Things to do in Orlando besides Disney and Universal

Things to do in Orlando besides Disney and Universal

We know the big attractions in Florida are the Disney and Univeral Themeparks but there is endless fun to be had at these Florida attractions. Where will your Florida advenutre take you?

LEGOLAND FLORIDA

 This 150 acre, interactive theme park is specifically designed for families that have children from ages 2-12. This is the largest Lego Land in the world!! With over 50 rides and a variety of shows, restaurants, shopping, and attractions, this new theme park is a must see!

SEAWORLD

"Dive in and play now!" Meet Shamu, the worlds most famous killer whale, touch and feed dolphins, see sharks, stingrays, manatees and penguins at Sea World. Watch live shows, ride wild roller coasters and so much more. You can also visit Aquatica and Discovery Cove while you are there! Open year round.  Now with discounted tickets available book here.

BOK TOWERS

Bok Tower Gardens has offered some of Florida's most remarkable experiences to more than 23 million visitors since 1929. Through its historic landscape gardens, unique Singing Tower carillon and magnificent 1930s Mediterranean-style mansion, the Gardens offer unparalleled opportunities for artistic, cultural, personal and spiritual enrichment 

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER VISTOR COMPLEX

If you've ever wanted to be an astronaut, this is a must-see! This NASA spaceport has launched all manned space flight missions and is now home of the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Tour the Air Force Museum and the Astronaut Hall of Fame, watch films, and see moon rocks, rockets and explore the new Anger Birds section of Kennedy Space Center. 

WILD FLORIDA

Just outside of St. Cloud, Fl is Wild Florida, a great place to take an airboat tour! While your there, you can go in the 13 acre wildlife park and see all sorts of animals. And, you can hold a real life alligator and get your picture taken with it! Visit their website for more information.

DISCOVERY COVE

An all-inclusive immersive experience where you and your family will experience exciting animal encounters in a breathtaking tropical atmosphere. Swim with bottlenose dolphins, feed tropical birds, snorkel through a saltwater reef and play inches from a family of otters - all in one day.

BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA BAY

If you're an animal lover planning a Florida family vacation, be sure not to miss the largest zoo in Tampa, Florida – in fact, one of the largest zoos in all of North America – Busch Gardens® Tampa. Here you can also enjoy thrilling rides, wonderful shows and see animals from all over the world!

BEACHES

If you are looking for some sand and surf for a day, all the beaches listed below are only a 1-2 hour drive away.

Cocoa Beach
One of the beaches that Orlandoians consider “ours,” Cocoa Beach sits just east of Orlando, a straight shot down the State Road 528 toll road. It's incredibly easy to reach—you just get on the expressway and continue until you pass the cruise ship port and hit the beach. It's home to a huge Ron Jon Surf Shop and a handful of popular beachfront bars.

New Smyrna Beach
Quieter and more residential than the Cocoa Beach waterfront, New Smyrna Beach is further north on the east coast, but it's also an easy drive from Orlando. Make sure to check out historic Flagler Avenue, which leads from the Indian River to the beach; it's lined with plenty of eateries and shops.

Clearwater Beach
If it's the Gulf coast you're craving, venture southwest to Clearwater Beach, where the sand is powdery white and the sunsets are dazzling. See Winter the dolphin, of Dolphin Tale fame, at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, or enjoy the nightly Sunset at Pier 60 festival with music, food and fun.

Daytona Beach
Just as famous for its NASCAR speedway as its seashore, Daytona Beach nonetheless offers a great Atlantic oceanside environment. It's easily accessible from Orlando via I-4, and it features plenty of hotels, restaurants and bars. You can even drive your car right onto the beach in some areas

Canaveral National Seashore
This public park features a gorgeous beach as well as opportunities to fish or take nature hikes. You'll see tons of wildlife here, including 14 species of threatened or endangered animals. Keep your eyes open for bald eagles, wood storks, falcons and manatees, as well as thousands of sea turtle nests.

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