20 Best Places to Visit in Orlando, Tourist Places & Top Attractions

Orlando is renowned for its magical theme parks and vibrant entertainment scene. However, just beyond the enchantment of these best weekend getaways from Orlando lies a realm of diverse and captivating destinations waiting to be explored. The surrounding areas of Orlando offer an array of experiences that extend far beyond the realms of fantasy, catering to a wide range of interests and preferences. Whether you're seeking natural wonders, cultural backgrounds, or a taste of authentic Floridian charm, the places near Orlando promise unforgettable journeys and discoveries.

The allure of tourist attractions near Orlando lies in their ability to offer a complete departure from the theme park buzz, allowing travellers to immerse themselves in new landscapes, histories, and lifestyles. From the pristine shores of the Gulf Coast to the tranquil beauty of state parks, the options for exploration are as diverse as they are enticing. These destinations complement Orlando's entertainment scene and elevate the entire Central Florida experience, allowing you to paint a broader picture of this multifaceted region. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a change of pace, the places surrounding Orlando provide a rich tapestry of options to satisfy your wanderlust.

Read More: Places To Visit In USA

List Of Top 20 Places to visit near Orlando | Blue Spring State Park

As we embark on this virtual journey through the places near Orlando, prepare to be amazed by the possibilities that await just a stone's throw away from the city's glittering lights. Each destination has its own story to tell, its attractions to unveil, and its unique charm to captivate your senses.

• Winter Park |Artistic Charm and Tranquility in Winter Park, Florida
• Daytona Beach | Sun, Surf, and Speedway: Daytona Beach Adventures
• Tampa Bay | Tampa Bay's Coastal Beauty and Urban Wonders
• St. Augustine | History, Architecture, and Old-World Charm
• Cocoa Beach | Surf, Sand, and Space Adventures
• Clearwater Beach | Relaxation and Gulf Coast Delights
• Kennedy Space Center | Kennedy Space Center Exploration"
• Sarasota | Sarasota's Cultural Splendor and Beachside Bliss
• Ocala National Forest | Ocala National Forest Escapes
• Crystal River | Crystal River's Aquatic Paradise
• Mount Dora | Mount Dora's Quaint Charms and Lakeside Beauty
• Lakeland | Lakeland's Vibrant Arts Scene and Natural Marvels
• Blue Spring State Park | Blue Spring State Park
• New Smyrna Beach | Surfing Haven and Coastal Joy
• Ginnie Springs | Crystal-Clear Waters and Adventure at Ginnie Springs
• Weeki Wachee Springs | Enchantment at Weeki Wachee Springs
• Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge | Merritt Island's Natural Sanctuary
• Gainesville | Gainesville Exploration
• The Villages| Active Living and Community Spirit in The Villages
• Fort Lauderdale | Fort Lauderdale's Beachfront Glamour and Urban Allure

1. Winter Park | Artistic Charm and Tranquility in Winter Park, Florida

Set around scenic lakes, Winter Park is known for its elegant architecture, charming boutiques, and cultural venues.

• Major Activities: Strolling along Park Avenue, visiting the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, and taking boat tours on the lakes.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Rollins College, Mead Botanical Garden, Leu Gardens.

2. Daytona Beach | Sun, Surf, and Speedway: Daytona Beach Adventures

Famous for its wide beach and NASCAR roots, Daytona Beach offers a blend of outdoor fun and racing history.

• Major Activities: Beach activities, Daytona International Speedway, and the Daytona Beach Boardwalk.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, Marine Science Center, Ormond Beach.

3. Tampa Bay | Tampa Bay's Coastal Beauty and Urban Wonders

The Tampa Bay area boasts cultural attractions, waterfront parks, and a thriving culinary scene.

• Major Activities: Visiting Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, exploring the Tampa Riverwalk, and enjoying the beaches.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Clearwater Beach, St. Petersburg's Salvador Dalí Museum, Honeymoon Island State Park.

4. St. Augustine | History, Architecture, and Old-World Charm

As the oldest city in the U.S., St. Augustine offers Spanish colonial architecture, historic sites, and a charming atmosphere.

• Major Activities: Touring Castillo de San Marcos, wandering through historic streets, exploring Flagler College.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Anastasia State Park, St. Augustine Alligator Farm, Lightner Museum.

5. Cocoa Beach | Surf, Sand, and Space Adventures

Known for its laid-back vibe and proximity to Kennedy Space Center, Cocoa Beach is a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.

• Major Activities: Surfing, lounging on the beach, and visiting the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Ron Jon Surf Shop, Exploration Tower, Lori Wilson Park.

6. Clearwater Beach | Relaxation and Gulf Coast Delights

Clearwater Beach is a paradise for beach lovers and water enthusiasts with its sugar-white sands and crystal-clear waters.

• Major Activities: Enjoying the beach, visiting Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and taking dolphin-watching tours.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Caladesi Island State Park, Pier 60, Honeymoon Island State Park.

7. Kennedy Space Center | Kennedy Space Center Exploration

The Kennedy Space Center is a space exploration hub featuring interactive exhibits and historic spacecraft.

• Major Activities: Touring space shuttle launch pads, experiencing Space Shuttle Atlantis, exploring Rocket Garden.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Canaveral National Seashore.

8. Sarasota | Sarasota's Cultural Splendor and Beachside Bliss

Sarasota offers a blend of cultural attractions, performing arts venues, and beautiful beaches.

• Major Activities: Visiting The Ringling Museum, exploring Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, and enjoying Siesta Key Beach.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, Myakka River State Park.

9. Ocala National Forest | Ocala National Forest Escapes

Ocala National Forest is a natural playground with springs, lakes, and scenic trails for outdoor enthusiasts.

• Major Activities: Hiking, swimming in crystal-clear springs, kayaking, camping.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Alexander Springs Recreation Area, Juniper Springs Recreation Area.

10. Crystal River | Crystal River's Aquatic Paradise

Crystal River is famous for its manatee population and offers opportunities for snorkelling, diving, and wildlife encounters.

• Major Activities: Swimming with manatees, snorkelling in Crystal River, kayaking.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Crystal River Archaeological State Park.

11. Mount Dora | Mount Dora's Quaint Charms and Lakeside Beauty

Nestled by Lake Dora, Mount Dora boasts antique shops, galleries, and a serene lakeside ambience.

• Major Activities: Exploring boutiques and galleries, taking lake cruises, visiting Renninger's Antique Center.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Lake Eustis, Trimble Park, Eustis Historical Museum.

12. Lakeland | Lakeland's Vibrant Arts Scene and Natural Marvels

Lakeland is a hub of arts and culture, surrounded by lakes and offering outdoor recreation.

• Major Activities: Visiting Polk Museum of Art, strolling around Lake Mirror, exploring Hollis Garden.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Circle B Bar Reserve, Fantasy of Flight, Safari Wilderness Ranch.

13. Blue Spring State Park | Blue Spring State Park

Blue Spring State Park is a natural gem known for its crystal-clear spring and manatee sightings.

• Major Activities: Observing manatees, swimming, snorkelling, picnicking, and hiking.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: DeBary Hall Historic Site, Gemini Springs Park.

14. New Smyrna Beach | Surfing Haven and Coastal Joy

New Smyrna Beach offers a laid-back atmosphere, great waves, and a mix of shops and restaurants.

• Major Activities: Surfing, beachcombing, exploring Flagler Avenue, visiting Smyrna Dunes Park.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Canaveral National Seashore, Turtle Mound Historic Site, Ponce Inlet Lighthouse.

15. Ginnie Springs | Crystal-Clear Waters and Adventure at Ginnie Springs

Ginnie Springs is a natural spring haven, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and cave diving.

• Major Activities: Snorkelling, tubing, cave diving, swimming in crystal-clear springs.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Devil's Den Prehistoric Spring, Poe Springs Park.

16. Weeki Wachee Springs | Enchantment at Weeki Wachee Springs

Weeki Wachee Springs is famous for its mermaid shows and offers kayaking on the Weeki Wachee River.

• Major Activities: Watching mermaid shows, kayaking, swimming, enjoying Buccaneer Bay water park.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.

17. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge | Merritt Island's Natural Sanctuary

This refuge offers a diverse ecosystem with bird watching, wildlife photography, and stunning landscapes.

• Major Activities: Bird watching, wildlife photography, driving the Black Point Wildlife Drive.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Canaveral National Seashore.

18. Gainesville | Gainesville Exploration

Gainesville is a university town with cultural attractions, botanical gardens, and historic sites.

• Major Activities: Visiting the Florida Museum of Natural History, exploring Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, and wandering around the University of Florida campus.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park.

19. The Villages | Active Living and Community Spirit in The Villages

The Villages is a master-planned community known for its golf courses, recreational facilities, and vibrant lifestyle.

• Major Activities: Golfing, participating in various recreational activities, and enjoying live entertainment in town squares.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Lake Griffin State Park, Spanish Springs Town Square.

20. Fort Lauderdale | Fort Lauderdale's Beachfront Glamour and Urban Allure

Fort Lauderdale boasts stunning beaches, upscale shopping, and vibrant arts and culture.

• Major Activities: Relaxing on Fort Lauderdale Beach, exploring Las Olas Boulevard, and visiting the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Everglades National Park, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park.

In the realm just beyond the hidden gems near Orlando lies a captivating world of exploration and adventure. These nearby destinations, each with its distinct charm and allure, paint a broader picture of the wonders that Central Florida has to offer. From the artistic haven of Winter Park to the historic streets of St. Augustine, the serene shores of Clearwater Beach, and the enchanting springs of Ginnie Springs, each place near Orlando promises a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you seek relaxation on sun-kissed beaches, immersion in cultural treasures, or encounters with wildlife in natural sanctuaries, the diverse array of options invites you to step outside the realm of theme parks and embrace the full spectrum of Florida's treasures. So, as you explore the beauty, history, and adventure these places provide, you'll find that the magic near Orlando extends far beyond its renowned theme park gates, leaving you with memories that embody the true essence of the Sunshine State. So, are you also willing to explore these lively locations, plan your vacation with Adotrip, and enjoy a hassle-free journey?

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Frequently Asked Questions about the Places to Visit Near Orlando

Q1. What are the top attractions and things to do near Orlando?
A1. Top Attractions and Things to Do Near Orlando:

• Explore the historic charm of Winter Park.
• Enjoy the sun and speed in Daytona Beach.
• Discover Tampa Bay's coastal beauty.
• Immerse in history in St. Augustine.
• Experience Cocoa Beach's surfing and space adventures.
• Relax at Clearwater Beach's Gulf Coast delights.
• Explore Kennedy Space Center's space exploration.

Q2. Can you suggest family-friendly theme parks, zoos, or attractions near Orlando?
A2. Family-Friendly Theme Parks, Zoos, or Attractions Near Orlando:

• Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure.
• SeaWorld Orlando for marine-themed fun.
• LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Winter Haven.
• Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens.
• Gatorland for gator encounters.

Q3. Are there any outdoor recreational areas or natural spots near Orlando?
A3. Outdoor Recreational Areas or Natural Spots Near Orlando:

• Wekiwa Springs State Park for swimming and hiking.
• Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando.
• Canaveral National Seashore's unspoiled beaches.
• Lake Louisa State Park for kayaking and hiking.

Q4. Where can I find information about dining and local cuisine near Orlando?
A4. Dining and Local Cuisine Near Orlando:

• Local food blogs and websites.
• Orlando Weekly's dining guide.

Q5. What seasonal events, festivals, or parades are happening near Orlando
A5. Seasonal Events, Festivals, or Parades Near Orlando:

• Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (Fall).
• Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights (Fall).
• Light Up UCF holiday event (Winter).
• Mardi Gras celebrations at Universal Orlando (Spring).

Q6. Are there any historical sites or museums to explore near Orlando?
A6. Historical Sites or Museums to Explore Near Orlando:

• Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art (Winter Park).
• St. Augustine's historic district and Castillo de San Marcos.
• Orlando Museum of Art.

Q7. What day trips are worth taking from Orlando to nearby locations?
A7. Day Trips Worth Taking from Orlando to Nearby Locations:

• Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
• Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
• Historic Downtown Sanford.
• Crystal River for manatee encounters.
• Daytona Beach for coastal relaxation.
• Mount Dora's quaint charm.