Orlando

Hidden Gems to Explore in Orlando

  • Leu Gardens — A 50-acre botanical oasis with lush gardens, a butterfly garden, and a historic home.
  • The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art — Home to the most comprehensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s works, including stunning stained glass.
  • Lake Eola Swan Boats — Paddle around Lake Eola for a unique view of downtown Orlando.
  • Kraft Azalea Garden — A quiet, lakeside park in Winter Park with beautiful cypress trees and picturesque views.
  • The Milk District — A quirky neighborhood full of street art, local eateries, and live music venues.
  • Harry P. Leu House Museum — A restored historic home that gives a glimpse into Orlando’s past.
  • Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve — A peaceful nature preserve with walking trails, wildlife viewing, and scenic wetlands.
  • Orlando Science Center’s Observatory — Catch a stargazing session or explore hands-on exhibits.
  • The Jack Kerouac House — A literary landmark where the famous Beat Generation writer lived and wrote The Dharma Bums.
  • East End Market — A local food hall and marketplace showcasing Orlando’s culinary scene, with artisanal goods and cozy cafes.

Nature Spots:

  • Black Bear Wilderness Loop Trail — A scenic, off-the-beaten-path hiking trail with wetlands, wildlife, and plenty of Florida flora.
  • Mead Botanical Garden — A serene garden with walking trails, a butterfly garden, and a creek, perfect for a peaceful stroll.
  • Wekiwa Springs State Park — Crystal-clear springs with kayaking, swimming, and shaded hiking trails.
  • Little Big Econ State Forest — A lesser-known forest with trails along the Econlockhatchee River, ideal for bird watching and picnicking.
  • Barber Park — A quiet lakeside park with a butterfly garden, nature trails, and a peaceful atmosphere.

Artsy Hangouts:

  • Snap! Orlando — A contemporary art gallery showcasing cutting-edge photography and visual arts from local and international artists.
  • The Heavy — A lush plant shop and event space with eclectic decor, often hosting local art pop-ups and workshops.
  • CityArts — A collective gallery space in downtown Orlando featuring rotating exhibits, murals, and local artist showcases.
  • FAVO (Faith Arts Village Orlando) — A former motel turned creative space, now hosting art walks and open studio nights.
  • Ivanhoe Village — A charming district filled with vintage shops, murals, and artsy cafes, perfect for a relaxed, creative vibe.

Parks & Nature Escapes:

  • Dickson Azalea Park — A shaded, peaceful park with lush greenery and a charming stream, perfect for a quiet escape.
  • Shingle Creek Regional Park — Known as the “Headwaters of the Everglades,” it’s great for kayaking, hiking, and wildlife spotting.
  • Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive — A scenic drive through wetlands, perfect for spotting alligators, birds, and stunning sunsets.
  • Split Oak Forest — A tranquil forest with winding trails, named after a centuries-old oak tree split down the middle but still alive.

Foodie Finds:

  • The Ravenous Pig Beer Garden — A gastropub with craft brews and inventive dishes in a laid-back outdoor setting.
  • Kadence — A tiny, reservation-only sushi spot with a stellar omakase experience.
  • Sticky Rice Lao Street Food — A hidden gem serving authentic Laotian dishes like crispy rice salad and savory noodle soups.
  • Se7en Bites — A bakery and cafe with decadent southern comfort food and incredible desserts.

History & Culture:

  • Fort Christmas Historical Park — A full-scale replica of a 19th-century fort with pioneer-era homes and exhibits.
  • Pinewood Estate at Bok Tower Gardens — A historic Mediterranean-style mansion with gorgeous architecture and lush gardens.
  • The Wells’ Built Museum — Showcasing Orlando’s African American history and the legacy of the historic Wells’ Built Hotel.
  • Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum — A beautifully restored Spanish farmhouse hosting events and historical tours.

Outdoor Adventures:

  • Blue Spring State Park — A bit outside Orlando, but perfect for spotting manatees in winter and swimming in summer.
  • King’s Landing — A magical spot for kayaking through crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush Florida wilderness.
  • Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park — An aerial obstacle course with zip lines and climbing challenges in a pine forest.
  • Wekiva Island — A local hangout on the river, great for paddleboarding, swimming, or just relaxing by the water with a drink.

Food Truck Finds:

  • Treehouse Truck — Famous for gourmet burgers and creative comfort food like the “Wake N Bacon” burger with a fried egg.
  • SwedeDish — A Swedish food truck serving up authentic dishes like Swedish meatballs and lingonberry jam.
  • The Pastrami Project — A NYC-style deli on wheels, known for towering pastrami and corned beef sandwiches.
  • Peru Power — A vibrant truck offering Peruvian specialties like lomo saltado and ceviche.
  • Smoke & Donuts — The ultimate combo of BBQ and donuts, with slow-smoked meats and fluffy, sweet treats.
  • Ceylon Roti Hut — A hidden gem dishing out Sri Lankan street food, including flavorful curries and crispy roti wraps.
  • La Empanada Food Truck — Serving up crispy, golden empanadas stuffed with savory fillings like beef, chicken, or cheese.
  • Jamaica Jamaica — Bringing island vibes with dishes like jerk chicken, plantains, and curry goat.
  • Churros & Cream — Perfect for dessert lovers, with fresh churros served with dipping sauces and ice cream.
  • Kai Asian Street Fare — Offering Asian-inspired dishes like bao buns, poke bowls, and loaded fries with bold flavors.

Nature & Outdoor Adventures:

  • Lake Rianhard — A peaceful lake in Celebration, perfect for a quiet stroll or sunset views.
  • Greenwood Urban Wetlands — A hidden oasis with walking trails, wildlife, and beautiful water views.
  • Hidden Palms Preserve — A secluded nature trail with old Florida landscapes and opportunities to spot wildlife.

Art & Culture:

  • Mennello Museum of American Art — A small, scenic museum with a focus on folk art, surrounded by a lakeside sculpture garden.
  • Atomic Junkies — A quirky vintage shop packed with retro finds, local art, and unique collectibles.
  • Orlando Fringe ArtSpace — A hub for indie theater, live performances, and experimental art.

History & Landmarks:

  • Holy Land Experience (now closed, but the area is full of historical significance) — If you’re into unique Orlando history, exploring the remnants of this biblical theme park is fascinating.
  • Tinker Field — A historic baseball stadium that hosted legends like Jackie Robinson, with a rich sports history.
  • Mount Dora’s Historic Village — A charming town just outside Orlando with cobblestone streets, antique shops, and a scenic lighthouse.

Local Eats & Treats:

  • The Salty Donut — A small-batch donut shop serving up creative flavors in a cool, laid-back space.
  • Bem Bom on Corrine — A Portuguese-inspired spot with amazing piri-piri chicken and pastries.
  • Hungry Pants — A plant-forward eatery with delicious, health-conscious dishes and vibrant vibes.

Unique Nature Experiences:

  • Kayaking at Shingle Creek — Paddle through lush, quiet waterways that feel like stepping back in time to old Florida.
  • Night Glow Paddle at Lake Ivanhoe — Rent a clear kayak with LED lights for a magical nighttime paddling experience.
  • The Singing Tower at Bok Tower Gardens — A stunning 205-foot tower with carillon bells, set in beautiful botanical gardens.

Hidden Art & Creative Spaces:

  • Pottery Night at Super Awesome Cool Pottery — A laid-back, hands-on art studio where you can create your own ceramics.
  • Art Stroll in Mills 50 District — Wander this vibrant neighborhood filled with murals, indie galleries, and funky cafes.
  • The Nook on Robinson — A cozy bar with live music, poetry readings, and local art displays.

Underrated Historical Spots:

  • The Howey Mansion — A beautifully restored 1920s mansion offering guided historical tours and occasional events.
  • Lake Lucerne Historic District — A quiet area with picturesque historic homes and tranquil lake views.
  • Orlando Railroad Depot — A charming, lesser-visited historical landmark that tells the story of Orlando’s railroad past.

Unusual Attractions & Experiences:

  • Aerospace Discovery at the Florida Air Museum — A small, fascinating museum with vintage planes and aviation history.
  • WhirlyDome — Try WhirlyBall, a mix of bumper cars, basketball, and lacrosse for a hilariously fun time.
  • The Escape Effect — Orlando’s longest escape room experiences, with immersive, story-driven adventures.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Foodie Adventures:

  • Pom Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwicheria — A cozy late-night spot with inventive sandwiches and an incredible tea selection.
  • The Neighbors — A hidden food hall inside East End Market, with rotating local chefs and small-batch makers.
  • Chicken Fire — A small, cult-favorite food spot serving up some of the best Nashville hot chicken in town.

Hidden Gem Beaches (within a drive from Orlando):

  • Canaveral National Seashore — A pristine, uncrowded beach with natural dunes, wildlife, and peaceful vibes.
  • Playalinda Beach — A secluded stretch of coast near the Kennedy Space Center, perfect for a quiet beach day.
  • Lori Wilson Park (Cocoa Beach) — A less touristy beach with soft sands, nature trails, and free parking.
  • Ponce Inlet — A charming beach town with calm shores, a historic lighthouse, and waterfront dining.

Foodie Hidden Gems:

  • The Strand — A cozy neighborhood bistro with locally sourced ingredients and a rotating seasonal menu.
  • Bem Bom — A Portuguese-Mexican fusion spot with dishes like piri-piri chicken and flavorful tacos.
  • Sticky Rice Lao Street Food — A small but vibrant spot serving authentic Laotian dishes.
  • Hungry Pants — A plant-forward eatery with creative dishes that cater to both vegans and meat-eaters alike.

Historic Hidden Treasures:

  • Fort Christmas Historical Park — A full-scale replica of a fort built during the Seminole Wars, complete with pioneer-era homes.
  • The Howey Mansion — A beautifully restored 1920s mansion offering guided tours and occasional live music events.
  • Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum — A stunning Spanish-style farmhouse in Winter Park, often hosting community events.
  • Maitland Art Center — A historic art and architecture gem, known for its unique Mayan Revival style.

Outdoor Adventures Off the Beaten Path:

  • Black Bear Wilderness Loop Trail — A rugged, 7.1-mile trail through swamps and forests, perfect for wildlife spotting.
  • Blue Spring State Park — A serene spot for swimming, kayaking, and seeing manatees in their natural habitat.
  • King’s Landing — A breathtaking kayaking spot with crystal-clear waters and lush Florida greenery.
  • Wekiwa Springs State Park — A peaceful haven for hiking, canoeing, and picnicking by the springs.

Nature & Outdoor Escapes:

  • Hidden Waters Preserve — A quiet hiking spot with shaded trails, small waterfalls, and unique sinkholes.
  • Orlando Wetlands Park — A vast, lesser-known park with scenic trails and prime birdwatching opportunities.
  • Lake Norris Conservation Area — A secluded spot for paddling through cypress-lined waters and spotting wildlife.
  • Kelly Park Rock Springs — A local favorite for tubing down a crystal-clear natural spring run.

Artsy & Quirky Finds:

  • Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts — A small museum celebrating the life and work of the legendary writer.
  • Dead Lizard Brewing Company — A laid-back brewery with unique craft beers and an artsy, local vibe.
  • Bronze Kingdom — An impressive African art museum and gallery tucked away in an unassuming location.
  • A La Cart Orlando — An outdoor food truck park with rotating vendors, live music, and a cozy atmosphere.

Historic & Unusual Sites:

  • Greenwood Cemetery Moonlight Tours — A guided walking tour through Orlando’s historic cemetery with stories of past residents.
  • The Capen House — A beautifully preserved historic home that hosts events and offers lakefront views.
  • Titusville Indian Mound — A lesser-visited Native American burial mound with quiet, reflective surroundings.
  • Skeletons: Museum of Osteology — A quirky museum with over 500 real animal skeletons on display.

Hidden Foodie Hotspots:

  • The Monroe — A modern, under-the-radar restaurant with Southern-inspired dishes and a cool, retro atmosphere.
  • Kai Asian Street Fare — A small, vibrant eatery serving up bold Asian-inspired dishes.
  • The Foreigner Experience — An intimate, reservation-only chef’s table experience with a surprise tasting menu.
  • Nikki’s Place Southern Cuisine — A true hidden gem for soul food, serving up dishes like oxtails, fried chicken, and collard greens.