Orlando and the encompassing areas have heaps happening! It’s the type of metropolis in the US that’s constructed for leisure, and also you’ll be spoilt for selection in your journey to the Sunshine State. Not solely that, however most of the finest issues to do in Orlando are additionally appropriate for households. Which means there’s something for everybody right here.
Over time, we’ve visited Orlando many occasions and at all times had a blast. It’s at all times a busy journey of hopping between Florida’s finest theme parks, shops and eating places, however there’s additionally a lot extra to Orlando than that. If you would like, you possibly can 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 in regards to the finest seashores in Florida which can be only a day journey (or perhaps a day journey) from Orlando itself. Actually, there’s 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 possibly can 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 nicely price 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, nevertheless it’s additionally received heaps happening, too.
You’ve additionally received the Walt Disney Amphitheater (Google Maps pin), which commonly holds native performs and flicks all year long. Additionally, don’t neglect, you possibly can lease 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 implies you possibly can go along 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 among the best issues to do in Orlando that, truthfully, isn’t only for kids. Large youngsters can get pleasure from Disney’s parks, too!
Now, there are heaps of theme parks to select from. You’ve received the long-lasting Magic Kingdom, with the gorgeous Cinderella Fort. Additionally, you’ve got Animal Kingdom with all its safari animals and Avatar-themed areas. Then, you’ve got Epcot, which is stuffed with completely different lands to go to; with the likes of England, Morocco, France, and so many extra, you possibly can go to. Lastly, you’ve got 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 beloved it.
Now, let’s discuss tickets! Be certain to go to Disney’s Web site to seize one of the best offers and plan your journey. For us, we at all times suggest reserving as quickly as doable 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 received caught out on once we visited.
After a day on the park, you possibly can e book this fireworks helicopter journey to look at Disney’s fireworks celebrations from the sky. It’s such a singular strategy to see the present and completely sensible.
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3.) Common Parks
The opposite large participant by way of 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, be sure that to e book these superior Common tickets that safe your home to go to the parks. It’s so price reserving them upfront, because the parks can get tremendous busy, particularly with the newer Epic Universe being vastly common. 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 possibly can e book this VIP Common ticket, the place you’ll get an additional particular expertise throughout the parks themselves.
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4.) Orlando Water Parks
So, it will get fairly sizzling in Orlando, and when you’ve got such superb sunshine, there are heaps of water parks the place you possibly can sit back. Now, the large gamers listed here are Disney and Common, who’ve a few of the largest (and arguably one of the best) water parks within the state.
For us, we beloved Hurricane Lagoon and Blizzard Seaside at Disney. Although Common’s Volcano Bay is a should, too! You possibly can simply spend a day in every of them, and there are heaps of slides and wave swimming pools which can 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: 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. Though 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 sure that to spend a while strolling Plant Avenue. 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 possibly can 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 with regards 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 finest issues to do in Orlando after you’ve visited the parks. Right here, you’ll discover heaps of eating places, cafes and shops promoting the whole lot and something you possibly can think about.
Not solely that, there are heaps of bars, karaoke spots, and a lot extra to get pleasure from a night out in Orlando.
Now, for desserts, we’d at all times suggest going to Toothsome’s Chocolate Emporium. You’ll depart stuffed, their desserts are large, they usually conjure up a few of the finest chocolate milkshakes I’ve ever tasted. Sure, it was like 7 million energy, nevertheless it was completely price it.
Afterwards, you possibly can cease by locations just like the Laborious Rock Cafe, The CowFish for his or her sushi burgers or pop into Common’s official merch shops.
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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 when 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 sure that to drive or stroll across the varied loops that encompass the park. We completely love the realm round Dixie Lake and Bear Lake (which is equally as stunning).
You may even spot some little tortoises on the banks of the lakes. So cute!
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8.) Kissimmee
Kissimmee, though thought-about a special metropolis from Orlando, remains to be throughout the Better Orlando space and feels identical to an extension of town itself. Now, through the years, Kissimmee has turn into one thing of a staple for many motels and lodgings for guests going to Disney or Common.
That being mentioned, Kissimmee additionally has rather a lot going for it in its personal proper! Should you’re staying in Kissimmee, be sure that to cease by a few of the metropolis’s well-known foodie joints. As an example, it’s a must to cease by Pastelitos Chips (Google Maps pin) on Smith Avenue for his or her iconic chips. They solely do takeouts right here, however they’re so price 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, they usually actually have a reside mariachi band that performs most evenings.
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9.) ICON Park
ICON Park, in Orlando, is nicely price a gander when you’re not wanting to move to the area’s larger theme parks. You see, ICON Park is extra of an leisure advanced and provides an identical vibe to locations like Common’s CityWalk.
Right here, you possibly can journey 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 possibly can head to a few of the bars and eating places across the park space. You possibly can simply spend a night right here, particularly if you wish to benefit from the nightlife and eating places.
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10.) Disney Springs
Identical to Common’s CityWalk, Disney Springs (Google Maps pin) is an space stuffed with retailers, eating places, cafes and leisure multi functional easy-to-reach space. With parking exterior, it makes for a very easy cease for a couple of hours round lunch, and it’s at all times received heaps happening.
As soon as right here, be sure that to e book these tickets to Cirque de Soleil’s unbelievable present, Drawn to Life. The present is likely one of the finest reside performances you possibly can see in all of Florida, and nicely price 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 common spots like Planet Hollywood, but additionally 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, for my part, it’s among the best locations to go kayaking across the better 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 unbelievable 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: Greatest locations to go to in Florida
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