Although it’s known for its theme parks and sunshine, Orlando has so much more to offer than most people realize. While you can certainly spend every weekend hitting up Mickey and Minnie, you’d be missing out on some of the city’s coolest gems. Here are 10 fun facts about Orlando that’ll make you want to get outside and explore the city.
1. Disney World was not Orlando’s first theme park
Opened in 1949, Gatorland was Orlando’s first and original theme park. Today, it is the self-proclaimed gator capital of the world and boasts adrenaline-fueled rides like a 350-foot zip line that soars over a pit of 100+ alligators.
If you’re not up for that much excitement, you can sit back and watch a gator wrestling show or take a nighttime educational tour where you can (safely) feed alligators. Are you more into amusement parks? Check out one of Orlando’s other exciting theme parks.
2. The Citrus Tower was Orlando’s original attraction
Much like Gatorland was the original theme park in this city, the Citrus Tower offered residents and visitors a place to enjoy a panoramic view of Orlando before theme parks took over the town. Built in 1956, the Citrus Tower stretches some 22 stories (226 feet) into the sky, and its glass-enclosed observation deck allows you to see all of Orlando and beyond.
3. Florida’s largest library lives here
Spanning some 290,000 square feet, the Orlando Public Library is the largest public library building in the state of Florida. The current building is a combination of the original building, which was closed in 1966 and renovated, and the new expansion.
The new and improved library opened to the public in 1986 and fills an entire city block. The library offers free, daily courses, including those on sewing, Microsoft Excel, and art. It also hosts live music for kids, book clubs, and writers’ circles. It goes without saying, there’s plenty to do at the largest library in Florida.
4. There’s a secret boat tour of the Winter Park Chain of Lakes
Well, maybe you’re in the know and have already heard of it, but this boat ride is still one of Orlando’s best-kept secrets. Grab some friends and hop on this 18-seater pontoon that boards at Lake Osceola. The hours-long guided boat tour cruises through three of the seven lakes plus two canals on the Winter Park chain. When you’re done with the tour, you’ll be in one of Orlando’s best neighborhoods, so grab a drink and a bite to eat in Winter Park.
5. Amway Center is green
Well, not the color green, but the type of green that makes it the NBA’s first LEED-certified arena. Amway Center, home to the Orlando Magic basketball team and the Orlando Solar Bears — an affiliate of the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning — uses 20% less energy and 40% less water than an arena similar in size.
It also features recycling bins, ultra-low-flow toilets, and systems to treat storm runoff before it can pollute nearby lakes. The LEED-certified Amway Center’s is just another fun thing to explore in Orlando!
6. Orlando has nearly 100 parks
While we’re, unfortunately, not talking about theme parks, Orlando still has more than its fair share of Orange County’s 100 recreational parks. From lakeside spots to athletic fields, the parks and recreation department in Orlando boasts some incredible, public spaces. Check out Lake Eola Park, one of the more popular ones in the city, or head to the dog park located at Barber Park.
Be sure to spend some time exploring the newly renovated 1920s Estate House at Cypress Grove Park. It’s located right on Lake Jessamine and has become a local hot spot for weddings and special events. This means you’ll have all the outdoor space you need to meet your fitness goals or to enjoy a breath of fresh air when you need it.
7. The Orlando Wetlands is home to endangered and threatened wildlife
In Orlando, you can find 30 different species found on the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Threatened and Endangered Wildlife list. Head to the Orlando Wetlands Park, located in Christmas, Florida, just east of Orlando proper, and you’ll be in for a treat. A visit to the park might give way to bald eagle, limpkin, red-shouldered hawk, white ibis, black-crowned night heron, and black vulture sightings.
8. Orlando is an up-and-coming restaurant scene
Orlando has slowly been earning a reputation as a trendy restaurant scene. Top-rated restaurants like Doshi and AVA MediterrAegean are worth trying soon. If you’re looking for something delicious and different, Orlando also has its fair share of unique spots. Cafe Tu Tu Tango and Hash House A Go Go are both spots you’ll love taking visitors to once you’re living in Orlando.
While the city is definitely busy during the day, it comes to life with bright lights at night too. The famous City Beautiful is home to the vibrant, colorful Ferris wheel, perfect for a late after-dinner stroll.
9. Orlando has a thriving nightlife
When you think of the best nightlife scenes in the country, Orlando may not be the first to come to mind. But spots like EVE Orlando and the Red Coconut Club are changing that. Universal City Walk is also a popular place to spend weekends among other residents looking to have a good time.
10. The city is within driving distance of beaches
Orlando is well-known for its theme parks, but most people know that it’s landlocked. Yet, some of the best beaches are within a short drive from Orlando, including Clearwater Beach and Cocoa Beach. You can easily enjoy a beach weekend while living in Orlando. If you don’t feel like driving all the way to the beach, there are also ample pools to cool off from the Florida heat.
Did these Orlando fun facts whet your city appetite? Get a head start on your apartment search and find the perfect place in Orlando; you’ll be out there exploring in no time.
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