Things to do on holiday in Orlando (Besides the Theme Parks!)

We all know Orlando is famous for its thrilling theme parks, but there are plenty of other attractions to visit in beautiful central Florida. With an increasing number of tourists choosing to book car hire along with their Orlando flights, Globehunters has tracked down some fantastic places for a day out away from the rollercoasters.

East Coast Beaches

Orlando is just over an hour from Florida’s east coast and visitors aren’t short of options when it comes to beaches. There are four beautiful white-sand beaches within a 70 minute drive of central Orlando: Canaveral National Seashore, Daytona Beach, Cocoa Beach and New Smyrna Beach.

The Canaveral National Seashore warrants its rather grandiose name. It stretches for 23 miles and with no cars, no parties and no nearby shops, it’s pristine. There are more convenient options, but for natural beauty alone this is a must-visit.

If you’re looking for somewhere a bit livelier, Daytona Beach has plenty of things to do. Daytona Lagoon (open March to October) features speed slides and a 500,000 gallon wave pool. The adjacent entertainment centre has go kart racing, mini golf and an arcade.

Meet lots of interesting animals at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Garden

Whether you want to see birds, mammals, insects or even plants there will be something to fascinate you here. Some of the most interesting animals include: Bald Eagles, King Vultures, Clouded Leopards, Indian Rhinos and Poison Dart Frogs. There’s also an Aerial Adventure Course including zip lines, suspended disks and rope bridges between the tree tops.

Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Garden hosts regular events throughout the week and on weekends that visitors can get involved with. Storytime at the Zoo is a regular favourite which gives pre-school kids the chance to meet zoo animals. It’s on Lake Monroe, 25 minutes north of Orlando, just outside the town of Sanford.

Battleground Orlando 

Battleground Orlando is a great place for the whole family to charge around on a day off from the theme parks. Participants can fire at each other with laser guns in a variety of elaborate settings including tunnels, forts, futuristic towers and a field of inflatable props. Coveralls are provided, so you can really get in to the game duck and dive around the various obstacles.

Battleground Orlando is just 15 minutes’ drive northwest of Orlando in the town of Lockhart. It stays open 12 pm to midnight, even staying open till 6.30 am at weekends!

By far the easiest way of getting to these attractions is by car. Globehunters provides Orlando car hire, as well as cheap flights to Orlando with leading airlines. Book with us online or call 020 3384 6000. 

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Have you been to Orlando, or are you looking forward to going? Let us know below!