I recently visited Orlando over spring break and (unpopular opinion) Disney World was my LEAST favorite. Magic Kingdom was extremely crowded, 3-hour lines, NO Disney characters, and it was EXPENSIVE. I’m not saying avoid the theme parks altogether, but I am excited to share this list with other (unique) things to do near Orlando, FL besides the theme parks.
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Table of Contents
How to get to Orlando
All the following things to do are within 3 hours of the Orlando Airport. the map below shows each stop and its distance from the airport.
Hint::: I have arranged this list below from closest to furthest (in case you are looking for a day trip or weekend getaway from Orlando). OR if you are feeling super adventurous, you can use these ideas to plan the Ultimate Florida road trip from Orlando!
Best time to visit Orlando
It’s no secret that Orlando is a touristy hub. With this being said, the area will be busy during school holidays and the summer months. (The list below will help you avoid some of these crowds though).
Average Seasonal Temperatures (in Fahrenheit):
- Summer (June-August): 91/74
- Fall (September-November): 84/67
- Winter (December-February): 74/53
- Spring (March-May): 83/63
Things to do near Orlando (Besides the Theme Parks)
Search for Gators at Gatorland and Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures
Distance from Orlando: 17 miles
Located under 20 minutes from the Orlando airport, Gatorland is the perfect place to hunt for some gators. Okay… you may not have to search too hard, but you will find several alligator-themed activities to partake in!
After arriving at Gatorland, you can watch gator wrestling, a variety of shows, hold baby alligators, and participate in different adventure tours. There is even a zipline that goes directly over a swamp of alligators!
If you are looking for even more Gator adventures, combine your trip with an airboat ride with Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures. Only 30 minutes from Gatorland, you will board an airboat and start your trip through the swamp.
Hint: Grab a coupon here for both attractions!
Unique Airbnbs in Orlando FL:
- Highly Themed Villa– If you are looking to bring the whole fam on your Orlando Vacation, check out this EPIC house that sleeps 16! Each room has a fun theme and there is a game room, movie theater, indoor slides, and a private pool!
- Hip Retro-Modern Lakefront Cabana – If just traveling as a couple, this cozy and hip cabana is the perfect accommodation! It sits on a spring-fed peaceful lake and is within walking distance to restaurants and shops.
Channel your inner fancy-side at Morse Museum of American Art
As experienced by Claire from ClairePins Travel
Distance from Orlando: 17 miles
A visit to the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art is a great way for art lovers to spend a few hours appreciating the most fascinating and complete collection of the work of Louis Comfort Tiffany. It is located in the Winter Park area, around a 20 minute drive from central Orlando.
The main collection contains many beautiful lamps, stained glass windows, jewellery and other items covering the full time span of Tiffany’s career. The highlight of Tiffany’s work is a fully reconstructed chapel interior from the 1893 Chicago World Exposition which features sparkling mosaics and glasswork.
You can additionally view pieces from Tiffany’s New York estate along with personal artifacts like letters, photos and memorabilia and the museum also hosts collections of American pottery, painting and decorative arts by a variety of other artists.
There are orientation films on site and complimentary audio tours can be accessed through your own mobile phone. There is also a small gift store selling jewellery, glass items, art and souvenirs.
When you are done appreciating all these colorful works of art, you can wander around the Park Avenue area which has several shopping and dining options for a full day out in Winter Park.
Where to stay near Winter Park:
- Private Lake Home: Brand new lakefront home in Winterpark with private dock, grill, cabana, and close to the shops and restaurants.
- The Little Treehouse: A budget-friendly, unique stay in the heart of Orlando. This treehouse is a completely renovated 1920’s carriage house equipped with all you may need for your stay!
Follow Claire on Instagram!
Explore Other Disney-themed Activities
As experienced by Margie from DQ Family Travel
Distance from Orlando: 22 miles
Not every Orlando trip has to include a visit to the Disney theme parks. Our family has enjoyed plenty of weekend trips and even week-long stays in Disney without ever stepping foot into the parks. Here are some ideas for things to do in Disney that do not involve the parks.
First of all, you could go “resort hopping” and visit over 20 of their resorts. While exploring, you can simply walk through the lobby, have a drink at one of the bars, enjoy a hidden Mickey scavenger hunt, take a food tour, or just have a meal on-site.
Guests could also make a character dining reservation at one of the Disney resorts, like Contemporary, Polynesian, Riviera, or Boardwalk, and then ride the monorail Skyliner, or ferry boat around and visit other resorts as well. At the resorts, you could also rent a surrey bike, paddle boat, canoe, pontoon boat, or take a carriage ride.
Another fun option for families or the young at heart is to play a round of mini-golf at Disney’s themed courses, Winter Summerland, or Fantasia Gardens.
Disney Springs is also a great place to go to enjoy shopping and dining. There are a number of unique Disney and non-Disney-themed stores and restaurants from local and national chains alike. There are places for kids like the Lego Store, M&M Store, and T-Rex, as well as some for adults like Morimoto Asia, Gideon’s Bakehouse, and Wine Bar George. Clearly, there is plenty to do in Disney World beyond the parks.
Where to Stay in Lake Bueno Vista:
- Fantasy World Resort– A beautiful (and affordable) family-friendly resort equipped with water slides, a lazy river, a splash pad, and other outdoor games.
- Two-Bedroom Suite At Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek– A luxurious resort complete with an on-site bar, lazy river, balcony overlooking the lake, and other on-site games and crafts.
Follow Margie on Instagram!
Need something to keep the kids busy in the car? Check out this complete ROAD TRIP ACTIVITY BOOK!
Stroll the Picturesque streets of Celebration, FL
As experienced by Nichola at Globalmouse Travels
Distance from Orlando: 22 miles
Take some time out to visit the town that Walt Disney built. Celebration is a purposed built town packed full of all the features Disney felt crucial to a model town.
There are well-manicured streets, an old-style cinema, rocking chairs by the lake, and a great fountain in the middle. It’s a little slice of America at its best and there’s something surreal about it. This is no theme park though, this is a real town with houses and full-time residents.
Named as one of the top 10 prettiest towns in America, there are some great cafes and restaurants here and if you’re visiting with kids they’ll love the fountain to play in. The location is picturesque and a wander around the lake is a must. There’s a great selection of gift shops and boutiques here and some of the greatest family resorts in Florida are nearby, making it a great area to stay in.
Take one of the organized walking tours here or hire one of the horses and carts to take you around. It’s a wonderful place to see another side of life in Florida.
Unique Airbnb’s in Celebration, FL:
- Gorgeous Family Getaway- Bring the whole family to this private home (sleeps 10) with your own backyard pool!
- Superb 3 Bed Pool Home– An affordable private home with a full-sized pool, courtyard, and game room!
Pretend you are an astronaut at The Kennedy Space Center
As experienced by Rachel from AverageLives
Distance from Orlando: 46 miles
One of the best things you can do when you’re in Orlando is to visit the Kennedy Space Center. It is only 60 miles or an hour away from Orlando, and you will feel transported into the birthplace of American spaceflight. The top attractions include the Space Shuttle Atlantis, Heroes and Legends, the U.S Astronaut Hall of Fame, and the many space films in the IMAX.
The space center recommends that you spend at least 5 hours to get the most out of your visit, but because there is so much to do, you could easily spend longer! Undeniably, one of the best things about the center is how you can see the actual Atlantis space shuttle, and it is inspiring to see the scale of the rocket.
Also, you can learn about NASA’s mission of overcoming challenges to create a reusable orbiter. If you are lucky, you can experience a rocket launch from Cape Canaveral, and these happen twice a month. However, these can be postponed quite suddenly due to many unpredictable reasons. Luckily a visit to the space center is an exciting trip regardless! Blastoff!
Unique Airbnb’s near Merritt Island, FL:
- River and Canal Front Home– Watch the dolphins play from the comfort of your home! This house is located just 10 minutes from Cocoa Beach and 20 minutes from the Space Center.
- Cocoa Beach Ocean Overlook-Enjoy this beachy hotel room with magical views of the ocean, a shared heated pool, tennis courts, and walking distance to restaurants and shops!
Follow Rachel on Instagram!
Pick Blueberries and Drink Blueberry Wine in Lecanto, FL
As experience by Vicky of Buddy The Traveling Monkey
Distance from Orlando: 85 miles
Just an hour and a half from Orlando is Cavallo Farm and Market, where you can pick your own blueberries! They are in season from March to May and Cavallo provides you with a plastic one-gallon bucket and bags to take your blueberries home in.
The grounds themselves are beautiful and the blueberry bushes and rows are well maintained and easy to walk through. They are even stroller accessible, making it a perfect outdoor activity for the whole family to enjoy.
Even if you aren’t able to visit when blueberries are in season, we still recommend making a trip out to Cavallo. They have a year-round produce market as well as a boutique store that offers guests eco-friendly bath & body merchandise, unique household items, honey products, baked goods, fresh bread, olive oils and vinegars, and jams and jellies.
Cavallo also makes wine out of their blueberries, so you can also enjoy their blueberries in liquid form! (Yes, please!)
Where to stay in Lecanto, FL:
- Tiny Farmhouse: Affordable and cozy tiny home to unwind and relax with the farm animals on-site!
- Scenic River House: If looking for something a bit less rustic, check out this beautiful 2,000 sq ft. home directly on the river. Complete with kayaks and bikes, and a private deck overlooking the river!
Follow Vicki on Instagram!
Swim with Manatees in Crystal River
As experienced by Debbie at World Adventurists
Distance from Orlando: 87.4 miles
Crystal River is a coastal city located in western Florida. In Crystal River, at King’s Bay Wildlife Refuge, you have the unique privilege to swim with manatees. Known as the manatee capital of the world, in the winter months, you can find over 400 manatees after the water starts to cool down in the Gulf of Mexico.
The manatees like King’s Bay because it is spring-fed, so the temperature remains constant around 72 degrees F. The best time to view the manatees is November through March. You will be briefed on all of the dos and don’ts of interacting with these gentle animals before you are allowed to get in the water with them. You’re also made aware of the manatee protection zone that you are not allowed to cross. This is where the manatees go when they do not want to be disturbed.
Make sure you get on an early boat for better chances of visibility in the water. Plus, the earlier you get in the water, the better chance of seeing them more active, compared to resting or grazing. While you’re in the water, you may also spot some huge Tarpons, that can get up to eight feet long.
Swimming with the manatees is not scary or intimidating. These gentle mammals are so calm and peaceful; it is an experience you will never forget. You’ll leave the encounter an avid supporter of protecting these incredible creatures.
Where to Stay near Crystal River:
- Mama Mae’s Fish Cabin: Rustic cabin located on Lake Rousseau (known for the best Bass Fishing), complete with a fireplace, row boat, and the springs only 15 minutes away!
- The Chubby Mermaid: Located directly on a pristine canal, you will be greeted by manatees while sitting on your porch. Enjoy the privacy and included kayaks and canoes in this PET-FRIENDLY accommodation!
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Search for Hidden Treasure at Vero Beach
As experienced by Lisa at Planning Away
Distance from Orlando: 97 miles
There are so many things to do near Orlando. One adventure that should be on everyone’s list is hitting the beach.
As Orlando is centrally located, there are many choices equal distance away. One of the best beaches near Disney World is Vero Beach. Vero Beach is located about two hours away on the Atlantic Ocean side of Florida. This area is known as the Treasure Coast.
The Treasure Coast is known for….well Treasure! Many Spanish ships have sunk along this area. Some were full of gold and silver. Treasure hunters from all over come to these beaches hoping to find their fortune. Many have!
Located just 400 yards off of the coast of Vero Beach is The S.S. Breconshire. This ship sunk in 1894. You can actually swim or kayak out to the wreckage and snorkel. There are amazing schools of fish, rays, and jellyfish.
Another amazing thing to do is observe the nesting sites of all the sea turtles. Vero Beach is one of the most important nesting sites in the western hemisphere.
Where to stay near Vero Beach:
- Vero Beach Home with a View: Located less than 300 ft from the beach and a short walk from the boardwalk, you may never want to leave!
- Private Barn Studio: Come stay at a BEAUTIFUL working farm and be greeted by the donkeys and horses!
Follow Lisa on Instagram!
Looking for other beachy vacation inspiration? Check out this complete (and budget-friendly) guide to Maui, Hawaii!
Immerse Yourself in the Culture of Tarpon Springs
As experienced by Lori from TravlinMad
Distance from Orlando: 115 miles
If the theme parks are getting to you, there are plenty of interesting things to do in Tarpon Springs on Florida’s Gulf Coast, one of the most interesting places to visit near Orlando. Just 2 hours from Disney, you’ll be thinking you’re somewhere in Greece!
With excellent conditions for sustainably harvesting sea sponges in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Greek sponge divers began arriving here at the beginning of the 20th century. They eventually brought their families and cultural traditions to the small village. Today, the unique sponge diving culture of Tarpon Springs is accessible for visitors to enjoy.
You’ll find beautiful beaches and interesting culture in Tarpon Springs, but no doubt foodies will love the Greek-style Mediterranean cuisine featuring fresh seafood and classic Greek dishes and pastries.
Stroll along the sponge docks to watch divers string sponges to dry on the decks of their boats or take a boat tour. These natural sponges are still treasured around the world. You can purchase a few of different sizes at one of the nearby gift shops. Bordering the dock are excellent restaurants like Hellas, which serves excellent traditional Greek food and wicked pastries in their bakery next door.
It’s worth spending the day in Tarpon Springs, one of Florida’s unique and charming cultural gems.
Where to Stay near Tarpon Springs
- Bath Street Cottage: A super affordable and adorable cottage with everything you will need! Walking distance to restaurants and bars and a quick 10-minute drive to the beach!
- Houseboat with Gulf Views: How cool would it be to sleep on a boat?! This houseboat comes equipped with a mini-fridge, bathroom, queen bed, tv, AND a kayak!
Follow Lori on Instagram!
Scalloping in Steinhatchee
As experienced by Jennifer at Travelling Party of Four
Distance from Orlando: 167 miles
If you are looking for an extra unique thing to do near Orlando away from the theme parks, be sure to venture northwest of Orlando for a little less than three hours and discover a rustic small Old Florida town called Steinhatchee. It’s an outdoorsman’s dream come true and known as the best place to scallop in Florida.
Scallops are those sweet little round treats on top of your linguini. They are delicious, especially when you have collected, shucked, and prepared them yourself.
Book a charter boat — they have all of the equipment you will need, you will be under their fishing license, plus they know all of the hot spots.
Scallops hide in the seagrass, and you have to hunt for them. You will need a mask, snorkel, fins, and your dive bag for collecting the scallops.
Here is how you do it. Hop in the water, dive down about four feet, and begin your search. Scallops have round shells that are orange in color, although usually they are hidden in the seagrass, dark side up, so you have to hunt for them. Once you spot one, grab it with your hand and pop it in your dive bag. They might snap their shell open and close, and it looks like they are trying to bite. They don’t bite; they are just trying to free themselves.
After you have reached your maximum harvest, it’s time to shuck. Many marinas will do this part for you, but kids love to shuck their own.
Now for dinner — grill or saute those delectable little treats, place gently atop a bowl of linguini tossed in a buttery garlic sauce. Chop up fresh parsley and sprinkle on top. Finish it off with a squeeze of lemon.
Where to stay near Steinhatchee
- Riverfront Rustic Cabin– This quiet and cozy home is located RIGHT on the river. You will never want to leave your balcony while listening to the peaceful river sounds.
- Gulf-front Sunset Home- Located less than 3 miles from Keaton Beach (known for scalloping) and only 1 block from the nearest boat launch. This beachy home also comes with two kayaks AND is pet-friendly!
Follow Jenny on Instagram!
Other things to do near Orlando besides the theme parks
Not looking to take a road trip? Or wanting to stay close by the Orlando airport. Check out these ideas all within 30 minutes of the Orlando theme parks.
- Wonderworks Museum – an interactive museum for “kids” of all ages. You will find 100’s of different exhibits, an indoor ropes course, laser tag, dinner and magic show, and MORE!
- Sealife Aquarium– featuring Florida’s only 360-degree tunnel, feeding stations, a sea turtle, and many more underwater exhibits.
- Pirates Dinner Adventure– An exciting interactive dinner show!
- Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum – Realistic movie stars, musicians, sports stars, and historical figures made of wax! Photo ops all over!
I hope this list inspires you to visit Florida and check out the other things to do near Orlando besides the theme parks! What activity sounds the most fun?
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