Things to do in Orlando
Besides the madness of all the theme parks, Orlando offers art, nature and history in heavy doses
Art-gazing
Orlando has 26 major works of public art displayed all over the city. The city's philosophy
is that art on show conveys a sense of pride, identity and community. From murals and statues to installations
built into the architecture of certain buildings, everyone, even those with a limited understanding of art,
is sure to be wowed by the pieces. Make a game of it: get a map and locate all 26 works. An initiative of the
city's Public Art Programme, the various works of art are strategically displayed to capture and reflect a
particular community's spirit and provide an insight into its character.
Theme parks
Where to start? Orlando is the world's favourite destination for its myriad theme parks. The combination
of the state's perennial sunshine and endless possibilities for fun ensures that Orlando's theme parks are packed
to capacity all year round. Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World are just a few on the long list,
and besides the thrilling rides and games for kids to amuse themselves, all the theme parks boast hotels, restaurants
and bars to entertain the adults when the sun goes down.
Beaches
Thanks to perfect weather all year round, Orlando beaches are always great places to be. Pristine and popular,
many of Orlando's beaches have been awarded for their beauty and cleanliness several years in a row. If the maddening
crowds and screaming toddlers at the theme parks finally take their toll, head down to Cocoa Beach for a well-deserved
break. Visit the famous sufer shop Ron Jones, which stays open 24 hours a day. The beachfront bars are a welcome haven when
the heat becomes a bit much to bear. Satellite Beach is located just south of Cocoa Beach, and even further south you'll
find Indiatlantic Beach that offers a far less crowded, far more tranquil seaside experience. Also investigate Canaveral
National Seashore and Melbourne Beach along the coastline.
Explore International Drive
Besides being the home of all of Orlando's major theme parks, International Drive is your one-stop, all-in-one destination
for hotels, designer clothing stores, restaurants and all forms of after-hours entertainment. If you really wanted to
(although it's not advisable), you could spend your entire holiday within its confines. The I-Ride Trolley transports
guests to wherever they want to be in the International Drive Resort Area.
Discover the history
The only way to understand a city is to understand its past. Orlando has a rich, interesting history and a plethora
of sites to tell its stories. The Wells Built Museum of African-American History in downtown Orlando is housed in what
was once a famous hotel in the segregated black community. Music legends like Ray Charles, Count Basie and Ella Fitzgerald
stayed when they played at the casino next door. The museum showcases the history of Orlando's black community and the civil
rights movement in the city. The Harry P. Leu Gardens and museum are fascinating retrospectives into Orlando's past as
it developed into the city it is today. Harry Leu was a revered businessman, lover of the arts and a keen horticulturalist
who brought many of Orlando's beautiful plant species from overseas. Twenty-minute guided tours are conducted all day until
3:30pm. Orlando's History Centre is a mine of information, featuring exhibits on everything from Orlando's first settlers,
the development of business in the area, how aviation was nurtured and the rise of the Disney empire.
