Here’s a spoiler right up front: We didn’t go to Disney for this one.
Despite always enjoying a trip to the most magical place on Earth, I wanted to show off the beautiful spots in Orlando that AREN’T major theme parks. Great photo spots are never far away; you just have to know where to look.
A premier destination for the arts in central Florida, the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center offers world-class performances, entertainment, and arts education programs. For the architectural photographer, this place is a haven for capturing all its nooks and crannies.
A hidden gem in Orlando offering a release from the city hustle. The only interaction you’ll experience here is with nature. 25 acres provide a small, segmented Everglades-like park. This open space provides a perfect place for taking a nap, reading a book, birding or fishing.
Gaylord Palms encompasses all that Florida has to offer under one roof. The lush, tropical atriums recreate three Florida environments that immerse you in the sights and sounds of the Sunshine State. I recommend you capture the atrium from a bird’s eye perspective through the glass elevators.
This 248-acre park is home to crystal-clear rock springs. The park is best known for its tubing opportunities. There are many ways to tackle photographing this natural wonder, either by land or underwater.
This dazzling 400 ft marvel is hard to miss for a photo op. The architectural wheel peaking above the horizon can be captured in a variety of lighting situations. If you have a wide-angle lens, you can really think outside the box when it comes to composition. Stretch your imagination when capturing this amazing structure!
Leu Gardens are semi-tropical and tropical gardens located near Downtown Orlando. They contain nearly 50 acres of landscaped grounds and lakes, with trails shaded by 200-year-old oaks and forests of camellias. You can photograph beautiful landscapes, take in the details of several types of plants, or even utilize the gardens backdrop for a portrait.
One of the more truly hidden gems is the Mayan Courtyard, which boasts a unique atmosphere. Its stunning architecture mixed with the surrounding nature provides some fascinating ways to capture this space. There are ornate sculptures and carved floor tiles throughout the courtyard and neighboring chapel.
With 75 acres of vineyards planted, there are many views to take in while visiting Lakeridge Winery. Not only do you get to taste some nice wine on the less-than-an-hour tour but you can also capture the vineyards from different vantage points. Photographing in and around morning or sunset would be ideal for the best light.
This Boat Ride Tour allows you to see Winter Park from a different point of view. Enjoy a relaxing one-hour cruise through twelve miles of tranquil lakes and canals. Every tour guarantees plenty of swaying palms, towering cypress trees, lush ferns, and sub-tropical flowers. There will be plenty of photo opportunities so keep your camera handy!
The St. James Cathedral parish has been in the heart of Downtown Orlando since 1952. The best areas to photograph this structure would be from across the street or, of course, the main altar on the interior.
This entertainment complex is located in the midst of tourist alley. Old Town Kissimmee is not only a great place to enjoy but also to photograph. Neon and blinking lights are a long exposure utopia for the experimental photographer. I recommend photographing in and around sunset when the area is most active and the sky is a dancing gradient. Be sure to bring a tripod.
Lake Eola is in the heart of Downtown Orlando encompassing a multi-faceted space for everyone to enjoy. One of the more popular spots is on the other side of the lake near the red pagoda looking toward the Orlando skyline. Shooting around sunrise will offer more light, exposing the buildings while sunset will provide a more dramatic sky (depending on cloud coverage).
Chad, we can’t thank you enough for capturing all that beauty. Turns out there isn’t a monopoly on magic in Orlando after all.
Share your favorite Orlando photos in the comments below!
Chad is a photographer based in Orlando, Florida specializing in architectural, travel, and entertainment photography. He was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio and graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in Photography.