20 Best Places to Visit in Orlando, Tourist Places & Top Attractions

Orlando is located in Central Florida and is one of the most visited cities in the United States. It sits between the Atlantic Coast and the Gulf of Mexico, offering quick access to beaches, springs, and lakes. The city is home to world-famous theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. The places to visit in Orlando also include indoor fun spots, gardens, museums, and science centres that appeal to all age groups.

The Kennedy Space Center lies 72 miles east and offers a close-up look at NASA’s space missions. Wekiwa Springs State Park gives a calm escape with its clear waters and green trails. The city has deep roots in citrus farming and old railway lines that shaped its early growth. Visitors come for the mix of thrill, nature, and history. Ready to explore it all?Read More: Places To Visit In USA

List Of Top 20 Places to Visit Around Orlando 

As we embark on this virtual journey through the places near Orlando, prepare to be amazed by the possibilities that await just a stone's throw away from the city's glittering lights. Each destination has its own story to tell, its attractions to unveil, and its unique charm to captivate your senses.

• Winter Park |Artistic Charm and Tranquility in Winter Park, Florida
• Daytona Beach | Sun, Surf, and Speedway: Daytona Beach Adventures
• Tampa Bay | Tampa Bay's Coastal Beauty and Urban Wonders
• St. Augustine | History, Architecture, and Old-World Charm
• Cocoa Beach | Surf, Sand, and Space Adventures
• Clearwater Beach | Relaxation and Gulf Coast Delights
• Kennedy Space Center | Kennedy Space Center Exploration"
• Sarasota | Sarasota's Cultural Splendor and Beachside Bliss
• Ocala National Forest | Ocala National Forest Escapes
• Crystal River | Crystal River's Aquatic Paradise
• Mount Dora | Mount Dora's Quaint Charms and Lakeside Beauty
• Lakeland | Lakeland's Vibrant Arts Scene and Natural Marvels
• Blue Spring State Park | Blue Spring State Park
• New Smyrna Beach | Surfing Haven and Coastal Joy
• Ginnie Springs | Crystal-Clear Waters and Adventure at Ginnie Springs
• Weeki Wachee Springs | Enchantment at Weeki Wachee Springs
• Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge | Merritt Island's Natural Sanctuary
• Gainesville | Gainesville Exploration
• The Villages| Active Living and Community Spirit in The Villages
• Fort Lauderdale | Fort Lauderdale's Beachfront Glamour and Urban Allure

1. Winter Park | Artistic Charm and Tranquility in Winter Park, Florida

Set around scenic lakes, Winter Park is known for its elegant architecture, charming boutiques, and cultural venues.

• Things to do: Strolling along Park Avenue, visiting the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, and taking boat tours on the lakes.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Rollins College, Mead Botanical Garden, Leu Gardens.

2. Daytona Beach | Sun, Surf, and Speedway: Daytona Beach Adventures

Famous for its wide beach and NASCAR roots, Daytona Beach offers a blend of outdoor fun and racing history.

• Things to do: Beach activities, Daytona International Speedway, and the Daytona Beach Boardwalk.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, Marine Science Center, Ormond Beach.

3. Tampa Bay | Tampa Bay's Coastal Beauty and Urban Wonders

The Tampa Bay area boasts cultural attractions, waterfront parks, and a thriving culinary scene.

• Things to do: Visiting Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, exploring the Tampa Riverwalk, and enjoying the beaches.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Clearwater Beach, St. Petersburg's Salvador Dalí Museum, Honeymoon Island State Park.

4. St. Augustine | History, Architecture, and Old-World Charm

As the oldest city in the U.S., St. Augustine offers Spanish colonial architecture, historic sites, and a charming atmosphere.

• Things to do: Touring Castillo de San Marcos, wandering through historic streets, exploring Flagler College.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Anastasia State Park, St. Augustine Alligator Farm, Lightner Museum.

5. Cocoa Beach | Surf, Sand, and Space Adventures

Known for its laid-back vibe and proximity to Kennedy Space Center, Cocoa Beach is a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.

• Things to do: Surfing, lounging on the beach, and visiting the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Ron Jon Surf Shop, Exploration Tower, Lori Wilson Park.

6. Clearwater Beach | Relaxation and Gulf Coast Delights

Clearwater Beach is a paradise for beach lovers and water enthusiasts with its sugar-white sands and crystal-clear waters.

• Things to do: Enjoying the beach, visiting Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and taking dolphin-watching tours.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Caladesi Island State Park, Pier 60, Honeymoon Island State Park.

7. Kennedy Space Center | Kennedy Space Center Exploration

The Kennedy Space Center is a space exploration hub featuring interactive exhibits and historic spacecraft.

• Things to do: Touring space shuttle launch pads, experiencing Space Shuttle Atlantis, exploring Rocket Garden.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Canaveral National Seashore.

8. Sarasota | Sarasota's Cultural Splendor and Beachside Bliss

Sarasota offers a blend of cultural attractions, performing arts venues, and beautiful beaches.

• Things to do: Visiting The Ringling Museum, exploring Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, and enjoying Siesta Key Beach.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, Myakka River State Park.

9. Ocala National Forest | Ocala National Forest Escapes

Ocala National Forest is a natural playground with springs, lakes, and scenic trails for outdoor enthusiasts.

• Things to do: Hiking, swimming in crystal-clear springs, kayaking, camping.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Alexander Springs Recreation Area, Juniper Springs Recreation Area.

10. Crystal River | Crystal River's Aquatic Paradise

Crystal River is famous for its manatee population and offers opportunities for snorkelling, diving, and wildlife encounters.

• Things to do: Swimming with manatees, snorkelling in Crystal River, kayaking.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Crystal River Archaeological State Park.

11. Mount Dora | Mount Dora's Quaint Charms and Lakeside Beauty

Nestled by Lake Dora, Mount Dora boasts antique shops, galleries, and a serene lakeside ambience.

• Things to do: Exploring boutiques and galleries, taking lake cruises, visiting Renninger's Antique Center.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Lake Eustis, Trimble Park, Eustis Historical Museum.

12. Lakeland | Lakeland's Vibrant Arts Scene and Natural Marvels

Lakeland is a hub of arts and culture, surrounded by lakes and offering outdoor recreation.

• Things to do: Visiting Polk Museum of Art, strolling around Lake Mirror, exploring Hollis Garden.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Circle B Bar Reserve, Fantasy of Flight, Safari Wilderness Ranch.

13. Blue Spring State Park | Blue Spring State Park

Blue Spring State Park is a natural gem known for its crystal-clear spring and manatee sightings.

• Things to do: Observing manatees, swimming, snorkelling, picnicking, and hiking.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: DeBary Hall Historic Site, Gemini Springs Park.

14. New Smyrna Beach | Surfing Haven and Coastal Joy

New Smyrna Beach offers a laid-back atmosphere, great waves, and a mix of shops and restaurants.

• Things to do: Surfing, beachcombing, exploring Flagler Avenue, visiting Smyrna Dunes Park.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Canaveral National Seashore, Turtle Mound Historic Site, Ponce Inlet Lighthouse.

15. Ginnie Springs | Crystal-Clear Waters and Adventure at Ginnie Springs

Ginnie Springs is a natural spring haven, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and cave diving.

• Things to do: Snorkelling, tubing, cave diving, swimming in crystal-clear springs.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Devil's Den Prehistoric Spring, Poe Springs Park.

16. Weeki Wachee Springs | Enchantment at Weeki Wachee Springs

Weeki Wachee Springs is famous for its mermaid shows and offers kayaking on the Weeki Wachee River.

• Things to do: Watching mermaid shows, kayaking, swimming, enjoying Buccaneer Bay water park.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.

17. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge | Merritt Island's Natural Sanctuary

This refuge offers a diverse ecosystem with bird watching, wildlife photography, and stunning landscapes.

• Things to do: Bird watching, wildlife photography, driving the Black Point Wildlife Drive.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Canaveral National Seashore.

18. Gainesville | Gainesville Exploration

Gainesville is a university town with cultural attractions, botanical gardens, and historic sites.

• Things to do: Visiting the Florida Museum of Natural History, exploring Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, and wandering around the University of Florida campus.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park.

19. The Villages | Active Living and Community Spirit in The Villages

The Villages is a master-planned community known for its golf courses, recreational facilities, and vibrant lifestyle.

• Things to do: Golfing, participating in various recreational activities, and enjoying live entertainment in town squares.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Lake Griffin State Park, Spanish Springs Town Square.

20. Fort Lauderdale | Fort Lauderdale's Beachfront Glamour and Urban Allure

Fort Lauderdale boasts stunning beaches, upscale shopping, and vibrant arts and culture.

• Things to do: Relaxing on Fort Lauderdale Beach, exploring Las Olas Boulevard, and visiting the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens.
• Nearby Tourist Activities: Everglades National Park, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park.

There’s a lot to see just outside Orlando. Places like Winter Park, St. Augustine, Clearwater Beach, and Ginnie Springs offer fun, beauty, and peace. You can relax on beaches, explore old towns, enjoy art, or swim in clear springs. These spots show a different side of Florida beyond theme parks. Ready to explore these amazing places? Plan your trip with Adotrip and travel with ease! With us, nothing is far!

Frequently Asked Questions about the Places to Visit Near Orlando

Q1. What are 5 interesting facts about Orlando?

• Orlando is home to more than 100 lakes including Lake Eola which has a famous fountain and swan boats.
• The city hosts over 70 million visitors each year making it one of the most visited destinations in the United States.
• Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando covers more than 25,000 acres making it the largest theme park resort in the world.
• Orlando has a nickname called The City Beautiful which reflects its focus on well-maintained public spaces and gardens.
• The region was originally a hub for citrus farming before tourism transformed it into a global entertainment hotspot.

Q2. What to know before visiting Universal Orlando?
A. You should know that Universal Orlando has three separate parks which include Universal Studios Florida Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay which is a water park. Buying tickets in advance is highly recommended to save money and time. Express Passes are available at an extra cost and they help reduce wait times at popular rides. Wearing comfortable shoes and staying hydrated is essential because the parks involve a lot of walking. Also check the park app for real-time updates on ride wait times and show schedules.

Q3. What is the best way to travel around Orlando?
A. The best way to travel around Orlando is by car especially if you plan to visit theme parks and areas outside the city centre. Renting a car offers flexibility and convenience. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also widely available and useful for short distances. Some resorts provide free shuttles to major theme parks. The Lynx bus service is a public transport option but it may not be suitable for tourists on tight schedules.

Q4. What is Orlando mostly known for?
A. Orlando is mostly known for its world-class theme parks including Walt Disney World Universal Orlando and SeaWorld. It is a global entertainment and family vacation destination. The city also hosts major conventions and events making it a hub for tourism business and recreation.