Hearing the word ‘Orlando’, it’s impossible not to think of Walt Disney World and similar attractions; after all, this is the world capital of theme parks. But in actual fact, there’s an awful lot more to the US city of Orlando than white-knuckle rides.
Indeed, it’s a particularly great destination for couples hoping to get away from it all and relax – as odd as that may sound to people who are only familiar with its many hectic theme parks. This is because, as well as Orlando’s characteristic sunshine, there is a wealth of natural landscapes to enjoy, not to mention cultural attractions to discover.
Of course, as with many destinations in America, having your own set of wheels is by far the best way to get between the unsung heroes of Orlando’s tourist offerings – and you can find out more about hiring a car on this website. But for now, here are a few ideas for your relaxing break to get you started.
Everglades National Park
Few places seem further removed from theme park rides and costumed characters than the Everglades National Park. The largest subtropical wilderness in the US, this park boasts a remarkable landscape that is not only a real joy to explore, but a truly exciting one too.
Spanning 1.5 million acres, the park is an International Biosphere Reserve, a Wetland of International Importance and a World Heritage Site, and you can explore it by boat, canoeing, hiking and cycling, to name but a few of your options.
Hiking is a particularly fun way to get around, as it gives you the freedom to go at your own pace. Just be sure to bring plenty of water with you, as well as sun protection. Once you’re ready to go, you’ll find there are numerous trails to choose from. A nice short option is the West Lake Trail, which is a self-guided boardwalk trail through a white mangrove forest.
Lake Eola Park
Located in the heart of downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park is another great place to relax. Since it is situated in amongst business and retail districts, it’s a lovely spot for a quick break in between sightseeing or shopping – you’ll find it’s perfect for picnics.
It’s worth bearing in mind that there’s typically lots going on in the park, which can make a visit here all the more interesting. For example, you could swing by here on a Sunday to take a stroll around the farmers market together. The amphitheatre, meanwhile, regularly hosts plays and concerts, so see whether anything will be on during your stay in Orlando.
Wekiwa Springs State Park
Wekiwa Springs State Park is an absolutely beautiful place to relax – and the locals know it. Indeed, it gets very busy at weekends, so it’s best to come here during the week if you can – but doing so is well worth it, as there’s a huge array of activities to choose from. Of course, you can always just relax and enjoy the scenery if you prefer!
Among the options are hiking, cycling and horse riding, while you can make the most of the Wekiwa River by going canoeing or kayaking if you prefer. It’s worth bearing in mind there’s a campground here too, so if you like the sound of sleeping beneath the stars, this could be the place for you.
