Scenic Places in Orlando
Updated: March 27, 2024
AAA Travel Editor, Sherry Mims
Taking vacation photos is one of the most popular things to do in "The City Beautiful," aka Orlando. Photogenic attractions and resorts not only provide fun in the moment but also make great mementos of your trip. Here are a few of our favorites!
1. Magic Kingdom® Park
Lake Buena Vista, Florida
THE best picture to take at Walt Disney World® Resort—at any age—is Cinderella Castle. Snap the castle from an angle or shoot a picture during a parade to add pizzazz. Also consider standing on the bridge at Liberty Square or climbing the Swiss Family Treehouse. If you have a ticket with the Park Hopper option, then think about photographing more Disney favorites; suggestions include Spaceship Earth at Epcot®, the Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park and the various waterfront views of Disney Springs®.
2. Harry P. Leu Gardens
Orlando, Florida
This place to photograph in Orlando is popular for special occasions as well as a great thing for couples to do on a date. The gardens also provide a vivid backdrop for any vacation pic. The 50-acre oasis features various structures and landscaped grounds, such as a rose garden, so wait for inspiration. Flowers abloom make especially good subjects.
3. The Orlando Eye
Orlando, Florida
Once known as the Wheel at ICON Park, this 400-foot observation wheel looks great day or night and moves slowly — lessening the chances of getting a blurry image. During the day, snap a photo from the front lawn or behind the water feature. Plan to stick around in the evening because the lights come on and add pizzazz. The attraction's especially colorful during special events, so walk around the ICON Park complex to get the best angle.
4. Lake Eola Park
Orlando, Florida
If you want a quintessential photo of the City Beautiful, then visit this relaxing spot in downtown Orlando. True, the skyline makes for a dramatic backdrop, but look around for other subjects. Since the lake is the main draw, choose to take a picture of the fountain or swan-shaped boats. Otherwise, walk around and take in the sculptures, rainbow-colored Walt Disney Amphitheater and seasonal displays during the holidays. Actual swans are beautiful, too, but remember not to touch or otherwise disturb them.
5. Universal Orlando Resort™
Orlando, Florida
Opinions may differ on where to take “the coolest pictures ever,” especially if you’re a Harry Potter fan, but like most Orlando theme parks, options abound. There’s the classic Universal globe photo that you can catch from the bridge or, better yet, from the side. (Wait for “Universal” to be visible.) Other fine picks include the fire-breathing dragon at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Diagon Alley™ or Hogwarts™ Castle at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Hogsmeade ™. (To visit both themed lands, you must have a Park-to-Park ticket.) Finally, take a sip (and a photo, naturally) of a Butterbeer.
6. WonderWorks
Orlando, Florida
“What’s that ‘upside-down house’ in Orlando?” That’s often one of the first questions visitors ask if they go past this topsy-turvy building on International Drive. Looking like it’s been dropped from the sky, this attraction is eye-catching as well as educational and features more than 100 interactive exhibits based on science.
AAA Travel Editor, Sherry Mims
Sherry is an experienced #AAAEditor and former journalist who enjoys writing informative travel articles and reviews. Her commitment to making meaningful connections with people and places fuels her work for AAA. Favorite activities range from skiing to backpacking abroad and taking ghost tours.