Many travel from all over the globe to visit Orlando, Florida just for the theme parks. Disney World and Universal Studios are just a few of the famous theme parks located in sunny Orlando. You might wonder, though, what do the locals do when they are not roller coaster hopping or hanging out with their favorite Disney character or superhero? So, I asked one…my new Instagram friend Rachel Harris!
Rachel not only gave me her top places to visit in Orlando, Florida, she also gave me some fabulous photos to go along with them! Follow her on Instagram @rachels694 to see her world travels and stunning photography! So, in her words, here are the top ten places to visit in Orlando, Florida from a local. Click on the venue to visit the website to learn more!
1. Cirque Du Soleil Orlando – La Nouba. Cirque Du Soleil is located at Downtown Disney. This show is incredible! I’ve seen it over five times.There is a rumor going on that they will change the show soon since it has been here in Orlando for more than ten years, but Cirque Du Soleil is here to stay in the area.
2. Concert Venues…House Of Blues – Downtown Disney and Hard Rock Café – Universal City Walk. Here you can see a variety of artists from Pink Floyd cover bands, Marc Anthony, and others.
3. Leu Gardens
Leu Gardens is only a few houses away from where I live. A few times a month they have a “Movie On The Lawn” night. So you can see the pretty gardens and when the sun goes down enjoy a film on the lawn with your packed picnic.
4. Ceviche Orlando
This is a great Spanish tapas restaurant. On Friday and Saturday nights in the large bar area there is live flamenco music and dancing. During the breaks they play salsa and merengue and you can strut your stuff.
5. Taverna Opa Orlando
This is a fantastic Greek restaurant that not only provides great music but has dancing on the tables with belly dancers and napkin throwing. Yes, you too can dance on the table.
6. Downtown Orlando Lake Eola
This is a beautiful lake in the heart of the city. It has many birds including black and white swans. On the weekend there is a farmers market in the mornings and during the day there is paddle boating in swan shaped boats.
7. Alexander Springs
Alexander Springs is located about thirty-five minutes outside of the Orlando downtown area. It is a great place for picnics, canoeing, alligator sightings, and swimming in a natural spring and scuba diving in underground caves.
8. Improv Orlando
This comedy club is located on International Drive near many tourist hotels. On Thursdays thru Sundays you can often find some of the biggest names in comedy.
9. Salsa Heat Salsa Classes
Salsa Heat Salsa has over five locations in the area. It is fun to take some salsa lessons and then go practice them. They have socials most Friday and Saturday evenings where you can practice or you can try your new steps out at Cuba Libre Restaurant on the weekends in Orlando.
10. Dora Canal Cruise (Mount Dora, FL).
This beautiful venue is only about thirty-five minutes outside of downtown Orlando. This is a great way to get in touch with “real” Florida. Many cruises are offered thru tall trees and with luck you can spot typical Florida birds and alligators.
Thank you, Rachel, for giving us an insider’s perspective on what Orlando has to offer! I did have a chance to visit the beautiful Leu Gardens while in Orlando.
I am also excited to try out some of the other places on this list, especially Cirque Du Soleil! Those of you reading my blog regularly know I will be visiting again soon because of those Disney tickets burning a whole in my pocket, haha! You can read more about my trip to Disney by clicking on the following link…How we almost turned into a pumpkin at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.
How about you? What are some of your top places to visit while in Orlando? Leave a comment below by clicking on the little black bubble on the right. Thanks for reading and remember Travel’s A Dance Away (TADA)! Happy Travels!