Orlando: History, Nature, Art & A Lot More Than Just Theme Parks!

Orlando is a place like no other. And whether you grew up here, recently moved to the area or you’re just an occasional visitor, you know that Orlando has its own special traditions and history that make it so unique.

A few things to know:

• Orlando was home to one of the oldest trees in the United States, known as "The Senator." It was over 3,500 years old and stood 118 feet tall before it was unintentionally destroyed in 2012. Located in Big Tree Park, visitors can admire ruins of the National Champion Bald Cypress Tree.
• Did you know that Orlando has over 100 lakes within its city limits? One of the most picturesque is Lake Eola, which is located in the heart of downtown and is surrounded by a 0.9-mile scenic walkway. Visitors can rent swan-shaped paddle boats or catch a live concert at the Walt Disney Amphitheater.
• The Orange County Regional History Center is a must-visit for history buffs. The museum showcases the city's unique past through interactive exhibits, rare artifacts and engaging displays. Visitors can explore the history of Florida's citrus industry, learn about the Civil Rights Movement and even see a recreated 1920s orange packing plant.
• Orlando is home to the largest university campus in the United States, the University of Central Florida (UCF), with over 70,000 students. The campus boasts impressive architecture, including the 13-story high-rise library and is a hub for cultural events and sports games.
• Orlando is a hotspot for street art, with dozens of murals scattered throughout the city's neighborhoods. Take a walking tour to discover colorful works of art by local and international artists, including a giant "Orlando" sign at Mills 50 and a 3D butterfly mural in Thornton Park.
• In 1965, Walt Disney chose Orlando as the location for his next theme park, Walt Disney World, which opened in 1971. Today, Walt Disney World covers thousands of acres and welcomes millions of visitors each year to its four theme parks, two water parks and dozens of hotels and restaurants.
• The Orlando Science Center is an interactive museum that offers hands-on exhibits, live shows and 3D movies. Visitors can experience a simulated space shuttle launch, learn about Florida's unique ecosystem and even touch a live alligator!
• The Orlando Ballet is a world-class ballet company that has been performing for several decades. In addition to classical ballets like The Nutcracker and Swan Lake, the company also presents contemporary works by renowned choreographers and hosts educational programs for all ages.
• Gatorland is a 110-acre wildlife preserve that is home to thousands of alligators and crocodiles, as well as a variety of other animals such as snakes, birds and tortoises. Visitors can watch alligator shows, take a zipline over the gator-filled marsh, or even get their picture taken with a baby alligator.
• The Amway Center is a state-of-the-art arena that hosts concerts, sports games and other live events throughout the year. In addition to being the home of the Orlando Magic NBA team, the arena has hosted performers like Taylor Swift, Jay-Z and Elton John.
• The Orlando Museum of Art showcases works by local, nationa, and international artists in a variety of mediums, including paintings, sculptures and photography. In addition to its impressive collection, the museum also hosts special events and educational programs for all ages.
• For an adrenaline-packed adventure, head to the Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park. This aerial obstacle course features over 100 challenging elements, including ziplines, rope bridges and tightropes. Visitors can choose from several different courses, each with varying levels of difficulty.

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