central Florida’s premier independent movie theater, which offers a unique blend of first-run films, cult classics, and family-friendly flicks, which provides the perfect blend of entertainment options.
Insider Tip: Don’t forget to check out the Eden Bar while you’re there for some fun Orlando nightlife! They typically offered themed drinks off the movies that are currently playing. It’s a great date night spot!
9. Orlando Shakes
- Address: 812 E Rollins St, Orlando, FL 32803
- Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Closed on Mondays
Founded in 1989, Orlando Shakes has become one of the hallmarks of the Central Florida performing arts scene, captivating audiences with its innovative interpretations and world-class performances. Prepare to enjoy classics like “Hamlet” and “Macbeth”, “Twelfth Night”, and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Check out the event calendar to see which plays pique your interest!
10. Snap! Orlando
- Address: 420 E Church St, Orlando, FL 32801
- Hours: Monday – Saturday 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Closed on Sundays
Are you a photography fan? You need to check out Snap! Orlando. Founded in 2010 by Patrick and Holly Kahn, Snap! has become the central hub that celebrates all things art, technology, and pop culture through innovative exhibitions, immersive experiences, and community engagement.
Insider: While admission is free, consider donating $10 to keep the Orlando art scene thriving!
Orlando Hidden Gems Restaurants
Looking to check out some off-the-beaten-path restaurants? These hidden gems in Orlando have some of the tastiest (and super underrated) dishes!
11. Sloppy Taco Palace
- Address: 4892 S Kirkman Rd, Orlando, FL 32811
- Hours: Monday – Sunday 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM
If you’re in the mood for some good tacos and ice cold draft beer, look no further than Sloppy Taco Palace! This is a great local hangout with a relaxed vibe. Fun fact, instead of fries on the side they offer loaded tater tots. Yum!
12. Shin Jung
- Address: 1638 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803
- Hours: Monday – Sunday 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
If you’re on the hunt for the best traditional Korean cuisine, this is the spot for you. Shin Jung is great if your party has a wide variety of taste preferences — they offer a wide vegetarian fare, plus a grill-it-yourself BBQ!
13. Lazy Moon Pizza
- Address: 1011 E. Colonial Dr. Suite 101, Orlando, FL 32803
- Hours: Monday – Thursday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Friday & Saturday 11:00 AM- 12:00 AM, Sunday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Pizza fans will LOVE Lazy Moon! Not only are the slices HUGE (seriously, they’re bigger than your head!) but they offer a wide variety of pies at a reasonable price. They also have over 15 beers on tap and a wide range of delicious handcrafted cocktails.
14. Mikado Sushi
- Address: 6417 Raleigh St, Orlando, FL 32835
- Hours: Monday – Saturday 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM, Sunday 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM
What do you get when you combine sake and world-class ingredients? Mikado Sushi! If you’re overwhelmed with the menu offerings, definitely check out the Salmon sampler — which comes with, a spicy salmon roll, seared salmon, and salmon sushi.
15. Dharma Southern Kitchen
- Address: 5565 Old Cheney Hwy, Orlando, FL 32807
- Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
This one goes out to all the vegans looking for their next favorite hidden gem! Dharma Southern Kitchen is a hip, counter-service restaurant that offers a vegan twist on Southern food favorites. If you’re a fan of spice, definitely don’t sleep on the Nashville Hawt sandwich which features vegan Fried Chick’n coated in their proprietary Nashville hot sauce, creamy coleslaw, garlicky pickle chips and topped with lemon mayo. Yummy!
16. Antica Pizzeria & Market
- Address: 249 FL-436 #1105, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
- Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM, Closed on Sunday & Monday
Voted Readers Choice and Critics Choice in 2022, the minute you step into Antica Pizzeria & Market you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Italy. Beyond the delicious pizzas, some fan favorites on the menu include spicy soppressata and bruschetta.
Insider Tip: If you’d like to recreate your favorite restaurant dish at home (or your Air BnB) they sell their dough, pasta, and cheese!
Map of Hidden Gems near Orlando
Now that you’ve got a good grasp on all of the best hidden gems in Orlando, it’s time to map out your next adventure. Use this map below full of the locations we discussed to help you get started!
Hidden Gems in Orlando Recap
As you can see, there is so much more to Orlando than just the theme parks! This magical city lends itself to so much more — here you can thrive in nature, enjoy the eclectic art scene, and indulge in all of the amazing dining options.
We hope you enjoyed this expansive guide and explore the city’s best-kept secrets during your next trip to the City Beautiful!
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