When coming to visit Central Florida, most people head straight for the bigger cities like Orlando and Tampa. But tucked in the center of the state and along both the east and west coasts in the middle portion are some truly charming towns filled with wonderful things to discover. They’re a little more out of the way but they’ll give you a better taste of the local life where you’ll see why people love to call Florida home. Here are 8 of the most charming towns in Central Florida that you shouldn’t miss when you come!

Sandford

When you’re heading to Orlando, nearby Sanford is a great option. It even has its own international airport. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Orlando’s biggest attractions, but Sanford has plenty to see. The downtown area features beautiful Lake Monroe where you can charter a boat, fish, or do a dinner cruise. And the red-brick-paved downtown area is up-and-coming with incredible restaurants and adorable boutiques. People love living in Sanford because it has all the conveniences without all the crowds.

Winter Park

A little closer to downtown Orlando, Winter Park is another great quaint Central Florida town to explore. Central Park makes for a lush green place to enjoy the sunny Florida weather, though there are many others to keep you pleasurably occupied outdoors. You’ll find many museums here too, as well as a bustling area for epicurean delights. Winter Park is highly-revered among those who live locally for great places to eat without the throngs of tourists.

Winter Garden

Don’t confuse Winter Park for Winter Garden and vice versa! Both are great little towns in their own right. Whereas Winter Park is located a little north and east of downtown Orlando, Winter Garden is in the opposite direction, to the west of Orlando. Here you’ll find many parks and museums, plus the gorgeous and historic Garden Theater. There’s plenty to taste, buy and see. Pop by on a Saturday for the incredible farmers market downtown, from 9 am to 2 pm for some homegrown Floridian fare.

Mount Dora

Not far from Sanford, if you stop by Mount Dora, you’ll be taken aback by its sweet small-town charm. This little place is a hidden gem with over 100 years of history. With Lake Dora and Lake Eustis, it’s not just picturesque but also “the Bass Fishing Capital of the World.” If fishing isn’t your thing, you’ll still love dining in the great restaurants surrounding the water, checking out the museums, and scoring great finds at the antique shops.

Deland

Touted as “The Athens of Florida,” quiet Deland is a unique place with great boutiques, award-winning restaurants that rank on the Zagat scale, and plenty of art and culture to take in. With museums, theater, and a cozy small-size, it’s still quite big on the charm. Pop into Deland on your way to or from Orlando and be mesmerized by the sweet life in this quaint yet upscale little Floridian town.

Kissimmee

Orlando visitors that want to save on accommodations are smart to book at hotels in nearby Kissimmee. Not only is it right outside Disney’s door, but it also features other more affordable yet no fewer fun attractions like Old Town and Fun Spot America, plus loads of parks. Looking for a bit of Floridian nature? Head to Lake Tohopekaliga, often referred to more simply as Lake Toho, and enjoy waterfront fun without the touristy prices.

Celebration

Disney built this charming community just outside of Orlando. It has that small-town American style from yesteryear with modern conveniences and plenty of fun. Shop, dine and stay entertained in the city’s center. The upscale resorts here are also great for getting a bit more for less when it comes to accommodations nearby Disney property. One-stop here and you’ll see why this cute community was aptly named “Celebration.”

College Park

Just outside downtown Orlando, the bustling neighborhood of College Park is all about the urban vibe with a quaint small-town style. You’ll find wonderful boutiques, delightful restaurants, and many interesting small businesses in this tree-lined area with brick-trimmed streets. Parks and lakes make it a peaceful place to retreat from the busy theme park sector. It’s a popular place for locals who know how to take the road less traveled.

Central Florida isn’t just about theme parks and constant entertainment. While those things are definitely fun to see and do, it’s nice to find the hidden charms that Central Florida has to offer the visitor from all over. When you stop in these places, you’ll see why locals love it here. Other honorable mentions that are worth checking out are Clermont, Minneola, and Lakeland. When you visit Central Florida, make room on your itinerary to visit one of these small towns for a real slice of Floridian life!