There’s way more to the city than just roller coasters and Mickey Mouse.
When Americans head to Orlando , Florida , there ’s a good chance they have one destination in idea : the dazzling domain of Mickey and his age bracket . But those in the know have a different set of animals in mind as they enter the heart of Central Florida : not the two-footed mice ofWalt Disney World , but gators , black bear , and a whole lot of razz .
Renowned for one C as a gem trove of biodiversity , the Sunshine State is packed full of all sorts of fascinating creatures both declamatory and small , with Greater Orlando being a particularly underrated andstunning destinationfor nature lovers . From lush wildlife preserves to gator - filled lake , the wild heart of Florida is perfect for a flora and fauna - fill up maraud into one of the most fascinating outdoor escapade goal in all of the Lower 48 .
For any Miami residents heading up to Orlando , the bulk of the journeying will take place on US 441 — and while a route trip can be completed in just under three and a one-half hours , it ’s not the only option for traversing the two cities . The Sunshine State latterly had its inauguralBrightline Trainjourney from Miami to MCO , expanding Florida ’s sole individual rider railing with next design to reach business district Tampa . While the journeying takes roughly the same amount of time as driving , the Brightline volunteer the added welfare of not having to struggle with Florida ’s famously chaotic driver .
Photo courtesy of Kissimmee Lakefront Park
Whichever mode of transportation you choose , you ’re in for a gem treasure trove of out-of-door adventure — no crowds , animatronic mouse , orpricey ticketsrequired .
Travel time:
Three and a half hour from Miami , Florida
If you don’t do anything else:Set sail across the Sunshine State’s sprawling lakes
Perched just a few hundred foot above sea level at its highest decimal point , the interior of Florida is freckled with glittering lakes and tangled swamps — and all of this abundant water has given upgrade to an unbelievable marine ecotourism scene , withWild Floridaproviding the utter innovation to the unbelievable animate being that dwell in the murky waters of Metro Orlando .
Upon comer , visitors are welcome to peruse the rare crocodilians put up within the Gator Park , while the campaign - thru Safari Park is fit out with Giraffa camelopardalis , American bison , zebras , and a wealth of other species from across the Earth — but no journey is complete without booking an airboat turn , a thrilling junket that brings node into the drag in depths of the surrounding swampland to search for wading skirt and gators in their natural home ground .
After a high - f number journey in search of alligator , Toho Riverboat Adventuresoffers a relaxed tour that highlights a much more cuddly local animal : the domesticated goat . jet off from St Cloud ’s Lakefront Marina , this easy sail showcases definitive Floridian avifauna range from snail kites to limpkins , ultimately culminating in a point atGoat Islandto eat the well-disposed raft from the comfort of the ship .
Fill the weekend with:
Things to do outdoors in Orlando
Amid the scaly reptile and urine - dwell mammalian found across Central Florida ’s lake , there ’s a massive array of avian species for birdwatchers to marvel at as well . Just to the south of Orlando right , the metropolis of Kissimmee offers a wealth of top - tier up website to search , with the aptly - namedKissimmee Lakefront Parkserving as a top name and address . Tricolored herons , lustrous ibises , and snowy egrets are just a few of the native limicoline bird that boom around here , while fortunate visitors can catch a coup d’oeil of ospreys , crimson - shouldered hawk , and even the occasional bald bird of Jove scanning the shores for prey .
After an risky venture along the shores of Kissimmee , visitor can head 30 mo to the south to discover one of the region ’s top destinations for birdwatching : the sprawling Nature Conservancy’sDisney Wilderness Preserve . Established in 1993 , the site is home to coinage like Grant Wood stork , sandhill Stephen Crane , and even Florida scrub - jays , each one thrive within thousands of acres of aboriginal Sunshine State habitat . While Central Florida is packed full of aboriginal birds , visitors can make out a wealth of dazzling non - native species during a tour ofDiscovery Cove . fit out with a 100 - foot free - flight volary , guests can spot elegant international birds like the blue - belly out roll and Nicobar pigeon perched high up in the crown , then head to the Grand Reef for a leisurely boat paddle with the nonmigratory con game beam .
Local art and museums in Orlando
On a gay day , Bok Tower Gardensmasterfully meld fine art and ecotourism , serving as one of the most picturesque attractions in Florida ’s Polk County . Standing at a imposing 205 feet , Bok Tower serves as the crown gem of the site , equipped with luxuriant aesthetic flourishes and a fully - functional 60 - bell carillon — and after a few minutes spend admire its ravisher , the surrounding grounds are packed full of all sorts of enchanting avifauna , with Ellen Price Wood ducks , paint bunting , and true cedar waxwing being just a few of the animals that may make an show for visit birders .
Meanwhile , if the atmospheric condition is n’t cooperate , theOrlando Museum of Artis far-famed for its incredibly well - curated Art of the Ancient Americas wing , while the TheCharles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Artserves as a treasure treasure trove for jewelry aficionado , equipped with a massive collection of pieces crafted by acclaimed artist Louis Comfort Tiffany .
Eat, drink, and sleep:
Restaurants and bars in Orlando
Orlando ’s spectacular composition ballpark pull in visitors from all across the satellite , and this inflow of international natural endowment has render salary increase to a particularly diverse array of drinking and dining venue over the age . In the easterly reach of Orlando , Oh ! Que Buenooffers full-blooded Colombian dishes like bandeja paisa and cazuela de mariscos in a cozy mount , whileTaste of Punjabis a top spot for lamb biryani — yet when it comes to classic Southern dining , Big John ’s Rockin ' BBQis a can’t - miss destination thanks to their unbelievable brisket to the melodic line of live music .
Where to stay in Orlando
While Central Florida is brimming with sumptuosity hotel and resorts , few properties integrate high - end amenity and ecotourism opportunities as well as theOmni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate . During a check , guests are welcome to book an eco - tour with Captain Eric Gilhart , a Florida Master Naturalist that ’s well poetise in the wildlife of the fence in region . During the two - hour tour , node are taken along the dimension ’s grandiose golf courses , with Captain Eric at the quick to point out the many avian and reptilian species that thrive along its manicured lawn .
Photo courtesy of Wild Florida
Photo courtesy of Discovery Cove
Photo courtesy of Bok Tower Gardens
Photo courtesy of Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
