Counties Near Orlando, Florida Travel Guide
Counties Near Orlando, Florida Travel Guide
Introduction
Orlando, Florida is not just home to Disney World and Universal Studios, but it is also surrounded by several counties that offer a diverse range of attractions, activities, and experiences for travelers. Whether you are a nature lover, history buff, foodie, adventure seeker, or culture enthusiast, these counties have something for everyone. In this travel guide, we will cover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports in counties near Orlando, Florida.
Orange County
Top Attractions
Orange County is home to the city of Orlando, which is known for its theme parks such as Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and Legoland. However, there are several other attractions in the county that are worth visiting, such as the Orlando Eye, Madame Tussauds, and the SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium. The Kennedy Space Center, which is located in nearby Brevard County, is also a popular attraction.
Hidden Gems
The Cornell Fine Arts Museum, which is located on the campus of Rollins College, is a hidden gem that houses over 5,000 works of art from around the world. The Harry P. Leu Gardens, which is a 50-acre botanical garden, is another hidden gem that offers a peaceful escape from the city.
Food Scene
Orange County has a diverse food scene that ranges from traditional Southern cuisine to international flavors. Some must-try restaurants include The Ravenous Pig, which serves American cuisine with a Southern twist, and Hawkers Asian Street Fare, which offers a variety of Asian street food.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Visitors can save money by visiting the theme parks during off-peak seasons, booking hotels in advance, and using public transportation instead of renting a car. Orange County also has several free attractions such as the Orlando Farmers Market and the Lake Eola Park.
Outdoor Adventures
Orange County has several outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing. The West Orange Trail, which is a 22-mile trail that connects several communities in the county, is a popular spot for biking. Lake Apopka, which is the third-largest lake in Florida, offers fishing and boating opportunities.
Historical Landmarks
Orange County has several historical landmarks such as the Fort Christmas Historical Park, which is a replica of a fort that was built during the Second Seminole War, and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, which houses the largest collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany.
Family-Friendly Activities
Orange County offers several family-friendly activities such as the Crayola Experience, which is an interactive experience that allows children to create their own artwork, and the Orlando Science Center, which has several exhibits and hands-on activities for children.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
The Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour, which takes visitors through several lakes and canals, is an off-the-beaten-path experience that offers a unique perspective of the city. The Orlando Brewing Company, which is the only certified organic brewery in Florida, is another off-the-beaten-path experience that offers tours and tastings.
Natural Wonders
Orange County has several natural wonders such as the Wekiwa Springs State Park, which is a 7,000-acre park that offers hiking, swimming, and camping, and the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve, which is a 440-acre preserve that offers hiking and wildlife viewing.
Vibrant Nightlife
Orange County has several bars and clubs that offer a vibrant nightlife such as the Mango’s Tropical Cafe, which offers live music and dancing, and the Wall Street Plaza, which has several bars and restaurants.
Local Markets
The Orlando Farmers Market, which is held every Sunday, offers local produce, artisanal products, and food vendors. The Winter Park Farmers Market, which is held every Saturday, offers fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts.
Beaches and Mountains
While Orange County does not have any beaches or mountains, it is located near several popular destinations such as Daytona Beach, Cocoa Beach, and the Appalachian Mountains.
Cultural Immersion
Orange County has several cultural attractions such as the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts, which showcases the work of African-American artists, and the Mennello Museum of American Art, which showcases American folk art and contemporary art.
Art and Music Scene
Orange County has a thriving art and music scene that can be experienced at several venues such as the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, which hosts Broadway shows and concerts, and the CityArts Factory, which showcases local artists.
Walking Tours
The Winter Park Walking Tour, which is led by local historians, takes visitors through the city’s historic district and highlights its architecture and history. The Thornton Park Walking Tour, which is led by local residents, takes visitors through the neighborhood’s historic homes and landmarks.
Architectural Marvels
Orange County has several architectural marvels such as the Bok Tower Gardens, which is a 205-foot tower that houses a carillon, and the Stetson Mansion, which is a historic mansion that is decorated with Christmas lights during the holiday season.
Historical Sites
Orange County has several historical sites such as the Orange County Regional History Center, which showcases the county’s history from Native American settlements to present-day, and the Wells’ Built Museum of African American History, which showcases the history of African Americans in Orlando.
Biking Routes
Orange County has several biking routes such as the Little Econ Greenway, which is a 7.3-mile trail that follows the Little Econlockhatchee River, and the Cady Way Trail, which is a 7.5-mile trail that connects two parks in the county.
Wellness Retreats
Orange County has several wellness retreats such as the Orlando Float and Massage, which offers float therapy and massage services, and the Orlando Salt Room, which offers salt therapy sessions.
Adventure Sports
Orange County has several adventure sports such as hot air balloon rides, zip-lining, and parasailing. Orlando Balloon Rides, which offers hot air balloon rides over the city, is a popular adventure sport.
Seminole County
Top Attractions
Seminole County is home to several theme parks such as the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens and the Congo River Golf and Exploration. The Wekiva Island, which is a recreational park that offers kayaking, paddle-boarding, and swimming, is another popular attraction.
Hidden Gems
The Little Big Econ State Forest, which is a 10,000-acre forest that offers hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, is a hidden gem in Seminole County. The Oviedo Farmers Market, which is held every Saturday, is another hidden gem that offers local produce and artisanal products.
Food Scene
Seminole County has a diverse food scene that ranges from Southern cuisine to international flavors. Some must-try restaurants include The Town House Restaurant, which serves Southern comfort food, and Krazy Greek Kitchen, which offers Greek cuisine.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Visitors can save money by visiting the free attractions such as the Oviedo Farmers Market and the Lake Monroe Wayside Park. Seminole County also has several hiking and biking trails that are free to use.
Outdoor Adventures
Seminole County has several outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing. The Cross Seminole Trail, which is a 23-mile trail that connects several communities in the county, is a popular spot for biking. The Lake Jesup Conservation Area, which is a 240-acre park that offers hiking and wildlife viewing, is another popular spot.
Historical Landmarks
Seminole County has several historical landmarks such as the Sanford Museum, which showcases the history of Sanford from its founding to present-day, and the Fort Mellon Park, which is a historic site that was used during the Seminole Wars.
Family-Friendly Activities
Seminole County offers several family-friendly activities such as the Seminole Wekiva Trail, which is a 14-mile trail that offers hiking, biking, and skating, and the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, which has several exhibits and animal encounters for children.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
The Sanford Farmers Market, which is held every Saturday, is an off-the-beaten-path experience that offers local produce, artisanal products,