While the most popular reason people travel to Central Florida is its collection of world-famous theme parks, there are plenty of things to do in Orlando, FL besides heading to Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando for a day full of thrill rides. In fact, it's becoming more and more popular for vacationing families to set aside a day out of their vacation to check out one or two of the area's “hidden jewels.” Some of these lesser-known Orlando attractions are special because they've been around for generations, like Gatorland, which has been welcoming tourists since 1949. Others have fascinating cultural significance, like the Jack Kerouac House, where the famous author wrote The Dharma Bums. Then, there are some, like Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum, that are just plain odd. 1| Gatorland | Known as “The Alligator Capital of the World,” Gatorland opened its doors to tourists a full two decades before The Magic Kingdom, becoming one of the first Central Florida attractions. The park is filled with alligators and crocodiles, as well as exotic birds, deadly snakes, tortoises, and wild cats. It all adds up to a lot of fun, as well as being an educational experience focused on Florida wildlife. There's also a zipline and an off-road experience available. Located about a half-hour from Summer Bay Orlando by Exploria Resorts. Where: 14501 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32837 | Who: 407-855-5496VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS Check Out These Related Articles 6 Easy Ways to Bring Christmas Cheer on Vacation Florida Vacations by The Season What Kind of Traveler Are You? 2| Bok Tower Gardens | Located about a one-hour road trip south of the Walt Disney World Resort area, Bok Tower Gardens is a lush, 50-acre landscaped garden designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead, Jr. Known for its beautiful natural habitat, Bok Tower Gardens is home to 126 species of birds and is a designated site on the Great Florida Birding Trail. The centerpiece of the gardens is the 205-foot-tall Singing Tower, an art deco and neo-gothic structure built in 1929 that has been fascinating Florida visitors for almost a century. Where: 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853 | Who: 863-676-1408VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS 3| Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum | This lighthouse is the tallest in Florida at 175 feet and visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the gallery deck at the top of its 203-step climb. About a 40-minute drive from the New Smyrna Waves resort, it's one of many fun and interesting attractions in the New Smyrna Beach area, including the New Smyrna Museum of History, Blue Springs State Park, the Daytona International Speedway, and many more. Where: 4931 S Peninsula Dr, Ponce Inlet, FL 32127 | Who: 386-761-1821VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS 4| Corn Maze Orlando | The 2020 Corn Maze Orlando is a “Mission To Mars” adventure that is both a unique experience and a learning opportunity for kids. Developed by nationally known maze master and author Dave Phillips, the maze was cut using GPS satellite technology. Open from October 3 through November 30, Thanksgiving Day excluded. Find out more by calling 407-925-3283. Where: 15239 Lake Pickett Rd, Orlando, FL 32820 | Who: 407-925-3283VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS 5| Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens | Located in Port Orange near Daytona Beach, the Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens is a glimpse into Florida's history. The area was established as a sugar mill plantation in the early 19th century where, in addition to sugar cane, cotton and rice were grown. Today, it is a peaceful space where nature is on full display with gardens of azaleas, magnolia trees, palms, and succulents. It's a perfect place for guests to reflect and enjoy the beauty of nature, and is a short 20 minute drive from the Grand Seas by Exploria Resorts. Where: 950 Old Sugar Mill Rd, Port Orange, FL 32129 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS 6| Historic Downtown Clermont | Nestled between scenic Lake Minneola to the north and the shores of Lake Minnehaha to the south, historic downtown Clermont is a destination that offers plenty of unique shopping, dining, and entertainment. Make an afternoon of it and be sure to stay for the spectacular sunset over Lake Minneola. The city, which was founded in 1884, is located just a half hour's drive from Summer Bay Orlando by Exploria Resorts. Where: 670 W Montrose St, Clermont, FL 34711 | Who: 352-617-8788VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS 7| Lakeridge Winery | Lakeridge Winery is a sprawling 127-acre vineyard and winery located in the rolling hills north of Clermont. The winery opened in 1989 and Lakeridge Wines can be purchased at retail outlets throughout Florida and southern Georgia. Visitors can enjoy self-guided tours of the facility that include wine tastings, along with a schedule of music and food festivals. Check their website for the upcoming schedules. Where: 19239 US-27, Clermont, FL 34715 | Who: 352-394-8627VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS 8| Jack Kerouac House | Writer Jack Kerouac (1922-1962) was known mainly for his best-selling novel, On The Road, which established a literary voice for the beat generation when it was published in 1957. For about two years, Kerouac lived in a humble tin-roofed home in Orlando, where he wrote his follow-up novel, The Dharma Bums. Today, the house is owned and operated by the Friends of Jack Kerouac and serves as the home to the Kerouac Project writer's residency. The structure is also designated as a Florida Heritage Site. Where: 1418 Clouser Ave, Orlando, FL 32804 VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS 9| Old Spanish Sugar Mill | Located about 70 miles north of the Kissimmee tourist district, the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Grill and Griddle House is located in DeLeon Springs State Park. The restaurant provides a unique experience with griddles built into the tabletops so guests can cook their own pancakes, poured from pitchers filled with batter, adding all the toppings they want. Get there early because they don't take reservations. If you have to wait a while, though, the surrounding park includes a natural spring perfect for swimming, along with many other activities. Where: 601 Ponce Deleon Blvd, De Leon Springs, FL 32130 | Who: 386-985-5644VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS 10| Lake Catherine Blueberries | In addition to picking blueberries (when they're in season), Lake Catherine Blueberries is a great place to enjoy year-round. In fact, through October 31, they are all decked out for Halloween. Activities include a Haunted Halloween Maze, Catherine's Escape Room, and the Dark Forest Trail of Terror. Located in Groveland, about 40 miles from Summer Bay Orlando. Where: 5849 Lake Catherine Rd, Groveland, FL 34736 | Who: 352-551-4110VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS 11| Historic Mt. Dora | This small town located northwest of Orlando sits on the Harris Chain of Lakes and is a quiet and quaint area. Head to Mt. Dora and enjoy a leisurely walk among its many antique shops, galleries, cafes, and public spaces. The city hosts regular art, garden, and food festivals, as well as the weekly Mt. Dora Village Market. Where: 510 N Baker St, Mt Dora, FL 32757 | Who: 352-735-7100VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS 12| Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum | For people who are fascinated by the odd, or even the disturbingly bizarre, the Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum is a must-see. From the outside, this 10,000-square-foot “Odditorium” looks like it crash-landed upside-down on International Drive in Orlando. Then, you head inside and it gets even weirder! Includes a life-size statue of Robert Wadlow, the tallest man in recorded history at 8 feet, 11 inches! Where: 8201 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819 | Who: 407-345-0501VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS Use This Trusty Map To Find Your Way Around! So, as you make your plans to visit the theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando, remember to leave a day or two free to check out some of these lesser known hidden jewels in Central Florida! And while exploring, stay a short drive from it all at Summer Bay Orlando by Exploria Resorts. To view rooms, pools, and more click here. Book Your Exploria Resorts Stay Today For more information about Summer Bay Orlando by Exploria Resorts, or any of our luxurious vacation resorts, visit our website at exporiaresorts.com. And check out our vacation planning page for ideas about how you can take your next vacation with Exploria Resorts! * Exploria Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.
