Orlando Isn’t Just Theme Parks!

Friends often ask me why I like theme parks so much. I answer “I like them but no more than many with a young family. Why do you think I do?” To which they respond with “You go to Orlando so often - you must!”

I find this an amazing view as Orlando and Central Florida has so much to offer! It’s not just for young families with children! Yes there are the theme parks which are great for all ages. Orlando is a fantastic place for bringing all generations in an extended family vacation together - plenty to see and watch the family doing even if some members don’t want to ride Kracken or The Hulk!

However, there is a different side to Orlando. The rolling hills, with the orange groves planted in columns along the side a road, the rivers and swampy land to the south of Orlando but which are to the north of the Everglades with airboat rides showing a different landscape and an opportunity to see the natural life of Florida – including the famous alligators. And when the noisy airboat cuts its engine and you watch and listen there isn’t any noise – a million miles from the atmosphere of the theme parks.

Orlando is only an hour from the Atlantic coast with its famous beaches and coastline. Daytona Beach is always open and cars are allowed on the beach from sunrise to sunset (tidal conditions permitting). There is also the well known Daytona International Speedway. Another beach is Cocoa Beach located on a barrier island and is just six miles long and one mile wide. You can watch a space launch from the beach, swim in the ocean, or take a quiet kayak ride off the Banana River islands, play golf or surf from the beach, if your lucky you may see dolphins at play or if your really lucky see an occasional whale Cocoa Beach is widely known as the surfing capitol of the East Coast.

Alternatively, 90 minutes from Orlando is the Gulf Coast – a great place to watch the sun set as the beaches face west. The white sandy beaches with clear blue water to swim in, boats to take you out and meet dolphins swimming close by, shells to collect as you walk along the glorious sand.

To the north west of Orlando in Lake County you’ll find a winery offering tours explaining how the grapes are grown, harvested and turned it’s tasty end product. There are interesting towns like Mount Dora.

Close to Orlando is a choice of State Parks showing a different, relaxing experience of Central Florida…swimming, fishing, springs and rivers, boating. The Blue Spring State park is a designated Manatee Refute and the winter home (mid-November – March) to a growing population of West Indian Manatees.

If you are interested sport, golf must be included. It seems impossible to drive very far without coming across a golf course! There are so many to choose from that there is bound to be one to suit – there are even crazy golf and pitch ‘n putt courses! With so many lakes Orlando offers freshwater fishing – bass being a speciality. And if your passion is water skiing or wakeboarding there are many schools for this too in the Orlando area. If you like basket ball there is the Orlando Magic Team to watch.

Add to this Disney’s Worldwide World of Sport and there is an array of sports on offer to watch. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers return for their pre-season training camp (American Football) in July/August, as do the Atlanta Braves (baseball) in March. In fact over 170 different sports happen here – another article in itself! Worth looking up to see if something appeals to you.

Another feature you might not expect to find in Orlando is the Kissimmee Rodeo – in years gone by Florida’s cowboys were commonly known as cow-hunters and they had to find the cows amongst the swampy terrain! The Rodeo is held every Friday night (except during December) at 8pm. Nothing can be rehearsed here so you never know what is going to happen.

So next time you think about a vacation in Orlando and Central Florida, don’t just think of the regular theme parks and tourist attractions – think of all there is to see and experience – and I bet I’ve missed a few!

Ever wondered why I keep returning to Orlando? Now you have some ideas why!