Although it’s known for its theme parks and sunshine, Orlando has so much more to offer than most people realize. While you can certainly spend every weekend hitting up Mickey and Minnie, you’d be missing out on some of the city’s coolest gems. Here are 7 Orlando facts that’ll make you want to get outside and explore the city.

1. Disney World was Not Orlando’s First Theme Park

Opened in 1949, Gatorland was Orlando’s first and original theme park. Today, it is the self-proclaimed gator capital of the world, and boasts adrenaline-fueled rides like a 350-foot zip line that soars over a pit of 100+ alligators. If you’re not up for that much excitement, you can sit back and watch a gator wrestling show or take a nighttime, educational tour where you can (safely) feed alligators. Are you more into amusement parks? Check out one of Orlando’s best theme parks instead.

2. The Citrus Tower was Orlando’s Original Attraction

Much like Gatorland was the original theme park in this city, the Citrus Tower offered residents and visitors a place to enjoy a panoramic view of Orlando before theme parks took over the town. Built in 1956, the Citrus Tower stretches some 22 stories (226 feet) into the sky, and its glass-enclosed observation deck allows you to see all of Orlando and beyond.

3. Florida’s Largest Library Lives Here

Spanning some 290,000 square feet, the Orlando Public Library is the largest public library building in the state of Florida. The current building is a combination of the original building, which was closed in 1966 and renovated, and the new expansion. The new and improved library opened to the public in 1986 and fills an entire city block. The library offers free, daily courses including those on sewing, Microsoft Excel, and art. It also hosts live music for kids, book clubs, and writers’ circles. It goes without saying, there’s plenty to do at the largest library in Florida.

4. There’s a Secret Boat Tour of the Winter Park Chain of Lakes

Well, maybe you’re in the know and have already heard of it, but this boat ride is still one of Orlando’s best kept secrets. Grab some friends and hop on this 18-seater pontoon that boards at Lake Osceola. The hours-long guided boat tour cruises through three of the seven lakes plus two canals on the Winter Park chain. When you’re done with the tour, you’ll be in one of Orlando’s best neighborhoods, so grab a drink and a bite to eat in Winter Park.

5. Amway Center is Green

Well, not the color green, but the type of green that makes it the NBA’s first LEED-certified arena. Amway Center, home to the Orlando Magic basketball team and the Orlando Solar Bears–an affiliate of the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning–uses 20% less energy and 40% less water than an arena similar in size. It also features recycling bins, ultra-low-flow toilets, and systems to treat storm runoff before it can pollute nearby lakes. The LEED-certified Amway Center’s is just another fun thing to explore in Orlando!

6. Orlando Has Nearly 100 Parks

While we’re, unfortunately, not talking about theme parks, Orlando still has more than its fair share of Orange County’s 100 recreational parks. From lakeside spots to athletic fields, the parks and recreation department in Orlando boasts some incredible, public spaces. Check out Lake Eola Park, one of the more popular ones in the city or head to the dog park located at Barber Park. Be sure to spend some time exploring the newly renovated 1920s Estate House at Cypress Grove Park; it’s located right on Lake Jessamine and has become a local hot spot for weddings and special events.

7. The Orlando Wetlands is Home to Endangered and Threatened Wildlife

In Orlando, you can find 30 different species found on the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Threatened and Endangered Wildlife list. Head to the Orlando Wetlands Park, located in Christmas, Florida (just east of Orlando proper) and you’ll be in for a treat. A visit to the park might give way to bald eagle, limpkin, red-shouldered hawk, white ibis, black-crowned night herons, and black vulture sightings.   

Did these Orlando facts whet your appetite? Get a head start on your apartment search and find the perfect place in Orlando; you’ll be out there exploring in no time.

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