With lush surrounds, this small but satisfying zoo is set apart from the usual intensity of Orlando tourist attractions, with an excellent splash-play area, animal interactions and three zipline courses.
© Ruth Peterkin / Getty Images
Central Florida Zoo & Botanic Gardens
Orlando
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Wizarding World of Harry Potter
25.72 MILES
You don't have to be a huge Harry Potter fan to appreciate the genius of the magnificently whimsical Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which invites…
25.98 MILES
Divided geographically by region-specific architecture and ambience and fabulously themed as a Hollywood backlot, Universal Studios' simulation-heavy…
26.1 MILES
Pedestrian-friendly Universal Orlando Resort has got spunk, spirit and attitude. With fantastic rides, excellent children's attractions and entertaining…
Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
25.72 MILES
Diagon Alley, lined with magical shops selling robes, Quidditch supplies, wands, brooms and more, leads to the massive Gringotts Bank, home to one of…
Daytona International Speedway
28.87 MILES
The Holy Grail of raceways has a diverse race schedule. Ticket prices skyrocket for good seats at big races, headlined by the Daytona 500 in February. It…
26.14 MILES
Good ol' scream-it-from-the-rooftops, no-holds-barred, laugh-out-loud fun, packed with adrenaline rides and marvelous theming. Superheroes zoom by on…
Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
15.74 MILES
Internationally famous, this stunning and delightful museum houses the world's most comprehensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany art. Highlights…
18.01 MILES
Camelias, roses, orange groves and desert plants cover 50 acres, as well as plenty of grassy spots for a lakeside picnic. Pick up supplies at the trendy…
Nearby Orlando attractions
8.16 MILES
The largest spring on the St Johns River, Blue Spring maintains a constant 72°F. Between November and March it becomes the winter refuge for up to 200…
8.25 MILES
Philatelists (aka stamp collectors) will marvel at the collection of 'fancy cancels' (interesting postage-cancellation stamps) and vintage decorative…
10.65 MILES
Cassadaga's heart is the Cassadaga Camp Bookstore, which sells New Age books, crystals and incense, and serves as the visitor center for the town…
4. Rock Springs Run State Reserve
10.78 MILES
This 14,000-acre reserve located 30 miles north of downtown Orlando offers 17 miles of hiking trails, and primitive riverside camping accessible by canoe…
11.99 MILES
Cool off in the icy spring-fed swimming hole, hike miles of trails and paddle the tranquil, still waters of the Wekiva River. Central Florida Nature…
6. Art & History Museums – Maitland
14.23 MILES
Founded as an art colony in 1937 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this lovely little spot provides classes and studio space to area…
14.26 MILES
This historical home, built in 1886, now serves as the headquarters of the West Volusia Historical Society and a museum for the county. You'll find lots…
14.53 MILES
A slate of innovative temporary exhibitions traipses across the gallery space and attractive atrium of this energetic local museum, which has been…