Nestled in the heart of Florida, Orlando offers with a myriad of exciting things to do for visitors. We have previously covered some of the main attractions in the city, some of its hidden gemsn and unusual things to do and here, we’ll focus on some things you can do to relax after or in between your explorations in this beautiful city. Without further ado, here are some of the best relaxing things to do in Orlando away from the crowded theme parks and bustling streets.
But first things first…
Helpful Resources For Visiting Orlando
If you’re looking for a cheap flight to Orlando, this Qatar Airways link will get you up to 15% off (I use it too for most of my bookings).
Travel insurance is an essential requirement for traveling to the USA, and if you don’t already have one, SafetyWing offers affordable plans that cover all major medical expenses, as well as most miscellaneous travel expenses like lost baggage and delayed flights.
If you’re looking to rent a car in Orlando, you can use Auto Europe and our special discount to get up to 25% off (for more info on their services check out our Auto Europe review).
Save big by getting the Orlando City Explorer pass that gives you a huge discount on up to 5 activities per day.
You can save up to 15% on all properties in Orlando by using our special offer through Booking.
And last but not least, don’t forget about your Visa. If you need assistance with this, iVisa can take care of all necessary arrangements for you, making the process much easier and I use their services all the time.
If you’re visiting the US for the first time, check out our article about things to know before visiting the US for the first time and our list of the best fall destinations in the US.
With that being said, let’s get to the meat and potatoes of this article, starting with…
Take A Day Trip To St. Augustine Beach
Located about an hour and a half away from Orlando, St. Augustine Beach, is a breathtaking stretch of shoreline along the Atlantic Coast, offering a serene retreat for those seeking relaxation. Sink your toes into the soft, powdery sand, take a lazy stroll along the shore, breathe in the fresh ocean air, and feel your worries melt away…
Take A Day Trip To Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach is another a popular coastal destination near Orlando. With 23 miles of pristine shoreline, it offers ample space to do anything you want to do for relaxing. Just choose a spot on the soft, sandy beach, set up your towel and umbrella, and unwind.
Enjoying this post? Then you may also like our list of the best hidden gems in neighboring Miami and our list of awesome things to do in Miami alone.
Take A Relaxing Trip To Wekiva Island
For a rejuvenating getaway, plan a visit to Wekiva Island, a beautiful natural oasis located on the banks of the Wekiva River famous for its vibrant greenery and crystal-clear waters. The entrance fee is just $5 and the island has all the amenities you need, including picnic areas, hammocks, and riverside cabanas. You can go for a swim, rent a paddleboard, a canoe, or a kayak and explore the river at your own pace and reconnect with nature.
Go On A Swan Boat Ride On Lake Eola
Speaking of relaxing things to do in Orlando, we can’t forget about Lake Eola. Located near the Walt Disney Amphitheater in Orlando, Lake Eola is a great place to relax, take one of the paddle boat rentals and just relax and enjoy the scenery.
Enjoying this post? Then you may also like our list of relaxing things to do in Vegas.
Go Kayaking At Shingle Creek
If you’re seeking an exhilarating outdoor experience in Orlando, look no further than kayaking at Shingle Creek. You can rent kayaks from nearby outfitters or bring your own and just go. As you navigate the creek, you can admire its diverse wildlife, including turtles, herons, and even the occasional alligator. In addition to kayaking you can also indulge in other activities, like taking a long walk, go on an airboat tour, or just have a relaxing picnic in the nature.
Take A Cruise In A Vintage Car
Indulge in an unusual Orlando experience by taking a cruise in a vintage car at The Boathouse restaurant. Unless you’re from around, I bet you didn’t know that you can cruise in a vintage amphicar in Orlando. Heck, most people don’t even know that amphicars exist outside of Hollywood movies. After the cruise, savor a delectable meal at The Boathouse, known for its fresh seafood and waterfront dining ambiance.
See The Alligators At Boggy Creek
Although it might not be the most relaxing experience on this list, the thrill of encountering alligators up close with an airboat tour at Boggy Creek in Orlando is still worth mentioning. Exploring the pristine wetlands of Central Florida is a relaxing experience on its own and there hasn’t been any aligator casualties so far so don’t let that stress you out and stop you from indulging in one of the most relaxing experiences in Orlando. Besides, you can also see other wildlife, including birds and turtles. Boggy Creek offers various tour options, including the alligator airboat tour, a sunset boat tour, and a night airboat ride.
Unwind In Kelly Park – Rock Springs
If you’re looking for relaxing things to do in Orlando, Kelly Park- Rock Springs is the perfect destination. Located in Apopka, this picturesque park is famous for its crystal-clear waters and surrounding nature where you can spend the day unwinding, surrounded by lush vegetation and towering trees. Bring your own inflatable tube or rent one on-site and try to get there early, as the park often gets more crowded in the afternoon.
If you’re looking for a nice relaxing tour in the area, seriously consider this guided kayak tour with a lunch for only $89.
Take A Walk In Bok Tower Gardens
If you’re looking for a great place to relax and be on your own for a while, the Bok Tower Gardens is the perfect serene oasis near Orlando. You can take a relaxing stroll, admire the vibrant flowers, breath fresh air that smells of oaks, listen to the melodies of the carillon bells but also admire the exquisite architecture of the Singing Tower.
Visit Mead Botanical Garden
Discover a hidden gem of tranquility in Orlando by visiting Mead Botanical Garden which is not one of those over-engineered botanical gardens, but a natural setting hoping to bring back some wildlife habitat to an otherwise overdeveloped area and so far it seems to be working. So, find a peaceful spot to sit and unwind and maybe if you’re lucky enough (or stick around long enough) you’ll see some of the garden’s inhabitants.
Take A Stroll At Harry P Leu Gardens
Orlando’s specific climate makes this area perfect for many different types of flora you didn’t think you could find anywhere near the North American continent. Stretching over an area of 50 acres, the Leu Garden houses a myriad of different tropical plants from different parts of the world that found a home right here, in Orlando. The garden’s designer was Harry P. Leu who brought different tropical plants from his travels, creating Orlando’s very own tropical paradise. Are you looking for some peace and quiet away from the busy streets of Orlando? Then you should definitely consider visiting the Leu Garden.
Are you a nature lover? Then you may want to check our post about national parks near Key West, Florida.
Take A Relaxing Walk Around Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve
This list of relaxing things to do in Orlando couldn’t be complete without mentioning the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve dotted towering trees, captivating wildlife, and breathtaking views that will leave you in awe. The preserve stretches across 440 acres on the shore of Batler Lake and it’s home to several trails for trekking enthusiasts.
Bike The West Orange Trail
If you’re a fan of cycling, then the West Orange Trail has to be on your list. It’s the perfect place to hop on your bicycle and discover a new scenic trail. The trail spans over 22 miles and passes along different kinds of terrain, including pine forests, small towns, and a lot of lush greenery.
Go Tree Climbing At The Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park
The Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park is the perfet place to channer your inner Tarzan (or Jane depending how you feel like). With various levels of difficulty, from beginner to expert, this 15 acre outdoor adventure park offers elevated, outdoor obstacle course featuring zip lines, suspended bridges, nets & Tarzan swings.
Try Golfing At Eagle Creek Golf Club House
If you’re one of those people who find golf relaxing, you’ll be happy to hear about this place. Eagle Creek Golf Club is an eighteen-hole golf course located near Lake Nona measuring 7,200 yards, 5 par-5 holes and close to hundred bunkers, making it one of the largest ones in the area. After the game, you can relax and unwind at the clubhouse and toast to a day well spent.
Loosen Up At Winter Garden
And just so you think that our article isn’t only about nature and golfing, we decided to mention one of our favorite Orlando neighborhoods- the vibrant Winter Garden. It’s one of Orlando’s (metropolitan area) livelies and most charming parts offering a delightful mix of history, culture, and entertainment. Some of its highlights feature the farmer’s market, the historic Garden Theatre,The West Orange Trail , The Winter Garden Heritage Museum (that used to be a rail station) and of course the downtown historic district with a bunch of colonial buildings.
View the world’s Largest Collection Of Tiffany Glass
Prepare to be dazzled and immersed in artistic brilliance at the Charles Homer Morse Museum of American Art in Orlando! Step into a world where beauty meets craftsmanship and marvel at the world’s largest collection of Tiffany glass. Explore a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors and intricate designs that will leave you in awe. From stained glass windows to stunning lamps, each piece tells a mesmerizing story.
Beyond Tiffany, the museum showcases an array of American art, showcasing masterpieces that will ignite your imagination. Explore the gallery, soak up the creativity, and let your mind wander. It’s a truly relaxing and enriching experience that will leave you inspired and craving for more.
Ride The Largest Ferris Wheel On The East Coast
Another thing that Orlando is famous for is for being home to the largest Ferris wheel on the East Coast. The Orlando Eye Located at ICON Park is 400 feet tall and gives you a view of Orlando like no other. The ride takes about 20 minutes and it’s the perfect way to start or end your trip to Orlando.
Check Out Jack Kerouac’s House
If you’re looking for relaxing things to do in Orlando and you’re into literature, you really shouldn’t miss the chance to visit the house of the legendary Jack Kerouac’s. His house is turned into a small museum and is open to visitors who can step inside, see how he lived and learn more about his creative process and day-to-day life.
Explore Orlando’s Abandoned Attractions
I don’t want to make this article too long especially because we wrote a whole article about Orlando’s abandoned attractions. I’ll just mention it and leave it there and if you want to see which are some of the city’s most iconic abandoned attractions, you can check out our article in the link mentioned above.
Climb Up Orlando’s Iconic Gravity Hill
Last but not least, we round up this list of relaxing things to do in Orlando with the famous Gravity Hill a place that seamingly defies the laws of physics (at least at a first glimpse). What you see when you drive up the hill is climbing up while your car appears to roll backward, it’s a mind-boggling optical illusion that should definitely be added to your Orlando bucket list.
Did you like this list of relaxing things to do in Orlando? Did you ever do any of these? Do you think we forgot to include some other activities on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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