6 attractions not to miss on Orlando’s International Drive

Non-theme park days are the perfect time to explore the multitude of non-Disney attractions throughout the city. While International Drive is most well known for its’ hideous traffic and congestion, there are actually a few great attractions that make the hassle well worth it. As the street is home to Universal Studios, Seaworld, many hotels, and endless shops and restaurants, it’s no surprise that so many tourists flock over to this part of the city. This busy commercialized area is likely where you will find most everyone who is not currently at a theme park, resort, or relaxing at their hotel pool.

In addition to countless discount souvenir shops, as well as popular chain restaurants and large shopping malls, there are an abundance of family-friendly attractions to add to your itinerary. There are more than enough interesting touristy activities to plan for a whole day of exploring I-Drive. There is much more to do the area besides standard malls and movie theaters. Here are some of my favorite attractions I have come across.

1. World of Chocolate

This quirky museum showcases 25 sculptures made entirely of chocolate. These artistic masterpieces are modeled after various US and world landmarks. During a 1 hour tour, you will learn about the history of the cacao bean (for example – we learned that the Aztecs used cocoa beans as currency), see equipment made to make chocolate, and even get to taste a few samples. What’s more – there is a great café on site where you can feast on everything chocolate including hot cocoa, truffles, cakes, and pastries. The WOC is a great add-on activity as it will not take up much of your time and is interesting enough to warrant a visit.

• Location: 11701 International Dr suite 400. Tour hours: 1-5pm on the hour (first come, first served). Cafe: 12-5pm
• Pricing: $19, children, military, & seniors $15
• Read more about my experience visiting this unique museum

2. Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf

It’s hard to visit Orlando without enjoying at least a round of mini golf with so many great courses around the metro area. I-Drive is home to a number of festive themed courses. My favorite is Pirate’s Cove, a fun and beautiful pirate themed adventure featuring 18 holes. Caves, waterfalls, and a huge pirate ship easily land this course the “most scenic of Orlando” award. Besides the over-the-top pirate theme, the course is really lush with plenty of shady trees. Thus, this is my go to pick even on the hottest and sunniest days.

• Location: 8501 International Dr. Hours: 9am-11:30pm
• Pricing: $20 adults, $16 child

3. The Orlando Eye

While the views are not nearly as impressive as other notable wheels across the US, it’s worth a ride if you are interested in other attractions at Icon Park. At 400 feet tall, the Eye is the 2nd tallest Ferris wheel in the country. This alone may make it worthy of the ride to you. The views are not overly impressive as the wheel looks out upon the flat Central Florida landscape. On a clear day, you can see to the Disney and Universal theme parks. To make this a better deal, buy a package which includes Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum and/or the SeaLife Aquarium. Also on-site are a number of restaurants and gift shops.

• Location: 8375 International Dr.
• Tickets start at $34. Package deals available.
• Read more about my experience visiting Icon

4. Putting Edge

This unique glow-in-the-dark mini golf course is the perfect option for anyone who would like a break from the insane heat, or alternatively, if the forecast calls for rain. The 18 hole course is pitch black with crazy bright neon art everywhere and varying themes including space and the sea. A few of the holes involve specialty challenges such as using a mini putter for the last hole. It’s a really cool experience, although a tad overpriced. If you can find a Groupon deal, I recommend taking advantage of it. While pricey, it’s a great indoor activity on a non theme park day. A small arcade is also on-site. As a bonus, there is a movie theater right next door so you can escape the heat for several hours.

• Location: 5250 International Dr. Hours: 2pm-9pm (M-Th), 2-11pm (Fri), 11am-11pm (Sat & Sun)
• Pricing: $15.50 per person. Save $2 per person when booking with a group of 8.

5. Madame Taussaud’s Wax Museum

Madame’s is not really worth going out of your way especially for, but a good deal if you buy the combo package. If you have ever been to a wax museum in other touristy cities like LA, then you probably know that they are pretty cool but also pretty overpriced. This collection features more than 100 lifelike replicas of famous celebrities, action figures (the DC comic section is fantastic), sports stars, and historical figures. The amount of detail put into each wax figurine is crazy. Some of these celebs are so lifelike, it almost feels as if they are standing right in front of you!

• Location: 8387 International Dr
• Tickets start at $34. It’s best to add on as part of a package deal.

6. Dave and Busters

This restaurant/arcade/sports bar is found in many cities across the country. If you love watching sports, eating comfort bar food, and playing arcade games, then this is the place for you. A mix of fun ticket style redemption games, carnival games, and arcade machines will take you on an entertaining blast to the past. The Orlando location features a gigantic 40 foot screen tv which is perfect for watching any type of sports event. Take advantage of 1/2 priced games on Wednesdays. Or opt for the Eat and Play combo – for $19, you will get to choose an entrée (6 choices) and receive a $10 game card.

• Location:  8986 International Dr
• Hours: Noon – Midnight (M-Th), Noon -1am (Fri), 11am-1am (Sat), 11am-Midnight (Sun)

*Note that all pricing is current as of spring of 2025. Please check with each attraction separately for updated. Find a full list of activities on the I-Drive website.

Best restaurants on I-Drive

There are no shortage of great chain restaurants on I-Drive. All of our usual chain favorites like The Olive Garden, Chilis, and Maggiano’s offer familiar comfort food at an affordable price point. Lesser known chains like First Watch (serving a healthy breakfast menu), Yard House (trendy comfort food & the world’s largest draft beer menu), Mellow Mushroom (great pizza and apps, lots of vegan options), and UNO’s (delicious Chicago style pizza) are also great options. However, if you are seeking something a bit different, there are plenty of interesting regional chains as well. Here are a few fun themed restaurants to consider.

Cuba Libre: Cuban restaurant which features late night salsa dancing. The colorful tropical décor adds an interesting touch. Try the vegetarian paella and the black bean soup. The cheery decor makes this one a perfect vacation choice.

Taverna Opa: Greek restaurant known for their authentic Greek fare and belly dancers. Do start with the delicious falafel appetizer and try the Gyro pita (veggie, chicken, pork, or falafel) with opa fries as your main meal. My full review of Taverna.

Hash House a Go Go: Fantastic breakfast place famous for their huge portions of “twisted farm food.” You may have seen this one featured on Man vs. Food. Do try the Veggie hash which includes 2 eggs, fried potatoes, mushrooms, spinach, artichoke hearts, and sundried tomato, served with a homemade biscuit in a cast iron skillet. My full review of Hash House.