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Central Florida has so many amazing things to do that need to go on your Florida bucket list. These things often get overlooked, in the shadow of Disney, but today we will tell you all of the epic things there are to do in central Florida. This vibrant region of Florida has some of the most beautiful landscapes, best food, and exciting activities. From exploring the charming small towns to getting out into nature, central Florida has so much to offer.
Go On A Hot Air Balloon Ride
Have you ever wanted to go up in a hot air balloon with beautiful scenery around you? You have the chance to go on an epic hot air balloon ride with Bob’s Balloons in Central Florida. The owner and operator, Bob, is a FAA licensed balloon pilot since 1981. With several hundred of flights under his belt he knows how to make your flight a memorable one in all the best ways.
The sunrise rides are something special to witness as you see the sun rising over the horizon. The experience is magical with the beautiful sunrise colors painting the sky in soft hues of pink, orange and gold. You’ll be able to see wildlife and scenery while floating over the trees and other panoramic views of lakes and skylines.
Snorkel With Manatees
Snorkeling with the manatees is one of the best things to do in Florida and it’s located in central Florida in the city of Crystal River. The nearby springs, Three Sister Springs is where the manatees congregate especially during winter times to keep warm since the water in the springs remains at about 72 degrees year round.
The peak season for viewing and snorkeling with manatees is from November until March where you will see hundreds of manatees. There are manatee viewing tours that will take you to the best places to see the manatees while providing a snorkeling wetsuit, mask, and some hot chocolate after getting out of the water. The guide also takes pictures of you swimming with the manatees and tells you more about them during the trip.
Go Bioluminescent Kayaking
Did you know Florida has bioluminescence? This amazing occurrence can be seen on Florida’s Space Coast, especially in the warm waters of the Indian River Lagoon during the summer months. Bioluminescence occurs when the microscopic plankton emit a glowing blue-green light when they are disturbed. So as you paddle the kayak through the dark water, every movement creates a mesmerizing shimmer. It’s one of the most incredible experiences in central Florida!
The best way to view the bioluminescence is to take a kayaking tour. The guides keep track of where the plankton is located most and guide you through the waters. The best time to see it is when there is no bright moon on a summer night so that the darkness enhances the glow to create the brightest viewing experience.
Florida Aquarium
Enjoy viewing all kinds of marine life at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa. It is one of Florida’s best aquariums with a huge 500,000 gallon habitat called the Coral Reef that is home to sand tiger sharks, sea turtles, giant Atlantic stingrays and many reef dwelling fish.
There are many other habitats to explore like the Wetlands of Florida, a Journey to Madagascar, Stingray Beach and Waves of Wonder that are home to various habitats and animals. Beyond the habitats and exhibits, the aquarium has many restoration and conservation efforts in Florida and does its part to educate people about the aquatic world.
Enjoy Gardens At Bok Tower
One of the distinguishing features of the Bok Tower gardens is the Singing Tower. There is a carillon in the tower which is an instrument of at least 23 bells in a chromatic series that is played by using a clavier, or keyboard. It’s connected to clappers that move to create the sound since the bells themselves don’t move. This is special because there are only about 600 carillons in the world and you can hear one in central Florida.
The tower is made up of different sections starting with the Founder’s room on the bottom and going through the Chao Research Center Archives, Water Cisterns, Tower Workshop, Anton Brees Carillon Library, Carillon Studio, Playing Cabin, and finally the Bell Chamber.
Surrounding the tower are beautiful gardens with trails and resting areas. Seasonal colors are especially beautiful in the garden with azaleas, camelias and magnolias. The gardens aren’t just a large variety of plants but include 126 different species of birds as well as the threatened gopher tortoise and endangered eastern indigo snake.
El Retiro is a Mediterranean-style mansion that is nestled among the gardens. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 and completes the garden in a very beautiful way.
Go To A Festival
There are so many festivals in Florida that you can go to but one of the very special festivals in Florida is the strawberry festival in Plant City. This beloved annual event celebrates the delicious berries with rides, all kinds of delicious food, shows, and even concerts with famous singers. The festival usually runs at the end of February to beginning of March at the peak of strawberry season in Florida.
It’s one of the most exciting events in central Florida and while it doesn’t last very long, it’s worth trying to make it to the festival fun. You will find strawberry themed desserts like the strawberry shortcake that is a must-try when at the festival and other various strawberry-inspired merchandise.
There are many other festivals throughout the year too including the Mount Dora Arts Festival or the Florida Film Festival in Orlando. So if you’re planning a trip to central Florida, consider timing it around one of these festivals.
Air Boat Ride In The Everglades
Explore the central Florida everglades on an airboat tour that takes you deep into the habitat of alligators, turtles, snakes, and many different kinds of birds. The tour guide stops to help you take it all in especially if he spots some wildlife. On this tour, you will discover the natural landscapes of central Florida that are incredibly scenic and see all of the wildlife that the Everglades have to offer.
The tour usually lasts about an hour and is a good day trip from Orlando. It’s one of the best ways to see gators in the wild if that is on your bucket list, otherwise, you would have to see them at any one of the gator attractions in Florida.
Stay At A Resort
There are many resorts to choose from in central Florida especially in the Orlando area. Staying at a resort is one of the best ways to enjoy the area in a relaxing and comfortable way. It’s perfect for anyone whether you’re on a romantic getaway or vacationing as a whole family. If you’re staying at a resort in Orlando, there are many different style of resorts to choose from, and you are close to many attractions that the city has to offer.
However, if you choose the right resort, you don’t even have to leave to have relaxation and entertainment right there. With on-site pools, and lazy rivers like at the Grove Resort in Orlando or on-site restaurants and spas like at the Waldorf Astoria, you don’t even have to leave the resort to enjoy your time.
Take A Ride On The Orlando Eye
The Orlando Eye is one of the cities most recognized features in its cityscape. It stands tall at 400 feet high and is located at the ICON Park right next door to other popular attractions. The wheel offers panoramic views of the city being one of the tallest observational wheels on the North American east coast.
One of the best times to go on the Orlando Eye is during sunset where the sky lights up in beautiful colors or at night when the city and the wheel is lit up in thousands of lights. The capsules are all enclosed and equipped with interactive tablets offering information about the landmarks of your views.
Go On A Plane Ride In Tavares
One of the most exciting things to do in Tavares is to go on a plane ride. The company that does these central Florida plane tours is Jones Brothers & Co Air and Seaplane Adventures. These unique tours take you up in the air with views of the landscapes and it’s even possible to see some city skylines.
They have a good variety of tours that fit every budget and desired experience with their simplest tour being the Lake Dora Splash & Dash. This fifteen minute tour takes you over the Harris Chain of Lakes and over the historic towns situated by the lakes. Other exciting tours include Gator attraction tour and St. Johns River & Springs for those who want a unique experience in central Florida.
Eat Amazing Food In Orlando
Orlando is not only a top destination for theme parks it’s also home to some incredible food. From upscale dining to hidden little gems, the city has a large variety of flavors. With such a diverse range of options, it’s hard to choose which food to eat, but here are some of the Orlando favorites.
For lunch you can stop by the Mills Market for a variety of food to choose from. Antojitos is good for Mexican food, Tabla for Indian, STK Steakhouse for steak, The Boathouse for seafood, Adega Gaucha for Brazilian steakhouse and BACAN for fine dining. That’s only the tip of the iceberg for good food in Orlando but it’s a great start.
Go To A Medieval Show
For an experience unlike any other, go to a Medieval show in Kissimmee Florida. There, you will arrive at a castle that is built to look just like those in Medieval times. Once you enter through the gates, you will get the chance to meet the royalty before the show and take pictures while exploring the castle.
During the show in the Grand Ceremonial Arena, there is a show and a dining experience fit for royalty. You are treated to a four-course meal of garlic bread, tomato bisque soup, roasted chicken, sweet buttered corn, and herb-basted potato. This delicious meal is followed by a dessert served with coffee. While dinner is being served, the knights fight it out to see who will be the only one left standing while the Queen oversees the tournament.
Big Cat Habitat
The Big Cat Habitat is a conservation and educational center where they help over 350 animals thrive and the guests who visit learn all about them. Some of their animals include the African Lion, Bengal Tiger, African Caracal, Brown Bear, Clouded Leopard, Capuchin Monkey and many more exotic animals.
For a wild experience, you can visit the bear and the big cat feeding shows where you will see these huge animals getting their daily treat. For the little ones, there is a petting zoo and an opportunity for a pony ride.
Go Glamping In Nature
Have you ever though about glamping in Florida? There are many opportunities to do so and the Westgate River Ranch is one of those places in central Florida. The glamping tent is fully furnished with beds and linens, bathroom, and a kitchenette. While still having these luxurious amenities, like even air conditioning for the Florida weather, you are steps away from fully being out in nature just outside your tent.
Glamping is the best way to enjoy Florida’s nature while not having to give up any small luxuries. With the fire pit and propane gas grill, you can create your favorite camping meals and see the stars at night from the porch while sitting on the rocking chairs.
Learn At The Kennedy Space Center
Learn all about the fascinating world of space at the Kennedy Space Center on Florida’s Space Coast. There are many attractions to explore including the ATX Training Stages, Fly With An Astronaut, Mars Base 1, KSC Explore Tour, Hyperdeck VR, Astronaut training experience, and so many cool things to do. You will leave with a whole new appreciation for astronauts and excitement for all that is being explored in space.
Another thing worth seeing at the center is the live rocket launch. There you have the chance to watch a live rocket that is being launched with commentary from space experts and bleacher seating with great views. You can visit the site to see the planned upcoming launches and plan your visit accordingly.
Find One Of Florida’s Hidden Gems At McKee Botanical Gardens
One of the most unique designs of the McKee Botanical Garden is the twine arches that make you feel like you’re in a land of whimsy. As you walk through the gardens, you will see over 10,000 plants all beautifully landscaped to create a lush jungle landscape. It is listed on the National Register of Historic places and keeps being one of Florida’s best botanical gardens.
There are group tours available but they need to be scheduled at least three weeks in advance with a reservation fee. Otherwise, you can explore the gardens on your own and see all of the exhibits. If you happen to visit during their annual Waterlily Celebration then you will see more than 80 varieties of waterlilies.
Horseback Riding In Sanford
In the small town of Sanford you can experience horseback riding on guided trails in Central Florida. Hidden Palms Ranch, a family owned business, offers private horseback trail rides for all ages and experiences. Their farm started out as a small one horse farm and now they have grown to have ten horses.
The trails wind through the Lake Jesup Conservation Area where you can even spot other wildlife like eagles, ospreys and hawks. For the kids, they have a horse experience where they get to learn how to groom, ride, and feed the horses.
St. Pete Sunken Gardens
In the midst of a bustling city, there is a lush botanical garden that is one of the state’s oldest living gardens. It was established over a century ago by George Turner Sr. who transformed a sinkhole into a flourishing garden which gives them the name Sunken Gardens. With winding paths that go through over 50,000 tropical plants, cascading waterfalls, and tranquil koi ponds, there is so much to see in the gardens.
Today, the gardens are also home to a variety of exotic birds like the macaws, cockatoos, parrots, toucan, and a kookaburra. However, the birds that are most recognized at the gardens are the Chilean flamingos that have been a part of the gardens for decades.
Ride Massive 4×4 Monster Trucks
Want to take a ride on a massive monster truck? It’s possible in this central Florida attraction. This experience is the Monster Truck Adventure at Showcase of Citrus in Clermont. Here, guests board massive 14-foot wide and 16-foot tall trucks that explore native woodlands and citrus groves. But they warn you to keep an eye out for Giant Bigfoot, Woodfairies, and Friendly Gnomes.
As part of the adventure, you have the option to purchase animal feed buckets and when you get to the place, you will get to feed exotic animals like zebras, water buffalo, and bison. It is best to schedule a tour ahead of time but tours do run most days starting from 10am.
Visit One Of Florida’s Most Charming Towns
Central Florida is full of hidden gems and charming towns among which one of the most charming is Mount Dora. This delightful destination is known for the historic downtown, antique shops, and lakefront views. Strolling through Mount Dora you will also find cozy cafes, quaint boutiques, and art galleries that you can pop into.
To enjoy the beautiful lake views, you can take a boat tour or walk on the boardwalk where you can even spot some alligators. For food, be sure to stop by either Pisces Rising, or our favorite, The Goblin Market where you will find the best Caesar salad you’ve ever had.
There are many more charming towns to explore in Central Florida like Winter Garden or DeLand, but if you have to choose one, it should be Mount Dora. It’s the perfect spot for a weekend escape or a romantic retreat – especially if you stay at the historic Lakeside Inn.
Skydive In DeLand
For those seeking an exhilarating experience in central Florida, skydiving in DeLand is just the thing to do. It offers a fun adventure for both seasoned jumpers and those who have never jumped before. It is one of the state’s premier skydiving centers that has been operating for many decades.
There is no better place to skydive than at a beautiful destination like central Florida. The rolling hills and lakes make this part of Florida a dream to fly over. There are training programs for all experience levels with two options for first-timers, the tandem jump or the freefall training. After your jump, explore the town of DeLand and get a bite to eat at any of its cafes.
Dinosaur World
Go back in time at Dinosaur World in Plant City Florida, where life-sized dinosaurs make you feel like you are stepping into Jurassic World. Their interactive exhibits and a Dino-themed playground make this a premier family-friendly destination in central Florida. Kids’ imaginations go wild here and it’s even dog-friendly so you can bring your whole family here, even your furry friends. At the gift shop, you can get prehistoric artifacts to take with you as well as toys, games and geodes.
Eat Best Steak At Bern’s
Want to eat the best steak in central Florida? Bern’s Steak House is dedicated to quality and service which has remained this way for more than 65 years. These elements and perfectly aged steaks are some of the things that make this restaurant stand out with its unique culinary experience. Their prime steaks are cut to order and dry-aged in house for 5-8 weeks making them very tender.
Other offerings include oysters, escargot, and 16 different caviars to choose from. After your main dining experience, the waiter then will take you to a special dessert room where you will have your choice of decadent desserts. It is a place where semi-formal attire is expected and the ambiance inside is elegant and timeless.
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
A visit to the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens gives the opportunity for encounters with all kinds of animals. The zoo is home to more than 350 animals that represent more than 100 species. Some are tiny invertebrates and amphibians while other are huge mammals. Meet their giraffe and rhinoceros which you can even do private encounters like feeding or touching these animals.
This zoo also has some rare species including the Guianan Squirrel Monkey, Blue Duiker, Serval, Chacoan Peccary, Fossa, Lesser Spot-Nosed Guenon, and a Cotton-Top Tamarin.
The splash ground is a fun stop for the kids as well as the kids zipline course where they can navigate from tree to tree using rope bridges, zip lines, and a mix of other methods.
Visit Gatorland
If you want to see gators while in Florida, make a visit to Gatorland. The theme park and wildlife preserve has been dubbed as the “Alligator Capital of the World”. There you will find experiences like the Scremin’ Gator Zipline where you will fly high over the Cuban and Nile crocodiles and the Alligator Breeding Marsh that has over 130 alligators.
Other attractions include the Croc Rock for rock climbing, Stompin Gator Off-Road Adventure, the shows where you will see gators jump more than four feet out of the water to get a snack or see a trainer in the arena with the gators. One of the special encounters is the trainer-for-a-day program where you get to become a helper for the day and go backstage to interact with the baby and the largest alligators.
Go To A Drive In Movie
Drive in movies might have been popular back in the day, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still some around. Watching a movie at a drive-in is a nostalgic and fun way to enjoy a night out and there are a few great spots in central Florida.
One of the most popular spots is Silver Moon Drive-In in Lakeland which features two screens showing first-run movies with double features seven nights a week. Guests can purchase snacks from their menu from which if you spend $35, you will receive a free movie ticket. Then just tune in and enjoy the movie!
Adventure Island
What better way to spend your time in the hot Florida weather than splashing in the water? At Adventure Island, you get a good mix of thrilling and relaxing attractions. There are free-fall slides, dual tailspin slides and simple wave pools and lazy rivers.
Families can enjoy the water attractions and then get in some relaxation on the lounge chairs or rent a private cabana. There are plenty of dining options at the park so you can stay all day and have a fun-filled experience.
Scenic Boat Tour In Winter Park
One of the best experiences in Winter Park is the charming boat tour. It takes you through little canals of the city’s waterways and out in the open lakes. The hour-long tour takes you through three of the city’s lakes that are all connected by these man-made canals with tall cypress trees and draped with Spanish moss. Passing by, you will get a scenic view of the lakefront homes, lush landscapes, and a glimpse of Rollins College. The boat tour consists of 18-passenger pontoon boats that depart every hour from 10am to 4pm. After, explore the town of Winter Park and enjoy its charming downtown.