Orlando and the encircling areas have heaps occurring! It’s the sort of metropolis in the US that’s constructed for leisure, and also you’ll be spoilt for alternative in your journey to the Sunshine State. Not solely that, however most 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 instances and at all times had a blast. It’s at all times a busy journey of hopping between Florida’s greatest theme parks, shops and eating places, however there’s additionally a lot extra to Orlando than that. If you need, you’ll be able to simply go to Orlando and discover a number of the state parks or small communities and sister cities that make this space a lot enjoyable.
Additionally, don’t overlook concerning the greatest seashores in Florida which are only a day journey (or perhaps a day journey) from Orlando itself. Truthfully, there may be heaps to do within the space.
So, that can assist you plan your journey, I’m sharing our prime 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 realm round Lake Eola Park (Google Maps pin). The entire space is gorgeous for a stroll, however it’s additionally acquired heaps occurring, too.
You’ve additionally acquired the Walt Disney Amphitheater (Google Maps pin), which usually holds native performs and films all year long. Additionally, don’t overlook, you’ll be able to hire a swan boat to paddle round Lake Eola, too. It’s a lot enjoyable, and you may seize a ticket on the boat station itself. Every swan holds 5 individuals, which implies you’ll be able to go together with the children!
Learn extra: Greatest seashores in Florida to go to
2.) Walt Disney World
Okay, so Walt Disney World wants little introduction. It’s the most effective issues to do in Orlando that, truthfully, isn’t only for kids. Large youngsters can take pleasure in Disney’s parks, too!
Now, there are heaps of theme parks to select from. You’ve acquired the long-lasting Magic Kingdom, with the gorgeous Cinderella Citadel. Additionally, you will have Animal Kingdom with all its safari animals and Avatar-themed areas. Then, you will have Epcot, which is stuffed with completely 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 an entire Star Wars space, and the Tower of Terror is as scary as it’s enjoyable! We cherished it.
Now, let’s discuss tickets! Make certain to go to Disney’s Web site to seize the perfect offers and plan your journey. For us, we at all times advocate reserving as quickly as attainable 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 acquired caught out on after we visited.
After a day on the park, you’ll be able to guide this fireworks helicopter experience to look at Disney’s fireworks celebrations from the sky. It’s such a singular option to see the present and completely good.
Learn extra: Greatest theme parks in Florida to go to
3.) Common Parks
The opposite huge participant by way of theme parks in Florida is Common. They’ve three superb theme parks to go to, with the most recent being Epic Universe.
Now, similar to Disney, be certain to guide these superior Common tickets that safe your home to go to the parks. It’s so value reserving them upfront, because the parks can get tremendous busy, particularly with the newer Epic Universe being massively well-liked. 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 guide this VIP Common ticket, the place you’ll get an additional particular expertise throughout the parks themselves.
Learn extra: Greatest theme parks in Florida to go to
4.) Orlando Water Parks
So, it will get fairly sizzling in Orlando, and when you will have such superb sunshine, there are heaps of water parks the place you’ll be able to relax. Now, the large gamers listed below are Disney and Common, who’ve a number of the greatest (and arguably the perfect) water parks within the state.
For us, we cherished Storm Lagoon and Blizzard Seashore at Disney. Although Common’s Volcano Bay is a should, too! You’ll be able to simply spend a day in every of them, and there are heaps of slides and wave swimming pools which are completely enjoyable for the entire household.
Visiting the water parks is a lot enjoyable and the most effective issues to do in Orlando if you would like a barely extra enjoyable day in your vacation.
Learn extra: Greatest 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. Although it’s thought-about a definite space, by way of 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, be 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 overlook 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 chunk to eat, cease by Rosallie Le French Cafe (Google Maps pin). These guys know their stuff relating to a brisket breakfast. You’ll depart stuffed.
Learn extra: Greatest day journeys from Orlando
6.) Common CityWalk
Proper subsequent to Islands of Journey and Common Studios, Common CityWalk is likely 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 at all times advocate going to Toothsome’s Chocolate Emporium. You’ll depart stuffed, their desserts are enormous, and so they conjure up a number 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 Exhausting Rock Cafe, The CowFish for his or her sushi burgers or pop into Common’s official merch shops.
Learn extra: Greatest 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 the most effective issues to do in Orlando in the event you fancy time away from the cityscape and need to benefit from the pure fantastic thing about Central Florida.
When you’ve arrived in Lake Louisa State Park, be certain to drive or stroll across the numerous loops that encompass the park. We completely love the realm round Dixie Lake and Bear Lake (which is equally as lovely).
You would possibly even spot some little tortoises on the banks of the lakes. So cute!
Learn extra: Greatest day journeys from Orlando
8.) Kissimmee
Kissimmee, though thought-about a unique metropolis from Orlando, continues to be throughout the Higher Orlando space and feels similar to an extension of town itself. Now, through the years, Kissimmee has grow to be one thing of a staple for many inns and lodgings for guests going to Disney or Common.
That being stated, Kissimmee additionally has so much going for it in its personal proper! Should you’re staying in Kissimmee, be certain to cease by a number 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 at all times 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, and so they also have a reside mariachi band that performs most evenings.
Learn extra: Greatest day journeys from Orlando
9.) ICON Park
ICON Park, in Orlando, is properly value a gander in the event you’re not wanting to move to the area’s larger theme parks. You see, ICON Park is extra of an leisure complicated and offers an analogous 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 number of the bars and eating places across the park space. You’ll be able to simply spend a night right here, particularly if you wish to profit from the nightlife and eating places.
Learn extra: Greatest 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 retailers, eating places, cafes and leisure multi function easy-to-reach space. With parking exterior, it makes for a very easy cease for a number of hours round lunch, and it’s at all times acquired heaps occurring.
As soon as right here, be certain to guide these tickets to Cirque de Soleil’s unbelievable present, Drawn to Life. The present is likely one of the greatest reside performances you’ll be able to see in all of Florida, and properly value going if you would like a while away from the hustle and bustle of the parks themselves.
Additionally, don’t overlook to pop by a number of the eating places, some well-liked 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: Greatest locations to go to in Florida
11.) Wekiwa Springs State Park
Need a while within the nice open air of Central Florida? Then get your self over to Wekiwa Springs State Park (Google Maps pin).
Now, in my view, it’s the most effective locations to go kayaking across the better Orlando space, and you may 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 non-public tour to discover the unbelievable shores of Wekiwa Springs itself. The entire space is gorgeous.
Although, like I stated, guide these tickets earlier than arriving. Areas can replenish at peak instances.
Learn extra: Greatest locations to go to in Florida
Test Out The Very Greatest Of Nice Britain!
