Orlando in September

Wondering what to do in Orlando? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! If you’ve never been to Florida, there's no better place to start! The entertainment capital of the South is packed with everything from world-famous theme parks and waterparks to fantastic shopping destinations and museums. The city is also home to many beautiful parks and wilderness reserves to be discovered. Come autumn time, the area has a lot of exciting activities and events, so be sure to check those out! So, if you’re planning to make the visit, have a read through our list of the best things to see and do in the area. Wherever your interests may lie, there’s sure to be something for you.

Explore the Area

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In September, Orlando can get pretty hot, and well... humid. If you’re looking to get away from all of the heat, why not head over to the Orlando Museum of Art? Founded by a group of art enthusiasts in 1924, the institute works to bring seminal pieces to a broad audience. Upon entrance, visitors can view an impressive collection of over 2,400 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and more. These works span from the 18th to 20th century and come from a broad spectrum of acclaimed international artists. We recommend setting a good few hours aside for this one since there’s a lot to see here.

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Since Florida is known for its beautiful tropical weather, it only makes sense that the state is home to some of the best nature reserves just waiting to be explored. Part of Everglades National Park, the Disney Wilderness Preserve stands out for its entirely unique ecosystem. No, really – this habitat is the only one of its kind currently found on earth! A total nature lover’s haven, the park has over 1,000 species of plants and animals on-site. At the park, you can take scenic strolls or off-road buggy tours to learn more about the environment and the animals which thrive there. Just remember to wear your comfiest walking shoes!

Find Fun Activities

Looking for something a little different? Well, look no further than the Museum of Illusions! Breaking away from the typical museum experience, the institute offers a totally unique sensory experience where nothing is quite as it seems. Upon entrance, you’ll be able to explore over 50 immersive exhibits which play with motion, color, shape, and space to twist the mind. Fan favorites include kaleidoscopes and holograms and tilted and reverse rooms. Don't forget to bring your phone so you can capture some snapshots of the incredible exhibits!

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If you’re looking to get into the true Florida spirit, what better place to be than Repticon Kissimmee? Taking place in late September, this two-day reptile show is a total must for any animal lovers in the area. Held in over 50 cities and 20 states, the festival recognized as one of the biggest animal expos of its kind. At the event, you’ll be able to get up close with a wide array of exotic reptiles in a safe and considerate way. In addition, you can attend live seminars and demonstrations to learn more about the animals and the different habitats which they come from. As fun as it is engaging, the festival provides a totally one-of-a-kind experience to remember.

Those who are travelling with family might be interested in the next item on our list. Spanning over 50 acres of gorgeous greenery, Harry P. Leu Gardens is an unmissable sight any time of the year. Standing out from other green spaces in the city, these tropical gardens showcase a wide array of exotic plants, thanks to founders Mr. And Mrs. Harry P. Leu, who scoured the world for unusual vegetation to bring back from their excursions. In early September, the park transforms into a magical forest with its Fairy Doors exhibition. At the event, you’re tasked to spot the beautiful wooden doors hidden around the park on some of the centuries-old trees. Bringing magic to life, this event would make the perfect family day trip.

Relax!

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Another one of our favorite things to do for the month of September in Orlando is checking out the Lakeridge Wine and Cheese Festival. Now over 10 years old, the event celebrates local artisan vendors and outstanding winemakers on the beautiful grounds of their lush vineyard. Culinary offerings cover a wide variety of cuisines and can be meat and seafood-forward, though Lakeridge also offers many alternatives for those with special dietary requirements. Throughout the weekend, there are outdoor performances, activities, winery tours and wine tastings to be enjoyed. If the aim of the game is to spoil you, then the festival sure does its job.

If you want to indulge your inner foodie, then Magical Dining might just be the festival for you! Running the whole way throughout the month, this event gives diners the opportunity to try out some local favorites at lowered prices. Living up to its name, the event offers delectable dishes across a wide array of cuisines from around the globe. Whether you’re looking for fine dining, a quiet romantic date spot, or something a little more casual, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. Explore the best that the city has to offer, with no holding back! Oh, and the best part? For every magical meal bought, $1, is donated to charity, so everyone benefits.

Orlando is known as ‘’The City Beautiful’', and with good reason. Spend a day in the area, and it defies you not to fall in love with it. Fall is a fantastic time to visit since the crowds will have thinned out, whilst the weather will still be summery. The best things to do there run the gamut – it‘s just up to you to choose! Looking for great family day trips? Head the Museum of Illusions for the ultimate day of fun. Or, discover the city’s artsy side at the Orlando Museum of Art. If you’re an outdoorsy type, spend a day at the Disney Wilderness Preserve. Whatever your pleasure, the city provides a wide array of attractions, activities, and festivals to be enjoyed. And now, you don’t have to miss a thing - to get the most out of your trip, try Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.

Sarah Harris
Go City Travel Expert

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Orlando in January

Thinking about making a trip to Orlando this January? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with the very best that the city has to offer. There are countless ways to enjoy wintertime in The City Beautiful. If the weather is warm enough, you’ll be able to able to visit all your favorite theme parks no bother. For those cooler days, the city’s cultural institutions are a total must-visit. And, for when you feel like you need to take a break, the area presents a lot of great laidback activities to try. Trust us when we say, you’ll never be bored exploring Orlando. So, without further ado, here are our favorite things to see and do in the area. We hope you like them and manage to try some of them out! Find Fun Activities Ever wanted to take a selfie with Brad Pitt? Or maybe strike a pose with Will Smith? Well, as it turns out, now you can! For pop-culture fanatics and lovers of the big screen, Madame Tussauds presents an exciting entertainment experience to remember for all. What began as a small project by famous wax worker Marie Tussaud in the 1800s is now a worldwide sensation right up to this very day, with locations in almost every major Western city – including Orlando. View over 50 life-like figures of some of the most famous faces in the world, ranging from actors and singers to political figures and superheroes. Oh, and don’t forget to bring a phone so you can snap some pictures for Instagram! If you’re looking for something a little different, look no further than the Museum of Illusions. Standing out amongst the other exciting experiences in the city, this place aims to boggle the mind - in the best possible way. Combining architecture, design, psychology and space, the institute presents its unique collection of mind-twisting, eye-tricking installations for a broad audience. With over 50 incredible exhibitions to be enjoyed, the fun never stops coming. Walking around the institution, you’ll find everything from kaleidoscopes and prisms to tilted and reverse rooms. Undeniably intriguing and fascinating, this place is a total crowd-pleaser, great for those of all ages. Aside from its interesting cultural institutions, Orlando presents many fantastic historical structures well worth checking out. Standing as a modest, one-story cottage among College Park’s residential streets, the Jack Kerouac House once served as a home to the famous Beat writer. Though he only lived here less than a year, Kerouac managed to write ‘’The Dharma Bums’’ in its entirety during this time. Today, this National Historic Landmark is now a residence for budding writers – but if you want to take a peek inside, just ask! Beautifully preserved and holding such high cultural relevance, we don’t recommend missing out on this one. Get Cultured Though Orlando is perhaps best known for its world-renowned theme parks, the city’s cultural institutions are more than worth checking out. Built in the first half of the twentieth century, the Wells' Built Museum of African American History once served as a hotel for black visitors to the area. Since then, the structure has been converted into an institution showcasing the storied history of African American culture in the city. Inside, you’ll find everything from artefacts and artwork to old documents and photos pertaining to Orlando’s black and civil rights history. Whether you’re a total history buff or just looking to learn a little more about the area, there’s no better place to be. Orlando presents a wealth of free museums covering a wide range of interesting topics – you just need to know where to look! An important educational tool, the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center works to paint a powerful and moving picture of the past. Through carefully curated exhibitions, educational programs, and personal stories, learn more about those who were affected during this period of time. Within the museum’s intriguing permanent holdings, you’ll find a diverse array of historic documents, photos and artworks which work to tell the story of one of history's most lamentable injustices. Impactful though sombre, we recommend this stop for anybody who takes a deep interest in European history. Learn Something New For those brisk January afternoons, why not head over inside at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex? The perfect experience for those with curious minds, this place works to break down the fascinating history of space travel and deliver it in a digestible way. Even those who aren’t scientifically-minded are sure to be blown away by what this institution has to offer; inside, you can touch a real moon rock, walk amongst NASA shuttles, and attend lectures held by veteran astronauts. Still, the star of the show here has got to be the shuttle launch simulator, which recreates a rocket's orbit into space for visitors. As fun as it is unique, this place should rank right at the top of the itinerary! Another one of our favorite things to do for the month of January is visit the Orlando Fire Museum. Built into a renovated 1926 firehouse, the institute seeks to demonstrate the fascinating history and cultural relevance of firefighting. The perfect stop for all history lovers, this place is an unmissable educational experience; amongst its unique holdings, you’ll find everything from painted leather buckets to early motorized apparatus. Still, the museum’s major showstopper has got to be its wonderful collection of vintage firetrucks, giving a sense of what firefighting was like in a different time. We love this place because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new. As you can see, there’s no shortage of things to do in Orlando in January. When the weather cools down, this opens up more opportunities for exploration and adventure. Trust us, getting bored in Orlando is mission impossible, no matter the time of year. Whether you're interested in exploring the city’s most popular attractions, hitting up its fantastic museums, or heading over to the historical landmarks, this vibrant Southern metropolis has a little something for everybody. To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
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Relaxing Things to do in Orlando

Orlando can most certainly be a lot of fun, but what do you do when you need a break from all the chaos? Well, that’s what we’re here for! As one of the most popular tourist destinations within the United States, the city is often recognized for its famous amusement parks. Still, the area has just as much to offer for those who want to relax. For nature lovers and those who like to stay active, the area’s beautiful green spaces are an absolute must-visit. If you’re a culture vulture, be sure to check out some of the fantastic museums in the city. And for artsy types, there’s no better place to be than the Orlando Theatre. So, if you’re planning to make the visit, follow our guide to the best relaxing things to check out in Orlando during your stay. Whatever you decide to do, we’re sure it’ll be great! Find Fun Activities If you’re looking to reconnect with nature, look no further than the Disney Wilderness Preserve. In a city with so much buzz, this quiet and serene oasis is the perfect place to appreciate mother nature in all its glory. Situated on the Everglades National Park, the preserve offers the special chance to view a completely unique ecosystem not currently found anywhere else on the planet. Walking along the trails, you’ll be able to view over 1,000 plants and animals all prospering together. Whether you’re looking to take a quiet moment of contemplation or just soak up the natural wonders of Orlando, this hidden gem should rank at the very top of your itinerary! When it comes to relaxing things to do in Orlando, we love nothing more than a visit to the park. Thankfully, the city has much to offer in the realm of open spaces, with Lake Eola Park being one of our favorites. Located right in the center of downtown Orlando, this peaceful expanse has long been a popular draw for locals and visitors alike. Offering plenty of space and fresh air, this beloved urban landscape is a fantastic respite from the city, with beautiful flower beds and spectacular views of the Orlando skyline. For the perfect afternoon out, take time to feed the swans or enjoy a pedal-powered boat ride across the gleaming waters of the lake. What more could we possibly ask for? Get Cultured If your ideal relaxing day out is a trip to the museum – don't worry, we’ve got you covered. The perfect stop for all artsy types, the Orlando Museum of Art seeks to preserve, present, and interpret art for a wide audience. In its impressive collection, the museum holds over 2,400 objects including Contemporary Art, American Art, and that of the Ancient Americas. Walking through the institution, you’ll be able to view everything from fine art and modern sculpture to classical paintings and more. In the past, the gallery has premiered artists such as Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Georgia O’Keeffe. Well curated and displayed with much to see, this place is well worth the trip. For some downtime in the evening, why not check out the Orlando Theatre? Over its many years of operation, this place has stood the test of time by providing world-class entertainment to the community. If you’re looking to catch a line-up of theater productions, such as plays, comedy, and music, you couldn’t be anywhere better. Here, you’ll be able to find everything from fantastic dramas and side-splitting stand-ups to animated musicals and concerts, all under one roof. The theater has been host to many famous performers in the past, including Paul McCartney, Elton John and Kevin Hart. A total hub of entertainment and culture, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend an evening out in the city. Try Something New When visiting a new area, there’s no better way to explore the local culture than through its markets. Open early every Saturday morning on the busy streets of Orlando, the Winter Park Farmers’ Market is the perfect place to soak up the sun. We love this spot for its outstanding selection of fruit and vegetables. Still, the real attraction here is the market’s wide variety of food vendors, made fresh as you go. Each week, the crowds queue up for chicken pot pies, Jamaican patties, freshly popped kettle corn, and Kombucha. In addition, you can browse the stalls for locally produced honey and cheeses as well as jewellery and original art. Whether you just want to grab a quick bite, or maybe get to know the city a little bit better, this place provides the perfect relaxing cultural experience. Grab your punnets and don’t forget your sunscreen for the next item on our list. Orlando is well-recognized for its beautiful weather, and with that of course comes some wonderful fruit farms to be enjoyed. Quintessentially Florida and totally idyllic, the Showcase of Citrus is probably one of the more unique ways to take a breath. Situated just downtown from the city, this large working orchard covers over 2, 500 acres of land and over 50 varieties of citrus to be enjoyed. Standing out from other outdoorsy attractions in the city, this place welcomes visitors onto its premises to pick their own fruit and admire the beautiful scenery. We love this place because it truly encapsulates the nature of Orlando. The theme parks. The crowds. The heat. All this craziness can make Orlando seem like a stressful vacation spot, but we promise you that there is refuge amidst the hustle and bustle. The City Beautiful showcases a wonderful blend of outdoorsy attractions and urban places of interest, – from its wonderful viewing world-class pieces at the Orlando Museum of Art to walking the trails at the Disney Wilderness Preserve, you’ll never run out of calming things to do in the area. Whether you’re a foodie, a creative type, or just looking to take in the city, you’re certain to find something to suit your tastes. To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris

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