Things to Do in Orlando
DESTINATION GUIDE

Things to Do in Orlando

50 curated spots from Orlando itineraries

Activities & Attractions

30 curated experiences

Lake Eola Park
Do
morning

Lake Eola Park

Walk the paved path around the lake, watch swans and birds, and rent a swan-shaped paddle boat if the family’s up for it; there are playgrounds and shaded benches along the way. This is your nature fix close to the city.

1h 30m · Free (paddle boats ~$15-20 per half hour)
Disney Springs
Do
morning

Disney Springs

Explore shops, live music, and waterfront in themed neighborhoods.

2h · Free
Harry P. Leu Gardens
Do
morning

Harry P. Leu Gardens

Botanical paths, camellias; sunset photography. Evening stroll option.

2h · $15
Discovery Cove
Do
morning

Discovery Cove

Swim with dolphins, aviary; all-inclusive relaxation.

5h · $200 or Free
Orlando Museum of Art
Do
late morning

Orlando Museum of Art

Explore rotating exhibits and sculptures in a serene setting; 10-min drive from Lake Eola.

1h 30m · $20 or Free
SeaWorld Orlando
Do
morning

SeaWorld Orlando

Marine park featuring killer whale shows, ray rides, penguin encounters, and aquatic attractions. One Ocean Show is signature experience.

6h · $99-150 per person
The Wheel at ICON Park
Do
night

The Wheel at ICON Park

Ride the 400-foot observation wheel for panoramic views of Orlando; time it around sunset or after dark for city lights.[1][3]

40m · $30-40
Wekiwa Springs State Park
Do
morning

Wekiwa Springs State Park

Kayak rentals, swimming, trails; wildlife and mossy trees for photos.

3h · $6/car + $25 kayak
Winter Park Boat Tour
Do
morning

Winter Park Boat Tour

Scenic canal cruise through mansions and canals; photo ops from water

1h 30m · $20/adult
ICON Park & The Wheel
Do
evening

ICON Park & The Wheel

Ride The Wheel for sweeping views of the Orlando area, then explore the open-air complex with bars, restaurants, and entertainment.

2h · $30-40 (The Wheel ticket)
Kennedy Space Center
Do
morning

Kennedy Space Center

Tour rockets, Space Shuttle Atlantis, and Astronaut Hall of Fame; book skip-the-line.

3h · $75/adult
Lake Eola Park & Swan Boats
Do
afternoon

Lake Eola Park & Swan Boats

Pedal boats, fountain views, and farmer's market (seasonal).

1h 30m · $15 pp
Mead Botanical Garden
Do
morning

Mead Botanical Garden

Explore 47 acres of trails, ponds, butterfly garden; photography spots abound.

2h · Free
Orlando Museum of Art & Loch Haven Park
Do
early_afternoon

Orlando Museum of Art & Loch Haven Park

Browse rotating exhibits at the Orlando Museum of Art, then relax in the adjacent Loch Haven Park green spaces.[1]

2h · $20-25
Park Avenue Stroll & Shopping
Do
afternoon

Park Avenue Stroll & Shopping

Wander tree-lined streets with boutiques and galleries; seek minimalist home goods.

2h · Free or varies
Universal CityWalk
Do
evening

Universal CityWalk

Free entry to entertainment district; street performers, lights, fountains.

2h · Free
Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
Do
morning

Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour

Take a guided pontoon boat through the canals and lakes, passing waterfront homes and Rollins College with plenty of photo opportunities.

1h 15m · $20-30
Audubon Park Garden District Free Explore
Do
afternoon

Audubon Park Garden District Free Explore

Stroll nearby Corrine Drive for vintage shops, record stores, and small local businesses.

1h 30m · Free
Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake
Do
morning

Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake

Playgrounds, fishing pier, trails, splash pad.

3h · Free
Boggy Creek Airboat Ride
Do
morning

Boggy Creek Airboat Ride

High-speed wildlife tour spotting gators and birds.

1h 30m · $40 pp
Boxi Park Nightlife
Do
evening

Boxi Park Nightlife

Container park bars with live music; beachy nightlife.

2h · $10-20
Celebration Farmers Market
Do
morning

Celebration Farmers Market

Free market browsing, live music, samples.

1h 30m · Free
Central Florida Zoo
Do
morning

Central Florida Zoo

Giraffe feeding, trails; photography of rhinos and birds. 15-min drive from Winter Park.

2h · $20
Central Park Winter Park (Evening Stroll)
Do
evening

Central Park Winter Park (Evening Stroll)

Stroll the tree-lined park right off Park Avenue as the lights come on and the crowds thin out.

45m · Free
Cocoa Beach & Ron Jon Surf Shop
Do
morning

Cocoa Beach & Ron Jon Surf Shop

Morning beach walk + shop minimalist beachwear/swim gear at world's largest surf store; free parking.

2h 30m · Free + shopping
Cocoa Beach Pier
Do
afternoon

Cocoa Beach Pier

Surf-watching and aerial beach photos from pier end

1h · Free
Discovery Cove All-Inclusive Day Pass
Do
morning

Discovery Cove All-Inclusive Day Pass

Full-day tropical immersion: swim with dolphins, snorkel with thousands of tropical fish and rays, hand-feed exotic birds, encounter playful otters; includes meals and drinks

8h · $275–350 per person
Discovery Cove Dolphin Swim
Do
morning

Discovery Cove Dolphin Swim

All-inclusive snorkeling, dolphin interaction, and beach relaxation.

6h · $250+ all-inclusive
Disney Springs Exploration
Do
evening

Disney Springs Exploration

Shop boutiques, catch live music, and stroll waterfront paths.

2h · Free
Disney Springs Live Music
Do
evening

Disney Springs Live Music

Free stage performances, street artists; **live music** and fountain **photography spots**.

2h · Free

Restaurants & Food

20 local favorites

The Glass Knife
Eat
morning

The Glass Knife

Chic bakery-cafe with artisan pastries, specialty coffees, and light breakfast plates; don’t miss the doughnuts or layered cakes.

1h · $15-30 per person
Reyes Mezcaleria
Eat
morning

Reyes Mezcaleria

Tacos, guac, and mezcal in modern space.

1h · $20-40 per person
The Ravenous Pig
Eat
evening

The Ravenous Pig

Gastropub with craft beers, cocktails, and seasonal dishes; try the charcuterie, shrimp and grits, or burger.

1h 30m · $30-50 per person
4 Rivers Smokehouse
Eat
afternoon

4 Rivers Smokehouse

Brisket sandwiches and signature sauce.

1h · $15-30 per person
Dunkin'
Eat
morning

Dunkin'

Donuts, iced coffee; breakfast sandwiches.

30m · $8-12 per person
McDonald's
Eat
morning

McDonald's

McMuffins, hashbrowns; play area.

45m · $8-12 per person
The Stubborn Mule
Eat
evening

The Stubborn Mule

Modern American spot known for inventive cocktails and elevated comfort food; order one of their signature mule cocktails and the short rib or scallops.

1h 30m · $35-60 per person
Wawa
Eat
morning

Wawa

Breakfast hoagies.

30m · $6-10 per person
Coconuts on the Beach
Eat
evening

Coconuts on the Beach

Beachfront spot for fresh seafood; try the coconut shrimp or grilled grouper.

1h 30m · $30-50 per person
Orlando Farmers Market
Eat
morning

Orlando Farmers Market

Grab fresh local fruits, pastries, and coffee from vendors around Lake Eola.

45m · $5-10 per person
The Boathouse
Eat
evening

The Boathouse

Upscale seafood with amphibious vehicle views; order lobster or fresh catch.

1h 30m · $60-90 per person
Café Tu Tu Tango
Eat
lunch

Café Tu Tu Tango

Spanish tapas and Latin-fusion small plates in a bohemian artist-loft setting; Spanish paella, ceviche, and fresh seafood tapas ideal for sharing

1h 30m · $20–32 per person
Checkers Rally's
Eat
evening

Checkers Rally's

Seasonal fries flavors.

45m · $5-8 per person
Chick-fil-A
Eat
afternoon

Chick-fil-A

Nuggets and waffle fries.

30m · $6-9 per person
Craft & Common
Eat
morning

Craft & Common

Bright coffee shop with good espresso, toasts, and light bites; try their specialty lattes.

1h · $12-20 per person
East End Market
Eat
morning

East End Market

Food hall; nut-free tacos or breakfast bowls from vendors like Seito (confirm on-site).

1h · $15-25 per person
Florida's Fresh Grill
Eat
afternoon

Florida's Fresh Grill

Seafood tacos and key lime pie; beachfront picnic option

1h · $25-40 per person
Hash House A Go Go
Eat
morning

Hash House A Go Go

Twisted farm food like sage fried chicken benedict.

1h 15m · $20-30 per person
Kadence
Eat
afternoon

Kadence

Omakase sushi; intimate 8-seat counter experience

1h 15m · $40-50 per person
Keke's Breakfast Cafe
Eat
afternoon

Keke's Breakfast Cafe

Healthy pancakes, omelets, and smoothies in bright space.

1h · $20-35 per person

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