Venue & Travel

Nature & Outdoors

UCF Arboretum: Explore trails and nature on campus.

Harry P. Leu Gardens: Visit beautiful botanical gardens located within a short distance of UCF.

Blanchard Park: Enjoy outdoor recreation at this park near the UCF area.

Museums & Education

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: A popular attraction about an hour away, offering a deep dive into space exploration.

Orlando Museum of Art: Discover a wide range of art and exhibitions.

Orlando Science Center: A great option for interactive science exhibits and educational programs.

Arts & Entertainment

Addition Financial Arena: Catch live performances and sporting events on the UCF campus.

The Mall at Millenia & Waterford Lakes Town Center: Find numerous shopping and dining options in these shopping centers.

Downtown Orlando: Explore restaurants, breweries, and bars in the city center.

Theme Parks & Nearby Attractions

Disney World & Universal Studios: While a further drive, Orlando’s famous theme parks are accessible from the UCF area.

ICON Park: Visit this entertainment complex with attractions like the Museum of Illusions.

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens: Enjoy a family-friendly zoo experience.

Six Places to Visit

One of the major benefits of the new UCF Downtown campus is its proximity to numerous local landmarks and cultural experiences. A group of UCF students provide some suggestions of places to see and things to do as their fellow Knights settle into their routines and start exploring the downtown community.

Discover Downtown Center

201 S Orange Ave. #102 | Open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A good first stop on your tour of downtown Orlando, the Discover Downtown Center provides information about events, attractions, venues, restaurants and more. You can also find merchandise created by local makers and take a picture in front of an Instagram worthy mural by local artist, Boy Kong.

Orange County Regional History Center

65 E Central Blvd. | Open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For two decades, the Orange County Regional History Center has honored the area’s past, present and future through permanent and traveling exhibits. Earlier this year, the museum was named one of 10 recipients of the 2019 National Medal for Museum and Library Service — the highest honor given to museums and libraries across the nation. Visitors can enjoy free admission on the third Thursday of each month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Wells’Built Museum

511 W. South St. | Open Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m; Sundays, Noon to 5 p.m.

Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, The Wells’Built Hotel was converted into a museum and houses memorabilia of Orlando’s African-American community and displays on the Civil Rights movement along with some African art and artifacts.

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

455 S. Magnolia Ave.

After opening its doors in 2014, this state-of-the-art facility has entertained audiences with Broadway shows, concerts and performances year-round. Every April, the Dr. Phillips Center hosts UCF Celebrates the Arts, an annual festival showcasing the creativity, innovation and collaboration across the university.

Sam Flax

1800 E. Colonial Dr.

One of the more colorful locations in Orlando, the Sam Flax art supply shop is known for its murals. Every year, it hosts a wall project and invites the community to watch mural artists paint live on their walls. While visiting Sam Flax, check out some of the great foodie spots in the nearby Mills 50 district.

Lake Eola Park

512 E. Washington St.

Whether visitors to this notable landmark wish to grab a bite to eat at a lakeside restaurant, attend an early-morning yoga session, take a spin on a Swan Boat, catch a free movie at the Walt Disney Amphitheater or pick up some goodies at a weekend farmer’s market, Lake Eola is always bustling with activity.