Orlando may be synonymous with Disney, but there’s much more to the city than roller coasters and mouse ears. From cultural attractions to scenic tours, Orlando offers plenty for those seeking a slower pace.

Morning

Start your day in Winter Park, a palmy neighbourhood just north of downtown Orlando, with breakfast at Briarpatch, a local institution known for its blueberry pancakes and bacon eggs Benedict. From there, take a short walk to the dock to embark on Winter Park’s Scenic Boat Tour, a one-hour cruise that takes you across three lakes and two canals, passing by the grand waterfront estates of this historic area. Your guide will point out the former home of television host Fred Rogers (of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood fame), an alumnus of nearby Rollins College, and you might catch a glimpse of the school’s rowing team practising on the water.

Back on shore, stroll over to the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, where you’ll find the world’s largest collection of works by art nouveau master Louis Comfort Tiffany. From intricate stained glass windows and lamps to jewellery and pottery, this understated museum offers an intimate portrait of American decorative arts from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

If you have little ones in tow, plan a visit to the Crayola Experience, a huge indoor playground where you can melt crayons into drip art, design fashion looks for a life-sized runway show, or even turn yourself into a colouring book character. With hands-on exhibits and craft workshops, it’s the ideal spot for budding artists (and their creative parents).

Afternoon

Stop for lunch at Black Rooster Taqueria, a local favourite for Mexican-inspired fare. Chunky guacamole and tortilla chips make a great appetizer before a shared selection of tacos – we recommend the crispy fish, slow-roasted Achiote pork and Black Rooster beef asada. Pair your meal with a housemade agua fresca or a margarita for a refreshing midday pick-me-up. If you’re craving something sweet, take a short detour to Sampaguita, a small-batch creamery offering Filipino-inspired ice cream flavours, like ube (purple yam) and pandan.

Once recharged, head to ICON Park, an open-air collection of attractions where you could easily spend an hour or an entire day. In the conservation-focused Sea Life Aquarium, observation “bubbles” allow kids to pop into different tanks to see colourful fish and seahorses swimming just inches away, while the shark tank features a clear tunnel for an immersive experience. The adjacent Museum of Illusions is fascinating for all ages, with interactive exhibits that challenge your perception of reality. Don’t miss the Ames Room, a prime photo op where people standing in opposite corners appear dramatically different in size, depending on your vantage point.

To wind down, or if you’re looking for a quieter way to spend the afternoon, make your way to Lake Eola Park, one of Orlando’s most peaceful and picturesque spots. Before the sun sets, rent a swan boat and paddle around the lake, admiring the real resident swans and the city skyline as you glide across the water.

Evening

Reserve a table at Winter Park’s Prato, a beloved Italian eatery with wood-fired pizza and skillfully prepared fresh pasta dishes (the mustard spaghettini cacio e pepe is a must). The vibrant, industrial-style dining room manages to hit just the right vibe for both date nights and family dinners. If the weather permits, snag a table on the small front patio facing cobblestoned North Park Avenue and rosebush-studded Central Park.

Make it a Weekend

Check in to The Alfond Inn in Winter Park, an upscale boutique hotel whose proceeds support student scholarships at nearby Rollins College. Here, every corner exudes creativity: The hotel boasts an impressive collection of more than 600 contemporary artworks, from photographs to canvas paintings to conceptual pieces, showcasing both up-and-coming and established artists, like Vik Muniz and Jenny Holzer. Lounge by the outdoor pool, book a massage at the ground floor spa, or stop by the café for a lavender latte and fresh-baked cookies.