Orlando in Florida, as we all know, needs no introduction, and is one of the prime US destinations for tourists because of theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. Tourists from around the world visit Orlando just to see these theme parks.
But because of so much hype about the theme parks, a big part of the city remains unheard. That’s why, in this article, I tried my best to share the top 15 hidden gems in Orlando, Florida, that will make your trip to the city even more memorable.
Whether you want to visit museums, art galleries, or any outdoor attraction, you will find it in the list. At last, I have also shared 5 lesser-known restaurants for you to enjoy the taste of Orlando.
Table of Contents
1. B-52 Memorial Park
Address: Jeff Fuqua Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827
The first hidden gem in the list that you should give a check is the B-52 Memorial Park. It is located close to the Orlando International Airport and you should definitely spend a peaceful time here.
The thing that will catch your eye here is the massive Boeing B-52 Stratofortress bomber. There is also a memorial, and on the informational plaques nearby, you will see this aircraft’s specifications, history, and role in the U.S. military operations.
If we talk about the area overall, it’s a very peaceful space covered with green grass and trees with small ponds in the middle. Overall, this visit is not going to be an extensive one, and ideally, you will spend around 15-20 minutes here.
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2. The Orlando Auto Museum
Address: 5250 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
If you are a fan of automobiles, then you’d surely enjoy the Orlando Auto Museum. In this museum, you will see a wide range of cars, bikes, and other memorabilia collection.
The entire automobile collection Inside the museum is over 2000, which includes vintage, classic, and modern cars. The best thing about these collections is how organized these cars are. There are 20 different theme rooms, and in every room, you will see a different collection.
Among the theme rooms are the Batcave, the Hollywood Room 007 Bond Lounge, the American Classic, the Military Pavilion, the Buckingham Palace collection, cars from France and Europe, the Microcar Lounge, and for bikes there is Harley Lounge, Vespa Lounge, and many others. Inside are not only vehicles, but the posters and different memorabilia will make your visit even better.
3. Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge
Address: 10525 Clapp Simms Duda Rd, Orlando, FL 32832
Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge (BTNWR) is a non-profit organization that is a rescue and rehabilitation center for animals. It is one of the best places to visit as there are a lot of different outdoor opportunities nearby.
Starting with this sanctuary, inside, you will see different animals and birds which include lemurs, hawks, foxes, koalas, racoons, eagles, and many others. It’s going to be an interesting visit with lots of knowledge about these animals as well.
Apart from visiting the animals, do remember that this is a 20-acre land with lots of hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities. The trails here are simple and ideal for everyone, so it’s not something that will cause any problem for any visitor.
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4. Mennello Museum of American Art
Address: 900 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803
Mennello Museum of American Art is one of the most underrated spot for art lovers in Orlando. Not only the indoor but the outdoor section of this museum is something that you won’t see in many places.
As you enter in the museum, you will see a range of painting collection by Earl Cunningham. The collection of Earl Cunningham is among the core of this museum. Apart from that, you will also see traditional and contemporary American art inside, with rotating exhibits also making sure that you’ll see something different every time.
After that, step outside is the Marilyn L. Mennello Sculpture Garden. In the sculpture garden, you’ll see the work of Marilyn L. Mennello which overlooks the Lake Formosa and gives this garden a peaceful and serene look.
5. Orlando Fire Museum
Address: 814 E Rollins St, Orlando, FL 32803
If you want to visit a rare type of museum, then head to the Orlando Fire Museum. It’s an off-the-beaten museum that rarely got any appreciation despite having interesting artifacts inside.
Upon entering, you’ll see different classic and vintage fire trucks that were once in use and are safely preserved to be in this museum. Along with these trucks, there are a lot of artifacts like firefighter helmets, suits, different engines, and many other interesting artifacts.
However, if you like to learn about the history, inside, you will learn about all the major fire incidents that took place in Orlando from the late 1800s, along with different photographs that will make things clearer. And you will also get to know about the unsung heroes who lost their lives saving others.
6. Grand Cypress Golf
Address: 1570 Evermore Wy, Orlando, FL 32836
If you want to visit a premium golf course, then the Grand Cypress Golf Course should be on your radar. It’s one of the most beautiful courses in the region which is peaceful and away from the noisy side of the city.
It’s a 36-hole golf course with traditional and modern golf layouts. In the new course, you’ll see deep pot bunkers, double greens, and rolling fairways, which are more like Scotland style, while the North, South, and East Nines are the courses where you’ll experience traditional golfing experience.
Not to forget, there is also a pro shop, in case you need a golf kit, etc. Lastly, the serene look that you’ll get in this place is going to be world-class, especially at the sunset.
7. City Arts
Address: 39 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
Whenever you are in downtown do check out this gallery. It’s one of those galleries where you will see a wide range of art forms, and the rotating exhibits make these displays even more special.
This art gallery is housed in a Queen Anne-style building which was established in 1886. Upon entering, you will be amazed by the abstract, modern, and classic styles of contemporary, digital, and traditional art, photography, sculpture, and mixed media art.
Not to forget, you will see the work of different local and national artists which includes famous and emerging artists as well.
Overall, it has a very cozy environment, and it’s refreshing at the same time because of the art and the changing and unique exhibits that make this place special.
8. Harbor Park
Address: 4990 New Broad St, Orlando, FL 32814
If you are looking for a place to relax and spend some time in nature. Then simply head to the Harbor Park, which is also an ideal picnic spot if you are with your family.
The main attraction of this park provides the serene views of Lake Baldwin, which at sunrise and sunset is at peak beauty, making it a favorite spot for photographers.
Other than the lake, the park itself offers surreal beauty and a place that is peaceful and away from the noises of the city. You will see shaded areas, green grass, and benches where you can sit.
And among the activities, there are walking and cycling trails that will take you to the other side of the lake.
9. Eagle Nest Park
Address: 5165 Metrowest Blvd, Orlando, FL 32811
With a range of outdoor activities, Eagle Nest Park also lets you do a lot of things in Orlando. This hidden gem park is surrounded by lush greenery and is itself is one of the finest places in the city.
As you reach this place, you will see a pond in the middle which is surrounded by greenery and flowers. Close to this park are two baseballs and a cricket ground. But the best thing about this place is the Lake Fran Urban Wetlands, which spans over 54 acres.
In the park and wetlands, you will get the opportunity of fishing and the trails will let you explore the area via cycling and walking. Overall, it’s going to be a mix of an active and relaxed tour with a lot of opportunities for activities.
10. Snap! Orlando
Address: 420 E Church St, Orlando, FL 32801
The last hidden gem attraction in this list is Snap! Orlando. In this gallery, you will find work on photography and new multi-media art, with different forms of art on display during special exhibitions.
The best thing about this gallery is its rotating exhibits. In those exhibits, you will find the work of various national and international artists where the exhibitions often explore themes like identity, technology, and societal transformation,
And do not forget to check their photography displays, which is among the best in the town.
Hidden Gem Restaurants in Orlando, Florida
11. Knife & Spoon
Address: 4012 Central Florida Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32837
The first hidden gem restaurant in this list is Knife & Spoon. For those who like to eat in a premium place, this restaurant is an ideal one for you.
The ambiance inside is cozy, while the decor overall is modern, with the combination of dim and full lighting that made it look even more unique. In the middle, there are lantern lighting and flower pots, which, with different seating areas, give this place a special look.
On the menu, you are going to have options like king crab, tuna, shrimp, steak, lobster, filet mignon, ribeye, chicken, pasta, veg options, dessert, and many other items.
12. Mikado Japanese Steakhouse
Address: 8701 World Ctr Dr, Orlando, FL 32821
If you ever crave to eat Japanese food in Orlando, simply head to the Mikado Japanese Steakhouse. The ambiance inside gave this place traditional Japanese restaurant vibes with wood finishing in most areas. The tables and chairs are also clubbed with the overall interior. Not to forget, this is a hibachi-style restaurant, so you are going to see the cook preparing your food in front of you.
On the menu, you are going to have options like sushi, fried rice, noodles, shrimp, soups, grilled chicken, steaks, seafood, and veg options. Overall it’s going to be a menu with a variety of Japanese food options.
13. LA. Boiling Seafood Crab & Crawfish
Address: 1242 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, Florida 32803
LA. Boiling Seafood Crab & Crawfish is one of the best places to eat for seafood lovers. This Cajun restaurant is not very big in size and is underrated, considering the food it offers. In the interior, there isn’t anything special. Simple tables and chairs and 4 LEDs on the wall.
In the food, however, you are going to have plenty of options, which includes chicken wings, soups, crab, crawfish, mussels, shrimps, Oysters, Catfish, boiled blue crabs, seafood boil, combo platters, and much more.
14. Jack’s Place
Address: 9700 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
Jack’s Place an underrated spot where you’ll see a very gentle ambiance. The decor inside is quite fancy, with white sheets on the table, different small lighting, and the walls full of different pictures; all these things make the ambiance look so gentle inside.
On the menu, you are going to have a decent variety, which includes steak bruschetta, crab cakes, octopus, shrimp, tuna, soups, salads, different steak options, roasted salmon, lobster, and much more.
15. Charlie’s Bakery & Creamery
Address: 3213 Curry Ford Road, Orlando, Florida 32806
The last place in this list is Charlie’s Bakery & Creamery. Unlike the four places mentioned above, this is something different and is an ideal place for eating something sweet.
The ambiance of this place is so refreshing, while in the decor, you will see an attractive look that is both inviting and pleasing to the eyes and mood with different seating options. Not to forget the giant display of sweet items in front.
On the menu, you are going to have a wide range of cake options, whether you want a black forest, carrot, strawberry, chocolate, lemon raspberry, coconut, or any other, along with a wide range of pastries, cookies, ice cream, and pies.
FAQ’s
1. Is Orlando expensive for tourists?
Even though it depends on the preference of tourists but realistically, you will find Orlando more expensive than other cities.
2. What is special about Orlando?
Theme Parks are the real specialty of Orlando. That’s why it’s considered the Theme Park Capital of the World.
3. Is Orlando a tourist-friendly city?
Yes, there is no doubt that Orlando is among the most tourist-friendly cities in the US.
3. What is the best time to visit Orlando?
March to May and September to November are the best time to visit Orlando.
