When you have time to enjoy a trip to Orlando, there’s a good chance you’ll be looking forward to quality time at the theme parks. While Orlando certainly has a way with magical Disney moments, it’s also a city rich in history just waiting to be discovered. If you’re looking to create a getaway with a focus on the past, this three-day historic Orlando journey is sure to inspire.
Day 1
Once you’ve fueled up for the fun ahead with a tasty breakfast in your rental booked through Casiola Orlando, start your historic journey at the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. This unique museum has the distinction of hosting the largest collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany in the world! As you browse intriguing exhibits and displays, you’ll also have the chance to explore pottery and paintings dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries. This chic art museum puts a fantastic frame on the past you simply won’t want to miss while you’re in town.
Explore Central Florida History Downtown
After lunch, head over to the Orange County Regional History Center at 35 E. Central Boulevard to dig more into the stories that make Orlando the place it is today. The Orange County Regional History Center occupies the historic courthouse building in Orlando and sprawls across four floors in its downtown setting. The museum on-site is a Smithsonian affiliate and provides a comprehensive look at the history of Central Florida. Keep an eye on the calendar when you come to visit because this Orlando history center frequently hosts fun history trivia and game nights for the public.
Day 2
The second day of your historic journey to Orlando begins with a place on a historic boat tour in nearby Winter Park. You’ll step onboard an 18-passenger pontoon boat and sail along a chain of scenic lakes while your tour guide tells you stories of the intriguing past. It’s just $14 for adults to enjoy this insightful experience and children 2 to 11 can tour for $7 each.
Swing by the Beacham Theatre
Once you’ve enjoyed a robust lunch and refueled, it’s time to make your way to the first theater ever built in Orlando. Today, it’s a club known as The Becham, but at its construction in 1921, it was dubbed the Beacham Theatre. Designed by Braxton Beacham Sr, the theatre first opened in Orlando on December 9, 1921. It continued to function as a theatre until 1936 when it was transitioned into a cinema showing first-run movies. In 1975, the theatre became an entertainment venue for live musical acts and was renamed the Great Southern Music Hall. It’s also been Laser World and Moulin Orange before becoming the nightclub it is now. Stopping by is an amazing way to see a building that’s a true testament to adaptation and longevity in the city.
Day 3
If you’re interested in historic Orlando architecture, you’ll be thrilled to begin day three of your stay at the Harry P. Leu House and Mizell Cemetery. This turn-of-the-century farmhouse is truly impressive to this day and stands as a time capsule of architectural renovations under four different owners ranging from intricate porches and a detached kitchen to the Colonial Revival trim. The home was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994 and continues to be an incredible stop for a history buff heading to Orlando.
Walk Your Way Through Time
This afternoon, make sure to book a historic downtown walking tour through the team at Discover Downtown. These can be booked as private walking tours or group outings depending on preference. Information tours help participants connect with the city’s stories with an overview of local history as well as detailed stories regarding downtown buildings, businesses, and residents.
Get Ghostly
End your evening in Orlando by looking further back into the past than you imagined possible on an American Ghost Adventures tour. These tours are fascinating, if not a little spooky, and focus on the paranormal events that have been recorded around downtown Orlando. This interactive experience is a great way to see another side of the history you previously saw on your daytime tour of the same area. You’ll check out haunted houses with EMF detectors in hand and learn what it takes to understand history you can’t always tangibly see.
Book Your Orlando Getaway Today
Whether you’re heading to Orlando for historic fun or coming this way for another reason, having the right accommodations in place upon arrival can make all the difference in your experience. That’s where the team at Casiola Orlando comes in. Take time to browse our vast array of inviting options online and when you find the property that feels like home for your stay, booking your place is as simple as the touch of a button. We look forward to helping you make more of every moment in Orlando and can’t wait to welcome you to sunny Florida soon.
