If you’re looking for warmer weather, and an entertaining vacation this winter, head to Orlando for its world-famous amusement parks and recreational activities along International Drive. Visit museums and science complexes for something a bit more educational or even explore Central Florida’s nature. Traveling to Orlando during the winter months means beating the long lines at popular attractions and avoiding the humidity of the summertime. Head to Orlando and relax knowing you’ll be in the warm sun amongst the palm trees, with fewer crowds.
Walt Disney World
Vacationing in Orlando requires an amusement park day and Walt Disney World makes it so you can definitely have more than one. A trip to Disney and its four theme parks plus Downtown Disney is on the bucket list of many. There’s the iconic Magic Kingdom, international Epcot, star-studded Hollywood Studio, and the Wild Animal Kingdom. Pick one or go to all four to experience Disney magic. Beat the crowds by traveling during the winter months and depending on when you visit, experience the world of Disney transformed into a holiday wonderland.
Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
A museum of art might not be the first activity you have in mind for visiting Florida, but the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art is certainly worth a stop. Known for its art nouveau collection and collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, the museum also houses collections of various American pottery and paintings of the 19th and 20th centuries. Visit the museum to see its Tiffany collection and be in awe of the beautifully designed leaded-glass windows.
Kennedy Space Center
Space enthusiasts have to make a stop at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Marvel at space shuttles and historic rockets up close, learn about the Apollo moon landing and space travel in an interactive exhibit and discover the astronauts who made it all possible. See a life-sized replica of the Hubble Space Telescope or touch a slice of Moon rock; the complex has no shortage of activities and information to satisfy curious minds. Be sure to do your research ahead of time and decide what tours and exhibits you want to see before going in order to make the most of your time.
Tibet Butler Nature Preserve
Take some time out from the excitement of amusement parks, themed-restaurants, and extensive shopping. Spend an afternoon at the Tibet Butler Nature Preserve. The preserve is home to different swamp and marsh habitats and wildlife like tortoises, otters, alligators, bald eagles, and owls. Learn about the preserve at the Vera Carter Environmental Center while browsing taxidermy and interactive exhibits. Enjoy the natural landscape of Central Florida on a hike along the preserve’s trails.
Go Alligator Watching
Looking to get off the beaten track and have an adventure while doing so? Take an airboat tour and go alligator watching. Florida’s abundance of freshwater environments like marshes and swamps make for great homes of the apex predator. See alligators in their natural habitat from the safety of a boat and with a professional guide. While riding an airboat is an experience of its own, make the most of it while checking out Florida’s other native wildlife and nature up close.
International Drive
Although major theme parks, like Universal or SeaWorld, are along International Drive (aka, I-Drive), the thoroughfare has lots more to offer. Here you can find hotels, restaurants, recreational activities, and shopping malls so you’ll never run out of something to do during your stay in Orlando. Be shocked at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Orlando Odditorium, take photos with wax figures at Madame Tussauds, go shopping at Orlando Premium Outlets for great deals, or ride the ICON Orlando Ferris wheel. If you’re hungry, cruise down I-Drive and decide between international cuisines like Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, Mediterranean, Cuban, Brazilian, and more.
