Weekend Getaways

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Orlando Area

Space exploration history, sublime wildlife, gorgeous beaches

A trip to the Orlando area should definitely include visiting one or more theme parks like Disney World, Epcot Center, Disney Animal Kingdom, Universal, and Sea World — all clean, fun places to spend time with family and friends. However, there are some other quality attractions in the area that should also merit consideration for your next weekend getaway.

Florida's

Space Coast

is 45 minutes east of Orlando, where NASA's space shuttle launches occur. Visit the Kennedy Space Center, Port Canaveral, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, and the area's beautiful beaches. You can take an eco-tour here, including

sea turtle sighting

and guided boat tours. The Space Coast also has some quaint towns to visit, including the brightly painted

Cocoa Beach

Find Orlando weekend offers from Omni Hotels

Disney's Animal Kingdom

is a safari-like park where you can encounter giraffes, lions, zebras and elephants. For a more indigenous Orlando adventure, go to Lake Jesup and take an

airboat trip

with Black Hammock Adventures and see some of the

9,000 alligators

, bald eagles, cranes, and turtles in their natural habitat. Their restaurant also has free live music every Friday and Saturday night.

Blue Spring State Park

, located 35 miles north of Orlando, is home to over 150

manatees

. See these gentle giants up close in a beautiful natural setting. Take Interstate 4 and exit 114, and follow the signs to the St. Johns River. Aside from the manatees area, your group can enjoy the spring's 73 degree, crystal clear water for snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, fishing, canoeing, and boating (swimming or diving with the manatees is not permitted). Arrive early to the park as it often reaches capacity quickly on weekends, holidays and during manatee season (mid-November to early March).

Consider getting a vacation rental in

Kissimmee

, where there are plenty of rental options. Kissimmee is conveniently located near the theme parks, with easy access to the airport, and is an hour's drive from the coast.

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