A Day Just Beyond I-Drive

International Drive is full of opportunities to make lasting memories with friends and family, but next time you’re in Orlando, Florida, you’ll also find that just beyond International Drive, there are even more destinations to check out during your visit! From museums and historical attractions to eco and wildlife tours, beaches, and sporting events; fascinating discoveries await you just outside of the International Drive Business District, so let the exploring commence!

 

Credit: Left: www.mennellomuseum.org | Right: omart.org  

 

 

If you have an appreciation for the arts, both modern and historical – you’ll have a splendid time when museum hopping across Orlando. The Mennello Museum of American Art exhibits American art of various genres and time periods. Then take to Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art to immerse yourself in the world’s most comprehensive collection of work by Louis Comfort Tiffany, who created everything from jewelry, pottery, paintings, art glass, leaded glass lamps, and windows. Get a sneak peek at his chapel’s interior dating back to 1893 in Chicago, and a front row viewing to the American poetry, paintings, and decorative art that is housed here! The Orange County Regional History Center is another must see and is an official affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution! Explore over 12,000 years of the area’s rich history with interactive exhibits, artifacts, archives and special educational shows! Also, be sure to stop by Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts; housing the nation’s oldest incorporated African-American community, celebrating various artists of African descent, as well as the local author!

 

The Orlando Museum of Art and the Orlando Science Center are another two great stops for some exciting educational family fun! Step inside the Orlando Museum of Art where you’ll be met with traveling exhibitions and permanent collections of American and African arts where you’ll even get to partake in various children’s activities! The Orlando Science Center houses four floors full of unique exhibits, giant screen movies, and engaging live performances for everyone in the family to enjoy.

 

 

The performing arts and entertainment are subjects everyone can appreciate, and while exploring you’ll be met with tons of opportunities to learn more about the history of the performing arts, as well as enjoy some world-class entertainment along the way! If you’re in the area, we recommend checking out what shows they’ve got coming up, so you don’t miss a beat! The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is another hot destination for anyone with a love for the performing arts. Step inside this $429 million new home for Broadway, ballet and various other performances! If ballet is right up your alley, you can also make a stop at the Orlando Ballet for some unforgettable Ballet performances if you’re around between September and May!

 

And of course, the well-known and praised Orlando Improv Theatre where stand-up comedians come to show off their skills, and keep the laughs rolling all night long!

 

Credit Left: www.leugardens.org | Center: www.centralfloridazoo.org | Right: boktowergardens.org

 

 

Whether you’re diving into the naturally refreshing springs at Wekiwa Springs State Park, ringing one of the largest bells, weighing in heavier than the weight of eight cars, at the Bok Tower Garden, delicately dancing in the butterfly garden at Harry P. Leu Gardens, getting an up-close look at endangered species at the Blue Springs State Park, or hanging out with the cheetahs, amur leopards and Indian rhinoceros’s at the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens; if a day of fun in the Florida sun is what you’re looking for, your in just the spot!

 

Credit: Left: Facebook | Center: Facebook | Right: Facebook

 

 

With nearly 200 Orlando-area golf courses designed by famed architects like Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Robert Trent James; get ready to fill out those scorecards! Or work on your serve when you hit one of the 800+ tennis court centers, resorts, and hotels where you can arrange for lessons or simply get a match going with other similarly skilled players! But, if you’re idea of fun involves more watching then playing-we’ve got you covered too! Check out one of the many stadiums that call Orlando home, like the state-of-the-art Amway Center, NBA’s Orlando Magic, the Orlando’s Predators, and the Camping World Stadium among many others!

 

 

Finally, if you don’t mind hitting the road to get to one of Florida’s hottest destinations, both literally and figuratively, be sure to head to some of the nearby beaches that will have you in vacation mode in no time! Head about 90 minutes east of the world-class attractions and resort on International Drive to experience some of some of Florida’s most popular Atlantic coast beaches, including Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, and Cocoa Beach! We assure you, it’s worth the ride.

 

  

Whether you’re on International Drive, or exploring the many destinations just beyond the District, we’re sure you’ll find endless fun and good times that will prove to stay with you for years to come! So, what are you waiting for? Plan your next vacation to Orlando, Florida today!