6 Top Destinations in Orlando, as Recommended by Locals

Orlando is often dubbed the ‘Theme Park Capital of the World,’ but to locals it is much more than just the home of Mickey Mouse. Orlando is a bustling hub with a personality that goes beyond the thrill rides and fairy-tale castles. It’s a city of lush neighborhoods, each with its own charm, from the bohemian streets of Thornton Park to the oak-shaded boulevards of College Park. 

The community is diverse and vibrant, boasting a fusion of cultures that is reflected in food, music, and festivals. The lakes and parks scattered throughout the city offer an escape to nature, where kayaking and picnics are regular pastimes. And even though tourists flock to the area, there’s a sense of kinship among residents, who engage in local clubs, art exhibits, community events, and more. 

Whether you’re renting an apartment in Orlando, settling down in your own home, or simply visiting as a tourist, there are many things that you can do here. To give you the inside scoop, we asked locals to give us their insight and their favorite hidden gems in Orlando. Here’s what they told us.

1. See the Harry P. Leu Gardens

Gina Damato, Wedding & Event Planner at Lucid Events, recommends a stroll through these beautiful gardens. “Our favorite unique Orlando outing is touring the grounds at Harry P. Leu Gardens! As one of the best botanical gardens in the area, there is plenty to see on these 50 acres of beautiful space! Speaker series and scheduled events are plenty. We also think it’s a great spot for a picnic or to get some fun photo ops. It’s also a perfect wedding or event venue and we love this location!”

2. Visit Lake Apopka

For those looking for a nature retreat, Erin Moreland, travel blogger at Super Simple Salty Life, recommends a trip to Lake Apopka. “Lake Apopka is a beautiful body of water located in the heart of Central Florida, just minutes outside of Orlando,” Moreland says. “Boasting an impressive stature as the fourth largest lake in the state with a shoreline stretching over 30 miles, Lake Apopka is a true marvel of nature and is one of the most unique spots to visit in Orlando. The lake serves as a crucial habitat for a diverse range of aquatic plants and animals, providing food and shelter for a host of unique species.” 

“The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is an 11-mile drive around part of the lake’s shoreline that offers visitors an opportunity to witness a diverse range of wildlife in their natural habitat. The drive is free to the public and, thanks to Florida’s temperate climate, is available from Friday through Sunday year-round. Visitors are able to experience close-up views of a variety of wading and tropical birds, turtles, otters, and the impressive American Alligator.”

3. Attend the Winter Garden Farmers Market

Sophia Victoria, an Orlando-based blogger at sophiv.com, gave us a few recommendations, including visiting the Winter Garden Farmers Market. “This lively open-air market in downtown Winter Garden is the perfect place to get some small-town charm and vibes every Saturday morning,” Theis told us. “Strolling the booths, chatting with vendors, and picking up fresh local produce really makes you feel part of the community. I love grabbing coffee and a pastry, listening to live music, and watching families enjoy the atmosphere. It’s one of those hidden local gems!”

4. Wander around Disney Springs

If you’re looking to get a taste of Disney without the fuss of the park, Victoria recommends Disney Springs. “Even though I’ve lived here for years, I still love wandering around this place. It’s got great people watching, tons of shops and restaurants, and cool activities like taking boat rides along the waterfront promenade. At night, the live music and lakeside light displays create such a fun vibe. And you’ve got to try the beignets at Port Orleans French Quarter – they’re addictive! Disney Springs gives you a taste of the creativity and charm of Disney without buying park tickets.”

5. Go to Disney World and EPCOT

If still you wish to cross this destination off your bucket list, then Brittany Mendez, CMO of FloridaPanhandle.com, recommends Disney World with a twist. “Disney World, of course, is the clear choice! But, I want to emphasize that it can offer so much more than just kid-friendly entertainment,” Mendez says. “One of the specific parks in Disney World that’s become a lot more popular with the adult crowd in recent years is EPCOT.” 

“Many people will go to EPCOT just for the unique food and drink experience. I’ve done this on multiple occasions. EPCOT is known for its international cuisine, providing countless unique dining options inspired by other countries around the world. Because there are so many food and drink items to choose from and cuisines to try, you can visit for multiple days and still have so much left to try after. EPCOT has also become popular for birthday celebrations, bachelorette parties, and other similar celebrations. Because it is such a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else, I’d highly recommend it for those looking for things to do in Orlando.”

6. Walk Down International Drive

“Finally, no Orlando guide is complete without International Drive,” Victoria said. “This busy street is basically entertainment central! Family-friendly attractions like the Orlando Eye Ferris Wheel, SEA LIFE Aquarium, and Madame Tussauds mix with restaurants ranging from fast food to upscale global cuisine. There’s mini golf, escape rooms, and the Orlando Science Center too. It’s got a bit of a frenetic energy, but I love walking I-Drive, never a dull day down there.” 

Orlando Is Waiting 

We see that Orlando’s magic isn’t confined to its famous theme parks. The recommendations shared by locals peel back the curtain to reveal a city filled with hidden gems and surprises. So, next time you find yourself in this corner of the Sunshine State, venture off the beaten path and explore Orlando through the eyes of those who call it home. You’ll discover that the heart of Florida beats strongest in the shared moments and cherished spots that tourists rarely see.