Orlando is the center of the world’s theme parks and other interesting tourist attractions. You will thoroughly and comprehensively explore this city, which is full of happiness, through our article about the top things to do in Orlando.
Is Orlando Worth Visiting?
Orlando is undoubtedly a great city to visit! Here are a few reasons:
Orlando is home to some of the most iconic theme parks in the world, such as Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando. The park will give you the best experience.
There’s plenty to see in Orlando beyond the theme parks. The museums, shopping centers, and entertainment venues here will give you a deeper understanding of this vibrant and happy city.
Orlando’s food culture has thrived, blending flavors worldwide. You can taste the food and experience the rich cultural atmosphere of Orlando.
Orlando’s climate is subtropical, warm, and humid all year round. As a result, the city’s weather is ideal for year-round travel, but the best time to visit is in winter and spring. If you come in the summer, you must be prepared for sun and rain protection.
Orlando’s transportation system is relatively developed, covering a variety of modes of transportation and providing visitors with various travel options. Although public transportation may not be as convenient as in big cities in some places, combining multiple modes of transportation, tourists can still easily reach various attractions.
Things to Do in Orlando
Universal Islands of Adventure
Address: 6000 Universal Boulevard Orlando, FL 32819
Opening hours: 9 am to 7 pm (please check the official website for specific area opening hours)
What to know:
- All restaurants and bars serving food are non-smoking areas. Visitors can only smoke in designated areas. The smoking area of Universal Adventure Island is located on the lower platform of the port of entry.
Universal Islands of Adventure is located on the University Studios Islands of Adventure. Adventure Island is themed with a journey of discovery, where visitors will embark on an adventure tour to visit various themed islands. The eight areas are The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade/ Jurassic Park/ Skull Island: Reign of Kong/ Marvel Super Hero Island/ Port of Entry/ Seuss Landing/ The Lost Continent/ Toon Lagoon. Interested visitors should take advantage of the opportunity to play. This would be one of the most exciting things to do in Orlando, Florida.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort
Address: 6000 Universal Boulevard Orlando, FL 32819
Opening hours: 9 am to 7 pm (please check the official website for specific area opening hours)
What to know:
- All restaurants and bars serving food are non-smoking areas. Visitors can only smoke in designated areas. Universal Studios’ smoking area is located on the back side of Central Park.
Explore Hogsmeade™ at Universal Islands of Adventure, Diagon Alley™ at Universal Studios Florida, plus wizarding Paris and the British Ministry of Magic™ at Universal Epic Universe, opening May 22, 2025. These three theme parks are amazing, and you can realize your magical world trip at this magic things to do in Orlando.
SeaWorld
Address: 7007 Sea World Dr, Orlando, FL 32821
Business Hours:
Sunday to Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m
Friday: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m
Thursday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m
What to know:
- Pets are not allowed in the park, but a kennel is available at the entrance.
- Service animals are welcome in the park.
- Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult or participate in a SeaWorld camp or educational program.
SeaWorld is an animal theme park located in Orlando. There are many different areas, each with unique thematic elements. You will interact with animals and see many live shows and attractions. There is so much entertainment here that you can spend a wonderful day here. This would be one of the fun things to do in Orlando.
Orlando International Premium Outlets
Address: 4951 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m
Orlando International Premium Outlets is Florida’s largest outlet mall, serving more than 17 million visitors annually. Visitors will enjoy more than 180 designer discount and outlet stores, including H&M, Tory Burch, Champion, Forever 21, Old Navy and Guess. In addition, Orlando International Outlet Mall offers 20 different dining options, including international flavors from Brazil and Latin America. This will be one of the most interesting things to do in Orlando for adults.
Clearwater Beach
Address: 1 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater Beach, Florida, 33767
What to know:
- Currently open beaches: Clearwater Beach, most of Treasure Island (except Sunset Beach), Upham Beach, and County Park on St. Pete Beach
- Parking: $2- $5 per hour
- Alcohol is prohibited on public beaches.
Clearwater Beach has been named the No. 1 Beach in the South by USA Today and the No. 1 Beach in the United States several times in recent years. You can enjoy low-key beach time here. When day turns to night, don’t miss sunset at the world-famous Pier 60, one of the most quintessential experiences on Collierwater Beach. Starting two hours before sunset, the free evening celebration will bring you an incredible street performance. Not only that, there are hundreds of free things to do in Orlando. You can enjoy sightseeing and food here.
Discovery Cove
Address: 6000 Discovery Cove Way Orlando, FL 32821
Opening hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m
What to know:
- Discovery Cove will offer freshly cooked food and drinks for guests 21 and older.
- Guests will receive changing facilities, swimming vests or wetsuits, diving gear, flotation equipment, lockers, and towels.
- All bathrooms are equipped with specially formulated sunscreen.
- Discovery Cove offers free self-parking for guests.
- Breakfast is served from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. / Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m
Discovery Cove was named # 1 Best Theme Park in Orlando by USA Today. Intelligent dolphins, thousands of tropical fish, exotic birds, and other playful animals will tell you about the amazing animal world. At the same time, the beautiful Bay of Tranquility, lush landscapes, and stunning caves will take you through the rainforest. I believe this would be one of the most great things to do in Orlando with kids.
Kennedy Space Center
Address: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953
Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m
What to know:
- Glass bottles and outside alcoholic beverages are not allowed.
- Wheelchairs, electric scooters, and double,e strollers can be rented online and at the visitor center.
- Centennialthat qualify as service animals are allowed to enter the visitor center.
- The park offers special offers and promotions every year. Each year in October, a Tribute to Brevard will be held, with Brevard County residents receiving discounted tickets for up to six people.
The Kennedy Space Center is divided into areas that offer different experiences for visitors. You can get up close and personal with the story of man in space. The Centre has organized a rich program of hands-on learning activities for children, where they can get an otherworldly field trip that combines learning with fun. Learn about the pioneers of NASA’s early space program and inspire your children to explore the stars. The Saturn V rocket to the moon, the space shuttle Atlantis, and NASA are all here waiting for you to explore. This is one of the educational things to do in Orlando.
Address: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Address: Bay Lake, FL 34747
Business Hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m
Friday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m
What to know:
- The consumption of marijuana or other illegal substances is not permitted at any time.
- Smoking is banned at Walt Disney World theme parks, water parks, and ESPN Worldwide Sports Centers. Visitors are only allowed to smoke and use e-cigarettes or other vapor-producing or smoke-producing products in designated outdoor smoking areas.
- Alcoholic beverages and glass containers are prohibited, except at Disney resorts.
- Service animals must not enter the water (including water features and fountains) or come within 4 feet of the water on a wet deck.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is an animal theme park near Orlando. It is the largest theme park in the world, covering 580 acres. The park focuses on the natural environment and animal conservation, an idea once pioneered by Walt Disney. This is going to be one of the most popular things to do in Orlando with kids. There are not only children’s favorite animals and play facilities but also restaurants, theaters, and country summer camps. A variety of activities will give you a wonderful experience.
Orlando Science Center
Address: 777 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803
Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m
What to know:
- An adult must accompany children under the age of 12
- Smoking, dipping, or chewing tobacco or tobacco products must be done within 25 feet of all exterior doors
- Tickets are non-refundable or non-exchangeable
The Orlando Science Center is Central Florida’s award-winning hands-on science museum. For more than 60 years, the museum’s exhibits and programs have brought science to life for Central Florida residents and visitors from around the world. At the same time, the museum also has a lot of educational programs to provide children with comprehensive and in-depth knowledge. This will be one of the most popular free things to do in Orlando.
Orlando Museum of Art
Address: 2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, FL 32803
Business Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday to Friday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m
Saturday and Sunday: 12 a.m. to 4 p.m
What to know:
- Tours usually last one to two hours
- Wheelchairs are provided free of charge
- Flash photography is not allowed in some galleries
The Orlando Museum of Art hosts about a dozen exhibitions each year. Each exhibition inspires and enriches the content with various programs, such as gallery visits, art appreciation lectures, studio classes for teens and adults, customized community visit programs designed for special populations, and community events such as Family days and cultural celebrations.
Conclusion
That’s our list of 10 of best things to do in Orlando. In short, whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a foodie, or a nature lover, Orlando has the perfect place for everyone. You can plan your trip according to your interests and preferences!
FAQ
Is there anything to do in Orlando other than theme parks?
Yes, there are many other things to do in Orlando besides theme parks, such as:
- Kennedy Space Center
- Downtown Orlando
- Lake Eola Park
- Kia Center
- Orlando Outlets
- Thornton Park
- Harry P. Leu Gardens
What is the cheapest month to visit Orlando?
The cheapest time to visit Orlando is usually January to mid-February. Because during this time, Orlando’s tourism is in its off-season. Hotel rates and flights are generally relatively cheap during this time.
