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Once known as the home of citrus fruits and now known as the home of amusement parks, there’s no denying that Orlando is a big draw for the sunshine state of Florida. Today this popular city is defined largely by its wealth of funparks, rollercoasters and water worlds which undoubtedly attract the majority of the 48 million visitors the city gets per year. However, when you come to Orlando, make sure you leave a little time to explore the rest of the city.

First becoming a popular resort at the beginning of the 20th century thanks to its all year-round warmer climes, it wasn’t until 1965 that the city’s economy really took off, as a certain Mr Walt Disney announced Orlando as the home for his new theme park. In recent years, it is theme parks like Disney World which have helped make Orlando the third most visited city for tourism in America. Not just the home of Mickey Mouse, Disney World is also the home of several other parks too, like the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Blizzard Beach, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Further afield though, about a dozen theme parks can be found across Orlando. SeaWorld Orlando and Discovery Cove are where you can come face-to-face with all manners of sealife, from dolphins to Orca whales, before relaxing on pristine beaches or swimming amongst coral reefs. Other favourites include Universal Orlando and Gatorland. Although fun for all the family, these amazing parks can be pricey and rarely show visitors the real Orlando.

You can get to know the city a little better by spending a day on a tour of the city’s highlights. Take in the city’s different quarters, like the skyscrapers and historical sites of Downtown Orlando, or take a stroll through Lake Eola Park, where the famous and much photographed Lake Eola Fountain takes pride of place.

The Downtown Arts District is a great place to soak up the city’s bohemian vibe. The historic Lock Haven Park is the city’s real cultural space, as this is where you’ll find the Orlando Museum of Art, the Orlando Shakespeare Theatre, the Orlando Science Centre, the Repertory Theatre and the Orlando Fire Museum. A great place for visitors of all ages, the park also features an impressive IMAX theatre.

A must-see highlight on any trip to Orlando though is the magnificent Cirque de Soleil on East Robinson Street. Marvel as acrobats, tightrope performers and all manners of contortionists achieve the almost impossible, before dropping by one of the many family friendly CityWalk restaurants that are dotted through Orlando. Many Orlando hotels offer beach views too, making it that little bit easier to enjoy this rewarding city.

Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.