Best of Orlando: 8 Things to Do Beyond the Theme Parks
Planning a trip to Orlando, Florida? While most people immediately think of Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, there are so many incredible things to do in Orlando beyond the theme parks! From beautiful beaches and waterfront parks to amazing shopping, Southern comfort food and charming neighborhoods, Orlando has something for everyone. As a Canadian-American dual citizen, I’ve been lucky enough to experience the best of both worlds. I grew up in Ottawa, Canada, but spent many childhood vacations visiting family in Orlando. After completing my master’s degree, I decided to trade snowy Canadian winters for palm trees and Florida sunshine! Orlando quickly became one of my favorite places to call home, and I still love exploring everything Central Florida has to offer. Whether you’re visiting for the first time, planning an Orlando girls’ trip or looking for fun things to do outside Disney World, here’s my personal Orlando travel guide featuring eight of my favorite experiences!
1. Take a Day Trip to Orlando’s Nearby Beaches
One of my absolute favorite things about Orlando is how easy it is to escape to the beach! Although Orlando itself is located inland, some of Florida’s most beautiful beaches are within driving distance, making beach days a popular weekend activity. On the Atlantic coast, Cocoa Beach, New Smyrna Beach and Ormond Beach are all great options for soaking up the sunshine, walking along the shore and enjoying a relaxing afternoon by the ocean. Depending on traffic and your starting point, these beaches are generally around an hour to an hour and a half away. If you’re willing to drive farther, Florida’s Gulf Coast also offers gorgeous beaches with beautiful white sand and turquoise water. There’s honestly nothing better than spending a long week working and then escaping to the ocean for a little sunshine and relaxation. If you’re planning an Orlando vacation and have an extra day in your itinerary, I highly recommend adding a Florida beach trip!
2. Go Shopping at The Mall at Millenia
Calling all shopping lovers! If there’s one place in Orlando where I can happily spend an entire afternoon, it’s The Mall at Millenia. I like to call it the mothership because, seriously, this place is a shopper’s dream! Located southwest of downtown Orlando, The Mall at Millenia is known for its gorgeous architecture, luxury boutiques, popular fashion retailers and upscale dining options. Whether you’re browsing designer stores, shopping for beauty products or updating your wardrobe, there’s something for just about every style and budget. I especially love that you can spend the afternoon shopping and then sit down for a delicious meal without ever leaving the mall. Orlando also has several outlet shopping destinations, making it a great city for anyone who loves finding deals on fashion, accessories and home essentials. If you’re planning a girls’ trip to Orlando, I would absolutely add an afternoon of shopping to your itinerary!
3. Try Delicious Southern Comfort Food
One of the best parts of visiting Orlando? The food! While Central Florida is home to restaurants serving cuisine from around the world, I have a special place in my heart for good old-fashioned Southern comfort food. We’re talking chicken and waffles, biscuits and gravy, grits, collard greens, hush puppies and fried okra. Yum! If you’ve never experienced traditional Southern cooking, Orlando is a great place to give it a try. One restaurant I loved visiting was The COOP in Winter Park, which was known for its made-from-scratch Southern comfort food. Although that particular restaurant has since closed, there are still plenty of places around Central Florida to enjoy Southern-inspired dishes. Whether you’re searching for the best brunch in Orlando or planning a casual dinner with friends, make sure to leave some room in your itinerary for delicious local food. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
4. Explore Walt Disney World and Disney Springs
Obviously, I couldn’t write an Orlando travel guide without mentioning Mickey Mouse! One of the biggest perks of spending time in Central Florida is having Walt Disney World practically in your backyard. While Disney is famous for its four major theme parks—Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom—there are also plenty of fun things to do without purchasing a theme park ticket. For example, Disney Springs is one of my family’s favorite places to visit for shopping, dining and entertainment. This beautiful outdoor destination offers everything from unique boutiques and restaurants to live entertainment and fun activities, all without a general admission fee. Standard self-parking is also complimentary, making it a great option for an afternoon or evening out. If you’re looking for a little more adventure, Walt Disney World also has two themed water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, which offer water slides, lazy rivers and family-friendly attractions when operating. Whether you’re planning a full Disney vacation or simply looking for fun things to do in Orlando with kids, there’s no shortage of magical experiences!
5. Spend an Afternoon at Lake Eola Park
If you’re looking for free or affordable things to do in Orlando, Lake Eola Park is one of my absolute favorite recommendations! Located in the heart of downtown Orlando, this beautiful waterfront park is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing afternoon outdoors. The lake is famous for its swans, scenic walking paths, beautiful fountain and iconic swan-shaped paddle boats. I love visiting for a leisurely walk, a picnic or simply to enjoy the gorgeous Florida weather. Lake Eola is also home to the Orlando Farmers Market, which traditionally takes place on Sundays and features local vendors, food, handmade goods and more. It’s a great place to browse, grab a bite to eat and soak up the downtown atmosphere. You’ll also see plenty of people walking their dogs, exercising and enjoying the park with friends and family. Whether you’re planning a romantic date, a family outing or a relaxing solo afternoon, Lake Eola is one of the best places to experience Orlando beyond the theme parks. Be sure to check current market schedules and activity availability before visiting!
6. Enjoy Orlando’s Beautiful Sunshine and Warm Weather
As someone who grew up in Ottawa, Canada, I can confidently say that Florida sunshine is one of my favorite things about Orlando! After experiencing countless freezing Canadian winters, there’s something pretty incredible about being able to enjoy outdoor activities throughout much of the year. Orlando’s subtropical climate means warm temperatures, plenty of sunshine and relatively mild winters compared to northern destinations. While summers can be extremely hot and humid, the cooler winter months are often ideal for exploring outdoor attractions, visiting waterfront parks and enjoying patio dining. Of course, Florida weather isn’t perfect—summer thunderstorms are common, and hurricane season runs from June through November—but the abundance of warm weather makes Orlando a wonderful destination for outdoor adventures. Whether you’re escaping the snow for a winter getaway or planning a sunny spring vacation, there’s something special about trading winter boots for sandals and palm trees!
7. Explore Park Avenue in Winter Park
If you’re looking for one of the prettiest places to visit near Orlando, you absolutely need to spend an afternoon exploring Park Avenue in Winter Park! This charming shopping and dining district is located just north of downtown Orlando and is filled with beautiful boutiques, sidewalk cafés, restaurants, art galleries and gorgeous scenery. I absolutely love the atmosphere here because it feels upscale yet relaxed, making it the perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon. Whether you’re grabbing an iced coffee, browsing local shops or meeting your girlfriends for lunch, Park Avenue has such a welcoming, walkable feel. During my time living in Orlando, I loved working from the cafés in this area and exploring the unique shops. It’s also a wonderful destination for couples looking for a romantic date idea or families wanting to explore something beyond the usual tourist attractions. For more information about the area, visit the Park Avenue shopping and dining guide. If you have time, I also recommend exploring nearby Central Park and the surrounding Winter Park neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Orlando
What Are the Best Things to Do in Orlando Besides Disney?
Some of the best things to do in Orlando beyond the theme parks include exploring Lake Eola Park, shopping at The Mall at Millenia, visiting Park Avenue in Winter Park, enjoying Southern comfort food, exploring International Drive and taking a day trip to a nearby beach. Orlando offers plenty of activities for couples, families and groups of friends.
Is Orlando Worth Visiting Without Going to the Theme Parks?
Absolutely! While Orlando is famous for its theme parks, there’s so much more to experience throughout Central Florida. From beautiful parks and charming neighborhoods to incredible shopping, restaurants and nearby beaches, Orlando is a wonderful destination even if you don’t plan on visiting Disney World or Universal Orlando.
What Are Some Free Things to Do in Orlando?
If you’re visiting Orlando on a budget, consider walking around Lake Eola Park, exploring Disney Springs, browsing the shops along Park Avenue or visiting one of the city’s beautiful public parks. Some destinations offer free admission while charging separately for parking, activities or attractions, so check before visiting.
How Many Days Should You Spend in Orlando?
If you’re planning to explore Orlando beyond the theme parks, I recommend setting aside at least two or three days for shopping, dining, outdoor activities and local attractions. If you’re also visiting Disney World, Universal Orlando or the nearby beaches, you’ll likely want a longer vacation to experience everything Central Florida has to offer.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Orlando?
For comfortable outdoor sightseeing, late fall through spring is often a great time to visit Orlando. Summer is popular for family vacations but tends to be hot, humid and rainy. If you’re planning to spend lots of time walking outdoors, the cooler months can be especially enjoyable.
