I’ve visited Orlando four times now, and I swear there’s an entire city beyond those theme park gates. Winter Park completely stole my heart with its brick streets, Spanish moss, and locals paddleboarding across interconnected lakes. The food scene shocked me too—I found myself ditching overpriced park meals for authentic Vietnamese food along Mills Avenue, where Orlando residents actually hang out.
Some of the best places in Orlando are the ones without a single Mickey Mouse in sight. Like that botanical garden where I watched manatees swim up to the viewing area, or the converted industrial district now filled with craft breweries and art studios. After spending weeks exploring Orlando between roller coaster rides, I’ve compiled these 12 stunning spots that prove this city offers way more magic than just what’s manufactured inside those famous parks.
Best Things to Do in Orlando
Looking to uncover Orlando’s hidden gems? Beyond the theme parks, the city offers plenty of lesser-known treasures waiting to be explored. Wander through the Leu Gardens, a beautiful botanical oasis. Marvel at the Orlando Science Center, offering interactive exhibits and planetarium shows.
Stroll the charming streets of Winter Park, rich with boutiques and cafes. Whether you’re into nature, science, or local charm, here are 12 of Orlando’s most underrated destinations!
1. Kraft Azalea Garden
Want Orlando locals to escape for peaceful moments away from screaming children and cartoon characters? Kraft Azalea Garden delivers serenity just minutes from the tourist chaos.
Tucked away in Winter Park’s upscale neighborhoods, this five-acre lakeside sanctuary offers a refreshing escape from Orlando’s tourist bustle. Kraft Azalea Garden showcases towering cypress trees draped in Spanish Moss with perfect Lake Maitland views. Morning visits reward you with golden light filtering through the canopy for Instagram-worthy shots without crowds.
The garden sits just 15 minutes northeast of downtown Orlando. I stumbled upon its stone exedra monument completely alone one weekday morning, something unimaginable at better-known attractions. Visit during the azalea blooming season (January-March) for an explosion of pink and red against the deep green backdrop. Perfect for quiet reflection, picnics, or romantic strolls.
2. The Greenwood Cemetery
Want to drink wine among historic tombstones under a full moon while learning about scandalous local history? The Greenwood Cemetery moonlight tours might be the adult field trip you never knew you needed.
History buffs and photography enthusiasts will find an unexpected treasure just east of downtown. Dating back to 1880, this historic graveyard offers moonlight walking tours that unveil Orlando’s fascinating past through stories of its notable residents.
The cemetery’s 100+ acres feature stunning oak alleys, Victorian monuments, and sections dedicated to veterans. Located just 2 miles from downtown, it provides a serene contrast to International Drive’s chaos. The guided tours sell out quickly.
My favorite section holds the city’s pioneers, where weathered headstones tell tales of Orlando before Disney. Morning visits offer the best light for photography, while evening casts dramatic shadows across the historic markers.
3. The Jack Kerouac House
Channel your inner Beatnik at the modest bungalow where Jack wrote “The Dharma Bums” while nursing beers and avoiding his sudden fame. The Jack Kerouac House offers literary street cred you won’t find at Cinderella’s Castle.
Literary pilgrims shouldn’t miss the unassuming cottage where Beat Generation icon Jack Kerouac lived while “On the Road” hit bestseller lists. Located in the College Park neighborhood (10 minutes northwest of downtown), this house hosted the author during a pivotal creative period.
The modest home now hosts writers-in-residence, continuing Kerouac’s legacy. The small cottage with its blue trim sits on a quiet residential street that feels worlds away from theme park madness. Check their website before visiting. The house occasionally opens for readings and special events.
I recommend stopping by Infusion Tea afterward to channel your beat-inspired musings with a proper cup of bohemian refreshment.
4. The Orlando Urban Trail from City of Orlando
Skip the $25 parking fees and explore Orlando’s hippest neighborhoods while burning off those vacation indulgences. The Orlando Urban Trail connects craft breweries, coffee shops, and lakes without a costumed character in sight.
Ditch the rental car and experience Orlando like a local on this 3-mile paved pathway. It connects Orlando’s coolest neighborhoods from Ivanhoe Village to Winter Park. Rent bikes from Retro City Cycles near Lake Ivanhoe and cruise past scenic lakes, craft breweries, and local art installations.
Located just north of downtown, the trail provides a perfect half-day adventure for active couples or friends. The route passes The Hammered Lamb (great for patio drinks) and Santiago’s Bodega (perfect for tapas breaks). I’ve spotted alligators sunning near the lake edges. The trail’s northern section delivers you to Winter Park’s upscale shopping and dining district.
5. Leu Gardens
Seeking a romantic date spot where you won’t wait in line or shell out three-figure admission fees? Leu Gardens offers 50 acres of botanical seduction where you can actually hear each other talk.
Botanical paradise awaits just minutes from downtown at these sprawling gardens. The rose collection blooms year-round thanks to Florida’s climate, while the historic Leu House Museum offers glimpses into 19th-century Florida living.
Located in Orlando’s Audubon Park district (10 minutes northeast of downtown), this hidden gem often remains uncrowded even during peak tourist season. The garden hosts outdoor movie nights and plant sales throughout the year. Don’t miss the spectacular camellia collection blooming from October through March.
After exploring, venture into nearby Audubon Park for excellent coffee at Lineage Coffee Roasting or craft beer at Redlight Redlight. My favorite time to visit is weekday mornings, when you’ll have most paths to yourself.
6. The Mennello Museum of American Art
Need a cultural alibi to balance out your theme park splurges? The Mennello Museum delivers art bragging rights in a manageable dose that won’t leave you gallery-fatigued or checking your watch.
Contemporary art lovers should beeline to this compact cultural gem nestled against Lake Formosa just north of downtown. This intimate museum specializes in American folk art and features an outstanding collection of Earl Cunningham paintings.
Located in Loch Haven Cultural Park (5 minutes from downtown), the museum pairs easily with visits to the nearby Orlando Museum of Art. The outdoor sculpture garden features monumental works set against lake views. Visit on the second Sunday monthly for free family days.
What makes this place special is its manageable size. I recommend concluding your visit at The Imperial at Washburn Imports for craft cocktails in a unique furniture store setting just a few blocks away.
7. The Orlando Science Center
Parents rejoice: Here’s where your kids can get delightfully nerdy without you dropping a second mortgage on admission tickets. The Orlando Science Center makes science actually fun (even for adults who flunked physics).
Families seeking educational fun without theme park prices should head to this four-story interactive museum. Try building and testing your own roller coaster or excavating fossils in the paleontology area.
Located 10 minutes northeast of downtown in Loch Haven Park, the center sits alongside several other cultural institutions. The observatory’s massive refractor telescope opens for weekend stargazing. Their giant screen theater presents spectacular nature documentaries without Disney Springs crowds.
I particularly recommend timing your visit to catch a live demonstration in the Kinetic Zone. Afterward, walk to Stardust Video & Coffee for excellent sandwiches and local beer in a quirky atmosphere.
- Read More: 12 Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Orlando
8. Lake Eola Park
Tired of paying $18 for mediocre theme park cocktails? Grab a local craft beer and watch Orlando’s actual skyline reflect off a lake where real swans outnumber the costumed variety.
Downtown Orlando’s crown jewel offers a refreshing urban oasis surrounded by the city’s growing skyline. The iconic swan-shaped paddle boats provide unique perspectives of downtown’s architecture while you glide across the 23-acre lake.
Located in the heart of downtown, the park sits within easy walking distance of excellent dining options on nearby Orange Avenue. Sunday mornings bring a fantastic farmers market with local produce, crafts, and food vendors. The 0.9-mile loop around the lake makes for a perfect morning run or sunset stroll.
I’ve never seen the fountain light show without feeling a renewed appreciation for Orlando’s beauty. After your visit, walk two blocks to Craft & Common for excellent coffee or The Stubborn Mule for craft cocktails.
9. The Winter Park Boat Tour
Discover what $16 can still buy you in Orlando: a champagne-worthy boat tour past millionaire mansions and cypress-draped canals where you’ll learn whose fortune came from toilet paper (seriously).
Experience Old Florida elegance aboard this one-hour cruise through cypress-lined canals connecting Winter Park’s beautiful chain of lakes. These narrated tours have operated since 1938, offering glimpses into historic mansion backyards and Rollins College campus.
Located in Winter Park (15 minutes northeast of Orlando), the tour departs from a small dock at the east end of Morse Boulevard. The knowledgeable captains share fascinating stories about local history while pointing out wildlife. Unlike Disney’s manufactured experiences, this authentic glimpse into Florida’s natural beauty remains unchanged for generations.
I recommend booking the first morning tour for the best lighting and wildlife spotting opportunities. Afterward, stroll down Park Avenue’s upscale shopping district.
10. The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Broadway shows without Manhattan prices or attitudes? The Dr. Phillips Center delivers Vegas-worthy entertainment that doesn’t require a second mortgage on tickets or standing in ticket lottery lines at 7am.
Culture seekers will be astonished by downtown Orlando’s architectural marvel and performing arts hub. This state-of-the-art facility hosts everything from Broadway touring productions to intimate jazz performances, often at prices far below what you’d pay in larger cities.
Located in the heart of downtown, just steps from Church Street Station, the center offers experiences ranging from grand productions to experimental works. The building itself deserves attention with its soaring lobby and rooftop terrace. Check their calendar for free outdoor concerts in the adjacent Seneff Arts Plaza.
My favorite discovery was their reasonably priced pre-show dining packages that let you avoid the downtown parking shuffle. Complete your cultural evening with craft cocktails at The Courtesy Bar.
11. The Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve
Craving an authentic Florida wildlife encounter that doesn’t involve animatronics or choreographed dolphin tricks? Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve delivers alligator sightings without the gift shop exit strategy.
Nature lovers seeking respite from Orlando’s commercial attractions should head to these 440 acres of protected Florida wilderness. Six distinct hiking trails showcase ecosystems from pine flatwoods to cypress swamps, offering excellent wildlife viewing without crowds.
Located southwest of Orlando proper, the preserve sits paradoxically close to Disney World yet worlds away in experience. The excellent interpretive center provides fascinating insights into local ecology. Visit on weekday mornings to potentially have entire trails to yourself.
The boardwalk extending into Cypress Swamp offers prime opportunities for spotting turtles, birds, and alligators. I particularly value the preserve’s authenticity as real Florida, preserved as it existed before development transformed the region.
12. Harry P. Leu Gardens
When your Instagram feed needs a botanical glow-up but you can’t face another crowded theme park queue, Harry P. Leu Gardens has social media glory amid America’s largest camellia collection.
Botanical enthusiasts will find paradise at these 50-acre grounds showcasing tropical and subtropical plants. The garden’s historic 1880s home offers fascinating glimpses into old Orlando, while the rose garden dazzles with year-round blooms.
Located 5 minutes northeast of downtown in the Audubon Park district, this hidden gem remains uncrowded even during peak tourist season. Don’t miss the spectacular camellia collection blooming from October through March. The garden hosts outdoor movie nights throughout the year.
After exploring, venture into the nearby Audubon Park Garden District for excellent coffee at Lineage Coffee Roasting. I’ve spent entire mornings here photographing butterflies without seeing another tourist, a miraculous feat so close to Orlando’s attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Hidden Gems in Orlando
Are you searching for more content about where to go in Orlando? Here are some common questions (and answers) I often receive about the most underrated places in Orlando.
Are there any fees to enter these hidden gems in Orlando?
Many of these locations, like Lake Eola Park and Harry P. Leu Gardens, are free to the public. Some, however, may have parking fees or suggested donations, especially for special tours like the Moonlight Walking Tour at The Greenwood Cemetery.
How safe are these off the beaten path locations in Orlando?
These hidden gems are generally safe for visitors. However, it’s always wise to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in less crowded areas. For evening events, like those at The Mennello Museum of American Art, consider visiting in groups for added safety.
How much time should I allocate to visit these unique places in Orlando?
It depends on the location. For instance, a walk around Lake Eola Park might take an hour, while exploring Harry P. Leu Gardens could take half a day. Plan according to your interests and the size of the place.
Are these underrated destinations in Orlando suitable for families with children?
Absolutely! Places like the Orlando Science Center and The Winter Park Boat Tour are fantastic for families, offering both educational and fun experiences for children and adults alike.
What’s the best way to travel between these hidden gems in Orlando?
If you’re visiting multiple spots in a day, driving is the most convenient option. Public transportation in Orlando can be limited, especially when visiting places like The Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve.
Final Thoughts on Orlando’s Hidden Gems
Our journey through Orlando’s hidden gems reveals a side of the city that many visitors never get to see. Beyond the famous theme parks and bustling tourist hotspots lies a world of serene gardens, cultural treasures, and natural wonders, each offering its own unique experience. From the peaceful paths of Kraft Azalea Garden to the inspiring performances at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando is brimming with underrated destinations waiting to be explored.
These hidden gems not only offer a break from the usual tourist activities but also provide a deeper understanding of Orlando’s diverse character. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an art lover, or simply seeking new experiences, these lesser-known spots promise enriching adventures and lasting memories.
So next time you find yourself in Orlando, remember that there’s much more to this vibrant city than meets the eye. Venture off the beaten path, explore these hidden treasures, and discover the quieter, more intimate side of this Florida gem. You might just find that these underrated places become the highlights of your trip.
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