Orlando is known for its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and, of course, its abundance of theme parks. However, if you’re someone who’s thinking about heading to Orlando this year, either with friends or on a family vacation, it’s important to know that there’s so much more to The City Beautiful than Mickey Mouse and friends.
It’s true! Delve a little deeper and you’ll find that Orlando is a cultural melting pot, with lots to see and do, including shopping, great dining options, beautiful beaches, and unique neighbourhoods. So, how’s best to spend your time in this beautiful city? Read on for my top tips and recommendations.
Getting Around
With so much to see and do in Orlando, being able to get around efficiently and as stress-free as possible is important. Those who are mainly interested in theme parks will find plenty of shuttle bus options with many hotels and resorts offering direct transportation to the parks as part of their rates. However, for those seeking fun and entertainment elsewhere in the city, renting a car is a sensible and practical option.
If you’re planning a trip to the beach with your children or you intend to spend all day shopping at one of the many malls in the area, wouldn’t it be so much easier to go under your own steam? Rather than worrying about missing the last bus or even missing your stop, or having to struggle with heavy bags, strollers, and overtired children, the ability to simply put everything you need in your car and go is incredibly convenient and sensible. If you’re someone who doesn’t like the idea of risking public transport or trying to figure out when the buses might turn up, hiring your own vehicle for the duration of your trip simply makes sense.
The Best Places to Shop In Orlando
Whether you’re looking for upscale shopping and want to browse the biggest designer brands at your leisure, or you prefer a boutique experience with personal shoppers at your call, or maybe you want to explore artisan shops and support local artists and producers, Orlando has it all.
The Mall at Millenia
When it comes to big names and designer brands, you can find them all at Millenia. This sleek and stylish mall features luxury retailers like Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Rolex, along with high-end department stores like Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s, the perfect way to spend a day window shopping and treating yourself to something a little special. If all that designer shopping gives you an appetite, then you’ll love the abundance of trendy cafes and high-end dining options that will really put the cherry on top of your latest shopping experience.
Orlando International Premium Outlets
Did you know that Orlando is home to one of the top outlet shopping destinations in the country? Here you’ll find over 180 design and brand-name stores with huge discounts. If you want to snag a deal on brands like Ralph Lauren, Coach, Nike, and Adidas, then this is the place to go.
East End Market
Head to Audubon Park Garden District and you’ll find East End Market. This charming indoor marketplace celebrates all things local and creative, and you’ll be in awe at the abundance of artisan goods, locally roasted coffee, craft foods, handmade items, gourmet bread, handmade pasta, and even local art. If you want to support local businesses, this is the place to go!
Attractions to Explore
As I’ve mentioned, Orlando is a haven for theme park lovers, but that’s not all it has to offer. When it comes to attractions beyond rollercoaster rides, visitors are spoilt for choice. Here are some of the ways you could easily spend your time in Orlando.
Gatorland
If you’re looking for some old-school attractions, something that’s a little different, fun, quirky, and definitely entertaining then a trip to Gatorland should be on the cards. Here you’ll see thousands of alligators and crocodiles up close in their natural habitat, you’ll learn plenty of interesting facts about these amazing creatures, watch live shows, and even get the opportunity to feed them! For thrill-seekers, there’s the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line, which lets you soar above the gator-infested swamp. It’s part wildlife park, part adventure zone, and totally unique!
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
If you need an interesting and educational day trip that everyone will enjoy, then the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a must. Just an hour away from Orlando (again, your hire car should come in handy), you’ll get to see and walk around real-life space rockets, meet veteran astronauts, and enjoy the dozens of interactive exhibits about all of NASA’s past, present and future missions. It’s a great place to take some memorable photos and make great memories.
Harry P. Leu Gardens
If you’d like something a little more peaceful, then head to Leu Gardens, just north of downtown Orlando. This 50-acre botanical oasis is home to beautiful walking trails, lush landscapes, tropical plants, and seasonal flower displays. Pack a picnic lunch and you can spend hours here, enjoying the trails, seeking out sculptures, or exploring the on-site historic Leu House Museum, which highlights what life was like in Florida in the early 1900s.
Planning Tips for Visiting Orlando
No one likes huge crowds, so knowing the best time to visit Orlando is key to making the most of your trip. If the main goal of your visit is shopping and enjoying attractions away from the main theme parks, then consider avoiding major holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Spring Break.
The best times to visit Orlando are usually mid-January to early March as this is after the holiday rush but before Spring Break fever hits. Late April to early June, which is before the summer season kicks off, and then post-summer from mid-September to mid-November. You may find hotels and rates are much cheaper during this time of year.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it. If you’re planning a trip to Orlando, you don’t have to spend it queuing up for roller coasters! What would you like to experience in Orlando?
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