Best Weekend Retreats in Orlando

When you're looking for a break from the parks and themed attractions around Orlando and Kissimmee, you won't have difficulty setting your sights in the surrounding areas. Museums, gardens, boat tours, and shopping outlets all provide some variation from the norm of Disney World. Take a break from Mickey and the gang on your next visit to Orlando, and spend a couple of days at any of these top picks for weekend retreats:

Just a short drive east, and your travels will take you to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The official NASA headquarters will leave you with a dizzying array of interactive activities, sights, and sounds. Learn about famous rocket launches, meet an Astronaut, or plan your visit so you can catch the monthly unmanned rocket launch during the summer months! The Astronaut Training experience will give you some hands-on training to learn about the day in the life of a NASA astronaut. Don't forget to stop in the IMAX theater for a showing of the latest spaceflight films. Call (321) 449-4444 for more information and tickets.

Cocoa Beach is the closest sun and sand near Orlando, just a quick 45 minute trek east to the coast. The beach is six miles long, and is the perfect spot for catching some sun or a round of golf at the beachfront golf course. Take a kayak out to the Banana River islands, or visit the Cocoa Beach art gallery for a peaceful afternoon. The East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame Museum and Brevard Museum of History and Natural Art are a few more highlights of the area.

Even though it's in the vicinity of Disney, the Universal CityWalk offers a change of pace from the themes and culture of Mickey. The 30-acre entertainment complex is filled with restaurants, cafes, live music, and shopping hotspots. Some of Orlando's most popular nightclubs and lounges include the Red Coconut Club, CityJazz, the Groove dance club, and the commemorative Bob Marley-A Tribute to Freedom. Be sure to stop by Cartooniversal for some of your favorite character gear and The Island Clothing Store to stock up on Caribbean-inspired and beach wear.

Sit back and enjoy the world of Broadway with the traveling acts of Broadway Across America in Orlando. These fun-filled entertainment segments are the perfect way to spend an evening with experienced performers and musical talent. Call (800) 448-6322 to find out about the latest showtimes. For something a little different, the Mad Cow Theater in the downtown area features cabaret and unique performances each month, and it's the place to find some of the best comedy and musical acts. The kids are sure to enjoy renditions of fairytale and storybook classics at the Orlando Repertory Theatre. Call (407) 896-7365 for show information and tickets.

To satisfy your taste for adventure, head to the lakes for an airboat ride! Boggy Creek Airboat Rides are a popular attraction in Central Florida, taking you upstream at record speed for a safari-style tour. The ½ airboat tours take you over the tree tops of a cattle ranch, alligator swamps, and through the Florida everglades. Don't bother wearing a hat-you'll lose it in the first five minutes! Call (407) 344-9550 for more information.

You'll never experience boredom in Orlando with the medley of activities and events featured daily. When you're done trekking through Disney World or other resorts in the area, be sure to schedule in any of these weekend activities.