Orlando Vacation Highlights

While the theme parks are the #1 attractions that bring the majority of visitors to Orlando and the adjacent areas of Kissimmee and Lake Buena Vista, there is plenty to see and do apart from the theme parks.

The 50 acres of botanical magic that is the Harry P. Leu Gardens is located just a few minutes from downtown Orlando. The Leu House Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The gardens have the largest camellia collection in Eastern North America.

Considered to be one of the finest art museums in the south, The Orlando Museum of Art has outstanding collections of American art, ancient Americas and African art plus excellent educational programs.

Like everywhere else in Florida, Orlando and the surrounding areas has numerous private and public golf courses. Many of the resort courses are restricted to resort guests.

The spring training home of the Atlanta Braves baseball club is at Cracker Jack Stadium, completed in 2002. The stadium affords an opportunity to get close to the professionals before the regular season gets underway.

The 17,500-seat TD Waterhouse Center is the home court of the NBA's Orlando Magic for approximately 40 of their regular-season games.

About 40 miles (65km) north of Orlando is the Blue Springs State Park, located near Cassadaga. This area was home to the Timucuan Indians for hundreds of years and today it is a leader in the fight protect the endangered Florida manatee.

The Ocala National Forest is an enormous reserve with several natural springs and lakes, plus excellent hiking, canoeing, fishing and swimming. The park is about 60 miles (96km) northwest of Orlando near the town of Ocala which is the best base for exploring this area.

The park consists of three major spring areas, being Juniper Springs, Salt Springs and Alexander Springs. The beautiful Juniper Springs are crystal clear and provide great canoeing. Salt Springs and Alexander Springs have trails through cypress forests. Lake Eaton Sinkhole is 80ft (24m) deep and 450ft (135m) in diameter, with a staircase leading to the bottom. Nearby Lake Eaton provides a popular spot for swimming.