The city of Orlando, Florida is recognized as the “Theme Park Capital of the World,” and it is located about halfway between the Gulf Coast and the Atlantic Coast. And the city certainly lives up to the nickname: vacationers may select from over a dozen parks, each creating a world all their own and packed with exciting rides, and the city is known as the “Theme Park Capital of the World.” When you arrive at Orlando International Airport, you will have the opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime at one or more of these one-of-a-kind, magical outposts that even reward repeat visits.
Even if the city’s popularity may be attributed to its theme parks, there is still a beautiful city and a lot of fun waiting to be discovered outside the boundaries of the parks. Orlando is a city that is on the rise thanks to the enormous student population it has as well as the recent increase in population growth. In addition, visitors’ gustatory pleasures will be satiated by the vibrant food scene that exists there. Whether you’re in the mood for inventive tacos or traditional Cubanos, down-home southern soul food, or of course, seafood that’s been brought in fresh from either of the local coasts, this place has a wide selection of cuisines for you to choose from and you won’t be disappointed.
You won’t run out of options for places to have a picnic along the water’s edge if you get your food to go and just take it with you. Over one hundred lakes may be found within the city limits of Orlando, ranging from the serene Lake Killarney in the city’s far north to Lake Conway, a popular destination for watersports in the city’s far south. However, Lake Eola serves as the focal point of the city. You can take pictures of the crystal clear waters with the skyline of the city in the background and stroll along the palm tree-lined lakeside trails at this photogenic setting right in the heart of downtown Orlando. Local residents (and swans) flock to this setting, which offers a variety of recreational opportunities.
In addition, there are a variety of spots on the city’s outskirts where you may take a stroll through the countryside away from the madding masses of the city center. Ocala National Forest is a wonderful site to experience the subtropical environment of the region and get a peek at its unique wetland habitats because it is only a short drive away from the city. In addition to swimming, snorkeling, and diving in the glistening waters of one of the area’s naturally occurring springs, guests have their choice of a number of hiking routes that snake through groves of live oak trees.
Visits to the area are not considered to be completely finished unless they include at least one excursion to the Space Coast, which is conveniently located in close proximity to Orlando. The Kennedy Space Center and its Visitor Complex offer guests a one-of-a-kind opportunity to not only learn about historic missions that have been completed in the past but also to get a glimpse of what the future holds for space exploration. Both of these attractions are located just a short distance from Orlando. If you schedule your vacation just right, you might even be able to see the most recent rocket launch at Cape Canaveral. The Southwest Airlines Orlando Airport experience that you won’t soon forget, so make sure you plan accordingly.
