10 Best Roadside Attractions Near Orlando | Florida Roadside Attractions

Orlando is famous for its theme parks and family-friendly attractions. But if you're looking for something a little off the beaten path, consider checking out a few of the area's best roadside attractions.

In the 1920s and 30s as Florida's population grew and more people began to travel by car, a number of new roadside attractions sprung up along the state's highways. These oddball places broke up the long journey and allowed visitors to see something interesting.

Cypress Gardens made its debut in the mid 1930s, becoming famous for its water ski shows. By the end of the decade, Marineland had opened south of St. Augustine. This oceanside marine park was one of the first places in the world where visitors could swim with dolphins.

New quirky attractions continued to spring up around the state throughout the 50s and 60s as Florida’s tourism industry kept growing. But the rise of the modern theme park in the 70s and 80s marked the beginning of the end for many of the smaller attractions. They just weren’t able to keep up with the times and travelers would pass them by on the way to Disney,.

Fortunately for those nostalgic for a simpler time, a surprising number of classic roadside attractions are still open and continue to attract visitors from all over the world.

On this episode, we begin a new series highlighting the best roadside attractions near Orlando. The first installment covers everything from vibrant gardens and deep springs to vintage landmarks and even some newer places you can’t miss.

#RoadsideAttractions #Orlando #Florida

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[madelenealvarez]

Excellent video! Tks for the great ideas!

[olafpamela]

Thanks for bringing back memories when I was child traveling to WDW🥰 in the 70's. Thanks for sharing 🤗❤️

[billyyandle]

We went to Gatorland in Orlando in March. It was one of the highlights of our trip.

[commanderredhawk]

Ah some more places to visit from Ormond Beach. Thanks.

[BungalowBob]

I remember Tiki Gardens in Indiana Shores. It was always on our list of places to visit every year. It’s long since gone and it’s entrance is just a parking lot now. 😢

[RoadiewithRich]

Great recommendations, living here in Orlando I have been to many of them. But that White Sands Buddha Center I haven’t been and it looks amazing

[robinfreyburger]

White Sands Buddhist Center and Vero Beach on the bucket list.. Thanks

[TheGatlinburgHussey]

Hello from Gatlinburg TN Smoky Mountains Park!! Lived in Winter Haven and Boca Raton FL 🏞️🐻🌄

[HuckBerry-ym]

Can you do Ponte Vedra Beach? Love your content!

[steveostereo]

Would love to see Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens and Bongoland Ruins Dinosaur Garden in Port Orange. Then across the Bridge is the insanely tall Ponce Lighthouse and Museums...

[pigybak]

passing them by just like highway 66….