Beyond the theme parks

Orlando is so much more than theme parks. Take a drive north of the city to the village atmosphere of Winter Park (home of Rollins College and a great lake tour), for example. You could also drive out to Sarasota, take a river cruise on the St John river, or visit tranquil Bok Tower gardens. Further afield we also like the drive up the coast from Melbourne to Cape Canaveral, and on the Caribbean coast perhaps visit the Homosassa wildlife reserve, 90min away, north of Tampa. The great thing about this region is you are always coming across unexpected pleasures.