10 Best Free Things to do in (and near) Orlando
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
Orlando is probably the furthest you can get from a budget friendly tourist destination. Our last trip to Universal to visit the new Epic Park easily ran us several thousand dollars and that’s just for a 3 night stay in the budget Cabana Bay resort. I can’t imagine what the cost would be for a longer trip at a pricey on-site Disney resort!
With expensive flights, overpriced resorts, sky high theme park tickets, and pricey restaurants…budget and Orlando just do not mix. On the bright side, I found many interesting attractions outside of the parks throughout my 3 years living in nearby Tampa. If you are willing to sacrifice a day or 2 of theme park action, you can really cut down your expenses quite a bit. While food, hotel, and airfare are the priciest part of any trip, I have found that in touristy locations, the entertainment costs can really add up.
Asides from obvious tactics like visiting during the off season, booking a budget friendly hotel, renting a cheaper condo as opposed to a resort, cooking your own food, and focusing on inexpensive restaurants, incorporating a few free attractions/activities into your itinerary in place of theme parks can help you save hundreds of dollars.
With the recent surge in ticket prices, now is the time to consider exploring some of the free parks, museums, and attractions in the city. Plus, an off day will give your feet time to recover (my last trip, I clocked in about 25-30,000 steps per day according to my FitBit!).
Note this list includes a few suburban suggestions that require a drive. I understand many of you will not be renting a car. I admit that one of the perks of staying at a resort is not renting a car. Most of the time, I stay at the Cabana Bay resort at Universal and enjoy the free shuttles. Other times, I planned daytrips from Tampa to enjoy the city’s other side. This list is for those willing to explore a bit more! You can also take an Uber or Lyft if a car rental is not in the plans.
1. View the largest collection of works from Louis Tiffany
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art is one of the hidden treasures of the city. When I first found out about this place, I new I had to go because I’ve always loved Tiffany style lamps. If you are looking to do something unique, as well as escape the horrible heat and humidity for a while, consider a stroll around this eclectic museum.
The collection includes amazing stained glass pieces, paintings, pottery pieces, and dozens of iconic Tiffany Lamps. The highlight here is Tiffany’s chapel interior from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
The museum is located in beautiful Winter Park, an affluent suburb. This upscale suburb is home to a beautiful Main Street and many free parks, so a great daytrip if you have transportation. I would combine a visit to this museum with a stroll around Park Ave., where you will find many local shops and restaurants.
I also recommend art lovers check out: the Cornell Fine Arts Museum and the Grand Bohemian Gallery (located inside the Disney Grand Bohemian resort, and open to the public), both of which are free.
- Location: 445 N Park Ave, Winter Park
- Hours: 9:30am-4:00pm (Tues-Sat), 1-4pm (Sun), closed on Monday
- Admission: Free on Friday nights (4-8pm) from April-November. Nominal $8 charge all other days (kids under 12 are free and students are just $3)
2. Take a hike at Tibet Butler Nature Preserve
With numerous parks scattered about the metro area, it’s easy to find a quiet place to escape the tourist congestion. One of the things I loved most about living in Florida is, despite the man made congestion everywhere, there are a ton of quite preserves to escape it all. Plus, the massive Ocala National Forest is located just north of the city.
If you don’t feel like driving that far, there are closer gems that offer similar woodsy scenery. My favorite place to take a nature walk is Tibet Butler Nature Preserve, conveniently located just minutes from Disney.
Several miles of easy trails take you through pine forest, cypress swamp, and marsh habitat. I always find the plant and wildlife interesting as it is so different to what I grew up seeing in the Midwest.
For anyone who loves nature and birdwatching, this is one of the best places close to the city to get lost in nature. Keep an eye out for osprey nests, armadillos, and gopher tortoises! Both blend in well with the surroundings and I’ve seen both curl into their shell as soon as I walk by. Surprisingly, I have never seen a gator here even though I’ve probably seen at least 100 in my 3 years living in Tampa.
Tibet is a picturesque place to rejuvenate and enjoy natural surroundings after several days of dealing with the crowds, heat, and commotion at Disney.
- Location: 8777 Winter Garden Vineland Rd.
- Hours: 8am-6pm, 7 days a week
- Admission: Admission and parking are both free!
3. Take a stroll around charming downtown Winter Park
The quaint community of Winter Park is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon. I stopped here to eat for the first time a long time ago after enjoying the Winter Park scenic boat tour. Park Avenue, the city’s Main Street, is lined with both eclectic and upscale boutique shops. Asides from popping in and out of unique shops and enjoying the historical charm and old-fashioned cobblestone streets, you can look forward to many free events.
The city offers an interesting lineup of events to look forward to all year-round. This town is a world’s away from the strip mall congestion and crowded Disney and Universal parks; I love visiting these old school Main Streets wherever I travel. Really, it is a step back in time and so nice to park just once and walk everywhere.
Budget fun:
- Browse through hundreds of books at Writer’s Block Bookshop.
- Grab a cup of coffee at Barnie’s.
- Head over to Central Park, a large park right in the city center.
- Rollins Museum of Art: this museum on the campus of Rollins College is always free.
Free events: Check out the Winter Park Farmers Market, held every Saturday from 7am-1pm, and Popcorn Flicks, a free movie series held in Central Park on the second Thursday of each month.
- Location: Park Avenue Winter Park
- Park Avenue directory
4. Enjoy free entertainment at Universal CityWalk
CityWalk is the entertainment/nightlife capital of Orlando: a place where you can continue having fun long after the theme parks close. This is where my group always ends up to eat, enjoy the AC shops, and just relax after a long day waiting in lines and riding on tiresome motion simulators. Even if you don’t want to spend any money, it’s a great place to people watch and pop in and out of shops.
If you are staying at an on-site resort, you can enjoy free shuttle transportation (one of the best perks in my opinion). For those driving, free self parking is available after 6pm.
Free live music and various other entertainment happenings sporadically add to the excitement. I just love walking around to enjoy the touristy vibe.
If you feel like shelling out a few bucks, this entertainment complex is home to an abundance of touristy restaurants, shops, mini golf, and a movie theater. You will find several themed restaurants like Hard Rock Cafe, as well as local gems like Vivo Italian.
My favorite budget friendly activities
- See a matinee at Universal Cinemark (matinees are $12, All movies on Tuesday are half off)
- Browse around Universal Studios Store. It’s so massive with every Harry Potter knick knack you can imagine. I never want to waste my park time, so I come in here after the park closes!
- Grab a coffee at Starbucks. I usually stick to indie shops, but this one is convenient and I love people watching on the patio.
- Enjoy live karaoke at Rising Star (with a live band and backup singers)
- Satisfy your sweet tooth at Voodoo Donuts. If you have ever vacationed to Portland, Oregon then you already know this place. Basically, it’s a super trendy donut shop where you can order donuts with all sorts of crazy toppings.
- Enjoy chocolate treats at Toothsome. This is a full service restaurant, but you can also pop in for a few truffles. If you do decide to eat here, the food isn’t half bad and their sundaes are crazy good (but also probably loaded with crazy calories!).
- Location: 6000 Universal Blvd.
- Hours: Open until Midnight (1am on weekends).
- Admission: Entrance is free. Free parking is available after 6pm. From 11am-6pm, you can receive free parking with the purchase of 2 matinee tickets – not a bad deal really!
- CityWalk directory
5. Enjoy the cityscape scenery at Lake Eola
Lake Eola, featuring a 1 mile long paved recreation path, is one of my favorite places to enjoy the local side of the city. I planned numerous daytrips from Tampa (an easy 2 hour drive) to check out some of the undervisited attractions. This park is one of my favorite places to escape the tourist vibe for a while.
The picturesque background makes the park the perfect place to picnic and simply enjoy enjoy the natural setting far away from the theme parks. I love birdwatching here: you will see all sorts of exotic species via a simple stroll. Many of us forget that the state is really beautiful if you step outside the strip malls and resorts!
Free events: Be on the lookout for ongoing events such as the Farmers Market, held every Sunday from 10am-4pm where you will be able to sample all sorts of regional goods.
Also, keep in mind the free spring/summer movie series (called Movieola), typically held from April-August each year. Check with the official city website for details on this year’s dates.
More to do: For a small fee, you can rent a swan paddleboat.
Tip: If you are willing to shell out a few bucks, I recommend stopping by a local coffeeshop for a great cup of joe and a pastry. One of my favorites in the downtown area is Drunken Monkey. I love the eclectic vibe and funky mugs they serve the coffee in. Also, they serve delicious vegan treats and homemade soup (I tried the best broccoli cheese soup ever here!).
- Location: 512 E Washington St.
- Hours: 6am-Midnight
- Admission: Free parking along side streets
6. Stroll along Disney’s Boardwalk
I didn’t find out about this freebie until visiting the city many times. Basically, this is a quarter mile long boardwalk along Crescent Lake. It’s an old-school East Coast style promenade reminiscent of Coney Island or Atlantic City in the 1930’s. Besides enjoying the colorful architecture, you can enjoy some free entertainment via live street performances, taking place daily from 6:30 to 10:30pm.
For those who don’t mind spending a few bucks, there are a few shops, an arcade, restaurants, and an ice cream and cake shop to enjoy. There is also this really cool Fantasia themed mini golf course. I recommend enjoying a cool Dole Whip treat (it’s dairy-free and delicious) at Boardwalk Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas.
While you used to be able to park at the Boardwalk Inn for free, today non guests have to book a spa service or restaurant and parking is limited to 3 hours. Your best option today is to take a free bus from Disney Springs. It’s a bit of a hassle but worth it to save some money.
Tip: This is a known hotspot to see the Epcot fireworks.
7. Alligator Watch
Florida is the best place in the country for alligator watching. While you can see gators at Tibet Butler and other parks in the metro, Circle B Bar Reserve is my favorite place. It is an easy half hour drive outside of the city but so worth it. I’ve seen more gators here at one time than anywhere else.
The preserve is located on beautiful Lake Hancock, which is home to one of the densest population of gators in the state. There is even a trail here named Alligator Alley! True to its’ name, it’s super narrow with gators lining both side and honestly quite scary.
I’ve seen dozens at a time so it’s a crazy place. It’s pretty awesome seeing these creatures in their natural habitat, although a bit scary. Please leave the pets at home (I’ve read so many sad stories about gators snapping up dogs).
Asides from gators, you will see all sorts of small wildlife as well as tons of interesting birds! Bring your camera for sure! It gets hot here in the summer despite plenty of shade, so plan on hiking early in the day.
If you are not up for the treacherous walk, consider a safer tram ride around the grounds. Free rides are available Tuesday-Friday via booking on their Eventbrite page on the first of the month.
Best time to see gators: I’ve had the most luck during the winter when they come out to sunbathe. Keep kids and pets far away from the water at any Florida park!
- Location: 4399 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland
- Hours: 6am-6:30pm (5:30am-8pm during daylight savings). The nature center hours: 9am to 4pm (Tues-Sat) and Noon-4pm on Sunday.
- Admission: Free
8. Get back to nature at Kraft Azalea Garden
The gorgeous Kraft Azalea Garden is so beautiful that it is one of the top wedding and photography destinations in the city. The park is small with a serene, secluded setting on Lake Maitland. If you are seeking a break from the theme park craziness, you can easily get back to nature here, or really any other park in beautiful Winter Park for the matter. I really love the lake scenery and birdwatching here.
The park is shady and covered in gorgeous large cypress trees. Seeing a version of Florida which is basically the polar opposite of the theme parks is definitely a refreshing (and much needed) experience.
- Location: 1365 Alabama Dr, Winter Park
- Hours: 8am-Dusk
- Admission: Free
9. Take a bike ride (or stroll) around Lake Baldwin
The Lake Baldwin trail is a short, easy 2.5 mile multi purpose path around a beautiful lake. I like biking here, simply to enjoy the sunshine and pretty lake scenery away from the tourists. I also did some training for the Gulf Coast Half marathon here one year.
It’s a great place to enjoy uninterrupted exercise in a beautiful setting. The area has a nice local vibe and is located just 30 min or so from the theme park area. Unfortunately, the park lacks shade, so I recommend getting here early if your visit falls during the summer.
A number of parks are accessible via this trail, and if you want to extend your ride, you can connect to the 7.5 mile long Cady Way trail.
Other amenities: A boat ramp (no gas engines), picnic tables, a sandy beach, dog park. Note: no swimming.
Pet friendly: It’s super dog friendly too and one of the only city parks where they can be off leash.
Need a rental? Bikeshare locations can be found throughout the area. In fact, the entire area is biker friendly.
Tip: If you are a Friends fan like me, you’ll want to stop by Baldwin Perk prior to your ride (it’s a local Friends themed coffeehouse).
- Location: New Broad & Jake St.
- Hours: 8am-sunset
- Admission: Free parking
10. Spend the day exploring Disney Springs
Disney Springs, similar to CityWalk, is an entertainment complex known for its’ themed restaurants and shops. As both admission and parking are free, taking a stroll around is a budget friendly way to kill a few hours. I love browsing around The World of Disney shop because I never want to waste my park days shopping! Really, who wants to waste any time when a one day ticket is more than a hundred bucks today and half that time is wasted waiting in line!
There is almost always some type of free entertainment on the main stage and the people watching alone makes for an interesting visit. Yes, it can get really hot during the summer but there are a lot of AC shops to hop in and out of to cool down at.
My favorite shops:
The Art of Disney: The Disney themed art is so amazing. I absolutely love looking at all the incredible paintings. I recommend checking the even tcalendar as artists are often scheduled for Meet and Greets.
M&Ms Shop: A fun and colorful shop to browse around.
The Lego Store: It’s one of the largest in the world. The cool dinosaur in my pic above can be seen in the lake. Also, there are some Star Wars figures out in front of the store.
Coca Cola store: I stopped drinking pop years ago, but Coke was always my favorite. I do love browsing through all the retro memorabilia. Those interested can enjoy a Coke float and other treats on the rooftop bar.
Days of Disney: I love looking at all the beautiful Disney themed ornaments and Christmas decorations.
My favorite budget friendly activities:
Joffrey’s: For just a few bucks, you can enjoy a cute character themed latte. I also love their regular drip coffee; it’s so flavorful!
Erin McKenna’s bakery: A NYC bred bakery specializing in treats free of all major allergens.
AMC Dine In: Offers 50% off movie tickets on Tuesday and Wednesday (must sign up to be a Stub member)
Of course, if you are up for spending a buck, there is plenty more fun to be had. Afterall, you are saving on the crazy theme park admission! One of my favorite Irish pubs anywhere is Raglan Road. Authentic Irish food, a pub shipped from the Emerald Isle, and live step dancing performances…what better touristy place to celebrate a night out at Disney?
- Location: 1486 East Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista
- Hours: 10am-11pm (11:30 on weekends)
- Admission: Free entrance and parking
You can check out my full guide for more info.
