Where to find some of the wildest rides and thrills in Orlando, Florida
Many of the city's nighttime light shows, larger-than-life characters, and exciting rides are not man-made.
Roller coasters and boat adventures are a vacation staple in Orlando. This city in central Florida is the theme park capital of the world, after all, where resorts attract millions of visitors every year, promising unforgettable family fun.
Just as each theme park in Orlando is a world unto itself, the city is a gateway to a multitude of experiences that, back-to-back, would fill up about four months on a calendar. Many of these activities can be found at the headwaters of Florida's Everglades, a national treasure of U.S. biodiversity, as well as an abundance of glass-like natural springs, wildlife preserves, and state parks.
With plenty of sunshine and temperatures that average 72 °F (22 °C) annually, weather is part of the draw. The winter months, which tend to be mild and dry, are an especially good time to plan outdoor activities. Read on for the top excursion options beyond theme parks in Orlando.
Embark on an airboat-borne safari
Built to skim shallow waters at high speeds, airboats are a classic way to explore both the expansive vistas and hidden nooks of Florida's storied swamps. Open to all ages and often wheelchair-accessible, a variety of airboat tours are available within one hour of Orlando. Many of the tours include land-based fun such as restaurants, alligator exhibits, and other animal encounters. Airboat tour operator Wild Florida, for example, also hosts residents including an albino alligator, lemur, porcupine, macaw, and more. For a small group tour, check out Spirit of the Swamp, which has six-seat boats that guarantee great views and a chance to spot gators, bald eagles, and storks, among other wildlife. Many operators run boats at sunset and at night, as well as offering private tours.
Kayak in clear blue natural springs
One of the best ways to appreciate the wildlife in Florida’s crystalline natural springs is to paddle through them in a transparent kayak: There’s nothing to obstruct your view of the fish, turtles, small gators, and other creatures. Tour operator Get Up and Go offers clear kayaking at Rock Springs, just outside Orlando. And if you've never gotten an up-close waterborne look at bioluminescence, the natural phenomenon that lends a glow to nightscapes through creatures such as jellyfish and plankton, Orlando is an excellent place to do it. Get Up and Go also runs day trips to the coast to see bioluminescence in season. Paddleboarding and rafting are also options for getting on the water, the latter being a good option for those seeking accessible outdoor adventures.
Meet up with manatees
Some of these plump and lovable Florida natives are on view at local parks or within an easy day trip from Orlando. You can get close to these gentle giants at spots such as Blue Spring State Park, forty-five minutes away, where hundreds of manatees have been known to congregate in its warm spring water. The spring is so clear that the manatees are easily seen from a boardwalk trail over the water. If that's still not close enough, head to Crystal River, the only place in the United States where swimming and snorkeling with manatees is legal. Other places to see manatees—and lots of other wildlife—include Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs State Park, which has an underwater observatory, and Silver Springs State Park, where glass-bottom boats and other vessels carry visitors through one of the nation's largest natural springs.
Enjoy a tranquil trek—or float
Orlando offers many ways to quiet down and connect with nature, from easy walks to more in-depth excursions. Snorkel or swim in the warm, emerald-green waters of Wekiwa Springs State Park, which is also part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, comprising more than 500 wildlife-viewing sites across the state. Rent an innertube and glide along the water at Rock Springs Run State Preserve, which is just 35 minutes from downtown. Other gems such as Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve, Oakland Nature Preserve, and Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park have nature trails that include short boardwalks and loops.
Wander majestic urban parks and gardens
Orlando's sprawling live oaks at times seem to rival theme park characters for personality and outsize presence. Split Oak Forest Wildlife and Environmental Area's namesake is a 200-year-old tree that split down the middle and survived; grand old oaks also grace Loch Haven Cultural Park, Constitution Green, and many other spots around town. Don't miss Harry P. Leu Gardens, a 50-acre botanical garden with over 40 diverse plant collections from around the world, a formal rose garden, and a butterfly garden. At Lake Eola Park, you can see the downtown cityscape from the water by renting a swan-shaped paddle boat. All in all, the city boasts more than 148 parks, gardens, and other escapes, meaning a break from the excitement is never far away.
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