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Orlando, United States of America - Things to Do in Orlando

Things to Do in Orlando

Orlando, United States of America - Complete Travel Guide

Orlando, Florida, is synonymous with world-class theme parks and magical experiences, making it one of America's premier vacation destinations. Home to Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios, and numerous other attractions, this vibrant city welcomes over 75 million visitors annually who come to experience the magic, thrills, and entertainment that have made Orlando famous worldwide. Beyond the theme parks, Orlando offers a surprising array of cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and culinary experiences. The city boasts beautiful lakes, charming neighborhoods like Winter Park with its museums and boutiques, natural springs perfect for swimming, and a growing downtown scene with craft breweries, farm-to-table restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you're seeking family-friendly adventures or sophisticated urban experiences, Orlando delivers an unforgettable blend of fantasy and reality.

Top Things to Do in Orlando

Experience World-Famous Theme Parks

Orlando's legendary theme parks offer immersive experiences from magical kingdoms to movie-themed adventures and cutting-edge attractions. Spend multiple days exploring elaborate themed lands, enjoying thrilling rides, meeting beloved characters, and watching spectacular shows and parades. Each park offers unique experiences, from classic fairy tale magic to high-tech simulator rides and behind-the-scenes movie magic.

Booking Tip: Purchase multi-day tickets online in advance for significant savings (3-7 day passes offer best value). Consider express passes during busy seasons ($80-200 extra) to skip regular lines. Book 60-180 days ahead for dining reservations and special experiences.

Explore Natural Springs and Outdoor Adventures

Discover Florida's natural beauty at crystal-clear freshwater springs like Blue Spring State Park or Wekiwa Springs, where you can swim, snorkel, or kayak in 72-degree water year-round. Many springs offer manatee viewing opportunities during winter months, and the surrounding state parks provide hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and picnic areas perfect for escaping the theme park crowds.

Booking Tip: Entry fees range from $5-8 per vehicle for state parks. Rent kayaks or tubes on-site ($20-40) or bring your own. Visit early morning for best wildlife viewing and fewer crowds, especially on weekends.

Discover Winter Park's Cultural Scene

This charming suburb offers sophisticated attractions including world-class museums, boutique shopping, and scenic boat tours through pristine lakes and canals. Stroll down Park Avenue's tree-lined streets filled with galleries, upscale shops, and sidewalk cafes, or explore the renowned museums showcasing impressive art collections in beautiful garden settings.

Booking Tip: Museum admission ranges from $6-18 per person, with combination tickets available. Scenic boat tours cost around $14-16 and run hourly. Free parking available on side streets, or use the free SunRail train from downtown Orlando.

Experience Downtown Orlando's Entertainment District

Downtown Orlando pulses with energy featuring rooftop bars, craft breweries, live music venues, and diverse dining options. Explore the historic districts, catch a show at the performing arts center, or enjoy the nightlife scene that ranges from sophisticated cocktail lounges to energetic dance clubs. The area also hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year.

Booking Tip: Many venues offer happy hour specials 4-7 PM. Cover charges for nightlife typically range $10-25 on weekends. Use ride-sharing services as parking can be limited and expensive ($10-20). Check event calendars for free outdoor concerts and festivals.

Take Day Trips to Nearby Attractions

Orlando's central location makes it perfect for exploring other Florida highlights including the Kennedy Space Center, beautiful beaches on both coasts, historic St. Augustine, or the natural wonders of the Everglades. These excursions offer a chance to experience different facets of Florida beyond the theme parks, from space exploration history to pristine natural environments.

Booking Tip: Organized day trips range from $75-150 per person including transportation. Rental cars offer more flexibility ($40-60/day). Popular destinations are 1-2 hours away, so plan for full-day excursions. Book space center tours in advance as they often sell out.

Getting There

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of the busiest airports in the world, served by virtually every major airline with direct flights from most U.S. cities and many international destinations. The airport is located about 20 minutes from downtown Orlando and most theme park areas. Ground transportation options include rental cars, ride-sharing services ($25-40 to theme parks), hotel shuttles, and the Sunshine Flyer train service. Orlando is also accessible by car via major highways including I-4, I-95, and the Florida Turnpike, making it easy to reach from other parts of Florida and the Southeast.

Getting Around

Renting a car provides the most flexibility for exploring Orlando and surrounding areas, with major rental companies available at the airport and throughout the city. Many hotels offer free shuttle services to major theme parks, which can save on parking fees ($25-30 per day). The I-Ride Trolley serves the International Drive tourist corridor with unlimited day passes for $5. For downtown exploration, the free LYMMO bus system and SunRail commuter train connect various neighborhoods. Ride-sharing services are widely available and convenient for shorter trips, though surge pricing can occur during peak times.

Where to Stay

International Drive (I-Drive)
Disney World Resort Area
Universal Studios Area
Downtown Orlando
Winter Park
Kissimmee

Food & Dining

Orlando's dining scene extends far beyond theme park fare, offering everything from award-winning fine dining to authentic international cuisine. The city's diverse population has created enclaves of excellent ethnic restaurants, particularly strong Vietnamese, Puerto Rican, and Southern comfort food scenes. Downtown Orlando and Winter Park feature farm-to-table restaurants, craft breweries, and innovative chefs putting creative spins on Florida ingredients. International Drive offers convenient dining options ranging from chain restaurants to unique local spots, while many hotels feature signature restaurants from celebrity chefs. Don't miss trying Florida specialties like fresh seafood, key lime pie, and Cuban sandwiches.

Top-Rated Restaurants in United States

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

Peppermill and Fireside Lounge

4.5 /5
(19043 reviews) 2
bar night_club

Moonshine Grill

4.6 /5
(7161 reviews) 2
bar

The Southern Gentleman

4.8 /5
(4877 reviews) 2

The Guenther House

4.5 /5
(4678 reviews) 2

Canlis

4.6 /5
(2800 reviews) 4
bar

Whiskey Bird

4.8 /5
(2525 reviews) 2

When to Visit

Orlando enjoys warm weather year-round, but the best time to visit is typically October through April when temperatures are more comfortable (70s-80s°F) and humidity is lower. This period also coincides with peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices, especially during holidays and school breaks. Summer months (June-September) are hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, but offer lower hotel rates and shorter wait times at attractions. Hurricane season runs June through November, though Orlando's inland location makes direct impacts rare. Spring and fall offer the best balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds.

Insider Tips

Download theme park mobile apps for real-time wait times, mobile food ordering, and digital FastPass reservations to maximize your time
Stay hydrated and take midday breaks during summer visits - many hotels offer pool areas perfect for afternoon relaxation before returning to parks in the evening
Explore beyond the theme parks by visiting local favorites like East End Market for artisanal foods, Lake Eola Park for swan boat rides, or the Mills 50 district for authentic Vietnamese cuisine and unique shops

Explore Activities in Orlando