Places to Visit in Florida besides Disney World

Ranked #99 in Travel & Places, #4,743 overall

Florida Fun.....After Disney.

Contrary to popular belief, Disney is not the only thing worth coming to Florida for. If you've come to Florida and seen your share of Disney, here are some suggestions for other experiences. Be sure to bring the sunscreen and your walking shoes. I couldn't possibly list every attraction and event in Florida. The list is endless. But read on to find some of my favorites and some that you would never know existed.

Fun things to see and do in Florida.

  1. Daytona Racing- Daytona has the best stock car racing in the country. If you are a big Nascar fan plan to visit the Daytona International Speedway as well as Daytona USA. It's all just minutes from Daytona Beach.
  2. Theme Parks- I know this lens is titled "Places to Visit in Florida besides Disney World" but there are many more theme parks to visit in Florida. Find my list lower on the page.
  3. Fishing- Florida is made up of 4308 square miles of water. Can you imagine any better place to fish? Visit Florida's largest lake, Lake Okeechobee, for some of the best fresh water fishing. If you are a salt water lover, you can fish from the 663 miles of Florida beaches, rent a boat and take it off shore or find a deep sea fishing charter boat for an adventure.
  4. The Beach- Imagine the sunsets on the west coast or the sunrising in the east. You and a lounge chair, some tunes and a drink in hand. Are you drooling yet? That's not the only thing to do at the beach. Para-sail, surf, fish, volleyball, snorkeling and more can all be done at Florida's beaches. Make sure you clean up after yourself. Keep Florida beaches beautiful. Don't forget your sunscreen. You want to stay beautiful too. Florida sun is a major cause of skin cancer. Be safe!
  5. Florida Springs- In the heat of the summer there is no better feeling than jumping into a Florida Spring. The cold water flow up from the ground continuously making a clean, refreshing swimming hole for all to enjoy. Scuba divers love to explore the spring caves. You will not see many alligators near the springs due to the cold water temperatures. You can snorkel and see many fish though. Many parks with springs also allow camping and make for a great place to picnic. See my list of favorite Florida springs below.
  6. Florida History- Visit one of the many historical museums while you are in Florida. Better yet, take a trip on the east coast to St. Augustine. St. Augustine is the nation's oldest city and holds much history. It is located between Jacksonville and Daytona.

Theme Parks

Here is a list of theme parks in Florida besides Disney. Feel free to vote for your favorite!

Sea World

Sea World is located on International Drive in Orl more...3 points

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens is located in Tampa, FL. I have only more...1 point

Wet N Wild

Wet N Wild is in Orlando on International Drive. K more...1 point

Cypress Gardens

Cypress Gardens was recently made over to be a mor more...1 point

Universal Studios Orlando!

Great park with lots of really cool roller coasters! more...1 point

Universal Studios Islands of Adventure

This is the most recent park we have visited. It i more...0 points

Aquatica

Aquatica is owned by Sea World. It's a new water p more...0 points

Shen Yun-Florida Special Event

Shen Yun Performing Arts presents classical Chines more...0 points

Reader Feedback

Which is better? Disney World or Universal Studios?

Give a shout out to your favorite theme park!

Disney World or Universal?

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Disney

Mingo says:

I chose Disney not because it has better rides, but because of all the great childhood memories I have there. :)

IncaPir says:

So much magic and entertainment... Disney is, by far, the best!

jciddub says:

disney wold is sooooooo much better and universal is boring and disney world is fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Charles Barkly says:

they are both cool, but i like dinsey better

Charles Barkly says:

they r both boss, i like disney better though

Universal

Lori says:

Both are worth seeing but I would say universal is better

Tracey says:

Love em both and been to Euro Disney as well but Universal has the edge for me, I loved it there hoping to go back soon :)

Jj says:

Disney is boring I'm 13 go universal bitches

Natlaie says:

universal

alace says:

universal is better

 
view all 138 comments

Orlando News

Check out these links for the latest up to date news stories, events and more.
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MyFox Orlando is the official web site for Fox 35 News WOFL. Your source for local news, weather, and sports.
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Visit Local6.com for breaking news in Orlando, FL from WKMG. Orlando, Florida breaking news, headlines, weather, and sports. The latest local Orlando, Florida news and more from CBS TV's local affiliate in Orlando, Florida, WKMG - Orlando's Channel 6
Channel 2 Orlando News, Daytona Beach, Central Florida News, Weather & Sports - WESH Orlando's Channel 2
Visit WESH.com for breaking news in Orlando, FL from WESH. Orlando breaking news, headlines, weather, and sports. Local news for Orlando, Daytona Beach, Central Florida and more from NBC TV's local affiliate in Orlando, Florida, WESH - Orlando's Channel 2.
Central Florida News 13 - All Local, All The Time
Orlando' s only 24 hour news station.

Hotel & Lodging Reviews from Yelp

Still looking for a place to stay while you're in Orlando? Maybe Yelp can help. :)

Here's what Yelpers have to say about Hotels & Travel in 32830

JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes (Orlando)  
"Okay- that 5th star is back! The hotel went through an update and once again shines as brightly as the first time I stayed here! And the service? Over..." more
Morse Museum of American Art (Winter Park)  
"This museum is a gem in Central Florida and houses the largest collection of Tiffany glass in the world, including the chapel from a past World Fair. Very..." more
Disney's Wilderness Lodge (Orlando)  
"Came in here Resort hopping. This was cute! Love the theme!" more
Disney's Polynesian Resort (Orlando)  
"What an amazing resort this is. We weren't sure, based on reviews that we had read before going, exactly what we would get. What we found was a beautiful,..." more
The Villas of Grand Cypress Golf Resort (Orlando)  
"How on earth did this place get such high ratings??? It's completely run down. They should take some of the money they put into the very well kept golf..." more
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Off the Beaten Path

Wow! Even I didn't know that there were so many things to do in Orlando until I started this list, and this is "the short list". Check out all of these neat places to see. And don't DARE go home saying Orlando was boring. :)
Fort Christmas - Christmas, Florida - Museum & Park
Fort Christmas Historical Park features a replica of the 1837 fort and other historic old Florida buildings. Be sure to visit if you are here for Cracker Christmas.
Jay Blanchard Park
Blanchard Park is a huge complex with an 8 mile walking/ biking trail. Fish along the river that runs throughout, play on the playground, start a soccer game or grab a smoothie at the YMCA located on site.
Scott's Maze Adventures
In the mood to get lost on a Saturday or Sunday? Scott's has a 6 acre corn maze, a new 3 acre tree maze among many other activities. It is located in Mount Dora which is a hop, skip and a jump from I-4. If you happen to arrive during corn season (April-June & October-November) you'll be in for a HUGE treat. You MUST have some Sweet Zellwood Corn on the Cob!
Terror In Orlando, Orlando's Newest Haunted House! Featuring Mayhem Manor and the 3D Funhouse
MUAHAHA! In the mood for some spooky thrills and chills? Terror in Orlando is a haunted attraction with 2 spooky houses under 1 roof. It is centrally located in the International Drive tourist district.
The Central Florida Zoo | Sanford, Florida | Zoological Park
Welcome to the Central Florida Zoological Park located in Sanford, Florida just minutes from Orlando and a short drive from all major Central Florida Attractions. Visit the Zoo for unique habitats, animals and educational experiences.
Zora Festival | Zora Neale Hurston Museum | Presented by the Association to Preserve Eatonville, Inc.
Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts is located in Eatonville. Explore African American culture & folklore. Be sure to attend the Zora Festival if your trip allows!
The Old Spanish Sugar Mill, Restaurant located in the DeLeon Springs State Recreation Area, Florida
The Old Spanish Sugar Mill is a unique restaurant located inside the DeLeon Springs State Recreation Area. Each of our tables is equipped with a griddle and we bring you pitchers of homemade pancake batters and you pour them on and flip them over right at the table. You may order blueberries, banana
Harry P. Leu Gardens
50 acres of southern style gardens. Take a tour or hold your wedding here.
Welcome to Lakeridge Winery
Lakeridge Winery offers complimentary tours and wine tasting seven days a week. Discover the art of winemaking via audiovisual presentation, a guided tour and wine tasting. Purchase your favorite award winning Lakeridge wine and gourmet food items in large retail area and gift shop. Ample free Parki
Wallaby Ranch Hang Gliding Flight Park - Welcome To The One And Only Wallaby Ranch!
The Wallaby Ranch Flight Park is the best place in the world to learn and fly hanggliders. Open 7 days a week since 1991.
SunCruz Casino - Oceans Casino Cruises for Key Largo, Port of Palm Beach, Port Canaveral, Daytona, Jacksonville, and Myrtle Beach, Little River, South Carolina
Yes! There is gambling in Florida. Well sort of. Take a trip on the SunCruz Casinos cruise ship and gamble all of that extra vacation cash away. Leave the kids with a sitter and bring your Dramamine and a designated driver! Well drinks are on the house while you gamble.

Florida's Ocala National Forest

What you can do and see.

Our most recent adventure was to the Ocala National Forest. It is a vast area of parks, springs, 4 wheeling trails and yes, trees. We only drove through for a day so please feel free to add places you know.

Salt Springs

Salt Springs is our next place to take a weekend t more...1 point

Silver Glen Springs

This area was once known for boating up the St. Jo more...1 point

Alexander Springs

This area is off the beaten path but very accessib more...1 point

Salt Springs Campground, Ocala 

Bathing Suits for your Florida Trip.

Florida is surrounded and covered by water. When you fly into Florida, look out your window. I can almost guarantee that at any given point you will see water in some direction. With all of the water around and the fabulous warm weather, you will definitely need to bring a bathing suit with you.
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Florida Beaches

It's a little cold right now for swimming but some Florida beaches are worth visiting any time of year. This is my opinion on some of the beaches that I have been to in Florida.

Clearwater Beach

This beach is absolutely beautiful. Although the p more...3 points

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa is one of our favorites. It's nearly the clo more...3 points

Siesta Key Beach

Once voted the whitest sand it the world! Siesta K more...2 points

Panama City Beach

This beach is breath taking! It is as beautiful, i more...1 point

Daytona Beach

Once known as the hot spot for spring breakers, th more...1 point

Smathers Beach in Key West

Key West is great & I'll bet you didn't know Key more...1 point

New Smyrna Beach

This is a nice beach if you aren't quite ready for more...0 points

Melbourne Beach, FL 

Books About Florida

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Sebastian Inlet 

Universal Studios Planning

Universal Orlando Vacation Planning Video (1 of 2)
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Florida Visitor Photos

Fort Desoto Beach by mbarrison
Fort Desoto Beach by mbarrison
Fort Desoto Beach by mbarrison
Fort Desoto Beach by mbarrison
Fort Desoto Beach by mbarrison
Moth upon Weed Flower by mbarrison
Fort Desoto Beach by mbarrison
Fort Desoto Beach by mbarrison
Fort Desoto Beach by mbarrison
Fort Desoto Beach by mbarrison
Blowing Rocks Nature Preserve by PMC 1stPix
Florida Sea Gulls and Tone Mapping by Koinos Zoi Photography
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Orlando Museums

Looking for something educational to do or just want a few choices for a rainy day? These museums are all located in the Orlando area.
Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando, Florida
The Orlando Museum of Art, among best fine art museums in the south is rated in the top Museums in Florida exhibiting contemporary, 19th and 20th century American art, African and Pre-columbian art and offering educational programs for adults and children. On view:Gee's Bend, The Architecture of the
Orlando Science Center
This is a Must Visit if you have a rain day and love science or just want to entertain the kids. They have countless hands on exhibits as well as a Cinedome with educational movies playing through out the day.
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum of the odd, the unusual, the unbelievable with 16 galleries like oddities, illusions, hobbies & collections, pain & Torture and disaster
Museum of the odd, the unusual, the unbelievable. Robert Ripley's collection displayed in this Orlando Odditorium which appears to be sinking in one of Florida's infamous sinkhole. Located between Disney World, Universal City and Sea World.
The Orange County Regional History Center - Downtown Orlando's Museum
The Orange County Regional History Center provides a museum experience that brings to life the Sunshine State while highlighting cultural history from around the country.

Orlando Weather

Current weather conditions in Orlando, FL (32830)

Local Pollen Reports

73°F (Feels like 73°F)

Last update: 5/27/12 2:53 AM EDT

Humidity: 79%
Visibility: 10.0 mi
Dew Point: 66°F
UV Index: 0 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 29.95in falling
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 7mph From: Airport Conditions
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Tonight


Low
Low: 71°F
Sunrise: 6:30 AM
Sunset: 8:16 PM
 

Sunday
May 27 


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Sunrise: 6:30 AM
Sunset: 8:17 PM

Monday
May 28 


Scattered T-Storms
High: 89°F
Low: 74°F
Sunrise: 6:30 AM
Sunset: 8:17 PM

Tuesday
May 29 


T-Showers
High: 88°F
Low: 75°F
Sunrise: 6:30 AM
Sunset: 8:18 PM

Orlando Stats

Are you a numbers person? Want to learn more about the backbone of Orlando? Maybe you're planning on moving to Florida. Here are the stats.

The population of 32819 is 25,408.

That's #4101 out of all 42,305 zip codes.

70% of the population is white, which is 4 points less than the national average.

The average household income in 32819 is $64,447, which is $34,749 more than the typical average.

This contributes to the average house being worth $163,600. When the survey was done in 2000, that represented a difference of 108% from the typical value.

Men make up 47% of the population, and the typical age in this part of FL is 37.2.

Stats about: Orlando, FL

Population: 25,408
Number of Households: 9,207
Average House Value: $163,600
Average Income per Household: $64,447
Elevation: 106 ft

Population Breakdown:

Population Chart

More Things To Do In Nearby Kissimmee

Here's what Yelpers have to say about Active Life in 34741

Remington Golf Club (Kissimmee)  
"I'm a weekly golfer and I try to take advantage of all of the public (and a few private) courses in Central Florida. Remington is a course that I will..." more
Kissimmee Lakefront Park (Kissimmee)  
"This is a very pretty park with amazing views. I came here for fishing and really enjoyed myself." more
Planet Fitness (Kissimmee)  
"Clean and straightforward gym. Well-maintained; any out-of-service equipment is usually fixed within days. Locker rooms and showers are kept clean,..." more
Morocco Pavilion (Kissimmee)  
"Food was good here. One of the best Caesar salads I've ever had.beautiful scenery." more
Congo River Golf & Exploration Co (Kissimmee)  
"So much fun! Very detailed, entertaining course with side scavanger hunt! Two courses, both with 18 holes, for a good price." more
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Central Florida Malls

For those infamous rainy Florida afternoons

I've decided to add a list of shopping malls through out Central Florida for those rainy days and shoe addicts. :)
You can Google or Mapquest these places for directions.

Millenia Mall

This is probably the closest mall to the Disney re more...0 points

Florida Mall

This mall is fairly close to the resorts. It is us more...0 points

Fashion Square Mall

This mall has gotten quieter over the years. It is more...0 points

Oviedo Mall

If you've heard of this mall then you definately l more...0 points

Seminole Town Center

This mall is a bit of a drive down I-4 from the re more...0 points

Altamonte Springs Mall

Altamonte Springs Mall is about 15 minutes north o more...0 points

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Videos about Florida Travel

View Florida before you even get here. Be sure to check out the "10 things" video. Crazy!
Syesha Mercado - Florida Tourism
by hesswesley | video info

29 ratings | 14,427 views
curated content from YouTube

Kraken at Sea World

Ride virtually as one brave soul video tapes their Kraken experience at Sea World, Orlando.
Kraken - Sea world - Roller Coaster
by lithman69 | video info

615 ratings | 416,738 views
curated content from YouTube

Entertainment In or Near Disney

Here's what Yelpers have to say about Arts & Entertainment in 32830

Haunted Mansion (Orlando)  
"Classic Disney! One of my favorite rides that never gets old. The new queue is interesting but if you've seen it once already take the shorter queue that..." more
Harry P Leu Gardens (Orlando)  
"Leu Gardens is easy to find with great directional signs. Parking is adequate/comfortable, the facility and gardens are beautiful." more
Morse Museum of American Art (Winter Park)  
"This museum is a gem in Central Florida and houses the largest collection of Tiffany glass in the world, including the chapel from a past World Fair. Very..." more
Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens (Winter Park)  
"WOW! My first visit here was for a Yelp event and I was super impressed. The only downside was that I wasn't able to fully enjoy all the beautiful outdoor..." more
Amway Center (Orlando)  
"Another bonus: You can have a good view of basketball games from pretty much anywhere due to the lack of championship banners." more
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Florida Bass Fishing 

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Add your Florida Favorites

Got a favorite place to visit in Florida that isn't mentioned here? Tell us all about it.

  • chuckyklost13 May 17, 2012 @ 8:37 am | delete
    This is a great lens! I recently was just in Florida... Cape Coral to be exact. I've also found some great Clearwater Vacation Homes if you are interested in that area.
  • RuralFloridaLiving May 13, 2012 @ 1:45 pm | delete
    Good job on this lens! There's so much more to see than just the theme parks. The springs are especially nice. Thanks for including them.
  • sunny29 Apr 26, 2012 @ 1:34 am | delete
    It makes my mind to visit it as soon as possible. I will really gonna try to go there with my family. Awesome places looking for more updates.

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  • chaaron Mar 29, 2012 @ 5:57 pm | delete
    http://www.squidoo.com/kissimmee-has-way-more-to-offer-than-disney
    I just posted something similar but more specific about Kissimmee! Love your post! very very complete!
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