If you’re looking for the perfect Florida adventure, Orlando is the answer. From the exciting world of theme parks to the natural beauty of botanical gardens and crystal-clear lakes, there’s something for everyone in this fantastic city. Get ready to discover all the things you can do in Orlando Florida and dive into its magic.
Best attractions in Orlando
Orlando is the ideal place for adrenaline lovers, they don’t call it “the theme park capital of the world” for nothing. The magic and the thrills of the theme parks will make all your dreams come true. Like meeting the characters at Disney World, exploring the scenery of the most emblematic movies at Universal Studios, and riding the dizzying roller coasters at SeaWorld, one of the world’s most famous water parks.
But if theme parks are not your thing and you are looking for other alternatives on what to do in Orlando Florida, you can also enjoy the natural beauty of the city, take a tour of the world-famous Kennedy Space Center surround yourself with history at the Central Florida Railroad Museum. With so many options available, Orlando is a must-see destination in the United States.
Kid-Friendly activities
Orlando is a popular destination for families traveling with children because of the attractions available in the city. Here are some of the best alternatives:
Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World is a magical destination divided into 4 theme parks, which will allow you to meet your favorite TV characters and the witty cartoons that surely accompanied your childhood. These are:
- Magic Kingdom: come and see the golden sculptures of your favorite Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Pluto. This park is ideal for the whole family, especially for the little ones.
- Epcot: the perfect place to discover the wonders of science and technology in an exciting trip to Mars aboard a NASA simulator.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: will take you to a Star Wars galaxy far far away, where you can embark on an exceptional space mission.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: will allow you to experience nature in the best way. You will see Asian tigers, African lions, and western gorillas up close in vast natural areas, and embark on a thrilling Kilimanjaro safari for a fun journey through the African savannah.
Legoland Florida
Legoland Florida is a theme park that is designed especially for children, with attractions and shows based on the popular Lego building blocks.
It has more than 50 attractions, 14 water slides, and 3 themed hotels, making it an excellent destination for families with kids and teenagers. Get ready to walk around 150 acres of LEGO fun and participate in many fun activities suitable for all ages.
Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios Florida is a themed complex dedicated to multiple cinematic universes, offering spectacular sets based on popular films such as Jurassic Park and Transformers.
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you will absolutely LOVE Universal. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is one of this park’s greatest achievements. Everything is set up to make you feel like you’re inside the movie, you can even have some butterbeer.
The Hogwarts Express train connects the two parks that make up the Orlando complex: Diagon Alley, located at Universal Studios Florida, and Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
If you want to know the top 10 theme parks in Orlando, check out our article Best Parks in Orlando.
Attractions for adults in Orlando
There are many attractions in the city that are ideal for adults, including the popular Kennedy Space Center and Madame Tussauds Museum. So, if you’re planning an upcoming visit, make sure to find out where to stay in Orlando so you have a nearby and very comfortable place to rest after a day full of activities. Here are some of the most popular ones, to give you a better idea of what to do in Orlando Florida:
iFly Orlando
Want to experience the free fall conditions of skydiving without jumping off a plane? iFly Orlando offers you a thrilling experience in its advanced state-of-the-art wind tunnels. Expert instructors guide participants through the entire process, meaning no prior experience is necessary to participate in this unique adventure. And it’s completely safe.
Museo Madame Tussauds Orlando
Enjoy an unforgettable family experience at the Madame Tussauds Museum in Orlando, the most famous wax museum in the world. There, you can admire life-size sculptures of iconic celebrities such as Beyoncé, Serena Williams, and Shaquille O’Neal. You will also have the opportunity to take a picture with the Justice League heroes or with other famous Hollywood celebrities, such as Jackie Chan and Dwayne Johnson.
Kennedy Space Center
The Kennedy Space Center, located at Cape Canaveral, is one of NASA’s most important strategic bases which began operations in 1962. From there, countless space missions that have changed the course of human history have taken off.
This iconic destination is a must-see for any space enthusiast and offers your whole family the opportunity to explore the cosmos through hundreds of exciting activities, such as seeing giant rockets and spacecraft up close or driving a rover across the rocky terrain of Mars.
The Escape Game Orlando
If you like a challenge, The Escape Game Orlando is a fun-filled attraction that will test all your senses. It is a live escape experience in which you will have to solve riddles and puzzles to escape from a room in a limited time.
Activities for Everyone
Orlando has a wide variety of attractions that are suitable for everyone. Some of the most popular are:
Lake Eola Park
Lake Eola Park is an urban park located in Downtown Orlando. Its main attraction is a circular lake surrounded by a walking path. This place offers lots of outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, fishing, and picnicking.
It also has abundant wildlife. One of the park’s most iconic features is the water fountain in the center of the lake, called the Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain, also known as the Centennial Fountain. At night, the fountain features a show with music and lights.
Shopping
Orlando is a fantastic shopping destination because it has so much to offer. Here are some of the most famous malls in Orlando:
Malls in Orlando
- The Mall at Millenia: This luxury mall has more than 150 stores, including department stores such as Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, and Bloomingdale’s, and high-end brand stores such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Prada.
- The Florida Mall: This is Orlando’s largest mall, with more than 250 department stores such as Macy’s, Dillard’s, and JCPenney, and specialty stores such as Apple, Zara, and H&M.
- Disney Springs: This boutique and dining complex at Walt Disney World has more than 100 retail outlets, including Disney stores, famous brand stores, and specialty stores.
Orlando Outlets
Orlando is famous for having outlet malls offering amazing discounts on brand-name products. Here are the most popular ones:
- Orlando International Premium Outlets: This outlet has more than 180 stores of renowned brands at great prices, such as Nike, Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Michael Kors.
- Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets: This outlet is located on Vineland Avenue and has more than 160 stores, including Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Nike Factory Store, and Kate Spade New York.
- Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores: This outlet is located on State Road 535 and has more than 50 stores, including Old Navy Outlet, Levi’s Outlet, and Reebok Outlet Store.
For more information about the malls and outlets in Orlando, check out our post The best shopping malls in Orlando.
Outdoor Activities
The city of Orlando has ample green spaces such as parks, trails, and gardens for outdoor activities. Some of them are:
Sports
- Hiking: If you like hiking, Orlando has a lot of places for you. You can visit nearby nature parks, such as Wekiwa Springs State Park or Lake Louisa State Park.
- Golf: Orlando is a popular destination for golf lovers. There are many golf courses in the area, including some designed by famous golfers, these are: Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club and Lodge, Grand Cypress Golf Club, and Shingle Creek Golf Club.
- Boating: Orlando has many lakes and rivers, making it a great place for water activities. You can rent a boat or practice different water sports to enjoy a very special day of sailing.
Nearby beaches
Although Orlando is not located on the coast, you can visit a few beaches that are close to the city. Some of them are:
- Daytona Beach: it is located about an hour from Orlando and is known for its car races on the beach and for its beautiful ocean views. However, if you are passionate about cruises, you can consider an excursion from Orlando to nearby ports to enjoy a trip on the sea.
- Cocoa Beach: located on the east coast of Florida in Brevard County, about 60 miles southeast of Orlando, Cocoa Beach is known for its beautiful turquoise waters and wide stretch of sand.
- New Smyrna Beach: this beach is also located on the east coast of Florida, south of Cocoa Beach and north of the city of Titusville, about 80 kilometers northeast of Orlando, and is ideal for surfing. It also has restaurants and bars where you can enjoy some delicious cocktails.
Natural Parks
Parks and gardens: The city of Orlando has many parks and gardens where you can relax and enjoy nature. Some of the most popular are Lake Eola Park, Harry P. Leu Gardens, and Bill Frederick Park.
Things to do in Orlando for free
Looking for an affordable way to enjoy Orlando? We have the perfect solution for you! In Orlando, there are many free activities to enjoy, from visiting public parks and nature trails to enjoying multiple cultural events.
Imagine walking through the beautiful Lake Eola Park, visiting the Downtown Orlando Farmers Market, enjoying live concerts at Winter Park, or admiring the beautiful architecture of the street art murals in the Mills 50 neighborhood.
Besides all that, you can visit the Orlando Museum of Art and enjoy its permanent collection for free. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it? And the best part is that it’s completely free!
Restaurants in Orlando
If you’re a foodie, you’ll find a wide variety of restaurants in Orlando that offer a unique dining experience. From gourmet restaurants to casual dining, there is something for everyone.
Taste authentic Italian dishes at Maggiano’s Little Italy, enjoy fresh seafood at Eddie V’s, or sample contemporary cuisine at The Ravenous Pig. In addition, Orlando’s food truck scene is particularly special, offering a wide variety of creative culinary options anywhere in the city.
Fancy some Mexican, Italian, or Asian food? In Orlando, you can find authentic restaurants to satisfy your cravings. You can also visit the food stands in the open-air markets, where local chefs offer their most innovative and delicious dishes.
With so many alternatives, enjoying food will never be a boring experience. Don’t waste any more time and dive into the world of Orlando’s gastronomy to experience the most delicious flavors in the city.
Nightlife and special events
Nightlife in Orlando is exciting and features a wide variety of establishments for all ages and tastes, including action-packed nightclubs with fabulous live entertainment.
Nightclubs
The nightclubs in Orlando are known for offering a lively atmosphere and excellent music, making them a popular destination for nightlife lovers looking for a night full of fun and dancing. Some of the most popular nightclubs are:
- Disney Springs: Disney Springs is an ideal place to spend a fun night in Orlando. This outdoor mall has a wide variety of restaurants, stores, and entertainment venues. You can enjoy a delicious meal at one of its themed restaurants, watch a movie at the AMC theater or even enjoy a drink at one of its bars and clubs.
- Universal CityWalk: Universal CityWalk is another popular nightlife destination in Orlando. There, you can have a nice dinner at restaurants like Hard Rock Cafe or Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, watch a movie at the IMAX theater, or dance the night away at The Groove nightclub.
- Blue Man Group: If you are looking for a fun and unique live show, the Blue Man Group is an excellent choice, as it combines music, theater, comedy, and technology to offer an unforgettable experience.
Map of the best attractions to visit in Orlando
Discover the best attractions to visit in Orlando using our map.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most frequently asked questions tourists have about things to do in Orlando, Florida.
What can you visit in Orlando besides the theme parks?
The places you can visit on your next trip to Orlando besides the popular theme parks are:
- Lake Eola Park.
- Madame Tussauds Museum.
- Gatorland.
- Outlets and malls in Orlando.
What are Orlando’s main attractions?
Some of Orlando’s main attractions that you can’t miss are:
- Walt Disney World.
- Universal Orlando Resort.
- Epcot.
- SeaWorld Orlando.
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
- Legoland Florida.
- Fun Spot America.
- Typhoon Lagoon.
- Kennedy Space Center.
Thanks for joining us on this magic Orlando adventure and for being part of our traveler’s community!
