Orlando is probably best know for its theme parks, but there's more to it than that. Within a few hours drive or less, visitors to Orlando can see beaches, forests, and so much more.

Beaches Near Orlando

The closest beach to Orlando is Cocoa Beach, about 45 minutes away on the Atlantic coast. In the opposite direction, on the Gulf of Mexico which offers up pristine sand and crystal clear water. Other possibilities for a day trip are Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach, which are located on the Atlantic coast and just a short drive from Orlando.

Day Trips Beyond Beaches

Besides beaches, visitors should know that there are other points of interest located within a stone's throw of Orlando. Located just north of Cocoa Beach, Kennedy Space Center is NASA's space shuttle launch headquarters, set on a wildlife refuge eight times the size of Manhattan.

Other day trips include Silver Springs, located about an hour and a half northwest. Silver Springs is famous for its glass bottom boat tours, which showcase underwater springs, a variety of fish, and even alligators, including the two albino alligators located there. Just outside of Silver Springs is Ocala National Forest, the largest sand pine forest in the world, and a great place to take day trips in Orlando for visitors who want to go fishing, hiking, or canoeing.

Whether visitors are interested in beaches, hiking, space travel, or something else entirely, there's something they'll love near Orlando. Its location in the center of Florida makes it the perfect place from which to explore the rest of the state. No matter where visitors decide to go on a day trip during their visit, they're sure to have a wonderful time.

See Orlando and Beyond for Less

Visit OrlandoTravelHotels.com to find great deals on flights, hotels and more.  See all that Orlando and the surrounding area has to offer the entire family.  Visit beaches, attractions, etc. and see why Orlando is one of the top destinations in the world!

 

Orlando is a vibrant and fascinating city, but it's best known for its theme parks. For some, they can be overwhelming or one may just desire to get away from the city for a little while. Day trips can be an inexpensive way to inject some adventure into the daily routine without jetting off on an expensive vacation.

The area surrounding Orlando is brimming with fun and interesting outings for those looking to get away for the day.

Spend the Day with Astronauts

Less than an hour from Orlando is Titusville, where Floridians can get a taste of the life of an astronaut. This town has offered some of the best views of a shuttle launch. Even if it is not launch day, head over to the Kennedy Space Center to take a tour. This is the best way to learn about NASA and the astronauts.

Journey to the Center of the Earth

Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park in Gainesville has fascinated curious tourists since the 1880s. This bowl-shaped hole in the earth leads to a rainforest and sinkhole. Small streams trickle down into the chasm where researchers have found fossilized marine life and continue to learn about the pre-historic world. Visitors to the park can hike through the lush forests, enjoy a picnic, and learn more about the sink hole through various displays at the park.

Florida’s Peaceful Beach

Flagler Beach sits on an island between the Atlantic and Intracoastal Waterway not far from Orlando. The town is popular with fisherman and those who enjoy a good farmer’s market. The charming town offers relaxation to anyone looking to escape city life for the day.

Day trips are a fantastic way to let go of stress and enjoy the area outside of town. Certainly, Orlando has a lot to offer, but sometimes it is necessary to just set out and discover something new.

Visit OrlandoTravelHotels.com to plan your trip in and around Orlando or all over the great Sunshine State.  You'll find guaranteed low prices on hotel rooms and great deals on flights, rental cars and more.  Use OrlandoTravelHotels.com to learn more about wonderful day trips originating from Orlando.
 

Many travelers make the mistake of only planning the destination, the hotel, the airfare, and the entertainment. As if that was not enough, it’s also important to know how to get around the destination city because getting lost or getting the car booted can put a major damper on any trip. When it comes to Orlando travel, it’s important to take parking and driving into consideration.

A GPS Can Help, But….

GPS tools are great, but it is important to have a little independence from electronic devices. Orlando is a city that is still growing and developing, and many GPS devices do not accurately represent numerous construction areas and detours. Similarly, programs do not always reflect existing roads such as one way streets. These can be a nightmare for tourists, so it is important for a navigator to be familiar with the ins and outs of the necessary city streets.

Have Money for Tolls

Orlando is one of the many cities that employ toll roads. These toll roads, like any major roadway, can become a mess at certain hours. It is important to keep these busy hours in mind and keep some change on hand if toll roads are in the cards for your Orlando trip. Like the other cities, business still goes on regardless of family vacations, so work-related traffic cannot always be avoided.

Orlando Pay to Park Lots

Improper parking is a serious offense in Orlando. The tourist-driven areas have a number of pay-to-park lots that have an all day fee, but the fees can get pricey if you do not plan to spend more than an hour or two in that area. Even so, these small lots are often the fastest and easiest ways to grab a spot. There are parking garages, but it is important to note the hours and the charge to prevent overcharging or being trapped in.

Leave the Travel Plans to OTH

You worry about the roads and directions and let OrlandoTravelHotels.com (OTH) worry with finding you the best pricing on hotels, flights, etc.  Find the perfect hotel closest to your destination or let OTH suggest other hotels for you based on price or location.

Orlando travel can be exciting, but getting caught in traffic or ticketed for a parking violation can somewhat taint the memories. Keeping traffic and parking in mind when planning your vacation is as important as finding the best flight or hotel room.
 

When people think of taking a trip to Orlando, the first thing that comes to mind is Disney World and several other theme parks. However, there are many interesting and exciting things to do in the city besides Disney World and these other parks.

Great Museums and Exhibits in Orlando

Because it is so big, there are countless opportunities for entertainment. There really is a little something for everyone in this bustling, Central Florida city. It is a great place to travel to for people who love to spend time in museums. Some of the best museums in the area are the Orlando Science Center, the Mennello Museum of Art, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

These museums have all different kinds of paintings and exhibits. Tours of the museums are offered daily and are very reasonably priced. In addition to the many great and educational museums, the city is also in close proximity to several beaches.

Great Beaches Close to Orlando

Favorite Central Florida beaches include Daytona Beach, Cocoa Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Canaveral National Seashore, and Melbourne Beach. All five of these places are very nice destinations for families to spend a fun afternoon in the sun. It is very common for both locals and tourists to be spending their days on a nearby beach. Other fun things to do in the area include the John F. Kennedy Space Center and the Holy Land Experience.

Great Restaurants in Orlando

There is no shortage of dining opportunities in and around Orlando.  You will find restaurants for any budget.  Some good restaurants in the city are Chathams Place Restaurant, Zenzi, the Palm Restaurant, and Pearl Steakhouse.

Great Travel Deals to Orlando

OrlandoTravelHotels.com is the best web site to visit when planning your trip to Orlando or anywhere else for that matter.  You’ll find savings on flights and hotels, plus find valuable information on all things related to Orlando and Central Florida.

Because there are so many things to do in the Orlando area, it’s a great vacation destination for people looking to get away and relax. It is by far one of the best cities to travel to in the Southeastern part of the United States.
 

Planning a family vacation to Orlando and looking for some kid-friendly activities? There are many fun things to do in Orlando that will make your trip unforgettable.   Here’s a list of 10 ideas to get you started:

1. Start your vacation by getting wet. Take the kids for a swim with the dolphins at Discovery Cove and make a memory that will last a lifetime.
2. Visit one of the local water parks to splash in the rapids and ride the tidal waves.
3. Make a quick trip over to Cocoa Beach to play in the ocean and enjoy the beautiful sand.
4. After you dry off, spend some time learning about nature and the world around us. Begin your discovery with a variety of animal attractions. The Animal Kingdom, Dinosaur World, Gatorland and SeaWorld all offer unique, kid-friendly learning experiences about animals of yesterday and today.
5. Visit the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens to find out about the flora and fauna of the region.
6. Check out the Orlando Science Center for interactive exhibits that are sure to “wow” all of the members of your family.
7. For some good old-fashioned entertainment, a spirited round of miniature golf will excite the young and the young at heart.
8. Head over to the Orlando Public Children’s Library for fun-filled story times, games and activities.
9. A list of things to do in Orlando wouldn’t be complete without including the world renowned theme parks. Kid-friendly play areas, rides and attractions combined with your youngsters’ favorite characters will delight at Universal Studios.
10. Last but not least, Disney World offers families a truly magical time, from fireworks and parades to sightings and pictures with your child’s favorite personality, whether it is a princess, a pirate or that lovable mouse. 

Find Travel Deals to Orlando

OrlandoTravelHotels.com is the online site to visit to find great deals on flights, hotels, and more.  You’ll also find helpful information on area restaurants, shopping, and other things to do in and around Orlando.

It’s no wonder Orlando is a top destination for families.  There are tons of kid-friendly things to do and just as many adult-friendly too!
 

First, Orlando surpassed Las Vegas as the top tourist destination and now Orlando has dethroned Vegas in another category, Most Popular Spring Break Travel Destination for 2011.  These results are according to an Orbitz survey.

Last year, Orlando ranked #5 so it looks like it wasn’t just Las Vegas that was surpassed.  Perhaps Orlando came out tops in this survey because it is a family-friendly location.  Not all Spring break travelers are college kids looking for the next beach keg party. In fact, the survey indicates 88% of the respondents try to avoid popular Spring break locations for the college-age group.

The fact is, four Florida locations ended up in the top ten of this list.  Of course, Miami/Fort Lauderdale made it, but Fort Myers and Tampa also are hot destinations this Spring break.

If Orlando Doesn’t Have It, It’s Close By

Orlando pretty much has it all.  You can find the world’s greatest theme parks, sporting venues, recreational opportunities, and oh yeah, you are within easy driving distance to beaches not just the Atlantic Ocean, but the Gulf of Mexico too.  Pick your beautiful poison on this one.

Many cruise lines call Port Canaveral home and you can fly into Orlando International Airport and catch a shuttle over to set sail for an exotic location.  Check out the newest ship in Disney’s fleet, the Disney Dream.  I hear it really is a dream of a ship.

For sports enthusiasts, the Orlando area is home for spring training to many Major League Baseball teams.  The Atlanta Braves, Houston Astros, and New York Yankees are just a few of the teams you can see play while you are in town.

It’s no wonder that Orlando came out on top in this survey.  There are just so many different things to do and enjoy. Regardless of age, you can have a great time in Orlando -  not just in the Spring, but any time of the year.  

Save on Spring Break Travel

Visit OrlandoTravelHotels.com to find savings on all your Spring break travel needs.  Great pricing on hotels, flights, cruises, rental cars, and more are right at your fingertips.  Let OrlandoTravelHotels.com do the work so you can enjoy a relaxing time in Orlando or anywhere else in Florida.
 

Orlando is a top destination for many reasons.  The good weather, theme parks, and recreational opportunities are abundant.  The animals are too.  The Orlando and Central Florida areas have some great animal attractions.  Check out this list of some of the main animal attractions in the area:

1.    Discovery Cove – my personal favorite is Discovery Cove.  Not only do you have an opportunity to swim with the dolphins, you can mingle with manta rays, tropical fish, and exotic birds.

2.    Central Florida Zoo – the Central Florida Zoo is not only exotic, it’s educational too.  You’ll find all sorts of animals plus the opportunity to learn about them and their native habitat.

3.    Animal Kingdom – at Animal Kingdom you see lots of animals and have opportunities for interacting with them.  The largest animal-themed park in the world, Animal Kingdom is home to more than 1,700 animals from 250 species.

4.    SeaWorld -   Shamu awaits you as do exciting rides.  In addition to Shamu, you can see manatees, penguins, turtles, and more.

5.    Gatorland – what is visiting Florida without the opportunity to experience alligators up close and personal?  You’ll see rare alligators plus crocodiles, exotic wildlife, and more.

If you are visiting the Orlando area, don’t miss the opportunity to visit these and other great animal attractions in the vicinity.  They offer a great experience for the entire family.

Save Money on Travel to Orlando

Plan your family vacation now to experience all the animal attractions Orlando area has to offer.  OrlandoTravelHotels.com will make sure you experience savings on your travel needs.  Save money on hotels, flights, rental cars, and more. 
 

With the winter the entire country has seen, we’re all ready to see some warmer weather.  Swing into spring by heading to Florida to enjoy some fine baseball spring training.

Many major league baseball teams conduct spring training in Florida. Spring training begins in mid-February so plan your trip now to find some warmth and see some great preseason games. 

Cacti and Grapefruits

For spring training, teams are divided into two leagues, the Cactus League and the Grapefruit League.  Generally, the Grapefruit League trains in Florida and the Cactus League teams train in Arizona.

Visit Orlando for Great Baseball Games and Attractions

Take a trip to Orlando and catch several preseason games plus be able to enjoy all the other attractions, theme parks, etc., that the Orlando area has to offer.

Here are some of the locations for those Grapefruit League teams training close to Orlando, Florida:

Kissimmee (Walt Disney World) – Atlanta Braves
Kissimmee (Osceola County Stadium) – Houston Astros
Tampa – New York Yankees
Lakeland – Detroit Tigers
Dunedin – Toronto Blue Jays
Clearwater – Philadelphia Phillies
Viera – Washington Nationals

Swing Into Saving Money on Travel

OrlandoTravelHotels.com is the place to go to find travel deals on flights, hotel rooms, rental cars, and more.  You can even search for hotels located near the address of any baseball practice field in any city!

Find plenty of things to do in addition to seeing some baseball action while in the Orlando area.  Now, batter up!
 

Virtuoso, a leading luxury travel network, has released their Virtuoso Luxe Report for 2011.  To those of us who love all things Orlando, it is no surprise that Orlando landed at number 5 on the Top 10 U.S. Travel Destinations for 2011.

Perhaps more telling into this ranking is another ranking.  Virtuoso rates the number one biggest travel trend emerging in 2011 as family and multi-generational travel.  Orlando is the perfect destination for both of these groups.

Big Happenings in Orlando

It’s no secret the theme parks located in and around Orlando are big draws for the area.  Travelers will find new additions to parks such as Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal and plans for revamping existing attractions such as Fantasyland will keep travelers coming back.

More to Orlando Than Just Theme Parks

Orlando has so much to offer in addition to theme parks and attractions.  You will find fantastic options for restaurants and shopping.  Orlando is conveniently located to some of the most beautiful beaches anywhere and near Port Canaveral, home port to many of popular cruise lines.

Make your travel plans to Orlando to see why it is ranked in the Top 10 of US travel destinations.  OrlandoTravelHotels.com offers savings on flights, hotels, and more.  Book your reservations now from anywhere in the world to travel to Orlando and experience all this area has to offer you and your family.
 

NASA and Gowalla have teamed together to encourage people to “check in” at NASA- affiliated locations to find virtual items such as a moon rock, NASA patch, spacesuit, and a space shuttle.  Gowalla is a location-based social outlet that allows users to check-in at locations on their smart phones. 

 

 

 

Calling All Space Cadets

Let the space cadet in you come out and take part in this unique type of scavenger hunt.  You can find moon rocks by checking into any location where a real one is on display.  These samples were brought back to Earth during several of the Apollo missions. 

Find other items by checking into any of the NASA visitor centers, agency-related location, or one of the more than 400 locations that are part of NASA’s Museum Alliance.  Add astronaut Mike Massimino and NASA to your Gowalla connections.  Massimino will be using his Gowalla account to drop these special items around the country.

Start You Space Odyssey in Florida

Collect any three of the NASA items and you will get the NASA pin.  If you are one of the first 100 to get the NASA pin, you’ll win a special edition of the NASA/Gowalla map.

Search for the Moon Rocks

What better place to start checking in than the Kennedy Space Center in Florida?  Catch a flight into Orlando and take the short drive over to the Space Coast to start collecting your items. Find great deals on hotels, flights, and more at OrlandoTravelHotels.com.  Save money on your travel and start checking in through Gowalla to get all your NASA items.
 

Space shuttle Discovery has made more successful missions than any other orbiter in NASA’s fleet.  Sadly, it is about to make its last mission trip on November 1, 2010.  This flight will mark the end of not only Discovery but the entire space shuttle Orbiter line.  Don’t miss this historic event.  Make your travel plans now to see liftoff, currently slated for 4:40pm EST.

Kennedy Space Center is a Short Drive from Orlando

Orlando International Airport is within easy driving distance to Kennedy Space Center (KSC).  Rent a car and you will have less than an hour drive.  KSC offers tickets for sale at three locations near the launch site.  If there are no tickets available, there are many other locations located nearby that offer wonderful launch viewing spots.  There are also many hotels in Orlando and near the Space Coast that offer savings during your stay for the launch.

Don’t Miss the Last Discovery Mission

Don’t miss the last launch of Discovery.  Book your travel the smart way through OrlandoTravelHotels.com.  You’ll find real savings on flights, hotels, and more when making your reservations through OrlandoTravelHotels.com.  You’ll also find listings of restaurants and shopping in the area.  Save on your travel needs and experience history being made with Discovery’s last mission.
 

There is a little well-known secret close to Orlando and it is called Mount Dora.  Mount Dora is one of those hidden jewels you find every so often while you are vacationing in an area.  Fly into Orlando and rent a car for a lovely little jaunt over to Mount Dora. Located on Lake Dora, Mount Dora is less than 30 miles from Orlando and will be one of the quaintest towns you’ve ever visited.

Unique Shopping, Dining, and Special Events

You will find streets lined with unique shopping ranging from antiques to the eclectic.  There are many dining options to fill any craving you might have during your visit.  Mount Dora is home to many famous special events during the year including the nationally-ranked Annual Arts Festival (February) and Annual Craft Fair (October).

Mount Dora Day Trip or Overnight Stays

You will find many hotel and other lodging options in and around Mount Dora.  OrlandoTravelHotels.com will help you find budget-priced hotel or bed and breakfast options, car rental deals, and more.  Need a flight to Orlando?  Check out OrlandoTravelHotels.com for the latest deals on airfare.  Book your airfare and hotel at the same time and save an average of $525 on your travel.  Pack that bag with comfortable clothes and walking shoes and enjoy some time strolling through the streets of lovely Mount Dora.
 

Get ready for the 25th Annual National Kidney Foundation (NKF) Pro Am Surf Festival in Cocoa Beach, FL.  Cocoa Beach is just a short drive from Orlando and it’s not too late to find budget-saving travel deals to the festival.  The festivities begin September 2 and continue through September 6.

Surfing for a Great Cause

The NKF Pro Am Surf Festival has raised a lot of money over the years, over four million dollars to be exact, and the money goes toward patient programs provided by NKF of Florida.  It is the largest charity surfing competition in the world and is attended by thousands of surfing enthusiasts each year.

A Fantastic Way to Spend Labor Day

There are many fun-filled activities leading up to the surfing finals on Monday, September 6th.  Of course you will want to see all the surfing leading up to the finals but you can also participate in the luau, silent auction, hear lots of great music, and sample foods from some of the area’s finest restaurants.

Make Your Last Minute Travel Plans Now

Use OrlandoTravelHotels.com to make all your travel arrangements to the NKF Pro Am Surf Festival.  Whether you choose to fly in/out of Orlando International Airport, Orlando-Sanford International Airport, or Melbourne International Airport, you will find great prices on flights, hotels, and car rentals.  Make your travel plans now and don’t forget to bring your surf board!
 

Busch Gardens  has a little bit of everything.  Maybe that’s one of the reasons it is one of the more popular attractions in Central Florida.  Located just an hour from Orlando in Tampa Bay, Busch Gardens can make a great day trip  from Orlando or a destination for a few days of vacation. 

Rides, Rhinos, and Restaurants

I think one of the most amazing things about Busch Gardens is the number and range of exotic animals that call it home.  Interacting with animals ranging from Bengal tigers to rhinos, you will feel as though you are in the middle of an African safari. 

Busch Gardens has thrilling rides and many opportunities for animal interactions.  My favorite ride is SheiKra, the floorless rollercoaster, but you will find all sorts of rides to meet varying levels of daredevilry. 

Jungala offers the opportunity for up-close interactions with beautiful animals as well as a ride through the rainforest.  There is no doubt all the exhilaration created with a trip to Busch Gardens will leave you with quite the appetite.  Have no fear because you will have many restaurant  options to keep your energy level up.

Memories of a Lifetime

There is little doubt that you will be able to create memories of a lifetime with a visit to Busch Gardens.  Take advantage of unbeatable savings  on flights  and hotel  accommodations in the Central Florida area by booking your travel through OrlandoTravelHotels.com .  You can find hotels conveniently located to Bush Gardens or anywhere else for that matter.  Book your travel  now and see all the Busch Gardens has to offer.    

 

 

Experience the beautiful natural habitat of Florida firsthand by taking a trip to Forever Florida and participate in Florida EcoSafaris.  Florida EcoSafaris will put you up close and personal to many of the incredible wildlife, streams, and wetlands found in the Sunshine State.

Take a Break from the Theme Parks

We all know the theme parks  in Orlando are a huge draw for tourism.  However, there are so many wonderful things to experience in Florida, and you should take a short drive over to St. Cloud and spend the day at Florida EcoSafaris.  Florida EcoSafaris is one of the great day trips  available to you when vacationing in Orlando.

An Unforgettable Journey

Choose from three fully-guided safaris or experience all of them.

• Zipline Safari – strap up and hang on as you zip along cables at up to 25 mph and up to 55 feet in height.  This two-and-a-half hour tour allows you to soar over wetlands, view native wildlife, and experience the ecology of Florida.  This is a great choice of safaris for the thrill seeker.  You can even take the safari at night on the Starlight and Moonlight Zipline Safaris.  Florida residents receive special discounts through August 15, 2010.
• Coach Safari – this two-hour safari is a bit tamer and more relaxing.  You will traverse through the 4,700 acre Forever Florida wildlife conservation area.  See nine different ecosystems and many of Florida’s most prized flora and fauna.
• Horseback Safari – saddle up and move ‘em out and choose from a one, two, or three hour safari on horseback.  Ride through incredible ecosystems and on historic trails dating back to the 1500’s.

When making your travel  plans for a trip to Orlando, be sure to include time for a safari, Florida-style.  You will be exposed to some of the incredible ecosystems native to the state. 

Book your travel needs through OrlandoTravelHotels.com .  Save on average of $535 when making your flight  and hotel  reservations together.  Look for the yellow save  tag for hotels offering guaranteed rates.

 

 

You might be surprised to learn that the town of Ocala, just a short drive north of Orlando, is known at the horse capital of the world.  Horseback riding probably isn’t the first thing that springs to your mind when you think about Orlando.  I was the same way until I took my first Florida horseback ride at Horse World Riding Stables .  You can horseback ride in breathtaking scenery and get away from all the stresses of everyday life.  Horse World is located just south of Orlando, FL in the Walt Disney World Resort  area.

Horseback Rides for All Levels of Riders

Horse World Riding Stables offers three levels of guided trail rides.  I grew up around horses and have always enjoyed riding.  I never considered that upon moving to Florida, I could find such a wonderful, convenient place to continue my love of horseback riding.  Horse World not only provides a great setting for riding, they also provide a safe haven for abused and neglected horses.  They rescue horses and give them a safe home for rehabilitation. Anyone that helps animals is okay in my book.

Dust Off Those Chaps for Your Trip to Orlando

Your visit to Orlando can now include horseback riding along with visiting the beaches , theme parks , or any of the other great things to do  you can find in and around Orlando.  So dust off those chaps and get to OrlandoTravelHotels.com  to make your travel reservations today.

 

 

While there are plenty of things to do in Orlando, there are some wonderful top destinations within driving distance. Rent a car and take a couple of day trips while you are in town.