10+ Fun Things To Do In Orlando Besides Disney
Think Orlando is all about Disney? Think again! As someone who lived in Orlando and spent quite a bit of time exploring what the city has to offer, I can attest that it is much more than just the theme parks. With outdoor adventure, food, art, hidden gems and unique experiences there is surely something for everyone! If you’re planning a trip to Orlando, Florida and looking for some adventure away from the theme park crowds, check out this guide. I’m excited to share 10+ fun things to do in Orlando that will leave you dreaming about your next trip to the sunshine state!
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1. Wekiwa Springs State Park
Florida can be hot! Especially in the summer. There is no better place to cool off than Wekiwa Springs State Park. This park is located just minutes from downtown Orlando and it will make you feel like you stepped into another world.
The swimming area is a natural spring with the water temperature at roughly 72 degrees fahrenheit. It can feel a bit chilly, but on a hot day it is very refreshing! They have the swimming area netted off to keep out larger fish but it is still a natural spring so I recommend wearing water shoes to help with the slippery rocks.
There are also many miles of trails that you can hike, bike or horseback. We enjoy kayaking here and have rented kayaks and paddleboards on multiple occasions. There are also options for guided tours if you’d like a more personal experience.
Pro Tip: New to the park is a required reservation system. The park has become popular and is filling up – especially on the weekends. If you don’t have a reservation, you may be denied entry into the park. You can make a reservation here.
2. Winter Park Boat Tour
Winter Park is a charming small town just a few miles north of the center of Orlando. While it is technically it’s own city, I still consider it part of the greater Orlando area and it is a stop you don’t want to miss! The town sits on a chain of lakes with Lake Osceola as the starting point of the boat tour.
The boat tour lasts roughly an hour and winds through the lakes and canals. On the trip you can see beautiful homes, Rollins College, nature preserves and wildlife. It is definitely worth the trip!
Florida in the summer can be very hot and the boat does not travel fast enough for wind to help cool you down. I recommend booking this tour first thing in the morning or waiting until fall/winter when the temperatures are more comfortable.
Looking for something to do after your tour? Keep reading to learn about exploring the city of Winter Park, Florida.
3. Explore Downtown Winter Park
Even if you decided not to enjoy the boat tour around Winter Park, this small town is still worth exploring. This town is home to brick lined streets, a thriving college scene and plenty of art and cultural experiences.
Park Avenue is the main street in downtown Winter Park and it offers enough shopping and dining to keep you entertained all day. When living in Orlando, I worked in Winter Park for a year and fell in love with the delicious dining options and picturesque scenery.
Looking for Dining Options?
- Briarpatch for their delicious pancakes
- Prato if you’re in the mood for Italian cuisine
- Ravenous Pig for southern inspired dishes.
When exploring a new city, grabbing a coffee is almost a non-negotiable for me. Skip the chains and try New General Café.
If you have time, take a stroll through the Rollins College Campus. This liberal arts college is characterized by a Spanish Mediterranean architectural style and will have you feeling like you have been transported to Europe.
4. Walk Through Celebration
Celebration is also a charming small town, but this is on the south side of the greater Orlando area. This town is very close to Disney World and is known as the “town that Disney built” because it is a master planned community that was actually constructed by Disney World.
Celebration is where I called home for two years and the community has so much to offer for residents and visitors alike. The downtown area has plenty of restaurants and shops to explore as well as a walking / biking path that leads you throughout the community.
Enjoy playing golf? The celebration golf course is beautifully designed and a popular stop for tourists. If you prefer a more relaxed outdoor experience, take a walk through the tree lined streets and around the lakes. The homes in Celebration look as if they came out of a Disney story book!
I always recommend visiting Celebration during the holidays. Downtown is home to a “snow” experience every night from mid November through December. In the evenings, the town will experience a “snowfall” and visitors can enjoy ice skating, a horse drawn carriage ride and hot chocolate. Find out more about this unique experience here and read my post here for more information on visiting Orlando in the winter.
5. ICON Park
Looking for the vibes of a theme park without the cost of admission? Look no further than ICON Park in Orlando. This park is a 20 acre entertainment district in the heart of Orlando. With the tallest ferris wheel in the city, you can get a great view of everything Orlando has to offer. Or maybe you prefer more of a thrill? Try the slingshot ride!
Parking is free and it is free to walk around, however, most of the attractions do require admission. There is something here for everyone! With over 50 restaurants, shops and attractions, you can easily spend an entire day here.
If you enjoy live entertainment I recommend Blake Shelton’s Ole Red Bar or tickets to the Blue Man Group.
Traveling without kids? Icon Park has great nightlife and is worth checking out if you enjoy drinks and live music.
6. Apopka Wildlife Drive
If you enjoy wildlife and the outdoors, you have to check out Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive.
This attraction is an 11 mile one way loop around a portion of the Lake Apopka Wildlife restoration area. It is a great place to see a wide variety of birds and other wildlife (gators!). There are also many hiking and biking trails if you prefer to be outside.
We did this drive earlier this summer and had a great time. Be prepared for this drive to take 2-3 hours depending on stops and how slow the cars in front of you may be traveling. There are several pulloffs where you can exit your car for a better view or to take pictures.
Bonus: This drive is free! There is no admission to the park, however, check the website as the drive may be closed on some days. You can check for updates here.
7. Disney Springs
The “House of the Mouse” is one of the most popular attractions in Orlando but you can still join in the magic without needing to visit the theme parks. Disney Springs is located just a few minutes from the parks and provides great options for dining, shopping and entertainment. When I was living in Orlando, you could find me at Disney Springs at least once a week.
There is no cost for admission or parking which is a huge plus! If you like to try new restaurants, there are some great dining options at Disney Springs. My personal favorite is Summer House on the Lake. You have to try their fried chicken and a cookie from their never ending cookie bar. Delicious!
They also have multiple venues for live music that you can enjoy outside and the warm temperatures in Florida make it fun year around. If you’re visiting during the holiday season, Disney Springs hosts a Christmas Tree Stroll. You pick up a map at the visitor center and stroll your way through the district checking off each of the decorated Christmas trees. When you have completed the challenge, you can turn in the map for a prize!
Pro Tip: Pair the Christmas Tree Stroll with a stop at the decorated Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar and you have a perfect date night!
8. Resort Hop
The 8th item on my list of 10+ fun things to do in Orlando is to resort hop. Booking a day pass to a resort is a fun way to enjoy some rest and relaxation without having to spend your entire trip at one hotel.
When friends would come to visit us in Orlando, we would often book a day pass to a resort to enjoy their amenities, pool and spa. One of my favorite days was spent at the Hilton Orlando. We used Resort Pass to book our stay and enjoyed a day at the pool with a private cabana. We ordered lunch and floated the lazy river. It was very relaxing
If you’re looking to explore more of Disney World, check out their resorts. You can book a Dining Reservation at one of their hotels and you’ll be able to park there for 2-3 hours. I recommend Steakhouse 71 at the Contemporary Resort or Cape May Café at the Beach Club Resort. After you have finished eating, hop on the monorail or skyliner explore other hotels.
9. Gatorland
If you’re hoping to see some alligators during your trip to Florida, Gatorland is the place to go! This 110-acre theme park provides up close and personal access to over a thousand alligators and crocodiles as well as other wildlife animals. There are several rollercoaster type rides as well as a zip line!
This is a ticketed park with an adult ticket costing approximately $35 and a child ticket $25. We unfortunately did not check this park off our bucket list but it is planned for the next time we visit Orlando.
10. Mount Dora
This quaint town is located northwest of the center of Orlando and is known for its charming downtown and variety of antique shops. It is a must visit if you enjoy shopping and dining. I recommend taking a day to explore this area and browse the streets and shops. Mount Dora is also popular for its variety of
We took a trip to Mount Dora as part of a Mystery Picnic with Friends experience. We were given clues throughout the day for different restaurants and shops. Each time we solved the clue, we picked up a new piece of our picnic. We ate our lunch by the water and then spent the afternoon doing some antique shopping! The Mystery Picnic was a great way to try multiple different restaurants and get to know the town. You can read more about it in my post here.
Fun Fact: Mount Dora is home to one of the country’s smallest registered lighthouses in Grantham Park.
11. Food/Walking Tour
Rounding out our list of 10+ fun things to do in Orlando is one of my favorite ways to explore a new city. Enjoy a food or walking tour. Orlando definitely isn’t lacking when it comes to a food scene. There are so many different restaurants and a wide variety of cuisine (something I’ve really missed since we moved).
A food tour is also a great way to support local businesses in the area!
Whether you are visiting Orlando for a day or a week, you are sure to find something fun to do without visiting the theme parks. From exploring charming small towns to appreciating the Florida wildlife, there is something for everyone. Have you recently visited Orlando? Leave a comment below with what you would add to the 10+ Fun Things To Do In Orlando.
