So many people come to visit Orlando, and there really is more to see and do than just Disney and Universal. Here are our picks for some places you can take visiting friends and family that they may never have heard of, but are bound to enjoy.
25 Orlando spots to take an out-of-towner that have nothing to do with the theme parks
By Orlando Weekly Staff on Thu, Oct 20, 2016 at 8:09 pm
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Tiffany Chapel
445 N. Park Ave., Winter Park | 407- 645-5311
This chapel was originally exhibited in 1893 at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Since then, it’s gone from being abandoned in a New York City basement to being bunkered at artist Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Long Island estate. The acclaimed chapel, in most of its original glory, is now open to public adoration at the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum, filled with Tiffany treeasures of all sorts.
Photo via Teegan Lee/Facebook
445 N. Park Ave., Winter Park | 407- 645-5311
This chapel was originally exhibited in 1893 at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Since then, it’s gone from being abandoned in a New York City basement to being bunkered at artist Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Long Island estate. The acclaimed chapel, in most of its original glory, is now open to public adoration at the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum, filled with Tiffany treeasures of all sorts.
Photo via Teegan Lee/Facebook
Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge
10525 Clapp Simms Duda Road, Orlando | 407-568-5138
This refuge serves as a rehab facility for injured and orphaned wildlife. They house over 30 non-releasable animals at a time, as well as animals that will be released after rehab. You can take a self-guided tour for a $5 donation.
Photo via Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge/Facebook
10525 Clapp Simms Duda Road, Orlando | 407-568-5138
This refuge serves as a rehab facility for injured and orphaned wildlife. They house over 30 non-releasable animals at a time, as well as animals that will be released after rehab. You can take a self-guided tour for a $5 donation.
Photo via Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge/Facebook
Black Hammock
2316 Black Hammock Fish Camp Road, Oviedo | 407-365-2201
Did someone say baby gator? Yes, we did. Just now. You can take a picture with one here when you book an airboat ride. Just please wait at least half an hour after you’ve eaten at the Lazy Gator bar.
Photo via Black Hammock Adventures and Airboat Rides/Facebook
2316 Black Hammock Fish Camp Road, Oviedo | 407-365-2201
Did someone say baby gator? Yes, we did. Just now. You can take a picture with one here when you book an airboat ride. Just please wait at least half an hour after you’ve eaten at the Lazy Gator bar.
Photo via Black Hammock Adventures and Airboat Rides/Facebook
East End Market
3201 Corrine Drive | 321-236-3316
A neighborhood market filled with food from local farmers and artisans, East End is a great place to sample fresh food as well as attend food workshops.
Photo via East End Market/Facebook
3201 Corrine Drive | 321-236-3316
A neighborhood market filled with food from local farmers and artisans, East End is a great place to sample fresh food as well as attend food workshops.
Photo via East End Market/Facebook
Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
Meet at 312 E. Morse Blvd., Winter Park | 407-644-4056
For 78 years, this tour has given average folk like us a glimpse at one of Central Florida’s most expensive ZIP codes from the comfort of a pontoon boat. Cranes, alligators and the Rollins rowing team serve as enjoyable sideshows in this hour-long experience.
Photo via Marissa Mahoney/Facebook
Meet at 312 E. Morse Blvd., Winter Park | 407-644-4056
For 78 years, this tour has given average folk like us a glimpse at one of Central Florida’s most expensive ZIP codes from the comfort of a pontoon boat. Cranes, alligators and the Rollins rowing team serve as enjoyable sideshows in this hour-long experience.
Photo via Marissa Mahoney/Facebook
Wallaby Ranch
1805 Deen Still Road, Davenport | 863-424-0070
Wallaby Ranch offers a secluded setting for those adventurous enough to learn how to hang glide. If you’ve never flown before, don’t worry, they have courses for people at all skill levels.
Photo via Wallaby Ranch/Facebook
1805 Deen Still Road, Davenport | 863-424-0070
Wallaby Ranch offers a secluded setting for those adventurous enough to learn how to hang glide. If you’ve never flown before, don’t worry, they have courses for people at all skill levels.
Photo via Wallaby Ranch/Facebook
Rock ‘n Roll Heaven
1814 N. Orange Ave. | 407-896-1952
Rock ‘n Roll Heaven is the place for music lovers of all genres to buy and sell records. They also sell vintage posters, toys and memorabilia, but don't ask about the Three Stooges marionettes - legend has it Michael Jackson once tried to buy them and was denied by the owners.
Photo via Rock -n- Roll Heaven/Facebook
1814 N. Orange Ave. | 407-896-1952
Rock ‘n Roll Heaven is the place for music lovers of all genres to buy and sell records. They also sell vintage posters, toys and memorabilia, but don't ask about the Three Stooges marionettes - legend has it Michael Jackson once tried to buy them and was denied by the owners.
Photo via Rock -n- Roll Heaven/Facebook
Gaylord Palms Atrium
6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee | 407-586-0000
If you get caught under the glass atrium during a rainstorm, you won’t regret a single thing. You could visit the gator exhibit, experience a slice of the Everglades in its 360,000 gallons of life-harboring waterways, or play the most epic game of hide and seek.
Photo via Belle de Couture/Facebook
6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee | 407-586-0000
If you get caught under the glass atrium during a rainstorm, you won’t regret a single thing. You could visit the gator exhibit, experience a slice of the Everglades in its 360,000 gallons of life-harboring waterways, or play the most epic game of hide and seek.
Photo via Belle de Couture/Facebook
Orlando Science Center
777 E. Princeton St. | 407-514-2000
The Science Center includes four floors of science exhibits that can be entertaining for the whole family. There are also science demonstrations and giant-screen films, included with admission.
Photo via Orlando Science Center/Facebook
777 E. Princeton St. | 407-514-2000
The Science Center includes four floors of science exhibits that can be entertaining for the whole family. There are also science demonstrations and giant-screen films, included with admission.
Photo via Orlando Science Center/Facebook
Hollerbach’s
205 E. First St., Sanford | 407-321-2204
Actually three places in one, Hollerbach’s is the ultimate German experience. You can feast on German cuisine at the Willow Tree Cafe, purchase even more food items to take home with you at the Magnolia Square Market, or create some original German-inspired art at the Art Haus.
Photo via Hollerbach's Willow Tree Cafe/Facebook
205 E. First St., Sanford | 407-321-2204
Actually three places in one, Hollerbach’s is the ultimate German experience. You can feast on German cuisine at the Willow Tree Cafe, purchase even more food items to take home with you at the Magnolia Square Market, or create some original German-inspired art at the Art Haus.
Photo via Hollerbach's Willow Tree Cafe/Facebook
Grand Bohemian Hotel
325 S Orange Ave. | 407-313-9000
The Grand Bohemian boasts an art gallery of local and international art, a spa, a restaurant, a relaxing bar lounge and - if you can gain entry - a rooftop pool to die for.
Photo via Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, Autograph Collection
325 S Orange Ave. | 407-313-9000
The Grand Bohemian boasts an art gallery of local and international art, a spa, a restaurant, a relaxing bar lounge and - if you can gain entry - a rooftop pool to die for.
Photo via Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, Autograph Collection
Kraft Azalea Botanical Gardens
1365 Alabama Drive, Winter Park | 407-599-3334
This hidden gem is literally described as Winter Park’s secret garden. It is pretty secluded, and offers lakefront views as well as being shaded by huge cypress trees. It’s also pretty popular for weddings.
Photo via Bleagolf/Facebook
1365 Alabama Drive, Winter Park | 407-599-3334
This hidden gem is literally described as Winter Park’s secret garden. It is pretty secluded, and offers lakefront views as well as being shaded by huge cypress trees. It’s also pretty popular for weddings.
Photo via Bleagolf/Facebook
Mills 50
N Mills Ave. | 407-841-1485
Mills 50 is a neighborhood packed with shopping, restaurants and bars. Lots of bars. The Mills 50 pub crawl is a hell of a time, but just make sure you bring a designated driver. (Pictured: The Guesthouse, 1321 N. Mills Ave.)
Photo via Mills 50 District/Facebook
N Mills Ave. | 407-841-1485
Mills 50 is a neighborhood packed with shopping, restaurants and bars. Lots of bars. The Mills 50 pub crawl is a hell of a time, but just make sure you bring a designated driver. (Pictured: The Guesthouse, 1321 N. Mills Ave.)
Photo via Mills 50 District/Facebook
Mennello Museum of American Art
900 E. Princeton St. | 407-246-4278
This art museum sometimes gets overshadowed by its larger neighbor across the street, the Orlando Museum of Art (also worth a visit). But the Mennello has peaceful galleries filled withfolk and American art as well as a growing collection of large-scale sculptures on its lovely grounds, which include one of our favorite ancient live oaks in town.
Photo via Mennello Museum of American Art/Facebook
900 E. Princeton St. | 407-246-4278
This art museum sometimes gets overshadowed by its larger neighbor across the street, the Orlando Museum of Art (also worth a visit). But the Mennello has peaceful galleries filled withfolk and American art as well as a growing collection of large-scale sculptures on its lovely grounds, which include one of our favorite ancient live oaks in town.
Photo via Mennello Museum of American Art/Facebook
Lake Eola Park
512 E. Washington St.| 407-246-4484
In the heart of downtown, Lake Eola is the beating heart of Orlando. You can rent swan-shaped paddle boats, feed the swans that roam the park, catch a concert at the Walt Disney Amphitheater, or just relax and enjoy the sounds of the fountain.
Photo via Lake Eola Park/Facebook
512 E. Washington St.| 407-246-4484
In the heart of downtown, Lake Eola is the beating heart of Orlando. You can rent swan-shaped paddle boats, feed the swans that roam the park, catch a concert at the Walt Disney Amphitheater, or just relax and enjoy the sounds of the fountain.
Photo via Lake Eola Park/Facebook
Gods & Monsters
5250 International Drive | 407-270-6273
Whether you’re a Batmaniac, a Potterhead, or a Game of Thrones fanatic, Gods & Monsters is considered the place for those who want to embrace their inner fanboy or girl. They sell a wide array of comics, toys, games and collectibles for sale, as well as frequently holding themed events.
Photo via Gods & Monsters/Facebook
5250 International Drive | 407-270-6273
Whether you’re a Batmaniac, a Potterhead, or a Game of Thrones fanatic, Gods & Monsters is considered the place for those who want to embrace their inner fanboy or girl. They sell a wide array of comics, toys, games and collectibles for sale, as well as frequently holding themed events.
Photo via Gods & Monsters/Facebook
Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens
633 Osceola Ave., Winter Park | 407-647-6294
Home to a variety of rotating exhibits, this lakeside museum and sculpture garden are dedicated to preserving the works of sculptor Albin Polasek, as well as celebrating and exhibiting other international artists.
Photo via jmjlaca/Instagram
633 Osceola Ave., Winter Park | 407-647-6294
Home to a variety of rotating exhibits, this lakeside museum and sculpture garden are dedicated to preserving the works of sculptor Albin Polasek, as well as celebrating and exhibiting other international artists.
Photo via jmjlaca/Instagram
Wekiva Island
1014 Miami Springs Drive, Longwood | 407-862-1500
You can sip drinks along the river at their indoor and outdoor bar, or rent a canoe, kayak or paddle board. The best part? The entrance fee is only $1 on the weekends.
Photo via Wekiva Island/Facebook
1014 Miami Springs Drive, Longwood | 407-862-1500
You can sip drinks along the river at their indoor and outdoor bar, or rent a canoe, kayak or paddle board. The best part? The entrance fee is only $1 on the weekends.
Photo via Wekiva Island/Facebook
OCLS Melrose Center
101 E. Central Blvd. | 407-835-7323
Located in the Orlando Public Library, the Melrose Center is a place for learning and technology education. Visitors can use video production and audio production studios, take classes in subjects such as engineering and computer programming, experience 3D simulators, and more.
Photo via Melrose Center/Facebook
101 E. Central Blvd. | 407-835-7323
Located in the Orlando Public Library, the Melrose Center is a place for learning and technology education. Visitors can use video production and audio production studios, take classes in subjects such as engineering and computer programming, experience 3D simulators, and more.
Photo via Melrose Center/Facebook
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