Things to Do in Orlando That Go Way Beyond Disney World
You know Orlando is the gateway to theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios, but this central Florida city has so much more to offer visitors, from top-notch museums to a growing craft coffee scene. So, on your next visit to see Mickey, be sure to spend a few days exploring all the city has to offer. Here are the top things to do in Orlando, which was last year's most-visited U.S. destination.
1. Breakfast at Briarpatch
Start your day at Briarpatch, a popular breakfast/lunch restaurant and ice cream parlor in Winter Park. You can't go wrong with any of the breakfast choices, but some of the standouts include Belgian waffles with Nutella, strawberries, and vanilla; eggs Benedict with avocado and bacon; and raspberry-and-brie stuffed brioche French toast.
2. Explore Orlando's Museums
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art houses the largest collection of work from master glassworker Louis Comfort Tiffany. Browse the beautiful stained-glass windows, jewelry, and pottery. The Orlando Museum of Art has an impressive modern art collection and the Mennello Museum of American Art is known for its folk art.
3. Enjoy a Spin on the ICON Orlando
On International Drive, aka the I-Drive tourist corridor, is the ICON Orlando, a 400-foot-tall observation wheel with air-conditioned pods offering city sweeping views. It's part of ICON Orlando 360, an 18-acre family-friendly complex that also includes Sea Life Orlando Aquarium, Madame Tussauds, and the massive Orlando StarFlyer swing ride.
4. Say Hi to Giant Alligators
You can't go to Florida and not see alligators. Gatorland is a kitschy but fun-for-the-family attraction, where you can see hundred of alligators and crocodiles (including rare white gators!) sunning themselves, gliding through the water, and being fed. There are also daily alligator-wrestling shows.
5. Take Time for a Coffee Break
In need of caffeine? Head to one of Orlando's craft coffee roasters, like Lineage Coffee Roasting, which started with a concession in the East End Market and now also has a downtown location. Try an espresso, chai latte, or a bottled cold brew - it doesn't matter, because they're all good. Foxtail Coffee Co. is another top coffee shop.
6. Rent a Paddle Boat on Lake Eola
Downtown's Lake Eola Park is a charming patch of green dominated by a small lake. One of the top things to do is to rent a swan boat, where you can paddle around the lake, passing its famous fountain (which has a 6-minute music-and-light show in the evenings). Also within the park is the Walt Disney Amphitheater and a lakeside cafe.
7. Grab Lunch at the East End Market
Hungry? Head to the East End Market, an artisanal food hall in Audubon Park. Expect vendors selling locally sourced fare, ranging from grilled chicken pesto sandwiches at Houndstooth Sauce Company to prosciutto, fig, and blue cheese flatbreads at La Femme du Fromage. And be sure to try a chocolate chip cookie from Gideon's Bakehouse.
8. Spend the Day at Universal Studios
Harry Potter fans still make pilgrimages to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, with its recreated Diagon Alley and Escape from Gringotts ride, but other attractions to check out include Volcano Bay, with a fabulous wave pool, and the new Fast & Furious - Supercharged thrill ride. Plus, there's now a branch of Portland's Voodoo Doughnuts.
9. Don't Miss a Little Place Named Disney World
You'll want to hit iconic parks like Magic Kingdom and Epcot, but you can also see new attractions like Toy Story Land. Disney Springs is a fun place to dine and drink. Recent openings include Wine Bar George, The Edison, an industrial-chic restaurant/cabaret lounge, and coming soon is an outpost of Jaleo, from celebrity chef José Andrés.
10. Sip a Cocktail in a Speakeasy
Orlando has a surprisingly good cocktail scene, especially when it comes to speakeasy-style bars. In addition to Hanson's Shoe Repair, a rooftop speakeasy housed in the 1880s-era Hanson Building, there's Mathers Social Gathering on the third floor of a furniture store. Park Social, Pharmacy, and Treehouse are a few other fun, secretive drinking spots.
11. Dine in the City's Hotspots
One of the city top places to eat is Norman's, the fine-dining restaurant from Florida-born chef Norman Van Aken, located within The Ritz-Carlton hotel. Expect Latin-inspired dishes, such as yucca-stuffed crispy shrimp and guajillo-spiced filet mignon. Other hotspots include The Ravenous Pig for charcuterie and Bulla Gastrobar for tapas.
12. Stay Overnight in a Luxury Hotel
If you're looking to stay downtown, the Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, complete with a rooftop bar, is a good choice. Closer to the theme parks is the The Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, featuring a Greg Norman-designed golf course, a 40,000-square-foot spa, swimming pools, and numerous restaurants, including the aforementioned Norman's and Whisper Creek Farm.
Read More:
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Food at Disney World
Check Out the Best Speakeasies Around the World
These Are the Best Beaches in Florida - How Many Have You Visited?
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