17 Fun Things to do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks
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.
After living in the Tampa Bay area for numerous years and planning many daytrips to Orlando, I learned that there is much more to the city than just theme parks. Aside from world famous Disney and Universal, the metro is home to a number of beautiful preserves, unique museums, great local restaurants and shops, world-class waterparks, entertaining shows, and much more. Unfortunately, most of us are so busy on vacation that we don’t have the time (or energy) to even consider exploring “the other side of Florida.” This is why I recommend at least 1 or 2 days away from all the tourist craziness.
All too often tourists come and go without taking time to do anything besides ride roller coasters and check out the newest Harry Potter additions to Universal. These attractions are all great (I personally love all the parks especially The Wizarding section of Universal/Islands), but there is much more to do in “The City Beautiful.” You would be missing out by not taking advantage of the wonderful natural landscapes and quirky attractions around the city. It’s nice to take a break from standing in long lines and endless spinning on dizzying motion simulator rides, if only for a day or 2.
I have been to both theme parks many times, so after relocating to Florida, I decided to do a bit more exploring via convenient daytrips from Tampa. My guide includes a bit of something for everyone, whether you like hiking, museums, themed restaurants, or shopping.
1. Take a relaxing stroll around Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve
This small nature preserve allows visitors to take a glimpse into the natural scenery of Florida. I recommend escaping the lines and intense heat for a few hours in exchange for a relaxing and shady walk through this quiet preserve. Peaceful views of Lake Tibet-Butler along with beautiful flatwoods and wetlands provide the perfect setting for a scenic stroll. I love hiking but most of the time it is way too hot here to stay out for too long. This preserve is considerably shady, and thus, hiking should be tolerable if you time your visit in the morning.
There are 6 trails which vary in length from 1/2 mile to several miles, so you can get in a quick nature walk or a longer hike depending on your personal preference. Keep your eyes peeled for possible wildlife sightings: gopher tortoises, bobcats, gators, and bald eagles all call this preserve home. I’ve seen dozens of gators, armadillos, and tortoises while living in Tampa, but sadly none at this preserve!
2. Plan a resort pool day
One of the best parts about planning a vacation here is enjoying the fabulous resorts. Both Disney and Universal offer amazing properties with so many amenities you don’t even need to visit a park. If you are a local, I highly recommend planning a staycation just to enjoy some fun-in-the-sun. For everyone else, I recommend taking at least 1-2 days off from the parks to enjoy your resort: too many tourists pay a lot of money for nothing as they are standing lines for 10 hours a day.
A resort day will give your feet time to recover and your brain a break before heading into all the action again. Plus, you will get to use all the “extras” you are paying for. I learned my lesson on my first Disney trip many years ago. We booked a beautiful condo but had no time to use the pool, waterslides, or sand volleyball courts. I now plan in the time to laze around the resort and it’s often the best part of my vacation!
As for the Disney resorts, my favorite is the Animal Kingdom Lodge. I love the theme here and the amazing Sanaa restaurant which looks over the safari). Wilderness Lodge is a nice cozy rustic choice with a big fireplace.
As for Universal, you can’t beat the amazing deals at Cabana Bay, a laid-back family friendly property. Incredible amenities include: free shuttle service, hour early admission, 2 amazing pools with a waterslide and lazy river, a cafeteria style restaurant open early/late, a retro themed bowling alley, an on-site Starbucks, firepits and S’mores making kits, and 2 poolside bars. With all these amenities and a fun vacation vibe, you really are not losing out by taking a day to relax.
3. View the world’s largest collection of Tiffany glass
The Charles Hosmer Museum of American Art houses the largest collection of works by Louis Tiffany, a late 19th century designer famous for his impressive collection of lamps, pottery, paintings, and jewelry. Every piece is absolutely gorgeous; the small admission price makes this a great budget friendly activity.
I always wanted a gorgeous Tiffany lamp, however, at such a high price point I would rather lust over the collection here. Take a little break from the heat at this Winter Park gem: you will not be dissapointed! Student admission is only $1 and Friday nights are free (for everyone) from November-April.
Admission: $6 per adult, $5 seniors over 6. Free on Fridays (Nov-April) from 4-8pm.
4. Take a scenic boat tour & explore Main St. in charming Winter Park
Winter Park, a quaint suburb located just 20 minutes from the city, is one of the most scenic small towns I’ve come across during my years of traveling. Lots of beautiful nature and parks surround this pretty town: a stark difference from the busy, congested man made attractions.
I recommend a stroll around Main Street after your boat tour. I love visiting these small downtowns today as modern chains begin to overpopulate pretty much every town. There are a number of independent shops and restaurants to enjoy. I love supporting local business and if you do too, then definitely plan a stop.
One of the top attractions in town is the Scenic Boat Tour, a 1 hour narrated tour through the Winter Park Chain of Lakes. I loved the beautiful lake scenery and lush greenery as we traveled through the canals. Our tour guide pointed on a number of celeb homes including the extravagant waterfront mansion of Mr. Rogers. For anyone not into lusting after homes of the rich and famous, this tour is also great for birdwatching!
Tour times: Every hour, from 10am-4pm. Tours are first come, first served.
Pricing: $20 adults, $10 kids (2-11)
5. Enjoy a fun night out at Universal City Walk
Universal City Walk is a fun place to dine and shop after a long day at the parks. I usually prefer to dine local, but after an exhausting day of putting in 10+ miles, I like dining at a predictably good restaurant. Theme restaurants choices include: Hard Rock Cafe, Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Toothsome Chocolate Emporium, and more.
Hard Rock is my personal favorite. I’ve been dining here for years, and pretty much decide to eat here on any touristy vacation. You can’t beat their awesome spicy Twisted Mac and Cheese but why did they take those amazing spring rolls off their menu (please bring them back!). One good local choice is Vivo Italian. They make their own pasta and the setting is beautiful for a date night.
Entertainment options include: watching a movie in the luxury IMAX theater, themed mini-golf, and a handful of bars and nightclubs including Rising Star, a unique karaoke bar where you sing alongside a live band.
6. Get back to nature at Lake Eola Park
Lake Eola park is one of my favorite escapes from the crowds. If you are looking for something low-key & peaceful to do on an off day, this is one of my top picks. It’s located downtown so nowhere near the tourist congestion. A refreshing 1/2 mile stroll around the landscaped grounds is a great way to decompress from the theme park action.
Simply enjoy all the unique species of birds (I’ve found pretty much everywhere in Florida is a bird watching oasis). Or for more active types, you can also rent a paddleboat for a few extra bucks. As a bonus, this park is located within a few minutes of one of my favorite local coffeehouses, Drunken Monkey. I recommend stopping by for a cup of joe at this eclectic gem (bonus: their homemade soups are also awesome).
Paddleboat rentals: Tuesday-Sunday (10am-7pm). $15 for 30 min.
7. Enjoy a round of mini-golf at Pirate’s Cove
This city offers endless options for family fun. I love mini golf, but I hate the heat. Fortunately, many of the courses here are shady. I’ve been to a lot of themed courses throughout the US, but Pirate’s Cove is one of my favorites. You can pick between two scenic 18 hole courses through a shady, pirate themed adventure. For a few extra bucks, you can golf both courses. It’s really a lot of fun and I often plan a daytrip here just to enjoy this course.
The highlight along the course is a big pirate ship, but I also love the waterfalls and tropical landscaping. Despite being located on busy International Drive, the course is surprisingly quiet. Another great option in the metro is Gator Golf which features live gators along the course.
Pirate’s Cove pricing: Adults $20, kids $16 (ages 4-12). 36 holes: $30 and $26. Hours: 9am-11:30pm.
Gator Golf pricing: $13 adults, kids $10. Hours: 10am-11pm, 7 days.
8. Enjoy the local scene at an indie coffee shop
Both Orlando and Winter Park are home to a number of great indie coffeehouses. My personal favorite is CFS which has multiple convenient locations (I prefer the Dr. Phillips cafe). This local gem serves delicious healthy food and 100% Colombian coffee.
The mugs they use are beautiful and the setting is colorful and exciting. You can really relax and enjoy the quiet for a while in a place like this! Must-try’s include the Mocha Frappe and Sweet Toast (multigrain toast with peanut butter or nutella, fruit, and coconut shreds). Anytime I am not visiting a park, CFS is first on my list. I even make my own versions of their Sweet Toast for breakfast almost every day – it’s so good!
Take a look at my guide to great local coffeehouses for more great local cafes.
9. Bike around Lake Baldwin
Baldwin Park is a trendy, upscale neighborhood just a few miles from downtown. Lake Baldwin park features a 2 and a half mile trail around a peaceful lake. It’s the perfect short distance for bike riding or walking in the early morning hours before it gets too hot.
For locals, it’s nice to have a scenic place to take a relaxing stroll or bike ride away from the traffic and crowds. Whether you feel like biking a few times around or just taking a simple walk, you will leave recharged and in a better mood. A few years ago, I used this path to train for my half marathon in Pensacola. I love the green trees and lake scenery, plus it’s considerably shady.
10. Take pics next to your favorite celebs (in wax)
I’ve been to several wax museums throughout the US, including the first one in St. Augustine’s historic district. These are becoming more popular in tourist locations across the US: If you have visited any touristy city like Gatlinburg or L.A., you’ve probably come across one. In Orlando, you will find Madame Tussauds which can be easily added to a package deal at Icon Park. Nothing to write home about, just another activity to beat the heat for a bit!
Pricing: $60 (Orlando Eye, Madame Tussauds & Sea Life Aquarium).
11. Spend the day exploring Disney Springs
Disney Springs is a dining, shopping, and entertainment destination similar to Universal City Walk, only with Disney shops and nostalgia instead of Universal. Several popular theme restaurants (Rainforest Cafe, Raglan Road, Planet Hollywood, & House of Blues) can be found here. In addition, a luxury bowling alley, souvenir shops, a luxury movie theater, and Cirque du Soleil shows can be added to your itinerary. Characters in Flight is a hot air balloon ride which travel 400 feet about the springs.
My favorite stops:
- Joffrey’s: You can order the cutest character latte (Mickey and Minnie available). The coffee is so good!
- The Lego Store: It’s one of the largest in the world. I love the Star Wars and dragon display.
- The Art of Disney: I could browse in here forever looking at the animated paintings. It’s hard to walk away without buying everything.
- World of Disney: Gigantic store selling everything Disney imaginable.
- Coca Cola store: Retro Coke merchandise, plus tastings and a rooftop bar. Coke floats available.
- Raglan Road: One of my favorite restaurants in the city. Great Irish food, an authentic vibe, & live step dancing.
12. Ride the largest Ferris Wheel on the East Coast
The 400 foot tall Orlando Eye, the highest on the East Coast, is one of the newest & best additions to the entertainment lineup. It’s nice that the gondola is air conditioned so you can still enjoy a ride even when the temps crawl into that miserable 90 and humid range. It’s easily one of my favorite attractions during the hot summer season when it’s too hot to do much else outside.
Florida is a surprisingly diverse area with lots to do, but sometimes we forget that as we are too busy enjoying all the wonderful rides and shows. You can enjoy views of both the city and natural landscapes and even on the parks on a clear day.
Pricing: Starts at $30 per adult. I recommend the $60 combo including tickets to all 3 attractions.
13. Enjoy a wonderful meal at Sanaa
Sanaa is my favorite restaurant in the city, hands down. I have planned many 1.5 hour drives from Tampa just to dine at this fabulous restaurant. it’s crazy busy most of the time, so reservations are a must especially during prime tourist season.
There are several reasons why I love this restaurant. First off, the dining room is gorgeously themed and overlooks the Animal Kingdom’s savannah. That alone gives it some bonus points for the uniqueness factor. Second, the food is so amazing. The menu incorporates African and Indian foods, so you will find an interesting and exotic selection. The highlight here is the amazing Indian Bread service which includes Naan bread and 9 accompaniments for dipping. I also love the Zanzibari Vegetable Curry. And lastly, I love the desserts especially the Kheer (a vegan coconut based rice pudding).
14. Order some crazy pancakes
I am not a huge fan of sweets so this is Mike’s addition to our list. He really loved the creative pancake options at At the Diner, a popular local brunch cafe. They are known for their cereal pancakes which includes choices like Oreo Crunch and Cinnamon Crunch, but also offer specialty French Toast and Waffles if that is more your style.
And don’t worry if you prefer a savory start to the day, as you can still opt for an omelet or benedict. From a Greek omelet, to Huevos Rancheros, to a stuffed Strawberry Cream French Toast, there’s an enticing option here for everyone.
15. Play mini golf in the dark
I prefer golfing outside, but sometimes it’s just too humid here during the summer season. Although this course is quite overpriced, I recommend Putting Edge as an alternative when you can’t tolerate the humidity (understandably). It’s an 18 hole glow-in-dark course and the underwater artwork is pretty cool. There is also an arcade, so you can beat the heat for a few hours.
Pricing: $17 per person (no cash).
16. Get back to nature at a local garden
Despite the abundance of congestion, traffic, and man-made entertainment in the area, the metro area still manages to offer a variety of quaint parks to escape from it all. At Harry P. Leu Gardens, you will have the opportunity to stroll around beautifully landscaped gardens filled with tropical plants.
Winter Park is home to a number of attractive parks, including Kraft Azalea Gardens and Mead Botanical Gardens. Both of these pretty parks offer a glimpse into the natural plants and animals found in the area. At Kraft, you will be able to enjoy wonderful lake views, take advantage of ample birdwatching opportunities, and surround yourself with gorgeous Spanish moss trees. I prefer visiting these beautiful preserves in the cooler months when I can take my time looking for various birds.
17. Explore creative sculptures at the World of Chocolate
The World of Chocolate is a really cool underrated attraction, especially if you love chocolate. You will learn more about the history of chocolate and also get to sample a few truffle treats! I am not a huge fan of sweets, but I do like dark chocolate! I enjoyed testing the various samples and even ordered a few to go.
The best part of all is viewing the incredible sculptures made of chocolate. You will see all sorts of famous cultural landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, Big Ben, and the Eiffel Tower. Best of all, there is a cafe on-site where you can pick up all sorts of truffles, and also enjoy drinking chocolates, gelato, and espresso drinks!
See more incredible chocolate sculptures that you will get to see during your tour. There are over 2 dozen!
Note: Pricing and hours for each listed attraction is current as of 2025 and subject to change. Please check with each business for updates and promotions.
Day trip destinations (2 hours or less)
In addition to the great attractions listed above, there are plenty of really fun day trip destinations within an hour or 2 drive. I lived in Tampa Bay for several years. This is such an underrated area with so much to do. I knew nothing about the area before moving here, but I really love it. Personally, I prefer Tampa – I love the preserves, museums, beaches, wonderful restaurants, gorgeous biking paths, and many small eclectic towns in the metro.
Tampa Bay area beaches
Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches, most notably Clearwater, are known for their soft, powdery white sand that is cool to walk upon. If you are looking for more peace and quiet and less of a tourist vibe, be sure to check out Indian Rocks Beach or Fred Howard Park.
Both of these quiet options offer pretty views in a more relaxing setting. Indian Rocks is an absolute gem. I love shelling, walking, relaxing, and watching for wildlife here. To date, I’ve seen a manatee and seahorse upclose while swimming! There really is a beach for everyone – you can check out my beach guide to find one that is perfect for you.
Approximate Driving Time: 2 hours
Glass bottom boat rides at Silver Springs State Park
Silver Springs State Park in Ocala is famous for its’ glass bottom boat rides, one of the state’s oldest tourist attractions. Here you will have an opportunity to take an exciting narrated ride across the largest artesian springs formation in the world. The transparent bottom of the boat allows you to see all different types of fish and plant life. Be sure to keep an eye out for the occasional gator sighting on the banks.
On a cool side note, our tour guide showed us some sculptures used in various movies over the years. You can read more in my blog post, but this place was used for a lot of different films. As a big movie buff, this made the tour all the more exciting to me!
Approximate Driving Time: 1 hour and 15 min. Pricing: $8 per vehicle. Boat tours: $15 adults, $14 kids.
See gators in their natural habitat
Alligator watching aboard a narrated airboat ride is definitely one of my most recommended tourist activities. Seeing alligators in their natural habitat is a really unique experience, and one that you can really only do in a handful of states. Living in Tampa, I have seen gators all over the place – even at my apartment complex and crossing the road at times. But it’s always fun to take these tours as you can learn more info in the process.
Because alligators are known to attack, it’s nice to be able to see them from the safety of a boat. There are numerous airboat companies to choose from. Wild Willy’s is a nice choice due to the close proximity, the beautiful setting on Lake Tohopekaliga, and affordable rates.
If you are up for a daytrip, I recommend Myakka State Park near Sarasota. They offer guided pontoon boat rides. You will see lots of gators here and the staff are super friendly. Plus, this park is awesome for birdwatching and hiking. Check out my Myakka park guide for more details.
I also love Circle B. Bar Reserve in Lakeland (about an hour drive). There is a scary but awesome hiking trail here called Alligator Alley. This is a crazy hike lined with gators on both sides. I admit that I was a bit scared at times, but really you likely will not see gators upclose at home, so a pretty unique experience!
Approximate drive time: Half hour (Wild Willy’s), 2 hours (Myakka State Park), 1 hour (Circle B). Pricing: Check each website for details.
Silver Moon Drive In
In Lakeland, you will find one of the last remaining drive-in theaters in the area. This drive-in is one of the cleanest and most affordable around. Double features are under 10 bucks a person, and on occasional weekends you may even be able to see 3 features for one low price.
Treat yourself to some old-fashioned fun; what a nice classic activity to enjoy year-round! As a 90’s kid, my favorite experience was seeing one of my favorites on the big screen: Hocus Pocus!
Approximate Driving Time: 45min-1hour. Pricing: $8 ($5 on Thursday night).
For more fun places to visit near the city, you can take a look at my comprehensive guide.
