Orlando's Hidden Gems off the Beaten Path

UPDATED JULY 2024
Orlando's Hidden Gems

Heading to a new city on vacation and seeing all experiencing all the top attractions is all well and good, but sometimes, you want to head off the beaten path and check out an area's hidden gems. Not only will you have smaller crowds and shorter queues, but it also gives you bragging rights when discussing said vacation with friends and family. That's why we're here to help. Check out our picks of Orlando's hidden gems, and get ready to blow people away.

Including:

  • Boggy Creek Airboat Tour
  • Congo River Adventure Golf
  • Gatorland
  • Lion Country Safari
  • and more!

Boggy Creek Airboat Tour

Orlando is known for many things; giant seaside properties, massive theme parks, and much more. But what Orlando also boasts is swamp land, and a lot of it. So, if you're in the city and want to see the side of it untouched by people, why not take an airboat tour of Orlando's swamps?

With your expert pilot/guide in tow, you'll dash across murky waters in one of the most desolate places in America. Keep a camera or phone on hand because you'll need to take photos of alligators, turtles, birds, and many more species that call the swamp home. But let's be honest; the 'gators are the star of the show. If you want to almost guarantee you'll see them, you best take one of the earlier tours, because the best times to see them are before 10AM. Sure, that's an early start for a vacation, but it's worth it.

Then when your tour ends, head to the gift shop for some 'gator-themed souvenirs.

Congo River Adventure Golf

There are many small joys in life. And while plugging a USB cable in the right way first-time is unarguably top of that list, right beneath it is mini golf. Nothing quite beats putting balls in holes without the pressure of impressing wealthy people. But have you ever mini-golfed in the Congo? No, of course not. Well, at Congo River Adventure Golf, you absolutely will.

Featuring a full course of 18 challenging yet fun holes to overcome, you and some buddies will slowly work your way to the end, all the while surrounded by waterfalls, caves, and sneaky gorillas watching from behind rainforest.

And, because it's in Orlando, you can also pet alligators, because of course you can. Congo River Adventure Golf is arguably one of Orlando's hidden gems, but it's absolutely worth a visit for a fun-filled afternoon.

Gatorland

What were we just saying about Orlando and alligators? While often overshadowed by the likes of Kennedy Space Center, SEALIFE, and a certain rodent-faced theme park, Gatorland may not be considered one of Orlando's hidden gems by locals or alligator enthusiasts. But for the rest of us, it probably is, and it more than earns its place on our list.

For more than 50 years, Gatorland has brought the joy of alligators to the masses. And what joy is that, you ask? Well, you can watch a 'gator feeding frenzy at the Gator Jumparoo Show, watch death-defying shows of bravery at Alligators: Legends of the Swamp, and even pet some of the less-toothy animals at a petting zoo.

There's plenty more to enjoy here, but you'll have to head there yourself to see it all.

Lion Country Safari

Orlando - and Florida in general - clearly has a love for wild and dangerous creatures. It must be from growing up so close to all them alligators. But the Lion Country Safari is 'gator-free, so if you're looking to see some exotic wildlife in their unnatural habitat - yes, including lions - then head on down for a rip-roaring time!

You'll see giraffes, zebra, rhinos, and wildebeests all wandering around, doing what they do. And those are just some of the many wonderful beasts you'll encounter on your trip. Some will even come right up to your jeep, so prepare to snap some close-ups!

And best of all, many people don't even know Orlando has a safari park, not only making it one of the city's hidden gems, but ensuring you won't have to queue for hours to see it all.

Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling Tour

We're going back to the water for our next pic of Orlando's hidden gems, but we're getting a bit more up close and personal now. Sure, you can look beneath your feet on this Glass Bottom Boat tour, but why not take the plunge and go snorkeling instead?

Hop aboard a 45-foot, fully-outfitted catamaran as you make your way to the not-so-famous Fort Lauderdale Twin Ledges, where your ship will drop anchor and give you a chance to meet some sea life up close. Keep an eye out for turtles, rays, and a range of colorful fish as they swim all around you.

Whether you're a snorkeling pro or a complete newbie, you're more than welcome to put some kit on and get in the water, so don't let a lack of experience stop you! Just make sure you bring your camera, and preferably a waterproof one!

Millionaire's Row Sightseeing Cruise

And finally, we'll end our exploration of Orlando's hidden gems by exploring the world of those who can afford plenty of them. Yes, we're entering the world of the rich and famous, seeing where the money lives, and feeling deeply envious about the whole endeavor.

Take this Millionaire's Row sightseeing cruise, and you'll board a luxury yacht to go and see luxury houses. You'll pass by Port of Miami, Fisher Island, Miami Beach, Millionaire's Row, and much more, and your multi-lingual guide will be on hand to tell you what you're looking at.

No matter rain or shine, you'll be well-served thanks to a fully air-conditioned viewing platform below deck, snacks and drinks to tuck into, and, of course, plenty of rich people's houses to photograph.

And those are our picks of Orlando's hidden gems! Of course, there's plenty more to Orlando than the lesser-known attractions. So, if you want to see all of the city's best bits for one low price, check out Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you're in complete control.

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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WonderWorks
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Guide to WonderWorks Orlando

WonderWorks will turn your world upside-down! This indoor amusement park for the mind combines education and entertainment to create Orlando's best family attraction. With more than 100 hands-on exhibits that challenge the mind and spark the imagination, there's plenty to keep guests of all ages entertained all day long. It's not quite a museum, and it's not quite a theme park – it's something completely unique that you won't want to miss on your vacation in Orlando. How to get Wonderworks tickets We've got you covered. WonderWorks tickets are included with your All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, so you can choose as you go and save money as you do! Here are a few handy tips for your WonderWorks adventure: Wear closed-toed shoes and comfortable clothes. Closed-toe shoes are required to participate in the ropes course and several other exhibits, and skirts/dresses aren't permitted on the ropes course. Plan to spend three to four hours inside. There are over 100 interactive activities spread across three floors that you'll want to explore. Your pass lets you stay as long as you'd like. Make sure to bring your camera! You'll want to capture all of the exciting experiences inside, not to mention the eye-catching upside-down exterior. What is there to see and do at WonderWorks? Guests of all ages can explore the six Wonder Zones, each one diving into a different STEM topic: extreme weather, physical challenges, space discovery, light and sound, Wonder art and imagination. Between interactive exhibits, rides, games, photo spots, and much more WonderWorks has everything you need for a day of family fun. WonderWorks highlights Inversion Tunnel – with the ceiling under your feet and the ground above your head, you'll need to pass through the spinning Inversion Tunnel to realign yourself and start your adventure. Astronaut Training Challenge – hop into this 2-person gyroscope to experience the feeling of weightlessness and the rolls and tumbles that astronauts feel when they're conquering missions in space. Bubble Lab – if you're anywhere between the ages of one and 100, you'll love the WonderWorks Bubble Lab. Create bubbles the size of basketballs or even one big enough to fit inside! Glow-in-the-dark Ropes Course – WonderWorks takes family fun to new heights with an indoor ropes course! Scale a maximum of 36 feet while conquering over 20 different obstacles on this glow-in-the-dark experience. The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show – wrap up your day with a hilarious, family-friendly dinner show. This one-of-a-kind entertainment experience is filled with mind-blowing magic, non-stop laughter, engaging audience participation and unlimited pizza. The Outta Control Dinner show is included with your pass. Places to eat WonderWorks is home to Wonder Bytes, a delicious café with plenty of meal, snack and drink options. Those who elevate their visit with a reservation to The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show can enjoy unlimited hand-tossed pizza, salad, beer, wine, soda and dessert during the performance! Attractions near the upside-down house Right next door to WonderWorks, you'll find Pointe Orlando - filled with dining, shopping and show options. A short walk down the road is Icon Park, home to The Wheel, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, the Museum of Illusions and many other great attractions. Thrill seekers will love iFLY, an indoor skydiving experience nearby. Want to enjoy the Florida sun? Shoot a few holes at Pirate's Cover Adventure Golf. WonderWorks is open 365 days a year from 9AM to 12AM. Just show your pass at the WonderWorks admission counter and you're in! This attraction has exhibits with flashing lights and motion which may not be suitable if you have heart problems, diabetes, vertigo, seizures or any other light/motion sensitivities. Height and weight restrictions may apply. Save with Go City Remember, Go City is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility, which includes WonderWorks tickets, plus admission to your choice of other top attractions. You'll make great savings on entry to top museums, tours and activities vs. paying at the gate. Visit multiple attractions, all for one money-saving price.
Cara Merren
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Things to do in International Drive Orlando

Vibrant and bustling with life, Orlando is known as one of America’s top tourist destinations. If it's your first visit to the city, you’re likely to be staying in International Drive. Luckily for you, this exciting entertainment district at the heart of the city’s tourism area will leave you spoiled for choice. The area presents a myriad of exciting family-friendly experiences including Fun Spot America and Icon Park to keep you busy. With hundreds of bars and restaurants across the board, an evening out at I-Drive is a blast. And as a major plus, you’ll be just a stone's throw away from all of the best theme parks. We’ve spent a lot of time in the area and are sharing our favorite things to do here. Let’s dive in! Hit the Classics Of course, a vacation to Orlando is all about the theme parks. Living up to its namesake, Fun Spot America provides a great day out for adults and children alike. Whether you’re a thrillseeker or prefer something a little bit tamer, this place has it all. Setting itself apart from other iconic parks in the city, Fun Spot America works to offer a fantastic slice of Old Florida. Walking around the park, you’ll be able to enjoy old school carnival rides including a Ferris wheel, a carousel and bumper cars. The park is entirely admission-free, and you can choose to pay for only the rides you choose to go on, making it great value for money. Creating fun and making memories since 1979, this place is a quintessential Orlando classic well worth the visit. Now, some say you can’t have it all, but I-Drive’s walkable entertainment district Icon Park will make you feel just the opposite. Offering everything from exciting family-friendly activities and great shopping opportunities to top-notch eateries and vibrant nightlife options, this all-around energetic attraction has a little something for everybody. When making a stop here, it’s absolutely essential to ride the Orlando Eye, and the Orlando Starflyer, the world’s tallest swing ride. Afterwards, head for dinner at one of the park's fantastic restaurants (you’ll have plenty to choose from since there are over 40 of them!), or browse the stores for souvenirs for your loved ones. Or, after dark, check out the bars and live music shows in the area. With its buzzing atmosphere that remains unmatched, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a sunny day in Orlando. Find Interesting Activities Make it a day to remember and visit all of your favorite celebrities at Madame Tussauds. Named after the prolific wax worker Marie Tussaud, this leading Orlando attraction has famous figures from the worlds of film, music, sport and history, all under one roof. A total Instagrammer’s paradise, the institute offers over 60 immersive exhibitions to be explored. Unbelievably accurate and detailed, these crazy life-size replicas are a total sight to behold. Even up close, the waxworks are sure to play a number on you – you'll never quite be sure that they’re not the real deal. Get up close with the likes of Taylor Swift, Ryan Reynolds, or Angelina Jolie. Surreal, quirky, and a whole lot of fun, consider this a great place for a family day trip. Don’t forget to bring a camera so you can capture the magic! As Orlando’s main tourist strip, I-Drive is bursting with interesting things to do that you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. Offering a poignant look at the famous shipwreck, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition truly brings history to life for a broad audience. Taking guests on a fascinating trip through time, the museum showcases over 300 artefacts that have been recovered from the very bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. Tours are led by actors dressed in period costumes of the time to depict actual passengers. With numerous galleries and interactive exhibits to explore, the institute offers a closer look into what happened on April 15th 1912. Have a Blast If you’re looking for something a little different, look no further than Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Founded by famous cartoonist Robert Ripley, this one-of-a-kind museum showcases oddities, curiosities and artefacts from around the globe. Built into an off-level structure that appears to be falling into a sinkhole, this kooky odditorium houses over 16 galleries and hundreds of displays which are sure to amaze. Walking through the museum, you’ll get to see peculiarities including a genuine shrunken head, a two-headed calf, and one of the world’s only vampire killing kits. From the strange and the beautiful to the weird and the wonderful, this place has it covered. A little bit kitschy and a whole lot of fun, we love this stop because it embraces a whole other world of crazy we never knew was possible. Sometimes, the Orlando heat can get a little much for some people (Okay, fine - most people). But don’t fear! We’ve found the answer – and yup, you guessed it, it’s right in the center of International Drive. For those looking to cool off, CoCo Key Water Resort is the perfect place to make a splash. Whether you want a high-powered adrenaline rush, or something a little more low-key, you’re sure to find something to suit you. With fourteen rides to try, the fun never stops coming here. For those who prefer to play it cool, there’s a relaxing pool and bar area away from all of the buzz. In addition, CoCo Key has a large arcade with over 50 games to try out. For fun-filled family adventure, we couldn’t think of a better spot. A total epicenter of fun and excitement, International Drive is an attractive tourist destination for all types of visitors. Drawing in millions of people each year, the city’s major tourist corridor knows how to help you have a good time. The best things to do in I-Drive run the gamut – from free spectacles to fantastic thrill rides, you’ll never be bored here. 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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