Orlando has become famous for its large collection of theme parks and tourist attractions as seen by the flocks of tourists and families during the hot days of summer. From the iconic Disney mouse ears to the rotating globe at Universal Studios, people across the world have come to know Orlando as the place for manufactured fun. However, Orlando offers much more than meets the eye, from museums to natural attractions. Five of the best things to do in Orlando involve stepping foot on the renowned soil of the city's theme parks.

Just Indulge

Orlando is chock full of restaurants--there are over 4,000 in the greater area alone--but there are some restaurants that a guide may not tell you about. There are very delicious chains: Houston's (Now called Hillstone, on Mills Avenue) and the famous Texas de Brazil, a national Brazilian churrascaria steakhouse known for its huge portions and waiters bearing different varieties of meats. However, the hidden gem of Orlando is the gastro-pub The Ravenous Pig. With a menu that changes frequently and a supply of fresh and local foods, the Ravenous Pig pleases all and often has a waiting line of people who want to catch a table (Orange Avenue). If you're looking for a quick bite, stop by one of the local, quirky coffeehouses, particularly Austin's Coffee or Stardust Video & Coffee. Orlando has a limited selection of vegetarian options, but two delicious places for the vegetarian or vegan are Ethos, a vegan restaurant, and Green Lemon Café. 

Nature Walks

Walking to "it's a Small World After All" doesn't have to be your only exercise in Orlando. A popular attraction beyond the city limits for locals is De Leon Springs, named after the Spanish explorer Ponce De Leon. This attraction has a natural spring where you can swim, canoe, kayak or paddleboat. Make a day of it by stopping at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant in De Leon, where you can make your own pancakes in the morning. There's also the Lee County Manatee Park, where you can see these beautiful creatures lumber through the river. Closer to Orlando is Leu Gardens, a beautiful and hidden botanical garden for the nature lover. They also host occasional "date nights" where they play a movie in the park. There are also many parks and trails around Orlando, if you want to see the beautiful tropical fauna and flora of the area. If you'd like to stay indoors, the Aiguille Rock Climbing center is a great place to get your fair share of exercise and fun. Aiguille has separate climbing, bouldering and belaying sections in its huge warehouse.

Explore the Arts

One of the best things to do in Orlando is to experience its small yet thriving culture. Orlando is home to the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center, where many national troupes come to perform. There's also the Shakespeare Center, renowned in its talent and the Orlando Ballet, which is small yet talented. There are many museums, most notably the Mennello Museum of American Art, the Orlando Art Museum and the Morse Museum in Winter Park (which boasts the largest collection of Tiffany glass). For the little ones, The Science Center, located right across from the Mennello Museum on Princeton Street, is the perfect place to learn about the body and physics, a good way to trick your kids into educational fun.

See and be Seen

Everyone is always looking for something to do once the sun sets. The Enzian Theatre is a great theatre that combines independent movies with a delicious menu and bar. If you're looking for more of the nightlife in Orlando, while there are many bars downtown, the venues are more noteworthy. The Social, Backbooth and Club Firestone are the most popular, hosting local concerts of every genre. Closer to the theme parks, in Lake Buena Vista, is the House of Blues, which brings in large acts and famous performers. In Universal Studios, City Walk heralds as a great place for drinking and dancing.

by Abigail Geiger, Contributing Author