Orlando, also known as the City Beautiful, attracts visitors with sunny weather and well-known theme parks. However, this place has so much more to offer to travelers. From an incredible art scene to some of the best restaurants in Florida, Orlando is the perfect place to recharge your batteries and learn about the culture.
The city might be an excellent location for a family vacation, thanks to Disneyland and Universal Park, but solo travelers can still find other things to do around here. So if you are visiting Orlando on your own, here is the list of things to check out during your stay!
Spend an afternoon at Harry P. Leu Gardens
Harry P. Leu Gardens is a lovely spot in the heart of Orlando, ideal for some alone time. The size of the garden allows you to explore and experience the unique landscape. Visitors can see plants characteristic of this part of the United States. But the best part is the section with flowers from all around the globe. After all, Mr. and Mrs. Harry P. Leu traveled quite a bit and often brought seeds from far away countries with them.
Speaking of the Leu family, visitors may experience the Florida life from the turn of the century at the Leu House Museum. The house has been renovated, but still has authentic furniture on the inside. The Leu House Museum has been in the National Register of Historic Places since 1994.
Enter the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Theme parks are for solo travelers too, especially the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. If you are a fan of the series, you shouldn’t miss out on exploring this place. Just like in the books, visitors embark on a magical journey from Platform 9 ¾. Then you get a chance to visit many famous locations mentioned in the Harry Potter universe. For instance, you may chill out at Hogsmead, drink butterbeer, and try out magical dishes from the menu.
Serious wizarding enthusiasts can even get to pick a wand (or the wand chooses you). Of course, Hogwarts is just around the corner, so you may roam the halls and explore the classrooms. Overall, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is an extraordinary place that is worth visiting. Just remember to reserve your tickets in advance.
Learn about space at the Kennedy Space Center
Cape Canaveral is one of the most significant locations for space exploration. It is just a short ride away from Orlando and is quite suitable for a solo adventure. So if you are eager to learn more about other planets, astronauts, and future space missions, Kennedy Space Center is the place for you. From interactive exhibits to seeing the iconic Space Shuttle Atlantic, there is no shortage of educational things to do here.
The Visitor Complex is conveniently divided chronologically by missions. One of the most popular attractions is the shuttle launch experience that makes you feel like a real astronaut. The Behind the Gates tour will take you directly to the launch sites, where you will learn even more about the historic Apollo missions. Kennedy Space Center is a must-see for anyone visiting Orlando because it is an attraction like no other.
Experience the culture of Orlando
Orlando is a city with outstanding museums and a thriving art scene. So if you love to get to know the culture of a place you are visiting, dedicate one whole day to exploring the artistic side of this metropolis. Start your tour at the Grand Bohemian Gallery. This unusual place has an impressive collection of art pieces from the States. Plus, there is a whole section dedicated to the works of European painters from the 19th century.
Fans of contemporary art will fall in love with the Cornell Fine Arts Museum. The permanent exhibits include artwork by Picasso, Matisse, and many more. The City Arts Factory is probably the quirkiest gallery in Orlando because it is housed in a former factory. While it has a permanent collection, the traveling exhibits are usually the talk of the town. These change monthly, sometimes even weekly, so there is always something new and inspiring to see at the City Arts Factory.