Orlando and the surrounding areas have heaps going on! It’s the kind of city in the United States that’s built for entertainment, and you’ll be spoilt for choice on your trip to the Sunshine State. Not only that, but many of the best things to do in Orlando are also suitable for families. This means that there is something for everyone here.
Over the years, we’ve visited Orlando many times and always had a blast. It’s always a busy trip of hopping between Florida’s best theme parks, outlets and restaurants, but there’s also so much more to Orlando than that. If you want, you can easily visit Orlando and explore some of the state parks or small communities and sister cities that make this area so much fun.
Also, don’t forget about the best beaches in Florida that are just a day trip (or even a day trip) from Orlando itself. Honestly, there is heaps to do in the area.
So, to help you plan your trip, I’m sharing our top places in Orlando that I know you’ll love! This way, you can focus on all that enjoyment and not get bogged down with the planning.
1.) Downtown Orlando (and Lake Eola)
Orlando has some epic theme parks, that’s a given, but there’s also a central downtown area of Orlando that’s well worth visiting once you arrive. Now, for us, we love going down to the area around Lake Eola Park (Google Maps pin). The whole area is lovely for a stroll, but it’s also got heaps going on, too.
You’ve also got the Walt Disney Amphitheater (Google Maps pin), which regularly holds local plays and movies throughout the year. Also, don’t forget, you can rent a swan boat to paddle around Lake Eola, too. It’s so much fun, and you can grab a ticket at the boat station itself. Each swan holds five people, which means you can go with the kids!
Read more: Best beaches in Florida to visit
2.) Walt Disney World
Okay, so Walt Disney World needs little introduction. It’s one of the best things to do in Orlando that, honestly, isn’t just for children. Big kids can enjoy Disney’s parks, too!
Now, there are heaps of theme parks to choose from. You’ve got the iconic Magic Kingdom, with the beautiful Cinderella Castle. Also, you have Animal Kingdom with all its safari animals and Avatar-themed areas. Then, you have Epcot, which is filled with different lands to visit; with the likes of England, Morocco, France, and so many more, you can visit. Finally, you have Disney’s Hollywood Studios – a theme park that focuses on the magic of film. They have a whole Star Wars area, and the Tower of Terror is as frightening as it is fun! We loved it.
Now, let’s talk tickets! Make sure to visit Disney’s Website to grab the best deals and plan your trip. For us, we always recommend booking as soon as possible and making sure to get reservations for restaurants in each of the parks before you arrive. Reservations for food fill up so fast, and it was the one thing we got caught out on when we visited.
After a day at the park, you can book this fireworks helicopter ride to watch Disney’s fireworks celebrations from the sky. It’s such a unique way to see the show and absolutely brilliant.
Read more: Best theme parks in Florida to visit
3.) Universal Parks
The other big player in terms of theme parks in Florida is Universal. They have three amazing theme parks to visit, with the newest being Epic Universe.
Now, just like Disney, make sure to book these advanced Universal tickets that secure your place to visit the parks. It’s so worth booking them in advance, as the parks can get super busy, especially with the newer Epic Universe being hugely popular. These tickets will get you into all the parks, including Universal Studios, Epic Universe and Islands of Adventure.
For an extra special experience, you can book this VIP Universal ticket, where you’ll get an extra special experience within the parks themselves.
Read more: Best theme parks in Florida to visit
4.) Orlando Water Parks
So, it gets quite hot in Orlando, and when you have such glorious sunshine, there are heaps of water parks where you can chill out. Now, the big players here are Disney and Universal, who have some of the biggest (and arguably the best) water parks in the state.
For us, we loved Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach at Disney. Though Universal’s Volcano Bay is a must, too! You can easily spend a day in each of them, and there are heaps of slides and wave pools that are totally fun for the whole family.
Visiting the water parks is so much fun and one of the best things to do in Orlando if you want a slightly more relaxing day on your holiday.
Read more: Best places to visit in Florida
5.) Winter Garden, Florida
Right on the shore of Lake Apopka, Winter Garden is a city that’s around 12 miles, or so, away from Downtown Orlando. Even though it’s considered a distinct area, in terms of governance and municipality, it doesn’t feel like you’ve left Orlando at all, as the urban sprawl of both cities mixes together.
Once here, make sure to spend some time strolling Plant Street. Here, you’ll find heaps of little restaurants, cafes and the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation. Also, don’t forget to pop by the Central Florida Railroad Museum. Here, you can wander around the exhibits and even see some historic carriages and engines that now call this Winter Garden home.
For a bite to eat, stop by Rosallie Le French Cafe (Google Maps pin). These guys know their stuff when it comes to a brisket breakfast. You will leave stuffed.
Read more: Best beaches in Florida to visit
6.) Universal CityWalk
Right next to Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios, Universal CityWalk is one of the best things to do in Orlando after you’ve visited the parks. Here, you’ll find heaps of restaurants, cafes and stores selling everything and anything you can imagine.
Not only that, there are heaps of bars, karaoke spots, and so much more to enjoy an evening out in Orlando.
Now, for desserts, we’d always recommend going to Toothsome’s Chocolate Emporium. You will leave stuffed, their cakes are huge, and they conjure up some of the best chocolate milkshakes I’ve ever tasted. Yes, it was like 7 million calories, but it was totally worth it.
Afterwards, you can stop by places like the Hard Rock Cafe, The CowFish for their sushi burgers or pop into Universal’s official merch stores.
7.) Lake Louisa State Park
North east of Walt Disney World Resort is Lake Louisa State Park (Google Maps pin). It’s one of the best things to do in Orlando if you fancy time away from the cityscape and want to enjoy the natural beauty of Central Florida.
Once you’ve arrived in Lake Louisa State Park, make sure to drive or stroll around the various loops that surround the park. We absolutely love the area around Dixie Lake and Bear Lake (which is equally as beautiful).
You might even spot some little tortoises on the banks of the lakes. So cute!
8.) Kissimmee
Kissimmee, although considered a different city from Orlando, is still within the Greater Orlando area and feels just like an extension of the city itself. Now, over the years, Kissimmee has become something of a staple for lots of hotels and lodgings for visitors going to Disney or Universal.
That being said, Kissimmee also has a lot going for it in its own right! If you’re staying in Kissimmee, make sure to stop by some of the city’s famous foodie joints. For instance, you have to stop by Pastelitos Chips (Google Maps pin) on Smith Street for their iconic chips. They only do takeouts here, but they’re so worth getting. Plus, their empanadas are always freshly-baked and so tasty.
Also, if it’s Mexican food you’re after, then head to El Tapatio. They make some amazing margarita cocktails, and they even have a live mariachi band that plays most evenings.
9.) ICON Park
ICON Park, in Orlando, is well worth a gander if you’re not wanting to head to the region’s bigger theme parks. You see, ICON Park is more of an entertainment complex and gives a similar vibe to places like Universal’s CityWalk.
Here, you can ride the Orlando Eye, visit the Museums of Illusions and visit Madame Tussaud’s, that right in the heart of ICON Park itself. Not only that, you can head to some of the bars and restaurants around the park area. You can easily spend an evening here, especially if you want to make the most of the nightlife and restaurants.
Read more: Best theme parks in Florida to visit
10.) Disney Springs
Just like Universal’s CityWalk, Disney Springs (Google Maps pin) is an area filled with shops, restaurants, cafes and entertainment all in one easy-to-reach area. With parking outside, it makes for a really easy stop for a few hours around lunch, and it’s always got heaps going on.
Once here, make sure to book these tickets to Cirque de Soleil’s incredible show, Drawn to Life. The show is one of the best live performances you can see in all of Florida, and well worth going if you want some time away from the hustle and bustle of the parks themselves.
Also, don’t forget to pop by some of the restaurants, some popular spots like Planet Hollywood, but also more local spots like Paddlefish that have some pretty amazing seafood. Their shrimp cocktail was so good.
Read more: Best places to visit in Florida
11.) Wekiwa Springs State Park
Want some time in the great outdoors of Central Florida? Then get yourself over to Wekiwa Springs State Park (Google Maps pin).
Now, in my opinion, it’s one of the best places to go kayaking around the greater Orlando area, and you can easily visit and head on a guided tour by booking these tickets. After your guide picks you up from Orlando, you’ll get whisked away on a private tour to explore the incredible shores of Wekiwa Springs itself. The whole area is beautiful.
Though, like I said, book these tickets before arriving. Spaces can fill up at peak times.
Read more: Best places to visit in Florida
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