In 2023, Orlando welcomed more than 73 million tourists, giving it the award for most-visited vacation destination in the United States. Its nice weather year-round and diverse offerings of activities make it a top contender when it comes to planning a vacation.
With Orlando – the “Theme Park Capital of the World” – is often associated with Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando. While it is absolutely known for thrilling roller coasters and theme parks like Animal Kingdom and Universal Studios Florida, this dynamic city has many other fun things to offer–whether you’re visiting with adults or vacationing in Orland with kids!
If you’re looking for luxury accommodations near Orlando, Element Vacation Homes has you covered. Browse our properties and resorts to discover the best fit for your upcoming Florida vacation.
1. Go to Gatorland
Photo Credit: The Image Party
Hours of Operation: Open daily, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
The swampy south is known for many things, primarily alligators. These scaly reptiles lurk in the moss and marsh and are an attraction for many. That’s what makes Gatorland -The Alligator Capital of the World®–such a fun place to visit!
Guests will encounter alligators of all sizes, crocodiles, wild cats, birds, snakes, tortoises, and many other critters. In addition to wildlife encounters, Gatorland features animal shows, a petting zoo, an aviary, and the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line. These activities are sure to engage and make your crew memorable.
2. Be Charmed by Winter Park
Sitting just north of Orlando is the quaint, small town of Winter Park, Florida. Its 10 square miles are peppered with incredible homes, gorgeous gardens, stately trees, picturesque streets, stunning lakes for kayaking, fine dining and shops on Park Avenue, and more. This beautiful area is full of hidden gems to visit and explore. Here are some sights to consider:
Mead Botanical Garden
- Hours of Operation: Open daily, 8:00 am to dusk
- Cost: Admission is free!
These scenic gardens cover a whopping 47 acres and include walking trails, a butterfly garden, many bridges, and boardwalks. Depending on the time of year, you may pop in during a festival or catch a show in the outdoor amphitheater.
Kraft Azalea Gardens
- Hours of Operation: Open daily, 8:00 am to dusk
- Cost: Admission is free!
Kraft Azalea Gardens is located on the outskirts of Lake Maitland and sits on 5 acres. The waterfront views and stunning cypress trees make this a special spot. This is the perfect setting for a relaxing picnic or a romantic stroll.
Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
- Hours of Operation: Open daily, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Cost: Pricing on website.
Guests are taken on a peaceful Scenic Boat Tour of three local lakes (Lake Osceola, Lake Virginia, and Lake Maitland). If you’re looking for a relaxing activity amidst the many loud, flashy Orlando attractions, this serene experience is for you.
Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
- Hours of Operation: Tuesday-Thursday & Saturday: 9:30 am to 4:00 pm, Friday 9:30 am to 8:00 pm, Sunday: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
- Cost: Pricing on website.
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art features the world’s most comprehensive display of masterpieces by Louis Comfort Tiffany. His artistry is shown through unique mediums such as stained glass, mosaics, jewelry, and ceramics. This museum also features the Restored Tiffany Chapel from the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.
3. Explore All that ICON Park has to Offer
Photo Credit: LnP images
- Hours of Operation: Open daily from 10:00 am to 2:00 am, with varying hours for certain attractions
- Cost: There is no admission fee to enter ICON Park, however, the main attractions have individual ticket prices.
Orlando’s ICON Park has been open since 2015 and was originally known as I-Drive 360 until 2018. ICON Park is a 20-acre entertainment complex packed with fun for the whole family. See Orlando as you’ve never seen it before–from the 400-foot observation wheel, The Orlando Eye.
Pop by Madame Tussauds wax museum to pose with your favorite celebrities (and superheroes from the Justice League). If you’re looking for a thrill, soar on the world’s tallest swing ride, the Orlando Starflyer. From shopping and live shows to delicious dining and nightlife, there is something for everyone!
4. Visit the Orlando Science Center
- Hours of Operation: Open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Cost: Pricing on website.
The Orlando Science Center is a fun spot for visitors of any age. You can explore outer space in the planetarium, learn more about Florida’s ecosystem in the NatureWorks exhibit, and sit in on a live science demonstration. Children are certain to thrive in the Kid’s Town area, learning through play in its interactive areas like the Imagination Playground, Construction Zone, Water Zone, and Mini Machines.
Some exhibits swap out regularly, and they always focus on interesting topics (e.g. dinosaurs, robots), so there’s always more to learn!
5. Book a Day at Discovery Cove
Photo Credit: Joni Hanebutt
- Hours of Operation: Open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Cost: Pricing on website.
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, a day at Discovery Cove is for you! You will find it to be the perfect blend of relaxation and interaction. The design of this day resort is immersive and natural, giving an intimate, organic feel.
The adventure-seeking guests can engage with wildlife by snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, and hand-feeding exotic birds. Guests can also dive into lagoons, take a ride on the lazy river, and lounge on the beach. Discovery Cove is all-inclusive, which gives access to meals, drinks, lounge chairs, snorkel gear, certain wildlife encounters, tropical lagoons, and more.
6. Enjoy Lake Eola Park
Photo Credit: EQRoy
- Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours daily, however, most activities operate from 10:00 am to sunset
- Cost: Free admission, however, parking and rentals have individual fees.
Located in Downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park is a frequented recreational area with lots to do and see. Get a great view of Lake Eola from the Walt Disney Amphitheater. Let your kids have a blast on the playground.
Take a trolley tour to explore the park and Downtown Orlando. Be sure to see the stunning Lake Eola fountain, which lights up beautifully at night. Pack a meal or snack to enjoy in one of the many ideal picnic spots. Walk, run, or bike around Lake Eola–or pick up a paddle boat or paddleboard. No matter how you decide to spend your time, a day at Lake Eola Park is a day well spent.
7. Take a Trip to Kennedy Space Center
Photo Credit: NaughtyNut
- Hours of Operation: Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Cost: Pricing on website.
Located on Florida’s East Coast, near Cape Canaveral, is the Kennedy Space Center – NASA’s primary space launch center. The Kennedy Space Center has much to offer and makes the 45-minute drive from Orlando worth your while.
Guests can get up close and personal with the Space Shuttle Atlantis, visit the Astronaut Hall of Fame, engage in various interactive exhibits, and more! (If you’re lucky, you could witness a real space launch.) A trip to the Kennedy Space Center is really out of this world!
Booking a Stay Near Orlando
Tourists visit Orlando to escape the day-to-day grind in all sorts of ways, and the Greater Orlando area provides a variety of settings and activities for the perfect escape! Whether you’re petting an alligator and seeing Orlando from 400 feet, or lounging at the Discovery Cove beach and strolling Park Avenue in Winter Park, Orlando is sure to check all your vacation boxes.
At Element Vacation Homes, we want accommodations to be a memorable part of your trip. Our wide variety of themed large vacation homes are perfect for all. No matter the reason for your travels–athletic competition, family reunion, corporate event–leave the dazzle and details to us!
