Off the Beaten Path in Orlando

Mention that you’re heading to Orlando, Florida in the name of fun and there’s a good chance it will be assumed your getaway is a theme-park-focused adventure. This is with good reason of course as Orlando is packed with world-class parks and discovery zones to check out that come with that little bit of magic included with every visit. While the traditional stops can be fun, sometimes, it’s the off-the-beaten path in Orlando stops that are most memorable. When you’re looking to enjoy a unique getaway in this direction with lesser-known locales on the must-visit list, the following three-day itinerary is sure to inspire.

Day 1

After a hearty breakfast enjoyed in the comfort of your vacation rental booked through Casiola Orlando, you’ll want to kick things off with time in nature. This is best accomplished by heading over to the Back to Nature Wildlife Reserve, where rescued wildlife native to Florida is rehabilitated. From the smallest rabbits to the fiercest birds of prey, this wildlife reserve has it all waiting to be experienced. There’s a facility tour option available upon request, no reservations are required, and admission is only $5 per person.

Find Artistic Inspiration

Enjoy lunch and then you’ll want to make time on your itinerary for a few hours at the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. Situated on Park Avenue, this museum hosts an impressive collection of works by Lous Comfort Tiffany with displays showcasing everything from lamps and windows to paintings, pottery, jewelry, and more. You’ll also find late 19th and 20th-century American paintings and decorative art on display which just might leave you more artistically inspired than you thought possible!

Embrace the Paranormal

After dinner, it’s time to take a walk on the paranormal side in Orlando. Booking a ghost tour for the end of day one offers up otherworldly fun, especially when you participate in a tour with American Ghost Adventures. This is a locally owned company that provides guests with specialized ghost tour options throughout Orlando. The two-hour downtown walking tour comes highly recommended and offers up some unique paranormal insights into the history and buildings that adorn this destination.

Day 2

The second day of your off-the-beaten-path Orlando, FL journey takes you to Rock N Roll Heaven. Located on North Orange Avenue, this shop is a blast from the past featuring thousands of CDs, cassette tapes, and even vinyl albums available to purchase. Whether you’re in the market for nostalgic t-shirts or fun retro collectibles, this is the place you’re bound to find it.

Spend Time in a Swan Boat

After lunch, you’ll make your way to Lake Eola Park which is a relaxing and surprisingly lush green space right in the heart of downtown. While strolling the paths can be a delight, there’s something endlessly fun about renting one of the swan boats they have on-site and spending some time on the water pedaling your way through an afternoon. You can rent a swan boat for just $15 for half an hour and every boat can accommodate five people at a time.

Incorporate Science into Your Stay

Your final stop of the day will be at the Orlando Science Center which promises to be a great choice when you’re traveling with little ones in tow. This center has been a staple of learning and innovation in the city for over 60 years and continues to be a place where you’ll find it easy to linger longer than you originally planned. The center is home to hands-on water rooms, rotating exhibits, sections focused on the cosmos, and more. The impressive architecture here actually makes this a stop that many couples choose to use as their wedding destination!

Day 3

The last day of your stay is all about unexpected beauty on your off-the-beaten-path journey to Orlando. After breakfast, make your way to Bok Tower Gardens which are actually not one, but a collection of three historic gardens in Orlando. The gardens date back to the 1920s and also function as a bird sanctuary hosting over 126 species. Here, you can stroll the scenic paths, admire the water features, or just settle in and savor the view at your own pace. Admission to the gardens is $16 per person.

Savor Time at a Gorgeous State Park

The rest of your day will be spent at inspiring Wekiwa Springs State Park. This gorgeous destination hosts miles of hiking trails, incredible wildlife to spot as you explore, and emerald springs that are often used for swimming and kayaking alike by visitors. If you would like, there are even options to book horseback riding tours through the park.

Book Your Orlando Getaway Today

When you’re ready to turn your adventurous and one-of-a-kind Orlando getaway plans into a reality, the team at Casiola Orlando is here to make sure you have beautiful and luxurious accommodations to top your journey off in style. Take time to browse our inspired collection of properties online and when you find your ideal home-away-from-home, reserving your place can be done at the touch of a button. We can’t wait to help you make more of every vacation moment in Orlando and look forward to seeing you in Florida soon.

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