Over 59 million tourists flock to Orlando every year to explore its world-class attractions, and while the city is widely recognized for its amusement parks, there is more to it that vacationers can discover. Those who’d prefer to get off the beaten path will find plenty of such places in the Theme Park Capital of the World. Some of Orlando's secret gems are special and offer unique charm because they have been there for centuries. Some of these attractions have incredible cultural and architectural features. Skip Disney World and explore these hidden gems in Orlando.
10 Wekiwa Springs State Park
Spanning over a 7,000-acre space, Wekiwa Springs State Park is one of the best-hidden gems in Orlando. There are only two National Wild and Scenic Rivers in Florida, and this is one of them. The state park is located only about 30 minutes away from the city’s downtown. Its crystalline waters offer a perfect base for kayaking and taking in the scenic scenery of the surrounding. Along the way, there are several spots for wildlife spotting, swimming, and photogenic areas for taking some epic pictures. But travelers can also go camping, horseback riding, biking, and hiking in the park.
- Opening hours: 8:00 am till sundown
- Entrance fee: $6 per vehicle (must have a maximum of eight visitors), $4 per single-occupant vehicle, and $2 for extra passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
9 Bok Tower Gardens
Covering a space of about 50 acres, Bok Tower is an incredibly landscaped garden known for being a beautiful habitat for over 125 bird species. One of the gardens' main highlights is the Singing Tower. Dating back to 1929, this building stands at 205 feet and features stunning designs inspired by Florida’s fauna and flora. The building is fascinating, and every traveler would love exploring it. Bok Tower Gardens makes a fantastic one-hour road trip from the world-famous Walt Disney Resort.
8 Shingle Creek
Florida is known for its endless kayaking opportunities, and Shingle Creek is one of the secret spots to enjoy them. It is one of the most scenic places in Orlando, filled with magnificent forests and incredible wildlife. Shingle Creek offers visitors a chance to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of an off-the-beaten-path without having to get too far away from the city. It is located only 20 minutes away from Walt Disney World. One can join any of the available guided tours or rent some kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
7 Leu Gardens
Leu Gardens is a perfect spot to relax and unwind after spending a long day exploring other places in Orlando. It is home to different tropical plants, thanks to Orlando’s incredible weather. Some of these gorgeous plants are only found in Leu Gardens and not anywhere else in North America. Covering a space of about 50 acres, this paradise is home to magnificent bamboo gardens, a butterfly garden, and tropical philodendrons – and visiting it is always an experience to remember.
- Opening hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Only closed on Christmas Day, and travelers can’t enter the gardens after 4:00 pm.
6 Hidden Palms Ranch
Located just outside of Orlando, Hidden Palms Ranch is only a 30-minute drive away from the bustling downtown area of the city. This place is popular with horseback riding, and there are private trails. So, if looking for a place to escape away from the city's hustle and bustle, Hidden Palms Ranch is the spot. It offers an incredible opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether looking to enjoy the beauty of nature or just love to ride horses, this place will never disappoint, even for tourists who can't hit the trails. This means it's perfect for horse lovers of all ages.
5 Kelly Park Rock Springs
Florida is home to some of the most impressive natural springs, and while Kelly Park Rock Springs is one of the lesser visited, its greenery is incredibly stunning. It boasts 17 miles of beautiful trails and is a great spot for camping and strolling around to explore a unique side of the city. There is a lot to do here, including kayaking, tubing, picnicking, and enjoying watching the magnificent natural spring flowing freely. It's kind of disappointing that over 55 million visitors explore Orlando yearly, and many of them hardly make it to this scenic spot.
4 Wallaby Ranch
Located just outside the city, Wallaby Ranch offers the best hang-gliding experience in Orlando. It is reachable in just over 30 minutes from downtown Orlando, making it a great spot to get away from the city without going too far. Their techniques provide the safest experience for visitors and families from different parts of the world. Wallaby Ranch’s year-round Discovery Tandem Flights have been chosen by many people since 1991. So, if looking to experience something other than Orlando's amusement parks, this ranch is exactly where to look.
- Opening hours: 7:30 am – 7:00 pm
3 Windermere
Windermere has a unique charm that's not found anywhere else in Orlando. It is a beautiful part of the Orlando Metropolitan Area and possesses some of the most impressive features. It is surrounded by scenic parks and lakes – and is home to gorgeous historical buildings. Its position makes it a hidden gem, and vacationers hardly make it to this charming town. Founded in 1889, Windermere is one of Florida's oldest towns and among the best-hidden gems in Orlando. The quaint town is always worth visiting as it has a lot to experience.
2 Winter Park
Winter Park has been gaining popularity over the years, but it’s still one of the hidden gems in Orlando. This neighborhood guarantees a wonderful travel experience for vacationers of all ages and interests. From endless outdoor opportunities to a bustling arts scene to incredible shopping and dining opportunities, there is so much to do here. Tourists can make this a great day trip and spend the time exploring its beautiful streets, delicious eateries, and museums. Some of the places not to miss in winter park include Cornell Fine Arts Museum and Kraft Azalea Garden.
1 Butler Chain Of Lakes
A list of top hidden gems in Orlando can't be complete without mentioning Butler Chain of Lakes. It is home to 13 magnificent lakes and boasts some of Central Florida's cleanest waters. Its incredible water quality and wildlife awarded it the state's lake system with Outstanding Florida Waters, and is definitely worth visiting. Tourists can go surfing, sailing, boat-riding, enjoy basking in the sun, and more. Regardless of one's interests, Butler Chain of Lakes is definitely going to be an unforgettable-hidden gem.