How to explore Orlando like a local this summer

During the summer, Orlando is a popular theme park destination, but its real magic can be found off the beaten path. From state parks and stunning gardens to charming neighborhoods and live music events, there’s a lot to discover beyond the touristy hot spots. Here’s how to explore Orlando like a local this summer.

Explore Orlando’s parks and green spaces

Orlando is home to more than 148 beautiful parks, stunning gardens, and relaxing recreational areas. In fact, Orlando is one of the best cities in the state to discover the authentic Florida. Located near the headwaters of Everglades National Park, Orlando is full of crystal blue springs, gnarly cypress forests, and endless hiking trails under majestic live oaks.

Here are just three parks and gardens you won’t want to miss.

Central Florida’s top parks and gardens

• Blue Spring State Park – Just 40 minutes outside of Orlando, Blue Spring State Park is state park spanning over 2,600 acres of crystal blue, freshwater springs and cypress hammocks. From November to mid-March, this park becomes home to hundreds of manatees. But during the summer months, locals come to the park to swim, hike, kayak, and camp.
• Lake Eola Park – In the heart of downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park is known by locals as one of the city’s playgrounds. In summer, the park hums with walkers and joggers plus dogs of all breeds. Did you know that Caribe Royale Orlando is pet-friendly so you can bring your dog on vacation and take advantage of this local park.
• Harry P. Leu Gardens – Located near downtown Orlando, Harry P. Leu Gardens offers over 50 acres of beautiful gardens, sculptures, historical buildings, and iconic Florida landscapes. The gardens are divided into 15 themed sections and host regular summer events, including movie nights, live jazz, and kids’ story time.

Visit Winter Park

If you really want to explore Orlando like a local, you must visit Winter Park. Just a short drive from Orlando, Winter Park is a charming and historic community with amazing restaurants, swanky bars and lounges, and unique, local-based shopping. Spend the day strolling cobblestone streets, enjoying delicious food and drinks, and admiring the numerous art galleries and boutiques. Plus, during the summer, Winter Park hosts special events, including outdoor concerts, street and block parties, and musicals and theater productions. View the complete list of Winter Park events here.

Dine at Orlando’s best restaurants

Enjoying the culinary scene is one of the best parts of vacation. Orlando is an eclectic culinary destination, offering everything from international street food and themed dining to Michelin-star and AAA Four Diamond Restaurants. To truly experience Orlando like a local, you should dine like a local. This means having at least one meal outside of your resort. There are a ton of local restaurant guides with recommendations on the top restaurants. For an elevated dining experience, check out this list of the top 10 fine dining restaurants in Orlando.

But don’t let resort dining fool you. Some of Orlando’s top restaurants are located at resorts. For example, Caribe Royale Orlando’s The Venetian Chophouse is an AAA Four Diamond Restaurant and one of the best steakhouses in the city.

Catch a show or concert

Orlando is world-renowned for entertainment. And during the summer, the city attracts some of the hottest acts, including major superstars, bands, and over-the-top festivals. With multiple venues, ranging from stadiums and arenas to a premier performing arts center and intimate music halls and clubs, Orlando has live music every night of the week. If you’re visiting Orlando this summer, check out the schedule of live events here.

Cheer on a local team

Orlando is home to multiple professional sports teams, including the Orlando Magic and Orlando Solar Bears. But during the summer, Orlando is all about soccer. Between June and September, you can watch the Orlando City Soccer Club, a major league soccer team, and the Orlando Pride, the women’s professional soccer team, take on rival teams at Exploria Stadium. For the full schedule and tickets, visit the official event website here.

Ready to explore Orlando like a local this summer?

There’s a lot to discover in Orlando beyond the theme parks and popular attractions. And now is the perfect time to start planning your Orlando summer vacation.

Book your stay at Caribe Royale Orlando for an unforgettable summer getaway. With sparkling pools and a water slide, seven unique dining experiences, boutique spa, and on-site biking and fishing, Caribe Royale Orlando is the perfect base for you to explore Orlando like a local. Plus, as a Walt Disney Good Neighbor® Hotel, Caribe Royale Orlando is conveniently located just 1.5 miles from the main entrance to Walt Disney World® Resort and includes shuttle transportation to all Walt Disney World® Theme Parks & Disney Springs®.

Get ready for the best summer yet and book your summer vacation at Caribe Royale Orlando here.