Orlando

Orlando’s slogan should be ‘It’s more than just Disneyland!’. Whilst The Happiest Place on Earth is the biggest drawcard to this part of Florida, there is so much more to it.

The other side of Orlando couldn’t be further from the face-paced, sugar-rushed, sensory-overload of its theme parks. Its peaceful, relaxed neighbourhoods focus on gardens and green spaces. Spend a day browsing quietly through their high quality museums, or relaxing in a public garden.

Catch one of the twice-daily carrillon concerts in Bok Tower Gardens, or go for a paddle along the wetlands of Wekiwa Springs State Park. For the kids there’s Legoland, and WonderWorks, or the very educational and very amusing Orlando Science Centre.

If SeaWorld has whet your whistle for some aquatic activity, head to Discovery Cove. Snorkel over a reef with its resident rays and fishes, relax on the white sand beaches, and float along the river which runs through an aviary. Then head over to Orlando Wetlands Park to see alligators, deers, birds, and their other native animal friends in their natural habitat.

For more adult attractions there’s the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts, Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, and the Orlando Musum of Art.