Orlando Travel Information
Orlando is a hyperkinetic maze of amusement parks, fine dining, and
non-stop shopping, where golf courses spread out like a lush green
carpet and where folks go for sparkling nightlife and supercharged
sports. Most of all, it’s where little people go to meet Mickey Mouse.
Nearly 38 million people pour into Orlando each year. Is it the
subtropical climate that lures them here or the monster-sized theme
parks, indoor skydiving facilities, and hot air balloon rides? Maybe
it’s the beautiful West Orange Trail that stretches along 22 miles of
converted rail route paved for jogging, biking, hiking and in-line
skating. Whatever it is, Orlando’s popularity is unquestionable.
The Orlando Science Center is one of many museums here that
educate and entertain young and old alike with interactive exhibits.
Its 7000 square foot Nature Works, detailing the various Florida
ecosystems, is especially interesting and regionally focused. Other
museums include Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, The Harry P. Leu Gardens,
and the Orlando Museum of Art. Florida has about 100 natural
springs that bubble with activity. Rock Springs, 17 miles northwest of
Orlando, is one such haven for tubers, hikers, campers and nature
nuts. Another is Wekiwa Springs, about 40 minutes from Orlando, which
has excellent facilities for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and
horseback riding. It also has campsites and a 13-mile hiking trail.
There are bike trails throughout the Orlando region. The Cady Way
Trail is an exceptional 3.5-mile biking route that is very popular
among bikers, joggers and in-line skaters. Whether it’s a quiet
stroll through nature trails, biking the historic districts, canoeing
down a spring-fed waterway, oohing and aahing at world-renown theme
and water parks, or savoring a meal at a dinner-theater in town,
Orlando aims to please. Although the traffic, parking and crowds are
daunting, there’s so much to see and do that it’s worth the
aggravation. As the geographical heart of the Sunshine State,
Orlando is within 50 miles from the Atlantic Ocean and 75 miles from
the Gulf waters, located just off SR-528.
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