5 Things to Do in Central Florida (Other than the Theme Parks)*

Florida is a dream holiday destination for many people. This is mainly because it’s home to some of the best theme parks in the world. It’s popular with all demographics from young couples, to families and even the older generation holiday there. There is Disney World, Universal Studios, Legoland, Sea World, just to name a few. A lot of people go purely for 2 weeks of hitting up the theme parks!

But there is so much more to Central Florida than just theme parks. If you feel like two weeks straight at Disney or Universal is a bit much for you, why not do a bit of research to see what else there is on offer. Orlando Deals specialises in creating wonderful trips for everyone, whether you want that theme park holiday of dreams, or you’re wanting to explore what else Florida has on offer.

Here are 5 other things you could do while visiting Central Florida;

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Beaches

Florida is known as the “pan handle” of the USA because that’s what it looks like. That also means that wherever you are in the state, you’re not actually that far from one of the beautiful beaches that line the coast. Two of the most popular beaches are Cocoa beach on the East Coast and Clearwater on the West. Cocoa Beach is known for it’s surfing culture, not only is it home to the world’s largest Ron Jon Surf Shop, you can also sign up to ride the waves yourself. Or if you’re prefer something a little calmer, Clearwater on the west coast is paradise. With it’s clear turquoise water stretching from the shore line into the Gulf of Mexico, you can really relax and watch the world go by.

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Everglades

Looking for something exciting that doesn’t include the crowds of a theme park, why not book an airboat tour through the Florida Everglades. The Everglades are a marshland eco system right in Central Florida that are home to wildlife including Florida’s infamous ‘gators. A lot of the airboat tours are fun, entertaining and highly educational, if like me from the UK it can be a unique experience that you would never get to experience back home.

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Kennedy Space Center

If you are interested in educational experiences, head out to Cape Canaveral and visit Kennedy Space Centre. For many years Cape Canaveral was home to the NASA space programme and it was from here that the US competed in the race to the moon with the Apollo series rockets. It’s a truly awe inspiring experience as although it’s now a space museum with attractions and tours, you can still see rockets launch if you time it right.

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Explore I-Drive

If you don’t happen to have a car, and you don’t want to pay for Uber there are still things to do in Orlando right on the doorstep of the many theme parks. For example, why not explore International Drive? I Drive is home to many more attractions than just Universal and Sea World, such as the Icon Orlando, which is a huge wheel much like the London Eye. There is also a Ripleys Believe it or Not, a Sealife Centre. If shopping is more your bag, there are outlet stores and the Florida Mall isn’t too far either. And lets forget there are more restaurants than you can swing a cat at!

Play Golf

Central Florida is also home to many golf courses. A lot of people find golf relaxing and take trips specifically to tee off so if that’s you, you’ll be happy with what’s on offer not far out of Orlando. If you’ve got young ones with you, why not visit one of the multiple Pirate Cover Adventure Golf for a miniature golf experience? It might not be what you’re used to but they’re actually one of my favourite things to do while in the area and I have some great memories of playing there as a child!