Orlando boasts dozens of fun attractions, theme parks and sights, but many can take their toll on your wallet. When you factor in hotel accommodations and dining out, an Orlando vacation may be pushing your travel budget. Still, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your days in the city; here’s where you’ll find some of Orlando’s best free attractions:
Explore the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens
Take a short drive north of Orlando to Winter Park and tap into your artistic side at the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens. The gardens are open year round and feature dozens of unique sculptures and outdoor decorations for you to marvel at. Garden access is free, but entrance fees to the museum do apply. You’ll find this attraction at 633 Osceola Avenue in Winter Park.
Watch the Ducks March at the Peabody Hotel
Take a tour of the majestic Peabody Hotel on International drive, but schedule your tour to end right before 11 a.m or 5 p.m. so you can watch the ducks walk along the red carpet to the Royal Duck Fountain each day. The ducks march along to jazz music and are led by the Honorary Duck Master during every show. It’s an Orlando tradition you won’t want to miss!
Enjoy a Free Disney Experience on Disney’s Boardwalk
This entertainment spot is designed to replicate a ’30-s style Atlantic village. You can enjoy ferry rides across the lake, watch street musicians and performers, or settle in for an outdoor movie on the large screen on the beach. The Boardwalk is also home to several restaurants, nightclubs and bars, and you can park for free any time of day – no Disney World ticket necessary.
Take in the regal atmosphere of the Grand Bohemian Hotel in downtown Orlando and pay a visit to the on-site art gallery. The gallery hosts local artwork, jewelry, sculptures, and paintings from 19th and 20th century Europe; it also hosts a number of special events throughout the year. The Grand Bohemian Hotel is located at 325 S. Orange Avenue; call (407) 581-4801 for more information.
If your’e staying in or near Celebration, you’ll have easy access to Old Town, a classic funfair-style park that features a Ferris Wheel and other nostalgic amusement rides. You can take in the vintage car parade every Satruday night, or settle in for the live music show on weekends – admission and parking are completely free of charge.
It’s one of Orlando’s most beautiful parks, and you’ll find it just a short drive north of the theme parks and tourist attractions. The venue hosts a number of outdoor concerts and special events throughout the year; you can also swing by for some local eats at the Farmer’s Market every Sunday. Feed the swans and birds, see the flower beds, and enjoy the view of Orlando’s skyline at this downtown retreat.
