25 beautiful Orlando area locations you probably didn't know about but should

Florida Cactus

2542 Peterson Rd, Apopka, FL (407) 886-1833
Get into some prickly business at Florida Cactus in Apopka. This is a great spot to purchase cactuses and succulents to spice up your apartment, home or office space. Those who have been here love visiting the family-owned business and picking out some new greenery.
Photo by Lindsey Thompson

Celine’s Rooftop Patio

2604, 22 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL (407) 801-7005
Celine has something for everyone: a speakeasy bar, live events and a rooftop patio. Enjoy some of the best views of the Orlando skyline while enjoying some handcrafted cocktails and live entertainment. You can also host corporate events, weekly parties, private events and more at this space.
Photo via Celine Orlando/Facebook

Florida Citrus Tower

141 US-27, Clermont, FL (352) 394-4061
Built in 1956, The Citrus Tower was one of Florida’s first attractions - before the endless playground of theme parks. Experience traditional Florida with a trip to this monumental tribute to Florida’s history of citrus farming in Clermont. Make sure to check out Lilly’s Gifts inside and pick up a souvenir.
Photo via The Citrus Tower/Facebook

De Leon Springs

601 Ponce Deleon Blvd, De Leon Springs, FL (386) 985-4212
This 625-acre park is the perfect spot for hiking, swimming, paddle boating, canoeing and kayaking. Its historic charm brings a little more to the table than your average state park, and there are even spots for visitors to scuba and snorkel, if that’s what you’re into. If not, there is also a Butterfly Garden that the whole crew will love.
Photo via Zk1p Craters/Facebook

Faith Arts Village Orlando

221 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL (407) 222-1231
FAVO is a local hot spot that celebrates faith and art in the same space. Visitors are encouraged to bring their creativity and imagination to this peaceful setting and collaborate with local artists and members of the faith community to foster beauty and spiritual expression.
Photo via Faith Arts Village Orlando

Grape & The Grain Patio

1110 Virginia Dr, Orlando, FL (407) 674-6156
The Mills 50 restaurant and bar Grape & The Grain offers great patio seating where guests can enjoy music from local artists and sip wine and craft beer under the twinkling lights. This highly anticipated spot opened up in May after a long-delayed building process. Now that it’s finally open, it’s the place to be.
Photo via Mari Spero/Instagram

The Hillstone

215 S Orlando Ave, Winter Park, FL (407) 740-4005
Enjoy sunset views on the banks of Lake Killarney from the deck at the Hillstone restaurant. Grab an Adirondack chair and an ice cold drink and really soak in the breathtaking views over the water with a date or friend. There is a dress code, but it’s totally worth it.
Photo via Hillstone Winter Park/Facebook

Mathers Social Gathering

3 Phoenix Building, 30 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL (407) 250-5005
Travel back to the Prohibition Era with a night out to Mathers. This speakeasy bar is elegant, eclectic and unlike any other drinking spot in the city. After being escorted up the elevator, it’s on you to find the entrance to the bar (hint: the handle is in the bookcase). Once you’re in, you won’t want to leave.
Photo via Mathers Social Gathering/Facebook

Mayan Courtyard

231 W Packwood Ave, Maitland, FL (407) 539-2181
An endless maze of stone walls lead you to Maitland Art Center’s Mayan Courtyard. Although this is traditionally used as a wedding venue, it’s definitely worth exploring on a sunny afternoon. Embellished tiles and covered walkways will have you forgetting you’re in Maitland in a heartbeat. It’s also a very Instagram-able spot.
Photo via Art and History Museums - Maitland/Facebook

Orchid Garden

225 S Garland Ave, Orlando, FL (407) 420-9091
This ornate ballroom is the perfect destination for a night of drinks and dancing. This is a hot spot for weddings, company events and other special events, and it’s no secret why. The Victorian style and palace-like deco takes is above and beyond other downtown spots.
Photo via Orchid Garden at Church Street/Facebook

Split Oak Forest

Clapp Simms Duda Road, Orlando, FL (407) 254-6840
The name says it all. Giant Oak trees split right down the middle adorn this forest’s floor, making for a unique park experience like no other. Whether you come to stroll, hike or camp, it’s sure to be a great summer day at this scenic spot.
Photo via Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservastion Commission

Tiffany Chapel

3212, 445 N Park Ave, Winter Park, FL (407) 645-5311
Located in the Morse Museum of American Art, the Tiffany Chapel is a staple from the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. The chapel interior was designed by American artist and designer, Louis Comfort Tiffany, and is now open for the public to admire in Winter Park. This makes for a great date spot for any art-appreciative couple.
Photo via The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art/Facebook

Wallaby Ranch

1805 Deen Still Rd, Davenport, FL (863) 424-0070
People come to Wallaby Ranch for one thing: hang gliding. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is the spot for you. Its World Famous Tandem Discovery Flights can boost a day from boring to breathtaking in a matter of minutes. Glide over the range for about 15 minutes and check one more thing off your bucket list.
Photo via Wallaby Ranch/Instagram

Ponce Inlet

4300 South Atlantic Avenue Ponce Inlet, FL (386) 236-2150
Get a history lesson in the quaint and historic town of Ponce Inlet. The first exploration of the area was by Ponce De Leon back in 1513, and now locals can go and enjoy the town hot spots like the Marine Science Center, Ponce Inlet Historical Museum and the famous Ponce Inlet Lighthouse.
Photo via Adobe Stock

Sebastian Inlet State Park

9700 South Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach, FL (321) 984-4852
Sebastian Inlet State Park is one of the best saltwater fishing spots in Central Florida. The abundant supply of snook, redfish, bluefish and Spanish mackerel attracts fisherman from all over the state. In addition, the park itself offers the scenic Hammock Trail and opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, shelling and canoeing, among other activities.
Photo via Adobe Stock

WestArt District

1011 W Central Blvd, Orlando, FL (407) 810-1127
The WestArt District in Parramore is loaded with colorful wall murals, art museums, art galleries and a Performing Arts Center. Each mural is different from the next and highlights the talent of local artists. Grab an iced coffee and stroll through the streets of the district on a nice summer day to get a taste of the Orlando arts culture.
Photo via WestArt District/Facebook

Palmer’s Garden and Goods

2611 Corrine Dr, Orlando, FL (407) 896-5951
Palmer’s does a lot more than just sell plants to locals. You can take gardening classes, check out the selection of cool tin products and attend the occasional wine and cheese events. This place is great for Orlandoans with a green thumb or those who want to eat clean and organically by growing their own food at home.
Photo via Palmer’s Garden and Goods/Facebook

Disney Wilderness Reserve

2700, Scrub Jay Trail, Poinciana, FL (407) 935-0002
Spend the day in the wilderness at the Disney Wilderness Preserve. This place has become a model for highly-innovative conservation techniques and offers something different than the usual theme park trip. It’s home to more than 1,000 species of plants and animals and makes for a great adventure outdoors.
Photo via The Nature Conservancy

Mennello Museum of American Art

900 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL (407) 246-4278
Featuring over 50 works, the Mennello Museum of American Art is a great place to take an art-loving date. This museum offers pristine paintings from artist Earl Cunningham and seeks to enrich the public by emerging them into a world of both contemporary and traditional art styles.
Photo via Mennello Museum of American Art/Instagram

Scenic Boat Tour

312 East Morse Blvd, Winter Park, FL (407) 644-4056
Head to Winter Park for an off-the-beaten-path journey through the winding waters of Lake Osceola. Tours are an hour long and offer passengers a close-up look into the wildlife Florida waters offer, including large fish and the occasional alligator lounging on the banks. Enjoy the day under the shade of cypress trees and check out some private homes located on the water.
Photo via winterpark_scenicboattour/Instagram