12 Stunning Places to Visit in Orlando in 2025

Okay, I need to tell you something about Orlando that shocked me! One evening I was chilling by Lake Eola, watching the sunset turn the whole sky pink while swans swam past the downtown skyline, and I thought, “Wow this is NOT the Orlando I expected.” Then I discovered Harry P. Leu Gardens, this massive place full of ancient oaks that look like something from a fairytale.

From cruising around Winter Park’s gorgeous lakes to exploring the artsy streets of Thornton Park, these are the most beautiful places in Orlando that made me realize this city is way more than just theme parks. Trust me, there’s a whole other side to Orlando that most people miss, and I can’t wait to show you!

Unmissable Places to Visit in Orlando in 2025    

Looking for the coolest things to do in Orlando in 2025? Explore the natural beauty of De Leon Springs, experience luxury at Gaylord Palms, and enjoy world-class amenities at Grand Cypress Resort. Unwind in the serene surroundings of Grande Lakes, offering top-tier relaxation and outdoor activities. Whether you’re interested in nature, luxury, or adventure, here are the top attractions to visit in Orlando in 2025.

1. De Leon Springs

• 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🌿, history buffs 📜, outdoor adventurers 🚣
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Crystal-clear natural spring waters, lush subtropical flora, historic sugar mill setting
• 📸 Top Experiences: Swimming in the natural spring, paddling through waterways, making pancakes at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill
• 🏨 Where to Stay: St. Johns River Eco Tours Houseboats – Unique floating accommodations with direct water access

Escape the Orlando chaos at De Leon Springs, where you can literally cook breakfast on a griddle at your table! Located 45 minutes north of Orlando, this 72-degree natural spring pumps millions of gallons of crystal-clear water daily. I’ve never seen waters so pristine yet so accessible to swimmers.

The historic Old Spanish Sugar Mill lets visitors flip their own pancakes on tabletop griddles. After breakfast, cool off in the spring that Ponce de Leon allegedly sought as the “Fountain of Youth.”

Adventurers can rent kayaks to explore surrounding waterways rich with wildlife—manatees, alligators, and countless birds. Don’t miss the archaeological exhibits highlighting the area’s history, from Native American settlements to plantation-era Florida.

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2. Gaylord Palms Resort

• 🏆 Best For: Luxury travelers 💎, indoor explorers 🌴, entertainment seekers 🎭
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Sprawling glass atriums housing Florida ecosystems, elaborate theming, immersive gardens
• 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring themed environments, relaxing at Cypress Springs Water Park, enjoying seasonal events
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Gaylord Palms – Upscale rooms with views of spectacular atrium landscapes

Need a Florida vacation with zero chance of rain ruining your day? Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee offers its mind-blowing 4.5-acre glass-covered atrium. Just minutes from Disney, this architectural marvel showcases three distinct Florida environments.

Wander through the Everglades atrium where live alligators bask beneath your feet. The Key West section whisks you to Florida’s southernmost shores without the four-hour drive. I couldn’t believe how authentic each themed area felt despite being indoors!

During holidays, the resort transforms with spectacular decorations—over two million lights illuminate the Christmas displays. After exploring, hit Cypress Springs Water Park for thrilling slides and relaxing pools, all without worrying about afternoon thunderstorms.

3. Grand Cypress Resort

• 🏆 Best For: Golf enthusiasts 🏌️, wellness seekers 🧘, luxury vacationers 🛎️
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Pristine golf courses, tranquil lakefront setting, lushly landscaped grounds
• 📸 Top Experiences: Playing Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses, horseback riding, relaxing at elegant pools
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort – Luxurious accommodations with private balconies overlooking the resort’s scenic grounds, providing easy access to Orlando’s renowned attractions.

Want to tell colleagues you spent your Orlando vacation playing the same golf courses as the pros? Grand Cypress Resort near Lake Buena Vista offers 45 holes of championship golf that will make your Instagram followers jealous. The legendary Jack Nicklaus Signature Courses wind through cypress preserves and sparkling lakes.

My favorite feature is the New Course, designed to mimic Scotland’s famous St. Andrews. Beyond golf, this 1,500-acre sanctuary offers miles of nature trails perfect for horseback riding or biking.

The Grand Cypress Racquet Club provides world-class tennis facilities. Cool off at the elegant pool complex with cascading waterfalls. For water activities, head to 21-acre Lake Windsong for fishing, sailing, and paddle boating—all just minutes from theme park madness.

4. Grande Lakes

• 🏆 Best For: Culinary travelers 🍽️, spa connoisseurs 💆, eco-tourists 🦅
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Conservation-focused property, Italian-inspired architecture, meticulously landscaped gardens
• 📸 Top Experiences: Farm-to-table dining at Whisper Creek Farm, spa treatments, exploring Everglades headwaters
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Ritz-Carlton Orlando – Luxurious accommodations with scenic balconies

Foodies and wellness junkies, your Orlando dream spot awaits at Grande Lakes. Just 15 minutes from the airport, this 500-acre sanctuary houses both The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott properties. The Italian palace-inspired architecture creates an instant sense of escape.

The resort’s commitment to sustainability shines at Whisper Creek Farm, a 7,000-square-foot garden supplying fresh ingredients to acclaimed restaurants. Book dinner at Knife & Spoon by celebrity chef John Tesar—I couldn’t believe food this good exists at a resort!

Nature lovers appreciate the property’s location at the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. Explore by kayak or guided eco-tour. Afterward, indulge at the 40,000-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Spa with treatments inspired by Florida botanicals.

5. ICON Orlando Observation Wheel

• 🏆 Best For: View seekers 🌇, photography enthusiasts 📸, romantic couples 💑
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: 400-foot modern observation wheel, spectacular city panoramas, nighttime light displays
• 📸 Top Experiences: Taking a sunset ride, enjoying champagne experience, capturing theme parks from above
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hyatt Regency Orlando – Contemporary hotel with easy ICON Park access

Earn killer social media likes with sunset shots from the ICON Orlando Observation Wheel. Standing 400 feet above International Drive, this modern marvel offers the ultimate Orlando photo op. Each air-conditioned capsule slowly rotates, providing breathtaking 360-degree views.

From the top, spot Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and downtown Orlando against Florida’s lake-dotted landscape. The wheel’s 64,000 LED lights create a stunning night display visible throughout the tourist district.

The observation wheel anchors ICON Park, a walkable entertainment complex with restaurants and attractions. Splurge on a champagne flight for date night—I’ve never seen a more romantic Orlando experience than watching the sunset transform theme parks into twinkling light displays.

6. Lake Baldwin Park

• 🏆 Best For: Dog lovers 🐕, picnickers 🧺, outdoor enthusiasts 🚶
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Serene lakefront, oak-lined walking paths, dog-friendly beach area
• 📸 Top Experiences: Watching dogs play at off-leash beach, walking the scenic trail, picnicking under shade trees
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Delaney Hotel – Boutique accommodations near Baldwin Park

Discover the Orlando paradise where locals actually hang out at Lake Baldwin Park. Located in the trendy Baldwin Park neighborhood just northeast of downtown, this 23-acre retreat offers a much-needed break from tourist crowds.

The park’s main attraction is the designated dog beach, where four-legged friends splash off-leash during posted hours. Massive oaks draped with Spanish moss provide perfect picnic spots along the shoreline.

When visiting with my pup, I was amazed by how many friendly locals offered insider tips on Orlando’s best spots. The 2.5-mile paved trail encircling the lake welcomes joggers and cyclists with beautiful water views. Fishing piers extend into the lake, making this park a refreshing alternative to Orlando’s commercial attractions.

7. Lake Eola Park

• 🏆 Best For: Urban explorers 🏙️, swan boat enthusiasts 🦢, downtown dwellers 🌆
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Stunning downtown skyline views reflected on the lake, iconic fountain light shows, lush landscaping with tropical flora
• 📸 Top Experiences: Paddling a swan boat across the lake, walking the scenic 0.9-mile loop, watching sunset performances at the Walt Disney Amphitheater
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Grand Bohemian Hotel – Luxury downtown hotel with art gallery and rooftop pool overlooking the park

Need an Instagram-worthy urban escape after a day of theme parks? Lake Eola Park has prime social media content with far fewer crowds. This 43-acre oasis sits in the heart of Orlando’s downtown, just minutes from trendy bars and restaurants perfect for evening plans.

The park’s showstopper is the Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain, which I’ve found most impressive during evening light shows when colors dance across the water. Rent a swan-shaped paddleboat for the quintessential Lake Eola experience and unbeatable skyline photos.

Sunday mornings bring the Orlando Farmers Market with local coffee, artisanal foods, and unique craft vendors. Throughout the year, cultural festivals and performances at the Walt Disney Amphitheater offer entertainment options that won’t drain your wallet like the major attractions. This urban retreat provides a perfect change of pace from Orlando’s more touristy spots.

8. Lake Lotus Park

• 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🌿, birdwatchers 🦅, peaceful retreat seekers 🧘
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Pristine wilderness setting, cypress-lined boardwalks, diverse wildlife in natural habitat
• 📸 Top Experiences: Spotting alligators and turtles from elevated boardwalks, hiking through native Florida ecosystems, picnicking in secluded pavilions
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Alfond Inn – Sophisticated boutique hotel with art collection in nearby Winter Park

Craving authentic Florida wilderness without the long drive to the Everglades? Lake Lotus Park offers 150 acres of unspoiled nature just 15 minutes north of Orlando in Altamonte Springs. This hidden gem shows what Florida looked like before Mickey moved in.

Elevated boardwalks wind through cypress swamps where I’ve spotted everything from river otters to barred owls during early morning visits. The observation tower provides impressive lake views with minimal effort – perfect for quick nature breaks between business meetings or family obligations.

With limited facilities and a focus on conservation, this park offers a refreshingly undeveloped outdoor experience. The peaceful setting makes Lake Lotus ideal for mental reset days, nature photography, or simply escaping Orlando’s commercial tourist corridors. Visit weekday mornings for the most wildlife sightings and fewest people.

9. Leu Gardens

• 🏆 Best For: Plant enthusiasts 🌺, romantic couples 💑, photography lovers 📷
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: 50 acres of meticulously curated gardens, historic 19th-century estate, Florida’s largest rose garden
• 📸 Top Experiences: Wandering through the butterfly garden, exploring the tropical stream garden, attending outdoor movie nights
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Courtyard at Lake Lucerne – Historic inn with Victorian charm near downtown

Looking for the perfect date spot or peaceful solo retreat? Harry P. Leu Gardens offers 50 acres of botanical beauty just 5 minutes northeast of downtown Orlando. This horticultural paradise has saved many of my weekends from mundane mall visits.

The Rose Garden showcases over 650 varieties, making it Florida’s largest collection. Meandering paths lead through themed sections from tropical palms to butterfly havens. The historic Leu House Museum offers glimpses into 1880s Florida living through period architecture and furnishings.

Throughout the year, Date Night Movies transform the gardens into an outdoor cinema under the stars. Admission costs less than theme park snacks, making this an affordable luxury. Visit early mornings to avoid both the heat and crowds, or come during seasonal plant sales to take home your own piece of garden beauty.

10. One80 Skytop Lounge

• 🏆 Best For: Nightlife enthusiasts 🥂, skyline admirers 🌃, social butterflies 🦋
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Panoramic 180-degree views of Orlando’s lights, sleek contemporary design, vibrant rooftop atmosphere
• 📸 Top Experiences: Sipping craft cocktails at sunset, dancing under the stars, capturing night photography of downtown
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Amway Grand Plaza – Upscale hotel connected to the Amway Center with easy access to the lounge

When adulting in Orlando calls for something stronger than butterbeer, One80 Skytop Lounge answers with sophisticated vibes and premium spirits. Perched atop downtown’s Amway Center, this rooftop venue turns Orlando’s skyline into your drinking backdrop.

Floor-to-ceiling windows and an expansive terrace provide unmatched city views. The space transforms from a relaxed sunset cocktail spot to an energetic nightclub as evening progresses. I’ve never found a better spot to impress visiting friends with Orlando’s grown-up side.

Expert mixologists craft signature drinks that justify their premium prices. For special occasions, reserved seating areas offer bottle service and prime viewing locations. Located in downtown’s entertainment district, One80 puts you within walking distance of other bars and restaurants when you’re ready to continue your night on street level.

11. The Canals of Winter Park’s Chain of Lakes

• 🏆 Best For: Water enthusiasts 🚣, history buffs 🏛️, architecture admirers 🏠
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Winding waterways connecting pristine lakes, Spanish moss-draped cypress trees, historic lakefront mansions
• 📸 Top Experiences: Taking the Scenic Boat Tour through narrow canals, spotting wildlife along the shorelines, admiring magnificent waterfront estates
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Alfond Inn – Art-filled boutique hotel walking distance from the boat dock

Want to peek at how the other half lives while pretending you’re in Venice? Winter Park’s Chain of Lakes has waterfront mansion views without trespassing charges. Located just 15 minutes northeast of downtown Orlando, this sophisticated canal system links multiple lakes through narrow passages.

The historic Scenic Boat Tour has operated since 1938, taking visitors past architectural marvels from Mediterranean Revival to ultra-modern estates. My jaw dropped at homes valued well above $10 million, making this the cheapest real estate tour you’ll ever take.

The canals themselves, some barely wider than the boats, create intimate passages overhung with Spanish moss. Herons, cranes, and occasional alligators add wildlife encounters to this blend of natural and human-made beauty. Visit Park Avenue afterward for upscale shopping and dining in Winter Park’s charming downtown district.

12. Wekiva Island

• 🏆 Best For: Outdoor adventurers 🛶, river swimmers 🏊, eco-tourists 🌱
• ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Crystal-clear spring waters, untouched riverfront wilderness, authentic Old Florida atmosphere
• 📸 Top Experiences: Kayaking the pristine Wekiva River, swimming in refreshing spring waters, relaxing at the riverside bar
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Wekiva Falls RV Resort – Waterfront camping with access to natural springs nearby

Tired of chlorinated hotel pools and artificially perfect theme park landscapes? Wekiva Island offers the authentic Florida experience just 30 minutes north of Orlando. This eco-friendly recreation complex sits on the crystal-clear Wekiva River, one of Florida’s few designated National Wild and Scenic Rivers.

Rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard to explore miles of unspoiled waterways. The transparency of the spring-fed river reveals fascinating underwater ecosystems. I’ve spotted more turtles, birds, and fish here in an hour than in a week at other Orlando attractions.

After your adventure, unwind at the Tooting Otter riverside bar with cold drinks and simple Florida fare. Weekend live music adds to the laid-back vibe. Visit weekdays to avoid crowds and secure your cabana rental, which serves as the perfect home base for a full day of natural relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Visiting the Beautiful Places in Orlando      

Looking to expand your knowledge about the most scenic spots in Orlando? Here are some common questions I get a lot about the best Orlando attractions.

What is the nicest part of Orlando?

The nicest part of Orlando varies depending on what you’re looking for. For those interested in luxury and opulence, areas like Winter Park and Dr. Phillips offer upscale living and dining. If you’re more into the arts and culture, the Downtown area has a vibrant arts scene and plenty of museums. For nature lovers, places like Lake Eola Park and Wekiva Island offer a serene escape. Overall, the best part of Orlando is its diversity, offering something for everyone.

What is Florida Orlando famous for?

Orlando is most famous for its world-renowned theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. However, it’s also known for its vibrant arts scene, diverse culinary offerings, and natural beauty, including lakes and springs. It’s a must-see in Orlando for a variety of experiences, from thrill-seeking adventures to peaceful retreats in nature. The city is also a major hub for conferences and events, drawing business travelers from around the world.

What are some hidden gems in Orlando?

Orlando is full of hidden gems that go beyond the theme parks. Places like Leu Gardens, Lake Lotus Park, and the Canals of Winter Park’s Chain of Lakes offer a quieter, more natural experience. These are places to see in Orlando that offer a break from the usual tourist spots.

How can I experience Orlando like a local?

To experience Orlando like a local, venture beyond the theme parks. Check out local farmers’ markets, attend community events, and explore neighborhoods like Thornton Park and College Park. These are Orlando destinations where you’ll get a taste of the local culture.

What are the best outdoor activities in Orlando?

Orlando offers a plethora of outdoor activities, from kayaking at Wekiva Island to paddleboarding at Lake Baldwin Park. These are stunning locations in Orlando for anyone looking to enjoy Florida’s year-round sunshine.

Is Orlando a good place for photography?

Absolutely, Orlando is a photographer’s dream. With its diverse landscapes, iconic landmarks, and vibrant street scenes, it’s one of the most beautiful citie for photography. Whether you’re into nature photography, architectural shots, or street photography, the city has something to offer.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Beautiful Places in Orlando                             

Orlando is a city that defies simple categorization. Known globally for its iconic theme parks, it’s easy to overlook the city’s other facets. Yet, as this guide has hopefully illuminated, Orlando is a multifaceted gem offering a wide array of experiences. From the serene beauty of Lake Eola Park to the bustling energy of One80 Skytop Lounge, the city is a tapestry of diverse attractions. It’s a place where you can paddle through scenic canals one day and explore a rooftop lounge the next.

For nature enthusiasts, Orlando offers a respite in the form of lush gardens, tranquil lakes, and vibrant wildlife. Places like Wekiva Island and Lake Lotus Park are not just stunning locations in Orlando; they’re sanctuaries where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. For those interested in history and culture, the city offers museums, historic neighborhoods, and a thriving arts scene. It’s a place to see in Orlando for a well-rounded cultural experience.

Foodies will find a culinary landscape as diverse as the city itself, from high-end dining to local food trucks offering a taste of Orlando’s multicultural community. And let’s not forget the city’s vibrant nightlife, where you can dance the night away or enjoy a quiet cocktail with a view.

In essence, Orlando is a city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re visiting Orlando for the first time or you’re a seasoned local, there’s always something new to discover. It’s a city that invites exploration and promises a range of experiences as diverse as its visitors. So, the next time you find yourself in Orlando, venture beyond the obvious and explore the myriad beautiful places in Orlando that make this city truly unique.