Explore These 5 Orlando Attractions for a Vacation To Remember

Oct 06, 2024

Explore These 5 Orlando Attractions for a Vacation To Remember
By Westgate Resorts

Explore These 5 Orlando Attractions for a Vacation To Remember

From exhilarating parks and glamorous nightlife to tranquil, scenic escapes, Orlando caters to various vacationers. The city is home to some of the world’s most popular destinations.

Discover the top five Orlando attractions you must visit on your vacation. From shopping centers and dining venues to entertainment spots, these places guarantee a fun time during your stay in Florida.

5 Best Attractions in Orlando, Florida

  1. Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo

  2. NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

  3. International Drive

  4. Orlando Wetlands

  5. Fun Spot America—Orlando

Whether you're looking for fun parks for kids in Orlando, Florida, or attractions for adults, these fantastic places will have something to suit your tastes.

1 | Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo |

If you want to explore the authentic Floridian lifestyle without sacrificing modern amenities, Westgate River Ranch is the place to go. This sprawling 1,700-acre venue offers glamping, rodeo, trap and skeet range, a theme park, and other fun activities.

Nature lovers can spend their nights in luxury glamping tents, tepees, and Conestoga wagons around the last few untouched acres of Florida’s wilderness. Those seeking a more modern experience will find premium cabins, lodges, and cottages equipped with state-of-the-art amenities.

As the sun rises, you can hop onto an airboat or cruise down the Kissimmee River. Feel the wind in your hair as you navigate the land on horseback or swamp buggies. Lounge by the pool to relax and partake in hunting and fishing excursions to reconnect with nature and unwind in the great outdoors.

For some good-spirited competition, try your hand at horseshoe throwing or badminton. Those looking to test their limits can go for trap and skeet shooting or archery, and those who appreciate indoor games can solve escape room puzzles. If you want thrilling rides, the resort’s Cowboy Adventure Park is the place to go.

If you’re in the mood for some live action, head over to the 1,200-seat Rodeo Arena every Saturday to experience the longest-running championship rodeo in the U.S.

The food scene is equally impressive. Discover the authentic Orlandoan taste at River Ranch Cattle Company and Smoke House on the River BBQ. There are fast food spots, a café, and a general store, too.

WHERE: 3200 River Ranch Blvd, River Ranch, FL 33867 │WHO: 863-692-1321

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2 | NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex |

If you’re looking for family-friendly attractions near Orlando, don’t miss the Kennedy Space Center. This complex offers a variety of immersive activities, unique exhibitions, and interactive presentations that make you feel like you’re in outer space.

Attractions are organized chronologically, allowing you to explore key moments in human space exploration. Walk through the Rocket Garden and marvel at the engineering feats that made space travel possible. Be sure to visit the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit to see the iconic orbiter that completed 33 missions.

You’ll find various spaceship simulators and hands-on activities, letting you experience the thrill of navigating outer space. Check out Mars rovers, simulate a shuttle launch, and celebrate astronaut heroes. The facility features immersive theaters showcasing the moon landing through actual footage and the workings of technological marvels like the Hubble Telescope.

Don’t miss STEM talks, space movies, and interactive astronaut sessions that will captivate both kids and adults. To keep your energy up, grab some delicious space-themed snacks while you explore. You can drive to the complex or choose a round-trip tour with companies like Gray Line Orlando and Viator.

WHERE: Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953 │WHO: 855-433-4210

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3 | International Drive |

Delectable food, glamorous shopping escapades, invigorating recreation, and vibrant nightlife—the famous International Drive has it all. No vacation in Orlando is complete without touring this bustling district. So, hop onto the I-Ride Trolley, grab a Visitor’s Guide Book, and start your adventure.

You’ll find some of Orlando’s most fun parks and game rooms here. Soar through the skies on the ICON Park’s colossal Orlando Eye, dive deep into waters at Aquatica’s Reef Plunge, or challenge your mind to break out of prison at Escape Game Orlando.

Drop by some unique museums at the I-Drive for an evening full of wonder. Step into the world of obscurities and bizarreness at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not or marvel at scientific exhibits at WonderWorks. There’s the Museum of Illusions to challenge your senses and the Titanic Museum to relive history.

This 11-mile strip will also take your tastebuds around the globe with Turkish, Cuban, Ecuadorian, Jamaican, Chinese, Italian, and other international cuisines. Discover vegan treats, seafood, BBQ, sushi, burgers, cakes, and more for the perfect culinary adventure.

Those looking to shop till they drop can explore the Orlando International Premium Outlets with 180 brands. For shopping on a budget, bag a deal of a lifetime at Lee Wrangler Clearance Center.

If you’re in for a lively evening, solve mysteries while savoring dinner at Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows. Keep the energy alive with live music and comedy at Hard Rock Live, or catch the latest movie release at Cinemark Orlando.

WHERE: 7081 Grand National Drive, Suite 105, Orlando, Florida 32819 │WHO: 407-248-9590

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4 | Orlando Wetlands |

If you want to spend your day surrounded by Florida’s beautiful wilderness, visit Orlando Wetlands. This 1,650-acre engineering marvel is home to rich wildlife, including over 220 species of birds, alligators, turtles, and more.

There is an extensive network of walking trails and boardwalks meandering through the different habitats that will take you 20 miles deep into the wilderness. Explore the area on a bike, horseback, or foot to discover breathtaking views and find countless opportunities to spot wildlife.

As you wander along the scenic trails, you'll be immersed in the serene beauty of vast marshlands, lush vegetation, and shimmering waterways. Birdwatchers can marvel at gems like the Roseate Spoonbill, Purple Gallinule, and Blue Heron among the hundreds of avians fluttering about. Don’t forget to stop and take in the beautiful waterfront view at the delightful Lake Searcy.

If you’re a reptile enthusiast, stay alert! You're sure to spot American Alligators sunning on lakeshores and pavements, along with snakes, skinks, anoles, and turtles. Spot colorful insects, furry mammals, and elusive fish darting around. Botany fans can investigate hundreds of plant species growing along the marshes, and photographers can capture incredible shots.

For a day spent lounging away from the hustle of the city, bring some packed food to eat on the park’s picnic tables and spend your evening quietly in nature.

WHERE: 25155 Wheeler Rd, Christmas, FL 32709

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5 | Fun Spot America—Orlando |

If you're searching for fun parks in Orlando, Florida, that provide the most bang for your buck, you must visit Fun Spot America. This gem offers over 30 thrilling rides catering to all age groups and preferences.

Hop on White Lightning—Orlando's first wooden rollercoaster—and let gravity determine your speed the old-fashioned way. If you're in the mood to touch the skies, let Firecracker spin you five stories above the ground or sway 90 feet high on Liberty Swing. There’s Hot Seat, Sky Coaster, Headrush 360, and more rides to sweep you off your feet (literally).

The park also features multi-level Go-Kart tracks for fast-paced road thrills. Let the Commander track launch you 45 feet into the air, ride the Conquest for a smooth glide, or zip on the Thrasher in a straight line. For an even bigger adrenaline boost, you can try the Quad Helix—a multi-level quad corkscrew track featuring elevations and dramatic banks.

Games, such as Roll a Ball and Hang Time, will keep those competitive spirits high, while classical Midway games will reveal the luckiest member of your group. There’s also a large arcade where you can challenge your friends to various exciting games.

Kids can enjoy their fair share of tummy tickles with Frog Hopper and chase their fellows on Super Trucks. There are bumper cars, slides, swings, tea cups, splash pads, and other fun rides suitable for children of all ages.

Should you need any help, don’t hesitate to reach out to the friendly staff.

WHERE: 5700 Fun Spot Way, Orlando, FL 32819│WHO: 407-363-3867

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Frequently Asked Questions About Attractions in Orlando, FL

Orlando hosts many engaging recreational and educational activities for families with young children. If you want to inspire your young ones, drive to the Kennedy Space Station Visitor Complex and enjoy incredible hands-on activities while meeting astronauts. For more immersive science experiences in town, drop by WonderWorks and Orlando Science Center.

If you want to teach your kids about animals, visit Exotic Animal Care. This zoo is renowned for raising animals with excellent care and allows you to play with them and feed them.

If you want to ride the waves, explore the Orlando Water Sports Complex and try kneeboarding, wakeboarding, waterskiing, surfing, boating, and tubing. This venue also has a stunning beachside area and an excellent dock grill.

You’ll find Nona Adventure Park offering similar activities alongside a 60-foot-tall climbing tower. For water-based amusement rides, visit Aquatica, and for a relaxing day by the pool, visit Westgate Resort’s Treasure Cove Water Park.

Orlando offers several unique attractions for families beyond the usual tourist spots. The Orlando Science Center features interactive exhibits and live demonstrations that engage both kids and adults. Animal lovers can explore the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, which is home to over 500 animals and beautiful gardens.

For the creative ones in your family, the Orlando Museum of Art hosts family-friendly workshops. Meanwhile, The Amazing Escape Room provides a fun way for families to work together to solve puzzles and escape-themed rooms.

Orlando boasts several intriguing museums, particularly along International Drive. The Titanic Museum displays fascinating artifacts and hosts themed events, while the Museum of Illusions is full of mind-bending exhibits.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not showcases oddities from around the world, appealing to curious minds of all ages. For car enthusiasts, the Orlando Auto Museum features over 1,100 antique vehicles to admire.

For ice sports, try RDV Sportsplex Ice Den, and if you want to play soccer indoors, explore the High Soccer Arena. There’s TopGolf and Pirate’s Cove for golfers, Splitsville Luxury Lanes for bowling enthusiasts, and the Camping World Stadium for those seeking live thrills.

Rockstar Axe Throwing specializes in axe-throwing sports, and Blue Swan Boulders is a bouldering gym for rock-climbing enthusiasts. If you’re a car fan, head over to Orlando Speed World Dragway for a quick adrenaline rush.

International Drive is one of the most popular entertainment districts in Orlando, where you can explore diverse shops. Find unique collectibles at Gods & Monsters, collect wrestling merchandise at Hogan’s Beach shop, and grab some deals at International Drive Flea Market. Numerous other shops, from high-end fashion boutiques to affordable factory outlets, await your discovery at I-Drive.

Orlando Wetlands is a huge 1,650-acre swath of land with lush forests, dense swamps, and fascinating marshes. It’s perfect for picnics, photography, treks, and observing wildlife. If you want to spend your evening by a lake, try Lake Eola Park. You can rent swan-shaped paddleboats, feed swans and ducks, and enjoy some of the best views of the Orlando Skyline.

For a picnic by 200-year-old oaks and breathtaking plant landscapes, visit Harry P Leu Gardens. You’ll find beautiful botanical collections, including Florida’s largest formal rose garden.

Lakes Apopka and Jesup to the north of Orlando are brimming with fish like bass, crappies, and catfish. Smaller lakes scattered throughout the city, like Conway Chain of Lakes and Butler Chain of Lakes, are also excellent spots for fishing.

There’s Kissimmee River for freshwater catches and the Space Coast for saltwater fishing. You can explore state forests like Lake Louisa Park and Hal-Scott Preserve if you want to include fishing in your hiking excursions.

Orlando has thousands of acres of protected wetlands and forests that are perfect for hikers.

If you want to explore lakes, there’s Lake Louisa State Park, with nine stunning waterbodies, and Rock Spring Run State Reserve, with its stream system.

Explore Little Big Econ to walk among dense forests and Orlando Wetlands to explore swamps and marshes. For shaded paths cutting through Orlando wilderness with diverse ecosystems, try the trails on Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo's premises.

Orlando—Where Fun Never Stops

Whether you want to relax by the lake or have a day full of exciting adventures, Orlando is the perfect spot for indoor and outdoor fun. There are theme parks to explore, hiking trails to see, and lakes to fish in. Check out our Westgate Resorts Travel blog for more local insights into this fantastic city.


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At Westgate Resorts, when you Check-In, there’s a LOT to Check-Out! Your Orlando vacation awaits! Explore our Branson resorts today or talk with a vacation planner at 888-852-2959 or 407-355-2690.

* Aside from Westgate River Ranch Rodeo & Resort, Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details

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