Things to Do Outdoors in Orlando, Florida

The Dickson Azalea Park is a peaceful respite from bustling Orlando
The Dickson Azalea Park is a peaceful respite from bustling Orlando | © Jeffrey Isaac Greenberg 3 / Alamy Stock Photo
Daisy Dobson

There’s more to Orlando than just theme parks, golf and shopping malls. The city is also home to a host of plenty of open-air activities – so you can experience nature, take big gulps of fresh air and feel all the benefits from being in the great outdoors. Culture Trip’s local insiders share their tips.

1. Harry P Leu Gardens

Botanical Garden

A botanical oasis in the heart of Florida, the Harry P Leu Gardens, in Audubon Park, is a refuge from the hustle and bustle. It has a huge variety of unique plants to walk around and enjoy. And for the ultimate experience, book a movie night, pack your picnic blanket and enjoy the big screen in this magical setting. If you’re planning on visiting many of the gardens across Florida, bag yourself membership for a bargain entry fee. Recommended by local insider Korri Lacalamita

2. Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge

Zoo

Immerse yourself in Florida’s wildlife and support an incredible refuge for wild animals at the same time. The Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge is donation-based – so you pay what you can – and it’s much quieter than Central Florida Zoo, so you can spend hours watching the animals, including lemurs, up close. The refuge hosts various events throughout the year, so you could be taking part in the Owlween fancy dress contest, or jumping in the bounce house. Recommended by local insider Korri Lacalamita

3. Dickson Azalea Park

Park

Experience a nature escape on the outskirts of Downtown Orlando at Dickson Azalea Park. Brimming with bright, luscious flora, the park offers a respite from busy city life despite being close to the center. Our top tip is to park your car in the Thornton Park neighborhood close by, as there isn’t any parking next to the garden itself. Enjoy the tree-shaded walkways and picturesque landscape any time of day. Recommended by local insider Korri Lacalamita

5. Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf

Amusement Park

Want to practise your swing? If so, it’s probably best you don’t come here. Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf is more suited to your inner Jack Sparrow than Tiger Woods and all the more fun for it. Putt your way past marauding buccaneers, magical waterfalls and lush vegetation as you compete for the swashbuckling crown. It’s an inexpensive treat for the whole family and sits next to the major theme parks if you want a fun-filled day. Pirate hats not obligatory – but why not wear one anyway? Recommended by local insider Katie Davis

Guarantee an exciting stay in Orlando by also visiting Fun Spot America. Book the best hotels near Fun Spot America, Orlando, through Culture Trip.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
Edit article