Orlando, More than Just Amusement Parks
When you think of Orlando, you might think, “Theme Park Capital of the World”! And, yeah, it’s got Universal Resort, Disney World, SeaWorld, LEGOLAND… The list goes on. But, have you ever thought about visiting Orlando for its other attractions besides amusement parks? If you’re wondering what else you can do in Orlando besides ride roller coasters, you’ve come to the right place! Orlando is a vibrant city in the state of Florida with plenty of green areas for strolling and playing sports, restaurants and cocktail bars, museums and performing arts centers… The options are endless! Discover the other side of the city with Civitatis’ handy list of cool places to visit in Orlando besides amusement parks.
Downtown, Orlando’s Central Business District
Downtown may be Orlando’s Central Business District, but it’s also a good option if you’re traveling to Orlando for leisure and not work. One of the main attractions in this district is the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, a major performing arts center that hosts theatrical performances, opera performances, and other shows of all kinds!
More of a fine arts and architecture kind of person? Check out the eclectic art collections at the CityArts Factory. Or, visit the Saint James Catholic Cathedral, whose neo-Romanesque architecture makes a sharp contrast with the cutting-edge steel and glass design that characterizes the surrounding skyscrapers.
Lake Eola Park, Orlando’s city oasis
Orlando has some great parks to relax in and get some fresh air, including the sprawling Lake Eola Park. Aside from the giant lake dotted with graceful swans, you’ll also find a Chinese pagoda, a giant sculpture coming out of the ground, and a large fountain that you can paddle around in a swan-shaped boat!
On the west side of the park is the Walt Disney Amphitheater, which usually hosts numerous plays and other outdoor shows. And, just a short walk from the amphitheater is the Orange County Regional History Center, a five-story museum dedicated to the history of Central Florida.
For those who like to walk, the shores of Lake Eola Park offer pleasant trails for a nice stroll. The park is also a great place for reading lovers, since the Orlando Public Library, a large library with volumes for all tastes and preferences, sits just on the corner of the lake!
Amway Center, the NBA Orlando Magic’s home arena
Do you like sports? Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the United States. If you’re a big basketball fan, you’ve got to visit the Amway Center! The Orlando Magic, one of the teams of the NBA Eastern Conference, play their home games in this stadium. This American basketball league is known for its great stars, with many admiring them for their exceptional skill on the court.
The most striking feature of this indoor arena is its capacity. Up to 18,500 spectators can watch a Magic game in this arena! The stadium is also just a 15-minute walk from Lake Eola Park, making the Amway Center a convenient stop – a must-see for all sports lovers!
If you want to watch a live basketball game here, you can buy these NBA: Orlando Magic tickets!
Thornton Park, the best district for a cocktail
Just a five-minute walk from Lake Eola Park is Thornton Park. This residential neighborhood full of stores, bars, pubs, and restaurants is perfect if you’re looking for a place to have a drink in Orlando.
Here you can find anything your stomach desires! Bars where you can enjoy good craft beer, organic juice shops, gourmet burger restaurants, and on and on and on. Thornton Park is also known for its famous wine bars, where you can enjoy Florida’s excellent wine products.
Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando’s green lung
The Harry P. Leu Gardens is the green lung of Orlando. It’s a large 19th-century estate located on the shores of Lake Rowena. Its main attraction is a large botanical garden filled with beautiful camellias. The landscaping design of the entire environment makes it an ideal place to stroll and get away from the hectic pace of the city.
The Harry P. Leu Gardens are further divided into several sections. One of the highlights is the Butterfly Garden, whose flowers attract numerous butterflies and hummingbirds. Also worth a visit is the Vine Collection, where you’ll see a wide array of climbing plants native to tropical and subtropical climates.
Adjacent to the gardens is also the Leu House Museum, whose exhibit is dedicated to the origins and subsequent historical evolution of this picturesque garden area in Orlando!
Museums of Orlando
And, last but not least, we recommend visiting Loch Haven Park! This large green space is home to four important museums in Orlando: the Orlando Science Center, the Mennello Museum of American Art, the Orlando Museum of Art, and the Orlando Fire Museum.
Dinosaur fossils, painting and sculpture exhibits, old fire trucks… There’s a museum for everyone in this park! Whether you want a more relaxed environment of art and culture or you want to spend a fun-filled day of learning with the kids, Loch Haven Park is the perfect place to visit on any vacation.
