10 Things to Do Besides Theme Parks in Orlando
Alternate Things To Do in Orlando
The first thing that often springs to mind when you think of vacationing in Orlando is its iconic theme parks, but if you limit your scope to only Disney World and Universal you’ll miss the wealth of other offerings available in ‘The City Beautiful’ and its surrounds.
No one is saying not to check out the theme parks and amusements on offer, but if you are a repeat visitor, or you just want a change of pace, then this list of alternate attractions is for you.
What are the best things to do besides theme parks in Orlando?
1. Explore International Drive
Tantalizing tourist district with plenty to do
Good for: Food, Nightlife, Shoppers
Long considered the tourist center of Orlando, the mile-long International Drive offers a wide variety of activities. Here, you’ll find Madame Tussauds, Sea Life Aquarium, America’s Great Escape Game, and ICON Orlando (home of the famed Orlando Eye, an air-conditioned 40-story tall Ferris wheel that delivers the best views of the city).
International Drive has been deemed the ‘Vegas Strip’ of Orlando because of its lively nightlife and colorful appearance. Don’t miss Chocolate Kingdom and Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf, as well as its many shops and restaurants. Read more
Location: International Dr, Florida, USA
Explore International Drive
2. See a show
Powerhouse performances
Good for: Couples, Families, Nightlife
Both Cirque du Soleil and Blue Man Group have shows in Orlando, Florida. Cirque du Soleil’s Drawn to Life is located at Disney Springs, just ten minutes from Magic Kingdom. In this famed theatrical production, classic Disney animation is reinterpreted through Cirque du Soleil’s high-flying acrobatics.
Meanwhile, Blue Man Group’s all-new show at ICON Park showcases a one-of-a-kind, mind-blowing, multi-sensory experience featuring a trio of blue-faced characters accompanied by vibrant instruments, music, video imagery, and lighting. Buy tickets from the box office or online at Disney and ICON’s official websites.
3. Go shopping
Splash your cash at malls and stores
Good for: Couples, Families, Shoppers
Some of the best shopping in Orlando can be found at The Florida Mall and The Mall at Millenia. The Florida Mall is a large shopping complex with over 270 shops, two separate food courts, and various department stores. The Mall at Millenia is an upscale shopping center that features luxury clothing, jewelry, and electronics stores. It’s located right off Interstate-4, around 10 minutes from International Drive.
For those who love a bargain, International Premium Outlets and the Vineland Premium Outlet are great choices. Both offer popular clothing brands such as Nike, Levi, and Ralph Lauren at heavily discounted rates. These outlet malls are located at opposite ends of International Drive. Read more
4. Visit the Harry P. Leu Gardens
A horticultural haven
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
Harry P. Leu Gardens showcases over 50 acres of landscaped gardens, 15,500 botanical specimens (including live oaks, wildflowers, and palms), and a number of shimmering lakes. Various learning activities and programs take place throughout the day, located mainly in the Leu House Museum.
The Garden House Welcome Center is also the permanent home to a variety of artworks and rotating exhibits. Tours of the museum are available with a guide every half hour, while tours of the gardens are self-guided. Read more
Location: 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803, USA
Open: Daily from 8 am to 4 pm
Phone: +1 407-246-2620
Visit the Harry P. Leu Gardens
5. Explore the Arts District
A hotbed of creativity
Good for: Couples, Shoppers, Budget
Located in leafy Thornton Park, Orlando’s Arts District features various museums and galleries as well as unique boutiques and restaurants. It’s also home to the famous Museum of Art and Lake Eola.
The farmer’s market takes place on Sundays at Lake Eola. It hosts local merchants selling everything from organic green juices to homemade soy candles. Swan-shaped pedalboats can be rented at Lake Eola for a fun, 30-minute outing.
Location: 39 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32801, USA
Phone: +1 407-648-7060
Explore the Arts District
6. Learn a new sport at Orlando Watersports Complex
Head into the great outdoors
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Families
Spend the day wakeboarding, water skiing, and kneeboarding at this excellent aquatic venue. Orlando Watersports Complex offers both beginner-level and pro-level courses, as well as private lessons with licensed instructors. They use a state-of-the-art cable system, allowing you to learn the movements needed for each sport before trying it on the course.
The complex also offers a ‘Get Up Guarantee’, ensuring that anyone who isn’t able to stand up on the wakeboard the first day gets a second day at the park for free. Read more
Location: 8615 Florida Rock Rd, Orlando, FL 32824, USA
Open: Daily from 10 am to 8 pm
Phone: +1 407-251-3100
Learn a new sport at Orlando Watersports Complex
7. Take an airboat tour on the Everglades
An unforgettable adventure
Good for: Adventure, Photo, Unusual
Joining an airboat tour is one of the best ways to see what the Florida Everglades has to offer. Most tours last about one hour and cover a vast amount of distance, showcasing various Florida animal and plant species along the way.
Many airboat tour companies also stop to feed alligators and watch elusive flocks of birds. Among the many companies operating are Boggy Creek Airboat Rides and Captain Jack’s Airboat Tours, both located approximately 10 minutes from Walt Disney World. Read more
Location: Everglades, Florida, USA
8. Check out the Orlando Science Center
Hands-on exhibits, live demos, and interactive fun for all!
Good for: Families, History, Photo
The Orlando Science Center is a one-of-a-kind learning facility that features interactive exhibits, exciting science experiments, and the world’s largest Digistar planetarium.
This private museum showcases riveting displays such as Nature Works (which lets you get up-close and personal with various reptiles) and Dino Digs (where you can step back into the prehistoric age to admire giant fossil replicas and the skeletons of dinosaurs). Located atop the center is the Crosby Observatory, housing Florida’s largest publicly accessible telescope. Read more
Location: 777 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803, USA
Open: Thursday–Tuesday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Wednesdays)
Phone: +1 407-514-2000
Check out the Orlando Science Center
9. Orlando City Stadium
Epic arena in Downtown Orlando
Good for: Couples, Families, Nightlife
Inter & Co Stadium is located in Downtown Orlando and is home to the Major League soccer team, Orlando City SC. Conveniently, it’s within walking distance of the Kia Center arena and the buzzing Downtown bar district.
The stadium boasts a 25,500-seat capacity, a large canopy to both amplify the crowd noise and to provide shelter from the weather, and a fan plaza that spans 10,000 sq ft. Inter & Co Stadium has also acquired 12 acres of land to the east of the stadium for tailgating (pre-game parties) and other major events. Read more
Location: 655 W Church St, Orlando, FL 32805, USA
Phone: +1 407-480-4702
Orlando City Stadium
10. Fishing in Orlando
Cast a rod under clear blue skies
Good for: Adventure, Photo
There are several beautiful spots for fishing in Orlando which are less than an hour away from the Downtown area. Lake Toho and the famous Kissimmee chain of lakes are among the best locations. Lake Toho is so popular that it hosts the Bassmaster Elite Series on its waters every year.
Every lake in this chain, which includes Lake Cypress, Lake Kissimmee, Lake Hatchienha, and East and West Lake Tohopekaliga, boasts excellent bass and crappies fishing. You can also check out the other local wildlife, such as alligators and exotic birds, as you wait for your fish to take the bait. Read more
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.