Orlando, FL, and its surroundings are so much more than just theme parks. There are so much beauty and nature that most visitors don’t even know about. When we visited Orlando, our main goal was to find unique things to do and explore all the off-the-beaten paths After multiple trips and tons of exploring, we have compiled a list of all the fun and unique things you can do near Orlando. They are all less than 1-hour drive. The list order is based on the distance of the activity from downtown Orlando.
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1. Wekiwa Springs State Park
16 miles | Apopka, FL
Wekiwa Springs State Park is a bit of a secret local spot for Orlando residents. Its stunning natural setting makes it feels like you’re in another world. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or simply someone who loves to unwind and take in nature’s captivating wonders, there’s no shortage of recreational activities here to suit your interests. From swimming and snorkeling to paddling, hiking, or biking, there’s something for everyone at Wekiwa Springs State Park
2. Go Tubing at Kelly Park Rock Springs
25 miles | Apopka, FL
The Rock Springs at Kelly Park is nature’s perfect lazy river. The tranquil stream is a popular destination for both locals and visitors who desire to indulge in a tubing adventure in its refreshingly cool waters. The thing that sets this particular spring run apart is its crystal clear water and the fact that it meanders through a lush tropical landscape that creates a sense of being in a bona fide island oasis. The beauty of the vibrant tropical foliage encompasses the riverbanks making it an incredibly scenic and tranquil spot.
3. Drive Your Own Catboat with Catboat Escapes
29 miles | Clermont, FL
If you’re looking for something unique, this is it. So what is a catboat? Catboat is a small catamaran-style boat that looks like two surfboards put together with an outboard motor. The boat only fits two people. And the only place that offers a tour for this is in Clermont, FL with Catboat Escapes. It was super fun. We got to speed through the multiple Clermont lakes and also snaked through the narrow passages of the crooked river and cypress tree. It was not only exciting but also a very unique thing to do near Orlando.
4. Go On an Airboat Ride
32 miles | Saint Cloud, FL
If you want to experience Florida’s Everglades or to see the alligators and other native wildlife in the wild, airboat rides are a super fun way to do so. If you’re not sure what the heck are airboats, well, they are these unique machines that are capable of gliding over almost anything on the water. There are a few options for tours but Wild Willy’s Airboat Tours stood out to us as one of the best airboat rides in Orlando. We had a blast with them.
5. Visit Blue Spring State Parks Bridge Trail
35 miles | Orange City, FL
Only 35 miles from Orlando, Blue Spring State Park is one of our favorite Florida parks and springs. Depending on what you want to do, there are two main seasons here. In the summer, from April to October, most water activities are available. So, if you want to go tubing, swimming, snorkeling, diving, paddling, etc., then go in the summer. In the winter, from November to March, the spring will be closed to all water activities. However, you’ll get to see hundreds of manatees, lounging around in the spring. These beautiful manatees are protected. They also offer eco-tour here if you’re interested.
6. Spending a Few Days on a Tiny Houseboat
40 miles | DeLand, FL
This is hands down one of our favorite and unique things that we did near Orlando. There is nothing like spending a few nights on a tiny houseboat in the middle of the wilderness! And you also get to drive this cute little vintage boat along the beautiful St. John River. It was similar to camping in a camper van but on the water. Not only do you get to see the breathtaking scenery, and drive through beautiful narrow waterways but you also get lulled to sleep by the sounds of the wilderness.
7. Kayaking on Bioluminescence Water
40 miles | Titusville, FL
Did you know that Mosquito Lagoon in Titusville, FL is 1 of the only 5 bioluminescent bays in the world? The water here is home to the Cone Jellyfish (jelly-like sea creatures that glow in the water) and Dinoflagellates (bioluminescent plankton). This means the water glows in the dark. And guess what? You can kayak out to the middle of it. It was such a mind-blowing experience to see the water glows as you paddle along Mosquito Lagoon. If you’re up for a unique adventure near Orlando, this is it.
BONUS ADVENTURES
These unique things to do is a bit further from Orlando.
However, they are very fun to do so we decided to add them on here as a bonus.
8. Kayaking at Silver Springs
85 miles | Silver Springs, FL
Silver Springs in Florida is one of America’s largest springs. Besides its crystal clear water, Silver Springs also has a vast variety of plants and wildlife and an interesting ecosystem of rivers and channels. It is, in our opinion, one of the most beautiful places to go kayaking in Florida. It is because a big part of the trail is narrow waterways cradled in between big canopies of trees. The water also has a wonderful teal color. Once you’re done with kayaking, don’t forget to stop by Silver Springs State Park. It is a beautiful park with tons of trails.
9. Tubing down Rainbow River
95.5 miles | Dunnellon, FL
Tubing! We love tubing! And tubing down Rainbow River was definitely one of the highlights when we visited Florida. This is a popular thing to do here in Central Florida and for good reason. It was such a refreshing and relaxing experience. Since the current is slow, it’ll give you plenty of time to enjoy the crystal-clear water and the abundance of wildlife.
10. Gatorland
18 miles | Orlando, FL
So…we were debating whether we should include Gatorland on this list. Yes, we know, no theme parks … and that’s why it’s under the bonus list. To be honest, we were skeptical when we first visited Gatorland. It’s just another theme park, right? Well.. yeah. Is it gimmicky? In a way yes. However, we surprisingly enjoyed our time there. Everyone there was super nice. There are also tons of info about alligators and crocodiles. Do we still get scared by them? Heck yeah! Have you seen a giant alligator, eyeing you through a crack between the boards of a wooden boardwalk? That was creepy for sure. But we learned a lot about them and we were able to appreciate the majestic creatures. In other words, go if you haven’t already! Especially if you have younger children.
Happy Adventuring. Don’t forget to check out the related posts below for more inspiration on your upcoming adventures. While you’re at it, go follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our Youtube channel! We’ll love you forever!
These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.
adventure gear
Good hiking shoes are recommended on these adventures. Vy uses the Merrell Women’s Moab 2 hiking boots
Good hiking shoes with good traction are best. Dustin’s shoes are Targhee III Waterproof
There isn’t a lot of shade in the desert. Make sure to use lots of sunscreens! We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, Stream2Sea SPF 30.
Face sunscreen is also important. We love these tinted, organic All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter.
You should bring plenty of water on your hikes. Vy loves the Camelback L.U.X.E.
For shorter hikes, the Patagonia Women’s Nine Trails Pack 18L is perfect to hold water and your essentials.
If you want something lighter, we love the packable Patagonia Women’s Houdini® Jacket and Patagonia Men’s Houdini® Jacket
other things to bring
Lunch and snacks are recommended for longer hikes. For healthy and easy snacks, check out some of our recipes.
camera gear
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