With all these lesser known attractions available to Orlando visitors, you can avoid getting stuck in the typical tourist rut of patronizing the major theme parks.
With attractions and entertainment venues such as SeaWorld Adventure Park, the Universal Orlando Resort, and Walt Disney World to name a few, it should be easy to understand why Orlando, Florida is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the US. However, there are a number of lesser-known Orlando attractions that are worthy of being on anyone’s vacation itinerary. The following should be considered whenever visiting here:
Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe – this structure was originally built in order to serve the many Catholic tourists that visit Orlando every year. While it is an Orlando Diocese Roman Catholic church that does offer Mass on a large scale (seating capacity of 2,000), it has become a regional attraction for many visitors as well.
Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art – this is a must see cultural experience for any first-time Orlando visitor. An impressing exhibit of Americana awaits you here, highlighted by some of Louis Tiffany’s many works. Additionally, there are a number of other artistic venues worth seeing including antique furniture, jewelry, paintings, and pottery items.
Florida EcoSafaris at Forever Florida – if you’ve been searching for some entertaining ways to experience Florida’s animal residents and their wilderness habitat, you should make time to experience this unique park. You’ll be able to see a number of different central Floridian species including alligators, black bears, and the extremely rare Florida panther.
An ecological wonder, the gators and crocs are bred and protected. With aviaries, hatcheries to harboring adult crocodiles, it is all for viewing.
Gatorland – if you would like to see alligators and crocodiles up close without becoming a Hors d’oeuvre, then this is the place to visit. This small wildlife oriented theme park not only cares for these magnificent reptiles, they protect them as well. There are literally thousands of gators and crocs as well as a free-flight aviary featuring many species of birds.
Wet ‘N Wild – for most of the year, other than the balmy winter months, you will find that the climate in Orlando can be oppressively hot and very humid. So when the heat and humidity are draining you during your visit, then the solution is this spectacular water park. Wet ‘N Wild features rides and slides that are sure to please and keep you cooled down in the process.
Kennedy Space Center Rocket Garden has real space shuttles of Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space programs. Relive history at the space museum.
Kennedy Space Centre – A prominent attraction, it sits close to Cape Canaveral, about 45 minutes from Orlando. The site of many space shuttle launches, it is best if you can book tickets in advance, meet astronauts and watch a real-time launch.
With all these lesser known attractions available to Orlando visitors, you can avoid getting stuck in the typical tourist rut of patronizing the major theme parks listed at the beginning of this article. Keeping this in mind, your central Florida experience should be a pleasant one.
