Welcome to the city beautiful, Orlando! As many of you know, I was lucky enough to call Orlando my home for over a decade. I took advantage of this opportunity and explored every little corner. Orlando is known for it’s ideal location, theme parks and beautiful weather. Are you curious to find out what the locals do for fun? Here are some of the things to do in addition to the theme parks and my personal favorite restaurants. If you are planning to spend sometime at Disney World, read my guide here. And if you have a few extra days to explore Florida, then check out my top 10 things to do in Florida post here.
THINGS TO DO
-Paddle boat at Lake Eola Park
Get on a swan shaped paddle boat or just go for a run around the park. They also have live music playing regularly and a Sunday Market.
-Watch a NBA Orlando Magic basketball game or Orlando City soccer game and join the after party in Downtown Orlando
I would highly recommend you go to one of these games even if you are not a sports fanatic. The crowds just love their home team and make sure they show their full support. And don’t miss out the after-party in Downtown, especially after a win!
-Dine or spend an evening at Universal Studios City Walk
Universal Studios City Walk is a happening place once the theme parks close. It offers plenty of entertainment for all ages, including a cinema, shopping, restaurants and night life.
-Play mini golf at Congo River Golf on International drive
Take the kids out to enjoy golfing on International Drive. I like this specific one because of the “adventure” factor and it is inexpensive for the family. Congo River Golf has 8 locations throughout Central Florida.
-Take the kids to Orlando’s Science Center
Explore the interactive science center while learning about technology. The exhibits include DinoDigs, Kinetic Zone and Our Planet.
-Visit the Orlando eye after sunset
For a bird’s eye view of the area, visit Orlando Eye located on International Drive after sunset and if you are looking a nice click visit during sunset, Florida has some of the best sunsets! Btw it is the 6th tallest ferris wheel in the world!
-Watch a show Medieval Times, Blue Man Group or Cirque du Soleil
Enjoy an exciting medieval themed show while you dine at Medieval Times Dinner Theater in a castle! Or head over to Disney Springs (formerly known as DownTown Disney) and be prepared to be amazed by some stunning performances at the Cirque Du Soleil show.
-Go on an airboat ride in Kissimmee
-Visit WonderWorks on International Drive
So if you notice an upside down house on I-drive, just know that it is supposed to be that way! WonderWorks offers a fun and educational experience with more than 100 hands on exhibits that challenge the mind. The kids are going to love this!
-Visit theme parks SeaWorld, Universal Studios and Discovery Cove
And if still have some time left, check out some of the other parks in Orlando. I loved spending a day at Discovery Cove. It is the perfect way to unwind and enjoy the weather and you get to swim with dolphins! They only allow a certain number of visitors everyday so make sure you book your tickets in advance.
PLACES TO EAT
I hope you enjoyed my Orlando travel guide. Have you ever been to Orlando before? If so, what are some of your favorite things that you did? Please feel free to let me know down in the comments.
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Thanks for guide! I will use your tips during my Orlando trip
I’ve been to Orlando a few times and went to Disney ! After reading this it seems like I haven’t scratched the surface. I guess some of the other things are over looked because of Disney. Great list of attractions!
I’m from Orlando and every place you wrote about I have been to! You have the travel guide right on point!
Been wanting to go for so long! Great locations and recs! Thank you 🙂
-Sarin Christine | sweetsarinity.com
Never been to Orlando! But it is on my bucket list ! 🙂
I’ve only been to Daytona for a cheer competition haha. But these are great tips! I would love to go back and check out disneyworld for sure, the Orlando eye because that just sounds beautiful and the science museums!
Wow! Orlando looks so fun and amazing!
Definitely have Orlando on my list to revisit. Good trip ideas. I will definitely add these to my list of things to do.
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I love visiting Orlando! I am glad you enjoyed reading them, hopefully you get to go back there soon.
Beautifully told Orlando story. This prompts me to go there in my next trip. Thanks for sharing impressive post.
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Thanks! I am glad to hear that and hopefully you get to visit Orlando soon.
I love Orlando! I go at least three times a year and always treats me well 🙂 Of course, as a tourist living in Miami, my favorite activity is visiting the themed parks and outlet shopping 🙂
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That’s awesome! I try to go back as many times as possible too. It is just so much fun
I love the idea of a medieval themed show! I can only imagine what the view must be like on the Orlando Eye 🙂
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You are going to love the views!
Paddling on Lake Eola and a visit to Universal studios is probably on my top list. It would be lovely weekend well spent ❤
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I agree! I used to go to Lake Eola all the time for a jog and then indulge at a nearby restaurant haha!
I’ve been to Orlando, but I wish I had this guide while there. Orlando is more than Disney and I hope to visit these places when I go to Florida again.
I went to Orlando to go to Disney World, nearly twenty years ago and haven’t been back! But I would still like to go to the universal studios!
Great tips and an awesome guide! I’ve been to Orlando a few times throughout my life. I loved the Harry Potter World there when I went last year. It’s a great city to visit and explore. Nice post.
Orlando has a lot to offer. Mostly been here for the theme parks and athletics but will need to go back and reexplore it!
Wow! I have not been to Orlando in years. I didn’t realize there were so many other options besides Disney theme parks. I plan to visit in 2018. Great Information.
I used to live in Tampa and visited Orlando a few times when I was there. Universal Studios is totally a must while there. I didn’t know they had Cirque du Soleil shows, too!
Been to Orlando 10 times and it’s nice to remember how I used to enjoy Orlando. This brings so many memories.
I’ve been to Orlando a handful of times and haven’t done half the things you’ve listed! I have to do Orlando justice the next time I go back!
It’s been years since I was last in Orlando- I can’t wait to go back to try all the restaurants you suggested. I’d love to visit the Orlando Eye too. Heck, I’d go back just to visit HP World again 😛
mmmmm…. Passed through northern Florida on a road trip many years ago. Have not been Orlando side. Perhaps worth exploring. Great info. Thanks