Orlando and the encircling areas have heaps happening! It’s the type of metropolis in the USA that’s constructed for leisure, and also you’ll be spoilt for selection in your journey to the Sunshine State. Not solely that, however lots of the greatest issues to do in Orlando are additionally appropriate for households. Because of this there’s something for everybody right here.
Over time, we’ve visited Orlando many occasions and all the time had a blast. It’s all the time a busy journey of hopping between Florida’s greatest theme parks, retailers and eating places, however there’s additionally a lot extra to Orlando than that. If you’d like, you’ll be able to simply go to Orlando and discover a few of the state parks or small communities and sister cities that make this space a lot enjoyable.
Additionally, don’t neglect concerning the greatest seashores in Florida which might be only a day journey (or perhaps a day journey) from Orlando itself. Actually, there may be heaps to do within the space.
So, that can assist you plan your journey, I’m sharing our high locations in Orlando that I do know you’ll love! This manner, you’ll be able to concentrate on all that enjoyment and never get slowed down with the planning.
1.) Downtown Orlando (and Lake Eola)
Orlando has some epic theme parks, that’s a given, however there’s additionally a central downtown space of Orlando that’s properly value visiting when you arrive. Now, for us, we love happening to the world round Lake Eola Park (Google Maps pin). The entire space is beautiful for a stroll, however it’s additionally bought heaps happening, too.
You’ve additionally bought the Walt Disney Amphitheater (Google Maps pin), which commonly holds native performs and flicks all year long. Additionally, don’t neglect, you’ll be able to hire a swan boat to paddle round Lake Eola, too. It’s a lot enjoyable, and you’ll seize a ticket on the boat station itself. Every swan holds 5 folks, which suggests you’ll be able to go together with the children!
Learn extra: Finest seashores in Florida to go to
2.) Walt Disney World
Okay, so Walt Disney World wants little introduction. It’s among the best issues to do in Orlando that, actually, isn’t only for youngsters. Large children can take pleasure in Disney’s parks, too!
Now, there are heaps of theme parks to select from. You’ve bought the enduring Magic Kingdom, with the attractive Cinderella Fort. Additionally, you will have Animal Kingdom with all its safari animals and Avatar-themed areas. Then, you will have Epcot, which is stuffed with totally different lands to go to; with the likes of England, Morocco, France, and so many extra, you’ll be able to go to. Lastly, you will have Disney’s Hollywood Studios – a theme park that focuses on the magic of movie. They’ve a complete Star Wars space, and the Tower of Terror is as horrifying as it’s enjoyable! We cherished it.
Now, let’s speak tickets! Ensure that to go to Disney’s Web site to seize the very best offers and plan your journey. For us, we all the time advocate reserving as quickly as potential and ensuring to get reservations for eating places in every of the parks earlier than you arrive. Reservations for meals replenish so quick, and it was the one factor we bought caught out on once we visited.
After a day on the park, you’ll be able to e book this fireworks helicopter experience to observe Disney’s fireworks celebrations from the sky. It’s such a singular option to see the present and completely sensible.
Learn extra: Finest theme parks in Florida to go to
3.) Common Parks
The opposite huge participant when it comes to theme parks in Florida is Common. They’ve three superb theme parks to go to, with the latest being Epic Universe.
Now, identical to Disney, make certain to e book these superior Common tickets that safe your house to go to the parks. It’s so value reserving them prematurely, because the parks can get tremendous busy, particularly with the newer Epic Universe being massively standard. These tickets will get you into all of the parks, together with Common Studios, Epic Universe and Islands of Journey.
For an additional particular expertise, you’ll be able to e book this VIP Common ticket, the place you’ll get an additional particular expertise inside the parks themselves.
Learn extra: Finest theme parks in Florida to go to
4.) Orlando Water Parks
So, it will get fairly scorching in Orlando, and when you will have such superb sunshine, there are heaps of water parks the place you’ll be able to sit back. Now, the large gamers listed below are Disney and Common, who’ve a few of the largest (and arguably the very best) water parks within the state.
For us, we cherished Storm Lagoon and Blizzard Seaside at Disney. Although Common’s Volcano Bay is a should, too! You may simply spend a day in every of them, and there are heaps of slides and wave swimming pools which might be completely enjoyable for the entire household.
Visiting the water parks is a lot enjoyable and among the best issues to do in Orlando in order for you a barely extra enjoyable day in your vacation.
Learn extra: Finest locations to go to in Florida
5.) Winter Backyard, Florida
Proper on the shore of Lake Apopka, Winter Backyard is a metropolis that’s round 12 miles, or so, away from Downtown Orlando. Regardless that it’s thought of a definite space, when it comes to governance and municipality, it doesn’t really feel such as you’ve left Orlando in any respect, because the city sprawl of each cities mixes collectively.
As soon as right here, make certain to spend a while strolling Plant Road. Right here, you’ll discover heaps of little eating places, cafes and the Winter Backyard Heritage Basis. Additionally, don’t neglect to pop by the Central Florida Railroad Museum. Right here, you’ll be able to wander across the displays and even see some historic carriages and engines that now name this Winter Backyard dwelling.
For a chew to eat, cease by Rosallie Le French Cafe (Google Maps pin). These guys know their stuff in terms of a brisket breakfast. You’ll go away stuffed.
Learn extra: Finest day journeys from Orlando
6.) Common CityWalk
Proper subsequent to Islands of Journey and Common Studios, Common CityWalk is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Orlando after you’ve visited the parks. Right here, you’ll discover heaps of eating places, cafes and shops promoting all the pieces and something you’ll be able to think about.
Not solely that, there are heaps of bars, karaoke spots, and a lot extra to take pleasure in a night out in Orlando.
Now, for desserts, we’d all the time advocate going to Toothsome’s Chocolate Emporium. You’ll go away stuffed, their muffins are large, they usually conjure up a few of the greatest chocolate milkshakes I’ve ever tasted. Sure, it was like 7 million energy, however it was completely value it.
Afterwards, you’ll be able to cease by locations just like the Arduous Rock Cafe, The CowFish for his or her sushi burgers or pop into Common’s official merch shops.
Learn extra: Finest day journeys from Orlando
7.) Lake Louisa State Park
North east of Walt Disney World Resort is Lake Louisa State Park (Google Maps pin). It’s among the best issues to do in Orlando for those who fancy time away from the cityscape and wish to benefit from the pure fantastic thing about Central Florida.
When you’ve arrived in Lake Louisa State Park, make certain to drive or stroll across the numerous loops that encompass the park. We completely love the world round Dixie Lake and Bear Lake (which is equally as stunning).
You would possibly even spot some little tortoises on the banks of the lakes. So cute!
Learn extra: Finest day journeys from Orlando
8.) Kissimmee
Kissimmee, though thought of a unique metropolis from Orlando, continues to be inside the Higher Orlando space and feels identical to an extension of the town itself. Now, over time, Kissimmee has change into one thing of a staple for many inns and lodgings for guests going to Disney or Common.
That being mentioned, Kissimmee additionally has lots going for it in its personal proper! In case you’re staying in Kissimmee, make certain to cease by a few of the metropolis’s well-known foodie joints. As an illustration, it’s a must to cease by Pastelitos Chips (Google Maps pin) on Smith Road for his or her iconic chips. They solely do takeouts right here, however they’re so value getting. Plus, their empanadas are all the time freshly-baked and so tasty.
Additionally, if it’s Mexican meals you’re after, then head to El Tapatio. They make some superb margarita cocktails, they usually actually have a reside mariachi band that performs most evenings.
Learn extra: Finest day journeys from Orlando
9.) ICON Park
ICON Park, in Orlando, is properly value a gander for those who’re not wanting to move to the area’s greater theme parks. You see, ICON Park is extra of an leisure complicated and provides an identical vibe to locations like Common’s CityWalk.
Right here, you’ll be able to experience the Orlando Eye, go to the Museums of Illusions and go to Madame Tussaud’s, that proper within the coronary heart of ICON Park itself. Not solely that, you’ll be able to head to a few of the bars and eating places across the park space. You may simply spend a night right here, particularly if you wish to take advantage of the nightlife and eating places.
Learn extra: Finest theme parks in Florida to go to
10.) Disney Springs
Similar to Common’s CityWalk, Disney Springs (Google Maps pin) is an space stuffed with outlets, eating places, cafes and leisure multi functional easy-to-reach space. With parking exterior, it makes for a very easy cease for just a few hours round lunch, and it’s all the time bought heaps happening.
As soon as right here, make certain to e book these tickets to Cirque de Soleil’s unimaginable present, Drawn to Life. The present is without doubt one of the greatest reside performances you’ll be able to see in all of Florida, and properly value going in order for you a while away from the hustle and bustle of the parks themselves.
Additionally, don’t neglect to pop by a few of the eating places, some standard spots like Planet Hollywood, but in addition extra native spots like Paddlefish which have some fairly superb seafood. Their shrimp cocktail was so good.
Learn extra: Finest locations to go to in Florida
11.) Wekiwa Springs State Park
Need a while within the nice outside of Central Florida? Then get your self over to Wekiwa Springs State Park (Google Maps pin).
Now, in my view, it’s among the best locations to go kayaking across the higher Orlando space, and you’ll simply go to and head on a guided tour by reserving these tickets. After your information picks you up from Orlando, you’ll get whisked away on a personal tour to discover the unimaginable shores of Wekiwa Springs itself. The entire space is gorgeous.
Although, like I mentioned, e book these tickets earlier than arriving. Areas can replenish at peak occasions.
Learn extra: Finest locations to go to in Florida
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