Culture and nature and parks, oh my! Orlando’s got it all, and visiting O-Town (also known as “The City Beautiful”) is better than ever.
News to some, the city is so much more than its iconic theme parks. In fact, visitors can have a blast in Orlando without even stepping foot near its amusement parks. From its sub-tropical climate to its world-class dining, sports, entertainment, and shopping options, there’s truly something amusing for everyone here.
Welcome to the magical land that is Orlando, Florida. (Photo Credit: Nicholas Fuentes)
Iconic gems can be seen everywhere throughout this city. (Photo Credit: Rithika Gopal)
Here are the best things to do in Orlando.
Visit Lake Eola Park
Right next to downtown Orlando, you’ll find beautiful Lake Eola, sparkling in the near-constant sunshine and dotted with swan paddleboats — and real swans, too! (In fact, you can spot up to 5 different species of swans there.)
Lake Eola and the surrounding park are one of the most-photographed areas in Orlando for good reason. There’s a paved path around the lake, and as you make your way around the park, you’ll spot cool, contemporary sculptures from the See Art Orlando collection of permanent outdoor art inspired by the diversity of the city.
Lake Eola Park is a welcome respite from the bustling activity of downtown Orlando. (Photo Credit: Andrew Pons)
The lakeside Walt Disney Amphitheater is also a great place to take in outdoor concerts and performances with a spectacular view.
Grab Dinner and Catch a Game
Orlando’s home for legendary sports and entertainment experiences, Kia Center plays host to the NBA’s Orlando Magic and countless concerts and performances.
Surrounding Kia Center are lively restaurants perfect for grabbing a bite and a drink before and after your event. There are a few breezy, open-air rooftops near the Center that are perfect for an energetic pre-event cocktail, and nearby Kres Chophouse is a fan-favorite steakhouse with a moody, red interior.
Park It (Amusement Park, That Is)
Walt Disney World is, of course, the most widely-known park in Orlando, but there are many more parks perfect for memory-making (for kids and grown-ups alike).
Disney World is the most magical — without question — of the region’s amusement parks. (Photo Credit: Kitera Dent)
Kids and adults alike can lose themselves in the park. (Photo Credit: Omar Lopez)
Because so many leisure travelers come to Orlando every year, it’s full of themed opportunities that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. That’s kind of Orlando’s thing.
Here are the best theme parks in Orlando:
- Walt Disney World Resort — four magical theme parks and resorts that span nearly 25,000 acres. People come from all over the world to visit Walt Disney World’s parks, and planning ahead for your visit is highly recommended and totally worth it. Visit Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom, which are all great in their own ways.
- Universal Orlando — thrilling theme parks with attractions and live shows that are primarily themed to movies, TV, and other aspects of the entertainment industry.
Universal Orlando wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Hogwarts. (Photo Credit: Darshan Patel)
Will you dare to enter Gringotts? (Photo Credit: Aditya Vyas)
- LegoLand Florida — an interactive, 150-acre theme park with a water park, rides, and on-site dining options galore.
- GatorLand — a theme park and wildlife preserve that allows guests to get up-close to gators (if that’s your thing) and other cool wildlife like capybaras, bobcats, large tortoises, and flamingos.
- Peppa Pig Theme Park — adjacent to LegoLand, Peppa Pig Theme Park draws a younger crowd who are fans of the animated series.
- The Crayola Experience — a 20,000-foot-large retail and entertainment experience located in the Orlando Mall, where visitors learn how crayons are made, enjoy live demonstrations, and have a chance to design their own Crayola crayon.
Magic Kingdom is a great park option for those with young kids. (Photo Credit: Soy Beldor)
No matter which theme park you pick — it’s going to be a good time.
Take a Break, Enjoy a Show
The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts hosts world-class plays and musicals and is a welcome respite after a long day spent in the sun at amusement parks.
Upcoming shows include The Book of Mormon, Mamma Mia, Some Like it Hot, MJ the Musical, and Girl from the North Country. They also host exceptional musical performances in Steinmetz Hall, home of the Orlando Philharmonic.
Explore I-Drive for Shopping, Dining, and Nightlife
The most famous road in Orlando, International Drive (aka I-Drive) is a 10-mile road that goes from Universal Studios to Walt Disney World. It’s full of hotels and restaurants, kids museums, mini golf, indoor rides and experiences, a chocolate kingdom, and the Orlando Eye — Orlando’s giant Ferris wheel.
No matter how you explore Orlando, there is no escaping the magic of this city. (Photo Credit: Dan Dennis)
It is — without question — a sight to be seen at least once in your life.
As you can see, Orlando is home to so much more than the best amusement parks in the world. With so many fun things to do (whether you’re there for business or leisure, with family or friends), you’re sure to have no trouble building an itinerary chock-full of things you love.
Be sure to rest your head at the coming-soon Kimpton, right downtown next to all the action of Kia Center.
