The Perfect Day in Orlando

If you only have a day in the City Beautiful, make it magic. You can spend it at one of the Walt Disney World parks or at Universal Orlando Resort or, better yet, save those for another trip and get to know this charming city on its own terms. Full of lush wetlands and state parks and small charming enclaves like Lake Eola and Winter Park, Orlando has enough to keep you happy and well-fed without any theme park dazzle.

445 N Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789, USA
If you’ve ever admired Louis Comfort Tiffany’s intricate lamps, you’ll appreciate the chance to visit this museum wholly dedicated to the artist himself. Called the Morse Museum for short, this Winter Park institution houses the world’s largest collection of authentic Tiffany works, including wondrous pieces of jewelry, pottery, leaded-glass lamps, art glass, and windows. Plan to stay for at least 90 minutes to fully enjoy the riot of color on display, and be sure to watch the short film that explains the story behind the famous glassworks.
1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803, USA
While Orlando typically inspires images of amusement parks, the city is also home to sites that are completely separate from the manufactured worlds of Disney and Universal—such as the Harry P. Leu Gardens. The urban oasis teems with tropical plants like azaleas and palms, and includes an historic home once inhabited by the Leu family. With more than 2,000 camellia plants and 230-plus cultivars, its impressive collection ranks among the largest in the United States.
290 S Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789, USA
At Luma on Park, James Beard Award semifinalist Brandon McGlamery works magic with a modern American menu. While the restaurant follows dining trends with handcrafted cocktails and small plates, it’s really more of a modernized steak house, with dishes like Harris Ranch short ribs, foie gras terrine, cobia ceviche, and classic wedge salad. For a night to remember, request an outdoor table and enjoy the prix-fixe menu alongside some of Orlando’s best people-watching.
More from AFAR
Sign up for our newsletter
Join more than a million of the world’s best travelers. Subscribe to the Daily Wander newsletter.
AFAR Journeys
Journeys: Wellness
Journeys: Food + Drink
Journeys: Romance
Journeys: Family
Journeys: Caribbean + Atlantic
Journeys: Caribbean + Atlantic